Opened to the public in 1640, formerly dubbed the Jardin du Roi ("King's Garden"), this sprawling expanse of verdant beauty is a coveted jewel of the neighborhood; an idyllic locale in which to relish a serene picnic repast or to repose upon one of the many shaded benches and recharge one's weary soles.

The botanical and rose gardens are a sight to behold, their grandeur leaving an indelible impression upon the hearts of horticultural enthusiasts. A must-see attraction are the towering greenhouses, known as "serres" in the French tongue, which shelter within their glass walls one of the most extensive compilations of tropical and desert flora in the world.

For visitors with little ones in tow, the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, an outstanding natural history museum, is a site of wonderment and awe for its gargantuan whale skeletons and diverse taxidermic specimens. Alternatively, one may choose to explore the Galerie de Paléontologie, brimming with prehistoric remnants such as dinosaur skeletons, or the recently refurbished Galerie de Minéralogie.

Animal lovers would be remiss not to venture into the Ménagerie, a modest zoo established in 1794 that played a vital role in sustaining the besieged Parisians during the tumultuous period of the Prussian siege in 1870.

Named for the two Chinese figurines, or "magots", inside, Les Deux Magots is a famous Parisian café Located directly on Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, thus offering an uninhibited view of one of the city's oldest religious buildings, the Abbaye de Saint-Germain.

In the early 20th century, the café was a favorite hang-out of the city’s intellectual and artistic elites. Its historical reputation is derived from the patronage of Surrealist artists, intellectuals such as Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, and young writers, such as Ernest Hemingway. Other patrons included Albert Camus, Pablo Picasso, James Joyce, Bertolt Brecht, Facundo Fernandez Llorente, Pedro White, El Marce, Julia Child, and the American writers James Baldwin, Alison Machin, Chester Himes, Charles Sutherland, and Richard Wright.

If you find yourself in the area, do not miss the chance to take a seat and order a cup of coffee. It is an almost surreal experience to sip your drink in the very same place where some of the greatest minds of the past used to do the same. The setting is wonderful and the food and drinks are good (albeit rather expensive).

Rue Cler, nestled in the 7th administrative district of Paris, stands out as one of the city's finest market streets, cherished for its vibrant blend of cafés, bakeries, and specialty shops. This pedestrian-friendly area, paved with original cobblestones, offers an authentic slice of Parisian life where locals frequent to procure gourmet delights and relish moments at café terraces.

The street owes its name to Jean Joseph Gustave Cler, a French Brigadier General who perished in the Battle of Magenta in 1859.

Architecturally, it features remarkable buildings such as the late 18th-century corner house at No. 1, a chapel at No. 5, and former residences of prominent figures like President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, at No. 15.

The street is abundant with specialty food stores, pastry shops, butchers, delicatessens, cheese specialists, fishmongers, greengrocers, and chocolatiers, creating a bustling atmosphere perfect for culinary exploration. On Sundays, Rue Cler springs to life even more vibrantly as families, post-mass at the nearby Saint Pierre of the Big Rock Church, gather their essentials for traditional lunches, carefully selecting items like bread, wine, and cheeses, ensuring their Camembert and Saint Felicien are at perfect ripeness.

Key establishments enhance Rue Cler's allure. For instance, Mariage Frères offers exquisite teas since 1854, and the Brasserie Aux PTT provides a quintessentially French dining experience. Also noteworthy are Davoli, known for its Italian delicacies and the best Choucroute in Paris, and La Sablaise Poissonnerie, a premier fish merchant renowned for its fresh daily catch.

For those with a sweet tooth, the street boasts renowned chocolatiers and patisseries. The François Pralus establishment, with its whimsical chocolate eclair bench, delights both children and adults, while Amorino's Italian gelato and New Asia's takeout add international flavors. At the same time, the Café du Marché and Tribeca café offer ideal spots for people-watching and savoring daily specials.

Rue Cler not only serves as a shopping haven but also a cultural touchstone reflecting the everyday lifestyle of Parisians. This street offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the heart of Parisian gastronomy and tradition, perfect for anyone wanting to experience the authentic pulse of Paris.

In sunny weather, there is nothing better in Paris than stretching out somewhere on a grassy lawn. A public park between the Eiffel Tower and the Military School, the Field of Mars, is one of the largest parks in Paris and generously offers such an opportunity to those lucky with lots of time under their belt.

This popular outdoor space derives its name from the ancient Mars Field in Rome, once the drilling ground for the Roman armies, dedicated to the Roman god of war. Similarly, the area in Paris was also used originally for military drills. At some point, before its transformation in the 16th century, this flat, open terrain was used for market gardening, though it was not highly fertile.

