Paris, the capital of France, has been the centre of cultural, political and economic development, and considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Paris is famous for its rich cultural heritage and contribution to the arts. It has some of the world's most renowned museums, such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Pompidou Center. The city's architectural landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral, attract millions of visitors every year. It is also celebrated for its cuisine which is known for its variety and sophistication. Parisians take pride in their fashion and the city is renowned for its haute couture and luxury fashion houses.
Places to visit in Paris
Paris offers an unparalleled blend of history and culture. Its iconic landmarks, museums, cuisine, and fashion have made it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking to experience the beauty and charm of the city.
- Sainte-Chapelle: Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel located in the heart of Paris, on the Île de la Cité. Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX, the chapel was initially constructed to house religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns. Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows which fill the space with a dazzling array of colours and light. The intricate design of the windows is a testament to the skill of medieval artisans who created a breathtaking masterpiece that continues to inspire visitors till day. The chapel is divided into two levels: the lower chapel, which was used by the palace staff, and the upper chapel, which was reserved for the royal family. The upper chapel is stunning with its soaring vaulted ceiling and intricate rose window. Visitors can admire the detailed scenes depicted in the windows, which tell the story of the Bible and the lives of saints. Today, Sainte-Chapelle remains an important monument of Gothic architecture and a symbol of France's rich cultural heritage.
- Centre Pompidou: The Centre Pompidou is a modern art museum and cultural centre located in the Beaubourg area of Paris. Opened in 1977, the museum is housed in a distinctive building with a unique design that features exposed pipes and colourful escalators on the outside. The inside of the museum is equally impressive with over 100,000 works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries on display, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The permanent collection includes works by some of the most significant artists of the 20th century such as Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol, as well as contemporary pieces by emerging artists. In addition to its galleries, the Centre Pompidou also features a vast library, cinema, and several performance spaces that host concerts, dance performances and theatre productions. The rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for a nice meal.
- Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles): Palace of Versailles is a stunning architectural masterpiece in France's Île-de-France region. Originally a hunting lodge, it was expanded into a grand palace in the 17th century by Louis XIV, who moved his court from Paris to Versailles. The palace was the core of political power in France until the French Revolution in the late 18th century. The palace is renowned for its lavish and ornate interiors which include the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and Queen's bedchamber. The Hall of Mirrors is especially impressive with its 357 mirrors and chandeliers reflecting the sunlight that streams through the windows. In addition to the palace itself, the grounds of Versailles are also a must-see attraction. The gardens cover over 800 hectares, and feature fountains, sculptures and a grand canal. Visitors can rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the vast grounds. Today, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Montmartre: Montmartre is a hilltop neighbourhood located in the north of Paris. The area is famous for its winding streets, colourful buildings, and artistic heritage. Montmartre was once the hub of the Parisian art scene, and artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec called it home. Today, the neighbourhood retains its bohemian atmosphere, and is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. One of the main attractions in Montmartre is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a beautiful white church perched on a hilltop. Visitors can climb the steps to the top of the dome for stunning city views. Another popular spot is the Place du Tertre, a square where local artists sell their work. Montmartre is also known for its nightlife with a lively music scene, and jazz clubs and cabarets offering live performances.
- The Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum is one of the world's most famous and visited museums, located in the heart of Paris. The museum was originally a royal palace built in the 12th century and was converted into a museum in 1793. It is home to over 38,000 works of art and artefacts from around the globe, including some of the most famous and recognisable pieces of art in history like the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and the Venus de Milo sculpture. The museum's collection has art from ancient civilisations to modern times, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and archaeological artefacts. The Louvre's vast size can be overwhelming, so visitors must plan and prioritise the exhibits they wish to see.
- The Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most sought-after landmark in Paris, and it's one of the most recognisable structures in the world. Built for the 1889 World's Fair, the tower was initially meant to be a temporary installation, but it quickly became a symbol of Paris and a testament to human engineering. The tower is made of wrought iron and stands 324 m tall, making it the tallest building in Paris until the completion of the Tour Montparnasse in 1973. Visitors to the Eiffel Tower can use an elevator or climb the stairs to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The tower has three levels, each with its own observation deck, and attractions including restaurants, gift shops and exhibitions about the tower's history. At night, the tower is lit with a sparkling light show, that lasts for five minutes every hour, adding to its already impressive beauty.
Tips to remember while visiting Paris
- Learn some basic French. Parisians speak English, but learning some basic French phrases can go a long way in leaving a lasting impression and showing respect for the local culture.
- Take full advantage of the city’s many beautiful parks and have a picnic on a nice sunny day.
- Gorge on some heavenly croissants with hot chocolate when in Paris.
Documents required to get a Paris visa
To visit Paris, it is necessary to have a Schengen visa. To obtain a Paris visa, one first needs to identify the type of visa and start the application process by paying the visa fee. Also, proof of hotel bookings is mandatory when applying for a tourist visa. To speed up the visa application process, the following documents must be provided:
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
- A valid passport.
- A signed visa application form.
- Round-trip flight itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Travel insurance.
- Medical insurance (for longer stays).
- Cover letter.
- Financial documents.
- Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).
- Employment or educational documents.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris has three major airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Beauvais-Tillé Airport. Of the three, Charles de Gaulle is the largest and most frequently used international airport, located approximately 25 km northeast of Paris.
Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is located 25 km northeast of Paris and has three main terminals, with Terminal 2 being the largest and most modern. A free shuttle bus service connects each terminal. Also, a CDGVAL light rail shuttle runs between the terminals, parking lots, and train station.
The airport offers a wide range of facilities and services to travellers including shops, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange offices, ATMs, and duty-free shops. Several lounges are also available for passengers who want to relax or work before their flight. Transportation to and from the airport is convenient with several options available, including the RER B train, regional buses, taxis, and car rental services. The airport also has a dedicated shuttle service, the RoissyBus, which connects the airport to the Paris Opera. Overall, Charles de Gaulle Airport is a modern and efficient airport that provides millions of passengers a comfortable and convenient travel experience each year.