Paris Tourist Attractions

Here is our personal list of the top 10 Paris tourist attractions. Along with each attraction we list "other things to see in the area" as this helps tie it all together and makes the visit more personal.

We give you a quick list of Paris attractions but you're also going to need a good guide book to really make the most of these areas. We've tried out several while living in Paris. For a list of our favorite Paris guide books, click here.

Our Top Ten Paris Attractions

You don't have to love it, but you do need to see it! It never matters how many visitors we take the first reaction is always the same "Wow"!

For the best "wow" approach we suggest starting from Trocadero on the plaza by the Palais de Chaillot (metro Trocadero) or approaching from École Militaire through the Champs de Mars (metro Ecole Militaire).

For tickets be prepared to wait in line for at least one hour and possibly two. Soon you'll be able to pre-buy tickets from the official Eiffel Tower website - unfortunately this service is not available yet.

If you're looking for a new way to see Paris then try the Fat Tire Bike Tour or the Segway Tour both of which start under the Eiffel Tower.

Snack bars on and around the Eiffel Tower are not great and tend to be expensive. Instead try the famous Paris tea room "Carette" at 4 Place de la Trocadero and enjoy their famous hot chocolate, excellent patisseries, homemade ice-cream or a light lunch.

It doesn't matter how many times I come here or at what time of day, this square is just so impressive.

The gold topped obelisk, the fountains, the fact that you are surrounded by Paris landmarks, the exceptional views up the Champs Elysees and down through the Tuileries Gardens to the Louvre.

If you have only one day in Paris then this square should definitely be on your must see list of attractions.

Other things to see in the area:

French gardens covering 68 acres that connect the Place de la Concorde with the Louvre.

The gardens were laid out by Andre Le Notre the same landscape designer that designed the Versailles Gardens.

Stroll the sandy gravel paths, admire the many statues or pull up a seat and enjoy some of Paris's best  people watching.

For children there is plenty to enjoy including pony rides, playgrounds and even a special trampoline play area.

Museums in the gardens include two of my favorites the "Musee de l'Orangerie" which houses Claude Monet's paintings Les Nymphéasand the Jeu de Paume which is a photography museum.

Things to see in the area:

The sheer size and scale of the Palais du Louvre are simply breathtaking. I love to just walk through the main courtyard and admire the glass pyramid, the still waters and the buildings that date back to the 12th century.

The museum itself is incredible but can be overwhelming. Just pick out a few things to see and leave yourself enough time to enjoy the details and beauty of the building itself.

If you're visiting with children that shudder at the very mention of the word "museum" then try a scavenger hunt to find some of histories most famous works of art... this helps make the visit more exciting!

If you need a break before or after the museum skip the boring food court and head to the elegant Cafe Marly located in the Richelieu wing in front of the Pyramid.  Sit under the elegant arches and enjoy a great view of the main courtyard.

Things to see in the area:

Built between 1160 - 1345 Notre Dame Cathedral is a must see. The detailed craftsmanship is incredible from the front doors to the famous gargoyles to the amazing stained glass windows and the flying buttresses.

There is no way you can be disappointed by Notre Dame Cathedral.

Things to see in the area:

Paris landmark that may be filled with tourists, but it's still worth the trip.

The Sacre Coeur is a Romano-Byzantine church started in the 1870s and completed in 1914.

The dome of the Sacre Coeur is the second highest point in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower.

When you sit on the steps of the Sacre Coeur and you will literally have Paris at your footsteps - the view is exceptional.

Cafes and restaurants are very touristy but kids will enjoy the big ice creams served at some of the cafes on the square.

Things to see in the area:

The crazy, controversial, colorful building with the "guts" on the outside.

The Pompidou Center houses Paris's museum of modern art, along with extensive art library and an industrial design center.

Come on a Saturday and enjoy some of Paris' best street entertainers performing for free in the plaza in front of the building.

Another favorite spot for my family in Paris is the colorful Stravinsky Fountains. Grab a drink, coffee or a light lunch at one the fun cafes next to the fountains and just relax and enjoy this very different part of Paris.

Things to see in the area:

Place des Vosges is oldest and in my humble opinion the most beautiful old square in Paris.

Once a site of jousting and tournaments, the historic Place des Vosges is a square of perfect symmetry. 36 houses, nine on each side, of brick and stone, which are still intact after 400 years.

Stroll the small park, sit at one of the cafes under the arches or browse the small art galleries. Visit the Victor Hugo House and museum at number #6 Place des Vosges or try to find the door that leads you to the hidden gardens of the Hotel de Sully.

When you are ready to move on take "rue des Francs Bourgeois" to the "Musee Carnavalet". This museum was created out of two old mansions and is now a museum of French history. The museum is free and is definitely worth a stop. Although most of the descriptions are in French the building itself, the collections and the small tranquil gardens are well worth a quick stop.

Next make a left on rue Pauvee, stick you head into the courtyard of the Paris History Library for a quick pictures and then continue down to rue des Rosiers. Now you are in the heart of Paris's old Jewish quarter. Stroll the cobbled streets of rue des Rosiers, rue des Ecoffes, rue Vieille-du-Temple and rue du Roi-de-Sicile. Enjoy the mixture of designer stores and old Jewish bakeries and delis.

For lunch try the neighborhood specialty "falafel sandwich" at the famous l'As de Falafel # 34 rue des Rosiers.

Things to see in the area

A magical oasis of greenery in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

The Luxembourg gardens are popular with students and families who bring the children here to sail boats, ride ponies, watch puppet shows, or play in the special fenced playground area.

It's a wonderful place to sit and absorb the atsmophere of Paris

Medicci Fountain - Another one of my favorite spots in Paris.

Luxembourg Museum - Former Orangery that houses temporary exhibits

Orchard - Espaliered fruit trees and bee hives in the southern end of the park.

For Children - Large pay to enter playground, boat rental and pony rides

Things to see in the area:

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris and even though it's not one of my favorite places in the city it should still be on your "must see" list .

Twelve avenues radiate from the arch which explains why it is also called "place de l'Etoile" (etoile meaning star). Watching the traffic navigate this roundabout is half the fun of a trip here.

A bit of history:

Napoleon commissioned the arch in 1806 but it was not finished until 1836, under Louis Philippe.

1840 - Napoleon's body passed beneath the arch on its way to its final resting place in Les Invalides.

14 July 1919 - Victorious allied armies marched through the arch and down the Champs Elysees.

1921 - The unknown soldier killed in the great war was laid to rest here

26 August 1944 - Paris was liberated from German occupation and Charles De Gaulle marched through the arch.

One of the best views in Paris is from the top of the Arc de Triomphe so if the lines are not too long make the time to make the climb - you won't regret it.

Things to see in the area: