15 must-see historic monuments in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, fascinates the whole world with its exceptional architectural heritage. From iconic monuments to the jewels of French history, the capital is brimming with treasures that tell the story of more than 2,000 years of history. From the majestic Eiffel Tower to the sublime Sainte-Chapelle, discover the 15 must-see historic monuments that make Paris such a unique destination. Follow our comprehensive guide to make sure you don’t miss out on any of Paris’s architectural wonders during your visit to Paris.

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1. The Eiffel Tower, the eternal symbol of Paris

It’s impossible to talk about Paris’s historic monuments without starting with the Iron Lady. Erected by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower is the world icon of Paris. Standing 330 metres high, it offers an uninterrupted panoramic view of the capital. Its three storeys welcome nearly 7 million visitors every year, confirming its status as the most visited monument in the world (Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for over 143,000 reviews)

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• Top 5 events in Paris

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2. Notre-Dame de Paris, the resurrected Gothic jewel

A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame de Paris embodies 850 years of religious and artistic history. Built between 1163 and 1345, this iconic cathedral has stood the test of time before suffering the tragedy of the fire in April 2019. After five years of painstaking restoration, Notre-Dame will reopen its doors in December 2024, more beautiful than ever. Its majestic vaults, extraordinary rose windows and iconic towers continue to dazzle visitors from all over the world. (6 Parvis Notre-Dame, Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google for over 72,000 reviews)

3. The Arc de Triomphe, guardian of the Champs-Élysées

Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to commemorate the victories of the Grande Armée, the Arc de Triomphe majestically dominates the Place de l’Étoile. This 50-metre-high historic monument houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its eternal flame, rekindled every evening since 1923. The climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe rewards visitors with a spectacular view of the twelve avenues that radiate from the square, including the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided by theNavaway itinerary for the best possible discovery. (Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 46,000 reviews)

4. The Louvre Museum, palace of the arts

The largest art museum in the world, the Louvre houses 35,000 works spanning 9,000 years of art and civilisation. A former royal residence converted into a museum in 1793, this historic Parisian landmark is home to such must-see masterpieces as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Its glass pyramid, designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei and inaugurated in 1989, has become a modern architectural symbol of Paris. (Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 104,000 reviews)

5. The Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic showcase of light

Commissioned by Saint Louis (Louis IX) around 1241 to house the relics of the Passion of Christ, the Sainte-Chapelle represents the apogee of radiant Gothic art. Its 15 exceptional stained glass windows, 15 metres high, depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments in a dazzling kaleidoscope of colours. This historic Parisian monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique spiritual and artistic experience. (8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for over 25,000 reviews)

Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own

Explore Paris’s must-see historic monuments on our audio tour, specially designed for an enriching self-guided visit. This tour of Paris takes you on a journey of discovery of the capital’s finest architectural treasures, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Each stop is commented on to reveal the fascinating history of these iconic monuments.

6. Sacré-Coeur, a fairytale basilica

Perched atop the hill of Montmartre, the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur towers 83 metres above Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914, this white stone marvel in the Romanesque-Byzantine style attracts visitors with its recognisable silhouette and majestic dome. Inside, admire one of the largest mosaics in France (480 m²) depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The climb up to the dome offers one of the finest views of Paris (35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of over 50,000 reviews).

7. The Panthéon, temple of national memory

Originally designed as the church of Sainte-Geneviève by the architect Soufflot, the Panthéon became a secular temple under the French Revolution, intended to honour the great men and women of the nation. This historic neoclassical monument houses the remains of such illustrious figures as Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, Émile Zola, Simone Veil and many others. (Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 18,000 reviews)

8. Les Invalides and Napoleon’s tomb

Created by Louis XIV in 1670 to house invalid soldiers, the Hôtel des Invalides is one of the finest examples of classical architecture in Paris. Since 1861, its golden dome has housed the sumptuous tomb of Napoleon I, in a red porphyry sarcophagus set in the centre of a circular crypt. The site also houses the Musée de l’Armée, one of the richest collections of military art in the world. For a complete visit, follow theNavaway Paris itinerary, which will take you from one monument to the next. (129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google for over 30,000 reviews)

9. The Opéra Garnier, palace of all the arts

Opened in 1875 under Napoleon III, the Opéra Garnier represents the apogee of Second Empire eclectic architecture. This historic Parisian landmark captivates with its decorative splendour: a grand polychrome marble staircase, a richly decorated foyer, a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and an eight-tonne chandelier. This “Académie nationale de musique” continues to host ballets and operas in a sumptuous setting that inspired Gaston Leroux to write his “Phantom of the Opera”. (8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews)