In 1765, the construction of the Military School began shaping the Field of Mars into its present form. The park was developed with an esplanade, a noble facade, a large ditch, elm avenues, and an enclosing grille fence. Additionally, the Isle of Swans, a small islet near the Eiffel Tower, was attached to the shore for aesthetic symmetry.

The Field of Mars has historical significance, hosting the first hydrogen-filled balloon flight in 1783, as well as several major events during the French Revolution, including the 1790 Federation Day celebration, now known as Bastille Day. However, it was also the site of the 1791 Field of Mars massacre and the execution of the first mayor of Paris, who was guillotined there in 1793. In 1815, during Napoleon’s Hundred Days, the field hosted the so-called “Field of May” public assembly to rally support for Napoleon’s liberal reform.

The park also hosted Universal Exhibitions in 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900, and 1937. For the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, it housed the Eiffel Tower Stadium and the Grand Ephemeral Palace, a temporary exhibition hall, hosting beach volleyball, blind football, and portions of the opening ceremony. Today, it continues to be a significant green space with sports facilities like basketball and football fields.

A favorite spot for many, the Field of Mars can get rather busy on sunny days. Those coming with kids will find several playgrounds available at their disposal.

Tip:
Consider bringing a mat or cover for lying about.

Equally grand from whatever angle you look at it, whether just walking past or watching it from a distance, day or night, the Eiffel Tower lives up to its iconic status easily. The wrought-iron lattice structure on the Field of Mars in Paris was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and built between 1887 and 1889. Known locally as the "Iron Lady," it was the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair, celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution.

Illuminated by gas lamps at night, the tower was a major attraction from the very beginning, although not to everyone's taste. Before its construction even started, a group of prominent French artists and intellectuals, including writer Guy de Maupassant, condemned the tower as a "monstrous" and "useless" structure that would overshadow Paris' landmarks. By 1918, however, it had become an iconic symbol of Paris – and France – and since then has been one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Standing at 330 meters (or 1,083 feet), the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. It has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second. The top level, at 276 meters (or 906 feet), offers the highest public observation deck in the European Union. Visitors can ascend via stairs or lift, with 600 steps required to reach the second level. The third level, typically accessed by lift, features a private apartment once used by Gustave Eiffel, where he hosted honorable guests like Thomas Edison.

In recognition of their contribution to the construction, the tower is engraved with the names of 72 French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

Unlike other high risers, the Eiffel Tower is there for visitors only. In Paris, where tall buildings are still in short supply, the bird's eye view from the top of the tower is truly unique and indeed breathtaking. In 2022, the tower welcomed nearly six million visitors, becoming the most visited paid monument globally.

The Eiffel Tower is painted in three shades: darker at the bottom, getting progressively lighter towards the top to complement the Parisian sky. Originally reddish brown, it changed the color to bronze, known as "Eiffel Tower Brown," in 1968. In what is expected to be a temporary change, the Eiffel Tower was painted gold in commemoration of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Tip:
Remember to bring along some warm clothes, because it can get much colder up there, especially when it's windy.
During the day, if it's hot, bring an umbrella, too, to get some shade, and lots of water.

Known for its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and its diverse range of attractions, this square offers a memorable experience with its architectural beauty, cultural landmarks, and recreational opportunities.

The centerpiece of Place du Trocadéro is the Trocadéro Gardens, a meticulously landscaped park adorned with fountains, statues, and lush greenery. It serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, providing a serene atmosphere to relax, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Another highlight is the Trocadéro Palace (a.k.a. the Palais de Chaillot), which houses the Musée de l'Homme (Museum of Mankind) and the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (Museum of Architecture and Heritage), offering fascinating exhibits that delve into human anthropology and the evolution of architecture for an enriching educational experience.

As one of the best vantage points in the city, the square is strategically located across the Seine River from the iconic Eiffel Tower, allowing visitors to capture stunning photographs and admire the tower's intricate ironwork from a unique perspective. Whether during the day when it sparkles in the sunlight or at night when it is illuminated, the view from Place du Trocadéro never fails to captivate.

For those seeking entertainment, the area surrounding the square boasts a vibrant atmosphere with an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visitors can indulge in a delicious meal while taking in the view, sip on a coffee at a sidewalk café, or explore the boutiques and galleries in the vicinity.

