20 Amazing Things Paris Is Known For

Paris is a magical place that everyone should visit at least once in their life. It is the city of love, art, and culture and one of the most romantic cities in the world.

It’s full of history, charm, amazing food, iconic landmarks like The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and even hidden gems like Place des Vosges. From delicious food and wine to beautiful architecture and art, there is just so much to do in Paris.

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Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been here before, this city is a dream come true for anyone who loves art and culture. It has some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, and it’s also home to many museums full of incredible pieces from famous artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and more.

In this guide, you will find a list with detailed information about all the main wonderful things Paris is known for.

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What is Paris known for?

As you have probably noticed by now, there are many reasons why Paris is the interesting place it is.

From art to fashion and food, there are various notable things about this city.

Here are the 15 best things about Paris:

1- The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is, not surprisingly, the most iconic landmark in Paris.

The iron tower was built in only two years by Gustave Eiffel with the purpose of being the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair. More than 100 plans were submitted for evaluation, but Gustave’s ended up being the chosen architect.

The tower is 300 meters tall, twice as high as the Great Pyramid of Giza, and rests on a base that is 5 meters.

Nowadays, the Eiffel Tower welcomes over 7 million visitors per year, which is very impressive.

Pro-tip: if you can, book a boutique hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower for an even more unforgettable trip.

2- The Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world.

Originally built as a fortress in 1190, the Louvre was later reconstructed in the 16th century to serve as a royal palace.

Today, the museum has over 35,000 works on display, including art pieces like The Mona Lisa by Da Vinci, the Venus de Milo statue, and many more.

3- Croissants and baguettes

Usually, French people are known around the world for their cuisine. And if we take a look at the food they offer in Paris, it’s not any different.

French pastries and breads like croissants and baguettes are delicious and true Parisian classics.

You can find them in any boulangerie for just a few euros.

4- French macarons

Since we are talking about food, macarons are another iconic Parisian delicacy.

Macarons are small sweets made of almond flour. People all around the world love them because of their unique flavors and tasty fillings.

5- Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral located at the eastern end of the Île de la Cité in Paris.

It was built between 1163 and 1345, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.

Part of its popularity is due to being the main scenery for Victor Hugo’s novel ‘Notre-dame de Paris.’

6- Romance

Another one of the things Paris is known for is its charming romantic atmosphere.

Very few cities around the world as as romantic as Paris, which is often referred to as “The city of love” due to its romantic landscapes, illumination, and romantic things to do, such as going on a boat ride in the Seine or having a picnic by the Eiffel Tower.

7- Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch and monument in the heart of Paris, and it stands as an emblem of all the victories France has achieved. Located at the end of the Champs-Elysees, the arch was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted to commemorate his military achievements during this time period when he ruled over most of Europe.

The arc is 50 meters tall, 45 wide, and 22 meters deep, and its construction lasted more than thirty years.

The Arc de Triomphe’s name comes from ancient Rome, where arches were often built in honor of military victories. The word “arc” translates as “to bend” or “bow.” The war memorial was designed by Jean Chalgrin and sculpted by Jean-Pierre Cortot.

8- Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris, also known as Euro Disney, is the only Disney theme park in Europe.

This beautiful park opened for the first time in 1992 and has welcomed more than 250 million visitors since its opening.

Its main attraction is the pink castle called Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant or the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in English.

9- Sacré-Coeur

Sacré-Coeur, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, is one of the most visited monuments in Paris.

It was built between 1874 and 1914 on Montmartre Hill, and it offers a great view over the city – it is actually the second-highest point in Paris!

10- Le Marais

Le Marais, or “Marais” in French, is a historic district in Paris that is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.

Le Marais is known for its narrow, meandering streets and houses built by wealthy Parisian families. Le Marais also contains many shops, cafes, bars, art galleries, museums, and landmarks like Notre Dame de Paris.

It is known as one of the coolest and most fashionable areas of Paris.

11- Parisian fashion

Parisian fashion is world-renowned, and it has an international status.

Its exquisite style is considered the epitome of the 21st-century woman’s wardrobe.

The French capital houses the largest number of fashion designers in Europe and Paris’s fashion industry: luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Chloe are all French.

