Paris is filled with iconic landmarks that provide postcard worthy pictures and lifelong memories. A few of our favorites include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and Sainte Chapelle. All these landmarks offer various ways to experience them ranging from just a photo-op in front to a full guided tour. The Eiffel Tower is a perfect location for a family or group photo, taken from either the Trocadero or Champ-de-Mars. The top of the Arc de Triomphe, in our opinion, offers one of the best views of Paris. An evening/sunset trip to the top will provide a spectacular view, but we want to inform you that given the significant amount of stairs to reach the top, this may not be the best option for everyone.
The largest museum in the World, the Louvre is one of greatest repositories of human achievement across time. Home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a bucket-list experience. The Louvre is very large with over 35,000 masterpieces, so we would recommend several hours to give yourself time to fully experience the museum. There are multiple ways to explore the museum with full self-guided, audio guides, or a full guided experience.
The Palace of Versailles was the royal residence of King Louis XIV and is one the largest and most opulent palaces in the World. The UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for the magnificent architecture and extensive gardens, but also for it's historical significance. As the final residence of the French Monarchy before the French Revolution in 1789, you can see the royal apartments where Marie Antoinette and the royal court lived. Located 20km southwest of Paris, we would recommend taking the RER trainline to the city of Versailles and would expect this to take up the majority of your day. This activity is certainly a significant commitment but well worth it in our view.
Shopping in Paris is an unparalleled experience, blending luxury, artistry, and history into a captivating adventure. The city's famed avenues, such as the Champs-Élysées and Rue Saint-Honore, offer a mix of high-end boutiques and flagship stores. The Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and its vast selection of designer labels, alongside gourmet food and beauty products. For a more intimate shopping experience, the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés areas boast charming independent shops, trendy boutiques, and vintage stores perfect for a leisurely break. Rue Saint Honore is just steps from our recommended hotels, while the Champs-Élysées and Galeries Lafayette are only a 15-20 minute walk.