Additionally, Place du Trocadéro serves as a venue for various events and festivals throughout the year. From live music performances to cultural celebrations, there is often something happening in the square that adds to its lively and dynamic character.

Why You Should Visit:
Whether you're interested in history, art, photography, or simply enjoying the ambiance of a vibrant square, Place du Trocadéro is sure to be a memorable part of any trip to Paris.

A spot at the end of the Champs Elysées Avenue was always considered fit to accommodate some sort of a landmark monument. However, it wasn't until 1806 that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte finally decreed that a triumphal arch, dedicated to the glory of his army, should be placed there. Napoleon's architectural projects made clear his desire to identify his regime with the glory of Imperial Rome, and this particular design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus.

The measure of Napoleon's audacious ambitions can be seen in the sheer size of the Triumphal Arch: a colossal 45 meters wide by 50 meters high, making it almost certainly the biggest triumphal arch in the world. Nowadays, the presence of The Great Arch of the Defense on the western horizon of Paris makes it hard to appreciate the Triumphal Arch's original impact on the cityscape. Back then, it was the most prominent and massive object for miles around – the hegemony retained until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in the 1880s.

Inevitably, the arch quickly became an object of national pride and subsequently the world-famous symbol of French patriotism. Built in the era when war was undoubtedly the "overriding argument of kings", the arch was intended primarily for triumphal entrances into Paris by victorious French troops. Napoleon himself had a chance to pass beneath its mock-up replica only once, in 1810, together with his bride Marie-Louise, the Archduchess of Austria. The other Napoleon – Napoleon III – was more fortunate in this respect, and was able to ride underneath the completed Arch of Triumph upon his ascending to the throne in 1852.

As for the proper victory march, the Triumphal Arch saw it for the first time only in 1919. The aftermath of World War I, however, shifted the French public interest away from war, and, since 1921, the arch has been solely the place of commemoration of the fallen soldiers. It has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance.

Tip:
The roundabout encircling the Triumphal Arch is referred to by Parisians as "the Star" for the 12 avenues emanating from it. Climbing the stairs to the top of the arch, you will see the star-shaped pattern of the radiating streets and enjoy a panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées leading towards Concorde Square and the Louvre Museum in the distance.

By far the most popular avenue in France, Champs-Élysées is a household name and has been described as the "most beautiful avenue in the whole world". Stretching for about two kilometers from Concorde Square to Charles de Gaulle Square, this major thoroughfare boasts exuberant shopping, luxurious dining, and world-class entertainment, not to mention some of the top photographic panoramas of the French capital.

Once a farmland, the area was made into a promenade in 1667, when it was designed as an extension of the Tuileries Garden. Originally called the "Grand Promenade," this wide boulevard lined with elm trees adopted its current name in 1709. The name “Champs-Élysées” is the French for the Elysian Fields, the resting place for dead heroes and blessed souls in Greek mythology.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the avenue saw significant expansions and renovations, becoming increasingly fashionable, flanked by noble properties such as the Élysée Palace, currently serving as the official residence of the Presidents of France. The Triumphal Arch, commissioned by Napoleon and finished in the 1830s, added grandeur to the area. During Napoleon III’s reign, it was redesigned in an English garden style, introducing winding paths and chestnut trees, while the Universal Expositions of 1855 and 1900 further transformed it, giving rise to the Grand and Small Palaces, now housing a bunch of art galleries.

Throughout French history, the avenue also has been a symbolic site of military parades celebrating victories like that in the First World War, in 1919, and the liberation of Paris in 1944. Once a year, it also sees the finish of the annual Tour de France cycling race.

As a staple destination for foodies, the avenue offers a choice of gourmet eateries fit to spoil even the most discerning gluttons. Among the places particularly noteworthy are: bistro Atelier Renault; Flora Danica – the Danish brasserie, renowned for its caviar; Fouquet's restaurant – aged over 100 years; the famous Ladurée tea room; as well as L'Alsace Bistro specializing, just as the name suggests, in the Alsace regional cuisine and open 24 hours a day.

Those craving entertainment will find it here, too, in rich supply. Cinema Gaumont, France's #1 screen for movie premiers; the world-famous cabaret Lido; the bar and club Montecristo; Le Queen nightclub with some of the top DJs in town, plus the Marigny Theatre are just some of the local entertainment options to consider.

Whatever the season, day or night, Champs-Élysées never fails to impress. And if you come around Christmas, you'll be in for a special treat!

Concord Square is Paris's largest public square, spanning 7.6 hectares at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It was created in the mid-18th century to honor King Louis XV’s recovery. The square's octagonal layout, surrounded by moats and stone bridges, originally featured the equestrian statue of Louis XV at its center.