Also, every year thousands of fashionistas commute to Paris to attend the disputed fashion shows of the Paris Fashion Week.

12- Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are an unusual attraction of Paris.

Many people don’t know this, but more than 200 miles of tunnels sit just under the streets of Paris, forming the Parisian catacombs.

This underground ossuary holds the remains of more than 6 million people transferred there by Napoleon Bonaparte’s order.

People say that it’s a spooky but still fun tour that anyone can take to visit these historical underground tunnels.

13- Great wine culture

France is famous for its great wine tradition, and Paris has a lot of bars and restaurants that serve delicious French wines.

The best time to enjoy the wine tasting experience in Paris is during the summertime when cafés and bars offer outdoor tables.

Even though you would expect high prices for such great local products like wine, it’s actually very affordable if we compare them with restaurants and cafes in other European cities and countries.

14- Palace of Versailles

Versailles was built in 1634 as the main residence for Louis XIV. It stayed in the hands of French royalty until 1789 when it became a national property because the people thought that the monarchy had too much power over France.

The palace is now open to visitors, and it’s one of the most visited monuments in Europe.

15- Street cafés

Spending time in lovely street acfés is a very typical thing to do in this city, and there are plenty of Parisian cafés where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee with your friends or just relax and read a book.

16- Champs-Elysées

The Champs-Elysées is an avenue that stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

This landmark has a great historical value, and it houses some of the best stores in Paris, where you can find luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Hermes.

Not far from this beautiful street, there are other landmarks like Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and Eiffel Tower.

17- Moulin Rouge & Cabaret

The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in Paris.

This building was actually painted red by Toulouse Lautrec, a French artist.  There are also posters of his works hanging on the walls of this place.

Moulin Rouge features shows with acrobatics, trapeze artistry, singing, and dancing. It is the perfect representation of cabaret and got extremely popular after the musical “Moulin Rouge” was released.

18- Shakespeare & Company bookstore

Shakespeare & Company bookstore is a charming little place where you can find several different titles, and it also offers a nice café where you can have a coffee.

With so much history behind it due to its previous owners, this place is a lovely independent bookstore that sells books mainly in French and English.

You can also enjoy some free readings on some days, and it’s a good place if you like books and want to spend some quiet time in this nice Parisian bookstore.

19- Seine River cruises

Many people love cruises because they are fun and relaxed ways of sightseeing.

Also, what could be better than enjoying a boat ride while you have some wine or champagne?

The Bateaux Parisians are an excellent way to explore the city from the Seine River, which can help you get to know many monuments without running around.

20- Escargot

Escargot is quite a controversial meal. This is typically French food, and it consists of snails cooked in butter.

The best way to enjoy this delicacy is by tasting small portions at various restaurants before deciding which one you like the most.

As Paris has so many options, there are plenty of places to taste this delicious gastronomical delight.

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Facts about Paris

• Paris was originally a Roman City called “Lutetia.”
• If you choose to take the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower, will have to face 1,665 steps. Luckily, there are elevator available.
• One fifth of the entire population of France lives in the Paris metropolitan area
• It was the very first city in the world to contain street lights
• The Eiffel Tower was meant to be temporary.
• Paris has the highest number of libraries in the world

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Best time to visit Paris

Paris is just one of those destinations that are beautiful and worth visiting any time of the year.

The best time to visit Paris is from May till June because you can enjoy the nice weather and have a glimpse of what modern Paris looks like in the spring.

Also, July and August are great months if you want to attend one of the many music festivals or any other cultural event that takes place during this period.

September is another good month since it’s the last month before winter starts, so people tend to go out more than usual. Finally, October is not as crowded as summer, so this might be your right option if you don’t mind cold weather.

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Where to stay in Paris

Paris is home to thousands of amazing hotels.

Picking out the right one depends a lot on what you plan to visit, which neighborhood you choose to stay and of course, how much you are willing to spend!

Here are some great options of hotels in Paris:

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Paris travel tips

Here are some important Paris travel tips to keep in mind before traveling to The City Of Lights.

These tips will save you a lot of time, money, and unnecessary stress when visiting Paris.