10. The Conciergerie, royal prison turned revolutionary symbol

The Conciergerie, a former royal palace in the Cité that was transformed into a prison under the Ancien Régime, preserves some remarkable remains of 14th-century Gothic civil architecture. This historic Parisian monument is best known for having imprisoned Marie-Antoinette before her execution in 1793. Its vaulted rooms, notably the 64-metre-long Salle des Gens d’Armes, bear witness to the grandeur of the medieval royal palace. (2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of more than 8,000 reviews)

11. The Grand Palais, temple of Art Nouveau

Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Grand Palais fascinates visitors with its bold architecture combining stone, steel and glass. Its spectacular nave, topped by a 13,500 m² glass roof, hosts the biggest temporary exhibitions in Paris. This historic landmark on the Champs-Élysées reopens its doors after major renovation work, revealing the full splendour of this palace dedicated “to the glory of French art”. (3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of more than 12,000 reviews)

12. The Alexandre III Bridge, an Art Nouveau masterpiece

Inaugurated for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Alexander III Bridge is considered to be the most elegant bridge in Paris. This historic monument, 152 metres long, symbolises Franco-Russian friendship and bears the name of Tsar Alexander III. Its four pylons adorned with gilded Pegasuses, Belle Époque candelabras and sculptural decorations make it a veritable open-air museum. The view it affords of the Invalides and the Eiffel Tower is one of the most photographed in Paris (Pont Alexandre III, 75007 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of more than 12,000 reviews).

13. The Palais du Luxembourg and its gardens

Commissioned by Marie de Médicis in the early 17th century, the Palais du Luxembourg is a jewel of French architecture. Home to the Senate since 1879, this historic Parisian monument can be visited during the Heritage Days or by prior arrangement. Its formal gardens, redesigned by André Le Nôtre, provide a 25-hectare green setting in the heart of Paris. Stroll among the flowerbeds, statues and famous octagonal basin where the miniature boats sail. To discover other Parisian wonders, Visit Paris with Navaway will guide you to the capital’s hidden treasures. (15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for more than 28,000 reviews)

14. The Concorde obelisk, testimony to ancient Egypt

This 3,300-year-old pink granite obelisk comes from Luxor Temple and was given to France by the Viceroy of Egypt, Mehmet Ali, in 1830. Erected on the Place de la Concorde in 1836, this unique historical monument in Paris is 23 metres high and weighs 230 tonnes. Its hieroglyphs recount the exploits of the pharaohs Ramses II and Ramses III. Recently restored, since 2018 it has sported a golden pyramidion, giving it back its ancient appearance. Place de la Concorde, the scene of major events during the French Revolution, offers a remarkable view of the Champs-Élysées and the Louvre. (Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris)

15. The Saint-Jacques tower, the last survivor of medieval Paris

The only vestige of the former Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie church destroyed in 1797, this 52-metre Gothic tower is one of Paris’s least-known historic monuments. Built in the 16th century, it served as a departure point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Listed as a historic monument in 1862, the tower now houses a weather station. Its slender silhouette and sculpted gargoyles bear witness to the refinement of flamboyant Gothic art. (Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques, 75004 Paris, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of over 3,000 reviews)

In conclusion, these 15 must-see historic monuments offer an exceptional panorama of Parisian art and history, from Gallo-Roman remains to contemporary creations. Each stone tells the story of an era, each architectural detail reveals the evolution of taste and techniques. For the best way to discover these heritage gems, don’t hesitate to follow theParis tour itinerary, which will take you from monument to monument with enriching audio commentary. Paris awaits you on a journey through the centuries, where each historic monument reveals the secrets of the City of Light.

FAQ – Historic buildings in Paris

Which Parisian monuments are free to visit?

Several of Paris’s historic monuments are open to visitors free of charge: the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Notre-Dame de Paris (outside), the Luxembourg Gardens, and many churches such as Saint-Sulpice and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The Heritage Days are also an opportunity to visit monuments that normally charge admission free of charge.

How long does it take to visit the main monuments of Paris?

For a complete visit to the 15 must-see historic monuments, allow at least 4 to 5 days. Each major monument (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe) takes between 2 and 4 hours to visit. The Navaway audio-guided itinerary optimises your route to discover the essentials in 3 well-organised days.

When is the best time to visit Parisian monuments?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best conditions: mild weather, fewer tourists and ideal light for photos. Avoid the busy months of July and August. Winter allows you to discover Paris in a different light, with illuminated monuments and fewer queues at the entrances.

How can you avoid queuing at Paris monuments?

Book your tickets online in advance, visit early in the morning or at the end of the day, and give priority to weekdays. The Monuments Pass gives you exclusive access to many sites. Some monuments offer less frequented but just as magical night-time slots.