Paris is not a city you can simply “tick off” in one weekend. Every district has its own atmosphere – from royal splendor, through artistic Montmartre, to the modern boulevards along the Seine.
1. Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars
The symbol of Paris. The best photo spots are:
- from Trocadéro – the classic view,
- from Pont de Bir-Hakeim – a bridge famous from movies,
- from the lawn of the Champ de Mars.
It’s best to book your ticket online a few days in advance.
2. The Louvre
The largest art museum in the world:
- Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace,
- the beautiful courtyard with I. M. Pei’s glass pyramid.
Evening openings on Wednesdays and Fridays – fewer crowds.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
After the fire, the cathedral is gradually reopening. Even if you can’t go inside, it’s worth walking around it and strolling through Île de la Cité.
4. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
The artistic heart of Paris:
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica – the best free viewpoint in the city,
- Place du Tertre – painters and cafés,
- winding, movie-like streets.
5. Luxembourg Gardens
A perfect place to rest:
- Luxembourg Palace,
- green chairs around the fountain,
- real everyday Parisian life.
6. Musée d’Orsay
If you choose just one museum besides the Louvre, pick Orsay:
- Monet, Degas, Van Gogh,
- housed in a former railway station.
7. Walk Along the Seine
From Pont Neuf to Île Saint-Louis – in the evening Paris looks like a fairy tale.
8. Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
Climb to the top of the Arc – a view over 12 radiating avenues and the most beautiful panorama of the city.
VERSAILLES – The Palace of the Sun King
How to get there?
From central Paris:
RER C → Versailles Château – Rive Gauche
Travel time: about 45 minutes.
What to See in Versailles?
1. Palace of Versailles
- Hall of Mirrors,
- King’s and Queen’s Apartments,
- gold, marble, royal splendor.
2. The Gardens of Versailles
Perfect geometry, fountains, sculptures, water canals. On weekends the musical fountains often operate, with baroque music playing in the background.
3. Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
The most magical part:
- Petit Trianon – the queen’s private residence,
- the Hamlet – mills, ponds, fairy-tale cottages.
How Much Time Should You Plan?
| Place | Time |
|---|---|
| Louvre | 3–4 h |
| Montmartre | 2 h |
| Seine walk | 1–2 h |
| Versailles | whole day |
Practical Tips
- Buy tickets online – there are queues everywhere.
- Visit Versailles on a weekday if possible.
- Paris involves a lot of walking – comfortable shoes are essential.
- Best photos: early in the morning or at sunset.
Paris is not just monuments – it’s the atmosphere, the light, the smell of coffee, the sound of the метро, and wandering without a plan.
Malvina Dunder 
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