During the French Revolution, the square gained historical significance as the site of numerous public executions including those of King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and Maximilien Robespierre, one of the most influential and controversial French revolutionary figures. The installed guillotine remained particularly busy throughout the so-called "Reign of Terror" in the summer of 1794 when in a single month more than 1,300 people were executed. Renamed Revolution Square during this period, it was rechristened Concord Square in 1795, symbolizing peace in post-revolutionary France.

Today, the square is home to iconic landmarks. The Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt, was raised there in 1836. In 1998, it was capped with a gold-leaf top. Aged over 3,000 years, this is by far the most ancient monument in Paris, originally standing at Luxor Temple’s entrance. The 230-ton obelisk is complemented by two fountains: the Maritime Fountain, symbolizing France’s seas, and the Fluvial Fountain, representing its rivers. The square’s Neoclassical buildings house important institutions like the former headquarters of the French Navy. In continuation of the nautical theme, there are 20 rostral columns throughout the square adorned with a ship prow which is part of the official Paris emblem.

On its eastern side, the Tuileries Garden connects with museums like the “Game of Palm” National Gallery (a former tennis court turned into an art gallery) and the Orangery, home to Monet’s Water Lilies painting.

Concord Square continues to host significant events, including Bastille Day parades and, more recently, Olympic celebrations. In 2021, plans were announced to make the square more pedestrian-friendly by reducing traffic, adding green spaces, and creating tree-lined areas around monuments.

Tip:
A big Ferris wheel in Concord Square is for those keen on getting a bird's eye view over the nearby river Seine, Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Champs-Élysées, Triumphal Arch, and the Eiffel Tower. This wheel turns three times faster than the London Eye and is much cheaper too!

Moulin Rouge in Montmartre opened in 1889, the same year as the Eiffel Tower was built. Aimed primarily at wealthy patrons, it was designed as a lavish garden café-concert where diverse social groups could mingle. Since its opening, the venue offered world-class entertainment, becoming a meeting place for Parisians and visitors from all walks of life. The elegant cabaret attracted the uber-rich, socialites, middle class, artists, and foreign visitors who rubbed shoulders and enjoyed themselves.

Over the years, Moulin Rouge has hosted numerous celebrities and royal guests. In 1890, the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, visited here to witness the new and riveting Can-can dance. A year later, artist Toulouse-Lautrec created his first poster for Moulin Rouge. Sadly, in 1915, the place burned down and had to be rebuilt in 1921. Another intensive renovation, in 1951, produced its current decor.

In 1979, Ginger Rogers graced the cabaret's stage for its 90th anniversary, while Queen Elizabeth II attended a private show in 1981. Other members of the British royal family who have visited Moulin Rouge include Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Princess Diana, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne. World-known celebrities such as Liza Minnelli, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra also took part in special events here. Its centenary celebration featured a star-studded gala with Lauren Bacall, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jerry Lewis.

Over the years, Moulin Rouge has been featured in countless books, plays, and films. The 2001 movie "Moulin Rouge!", directed by Baz Luhrmann, re-popularized this vibrant and one-of-a-kind venue.

Today, visitors can book a table, savor dinner and champagne, and experience firsthand the magic of what has been the center of Parisian nightlife for over 130 years.

Tip:
Visit at sunset for photos of Moulin Rouge's iconic windmill and neon signs lit up against the backdrop of a darkening sky.

Tertre Square is more than just a square but a living museum of Montmartre's artistic soul. Perched at an altitude of 130 meters, close to the iconic Sacred Heart Basilica and the ancient Church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, it marks the historic center of Paris.

Famed worldwide, the square is a hub for artists who, much like their illustrious predecessors – Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Modigliani, and Picasso, drawn by the affordable rent and tax-free wine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, – set up their easels here daily to capture the essence of Montmartre for the throngs of tourists. Today, the artistic spirit continues to thrive, and visitors flock to the square to purchase local art and have their portraits painted.

The square itself houses significant sites such as the original town hall of Montmartre, established in 1790, and the restaurant À la Mère Catherine, dating back to 1793, adding layers to its rich historical narrative.

Its French name 'du Tertre,' sometimes translated as "Grave Hill", or more accurately as "square on a mound", is derived either from its high geographical position or ties to the Dutertre family, dating back to 1503. The area's history is marked by significant events, such as a conflict over cannons stored in the square during the Paris Commune in 1871. Another landmark event associated with the square is when Louis Renault's petroleum-powered car reached it on December 24, 1898, thus heralding the birth of the French automobile industry.