Enjoy all the local eats

The French cuisine has a very rich tradition that starts from the fine dining experience you will find in high-standard restaurants to the typical street food that can be bought from street food carts.

In Paris, make sure try local dishes like escargot or boeuf bourguignon at restautas, croissants baguettes and pain au chocolat at the cafés and of course, the famous French Crepes which are sold at almost evey corner in Paris.

Use the subway system

There is absolutely no need to rent a car on a trip to Paris.

You can use public transport such as the metro or rent a bike to go around the city since the streets are really well designed for biking.

Book hotels in advance

Don’t forget to book your hotel in advance if you’re planning a trip during the high season because there are plenty of tourists visiting Paris all year long.

You can have dinner at the Eiffel Tower

That’s right, many people don’t know this, but there are two restaurants inside the Eiffel Tower: Le Jules Verne and 58 Tour Eiffel.

You can visit these Paris gems for lunch or dinner and even skip the line and enjoy exclusive elevator to the restaurants.

Always say bonjour!

When you visit France, remember to be respectful and say hello whenever you see the locals. It’s such a friendly country that will surprise you with its beauty and kindness!

Even if you don’t speak a single bit of French, a “bonjour” and a “parlez-vous Anglais?” are very much appreciated.

Beware of pickpockets

Even though Paris is a very safe place, you should still be vigilant and beware of pickpockets since they are pretty common in crowded places.

Also, watch out for common scams like someone offering roses or asking for change.

Eiffel Tower at night

If you want to see one of the most beautiful skylines in Europe, make sure you visit the Eiffel Tower around 6 o’clock when it’s getting dark, and everyone starts lighting up their lights. It looks incredible!

You can make your trip even more unique by choosing a romantic restaurant near the tower to enjoy the breathtaking views while enjoying French delicious food.

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Popular tours to take in Paris

Already planning a trip to Paris? Yay, that’s so exciting!

You can now start planning your itinerary and maybe even consider going on a tour or two.

Here are some of the most popular tours to take in Paris:

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

Ensure a memorable night out in Paris with a gourmet dinner cruise along the Seine River.

Float past the city’s famed monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Ile de la Cité aboard a luxury Bateaux Parisiens riverboat.

Soak up the magic of Paris from an onboard dining room while enjoying a gourmet 3-course meal.

Paris Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show with Champagne Only or Dinner

Feast your senses on the vibrant color and charisma of the ‘Féerie’ show at Paris’ iconic Moulin Rouge during an extravagant evening in the City of Light.

Take a seat in the atmospheric theater and prepare for a dazzling spectacle of drama, dance, and music.

See elaborately dressed show girls dominate the stage; marvel at dancers as they perform compelling choreography, and opt to upgrade to include a French feast and fine Champagne before the show starts.

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Make sightseeing in the French capital easy with a Big Bus tour of Paris. Enjoy the convenience of hop-on hop-off access at any stop along the route, and soak in the views from an open-top, double-decker bus. S

ee sights like the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret club, and the iconic Eiffel Tower as you listen to informative audio-commentary, available in 11 languages.

Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour

This exclusive gastronomic tour puts the tastiest treats of Paris—from gourmet cheeses to delicate pastries— at your fingertips.

Get insider knowledge on the most happening hotspots in Montmartre, the city’s cobblestoned arts district, and meet some of the most talented food artisans in the capital. Enjoy up to 10 pre-selected food stops, and get a peek at landmarks along the way, from Moulin Rouge to the Sacré Coeur.

Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Paris

Marvel at the Loire Valley’s opulent châteaux and taste its famous locally-made wine during this full-day tour from Paris. First, head to Chateau de Chambord—the inspiration for Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’—for a guided tour.

The next stop is the town of Blois, home of the Château de Blois, one of the most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France. where you’ll have just under two hours to enjoy some free time.

Then, visit the elegant Château de Chenonceau and embark on a tour through its intricately carved stone walls, rich hanging tapestries, and intimate chapel.

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Wrap-up: What is Paris famous for?

That’s a wrap! Now you officially know that if you’re looking for a place with the best food, fashion, culture and much more, you shouldn’t look further than Paris.

Did any of these famous Parisian things surprise you? Let me know in the comments 🙂

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