Competition for space in Tertre Square is intense, with artists enduring a ten-year wait for a tiny shared spot. Restrictions limit creations to specific forms of art, namely: paintings, portraits, silhouettes, and caricatures only. Since the 1990s, Tertre Square has also been a battleground for artists' rights amid escalated conflicts with restaurant terraces encroaching on their space.

As a cornerstone of Montmartre's cultural and historical identity, the square features notable buildings and commemorations, including the former town hall, the pioneering restaurant À la Mère Catherine, and commemorative plaques. A popular legend claims that the term "bistro" was coined in this square in 1814, courtesy of the Russian troops stationed here. Soldiers would shout "bystro," which means "quickly" in Russian, urging their comrades to finish their drinks and return to their duties.

Montmartre is a large hill in Paris's 18th arrondissement that gives its name to the surrounding district. The historic district established by the City of Paris in 1995 is primarily known for its artistic history, the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit, and as a nightclub district. The other church on the hill, Saint Pierre de Montmartre, built in 1147, was the church of the prestigious Montmartre Abbey.

Near the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the twentieth, during the Belle Époque, many artists lived in, had studios, or worked in or around Montmartre, including Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Suzanne Valadon, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro, and Vincent van Gogh. Montmartre is also the setting for several hit films.

Among the last of the neighborhood's bohemian gathering places was R-26, an artistic salon frequented by Josephine Baker, Le Corbusier and Django Reinhardt. Its name was immortalized by Reinhardt in his 1947 tribute song "R. vingt-six

Montmartre is an officially designated historic district with limited development allowed in order to maintain its historic character.

There is a small vineyard in the Rue Saint-Vincent, which continues the tradition of wine production in the Île de France; it yields about 500 litres per year.

The Musée de Montmartre is in the house where the painters Maurice Utrillo and Suzanne Valadon lived and worked in second-floor studios. The house was Pierre-Auguste Renoir's first Montmartre address, and he painted several of his masterpieces there.

Nearby, day and night, tourists visit such sights as Place du Tertre and the cabaret du Lapin Agile, where the artists had worked and gathered. Many renowned artists, such as painter and sculptor Edgar Degas and film director François Truffaut, are buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre and the Cimetière Saint-Vincent. Near the top of the butte, Espace Dalí showcases surrealist artist Salvador Dalí's work.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre is a Catholic church and a national historic monument since 2022. The imposing structure sits atop the Montmartre summit – the highest point in Paris (some 200 meters above the Seine). It offers a breathtaking panorama of the city from its dome, which makes it the second most-visited tourist site in the capital after the Eiffel Tower.

The idea to build the basilica came in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 (resulting in a humiliating defeat for France), followed by the brief and bloody Paris Commune period. Many in France, particularly conservative Catholics, viewed these events as moral failures of the nation. They believed it was a divine punishment for what they saw as the growing secularization and moral decay of French society in the decades following the French Revolution.

The new church was thus to symbolize national repentance. Its location at the highest point in Paris, however, made it a subject of controversy among left-wing politicians, as it overlooks the area where the Paris Commune erupted and was seen by some as a monument to conservative reactionism.

The construction spanned from 1875 to 1914 under the supervision of various architects. The basilica's consecration was delayed until the end of World War I, in 1919.

The building showcases a blend of Neo-Byzantine and Romanesque styles with a central rotunda, a nave, and transepts. The main dome rises 83 meters, flanked by four smaller cupolas and a bell tower that houses France’s largest bell, the Savoyarde. The rectangular base beneath the high dome is supported by massive columns as if bridging the celestial and terrestrial realms. The design incorporates a Greek cross layout centralizing the altar, surrounded by a Latin-influenced choir and ambulatory.

Artistic elements within the basilica include the grand 475-square-meter mosaic of The Triumph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and various chapels adorned by specific professional groups, enhancing the spiritual ambiance with their thematic decorations. The crypt, unlike typical underground crypts, features stained glass windows that allow light to filter in, enriching the spiritual atmosphere. Also noteworthy is the basilica’s historic organ, recognized as a national landmark.

As a pilgrimage site, the basilica requires visitors to observe modest dress and silence out of respect for its sacredness and historical significance.

Tip:
You will need a level of fitness to climb the stairs from the base of Montmartre to the Sacred Heart Basilica. Alternatively, you can hop on the free mini-train which starts from opposite the Windmill Theater and stops behind the basilica.