Five Days in Paris, France

Les Invalides is a beautifully designed 17th-century complex and landmark in Paris you should not miss. Originally, it serves war veterans and includes a hospital. Today the imposing place is mostly known for Dôme des Invalides, a royal church with a winsome golden dome that serves as Napoleon's last resting place. The place also contains Musée de l'Armée, Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération, and Musée des Plans-Reliefs, all related to France's military history.

From Eiffel Tower to École Militaire, Champ de Mars is a magnificent urban green lung in Paris. As a central and large open space, Champ de Mars was chosen as the location for part of the French Revolution's celebrations and hosts the Expositions Universelles, Paris's famous World's Fairs. The place, which was open in 1780, is always bustling, full of Parisians and tourists who wish to enjoy the green lawns and superb view of the Eiffel Tower. It is an ideal place to absorb Paris's vibrant atmosphere, have a picnic, or just wander around in one of Paris's best areas.

La tour Eiffel is more than just a landmark, it's Paris itself. Monumental, full of charm, elegant, romantic, and with outstanding architecture. Built by Gustave Eiffel's company and named after him, the tower was inaugurated in 1889 for Paris World's Fair, Exposition Universelle. The tower was built to mark and honor the 100th year to the end of the French Revolution. While the beginning was controversial, Eiffel Tower becomes one of the most famous and visited monuments in the world. The Eiffel Tower is hypnotizing, it's catching the eye and has a mesmerizing view from above. Therefore, it is most recommended to visit the 2nd and 3rd floors of the tower, to see a breathtaking view of Paris, especially after dark.

20 Eiffel offers Fantastic high-quality French cuisine and exceptional view. A moment from Eiffel Tower, 20 Eiffel is a Michelin restaurant where you can eat excellent and delicious gourmet food, sit outside, and have a few more moments with the iconic tower. The restaurant is a lovely option to eat and refresh before you continue your travel to the next destination on your trip.

It doesn't matter if it's your first time in Paris, or one of many visits, the sight of the Eiffel Tower is always moving. And there is no better place for the Eiffel Tower to be revealed than Jardins du Trocadéro. The Gardens were originally inaugurated in 1878 as the garden of Palais du Trocadéro, for Paris World's Fair (Exposition Universelle). Today's gardens, however, which include around 94,000 sqm, were re-built and designed for the 1937's Paris World's Fair.

The marvelous gardens include the "Fountain of Warsaw", which is composed of an array of fountains and water cannons, that granted the gardens and the Eiffel, a spectacular view. On the top, you can find Palais de Chaillot (built on the ruins of Palais du Trocadéro) that hosts museums, a theater, a restaurant, and a Café. Another attraction you can find in the gardens is Aquarium de Paris (Paris Aquarium) which is a wonderful activity for families.

A world-famous avenue, synonym to luxury, splendor, fashion, and opulence. The 1.9 kilometers splendid avenue is full of grandiose stores, beautiful gardens, and fancy restaurants and cafes.

Arc de Triomphe is one of France's most notable symbols. It is located in Place Charles de Gaulle and is connected to the famous avenue, Champs-Élysées. Designed by Jean-François Chalgrin and inaugurated in 1836, Arc de Triomphe is approximately 50-meter high, 22 meters wide, and about 45 meters long. The impressive arc was established to respect the fallen French soldiers. Those who died during the Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, and those who fought for the country during those turbulent times. Every day, at 18:30, you will be able to see the flame of remembrance, as a tribute of the French nation in honor of its fallen soldiers.

The Louvre Museum is considered one of the most prominent art museums in the world and maybe even the important of them all. Without any doubt, this is the largest museum in the world and it won't be an exaggeration to say that the Louvre Museum is absolutely incredible. You can spend an entire day at the museum and still not be able to see it all. The museum has countless masterpiece artworks, including, of course, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, probably the most known paint in the world. However, the Mona Liza is far from being the only famous attraction of the Museum.

20 must-see masterpiece artworks in the Louvre

Any summary will underestimate the value of the Louvre. But if to mention only a fraction of what the visitors can see at the Museum, then here is a recommended list of the 20 must-sees while in the Louvre.

Mona Liza, painted by Leonardo da Vinci
The ancient Greek sculpture of Venus de Milo
The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Hellenistic sculpture of the goddess of victory, Nike
The Great Sphinx of Tanis
Sleeping Hermaphroditus sculpture
Sarcophagus of the Spouses
The Raft of the Medusa, painted by Théodore Géricault
The Wedding at Cana, painted by Veronese
Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, sculpture by Antonio Canova
Dying Slave, sculpture by Michelangelo
Virgin of the Rocks, painted by Leonardo da Vinci
The Lacemaker, painted by Johannes Vermeer
Woman with a Mirror, painted by Titian
Liberty Leading the People, painted by Eugène Delacroix
The Coronation of Napoleon, painted by Jacques-Louis David
Louis XIV, painted by Hyacinthe Rigaud
The Card Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds, painted by Georges de La Tour
Ship of Fools, painted by Hieronymus Bosch
Death of the Virgin, painted by Caravaggio
The French Crown Jewels

The Louver Palace

The Louver Museum resides in the Louver Palace, which is a masterpiece of majestic architecture meeting art. Built near King Philippe-Auguste's (Philippe II) medieval fortress from the year 1200, the Palace had a modest beginning. It was established in 1546 when King Francis I, asked to build a better royal palace residence in a renaissance style, at this location. The connection of the Louver to arts was right from the start since Francis I was an avid patron of art and had a passion to collect it. Actually, it was Francis I who invited Leonardo da Vinci to France, where he spent his last three years. Francis I was also the one who originally purchase the Mona Lisa and this is the reason why the brilliant paint is in France and not Italy.

Years went by and the Louver Palace expanded and refurbished with each monarch adding another personal layer of splendor to the grandiose Palace complex. Louis XIII and Louis XIV who ruled in the 17th century had contributed greatly to the Palace's expansion and its art collections. The Museum opens to the public during the French Revelation and during the Napoleon regime, only part of the Palace was for his personal use.

The Palace is artwork for itself and an example of extraordinary architecture. It is recommended not to miss the following:
Galerie d’Apollon, a sumptuous golden gallery that was created by Louis XIV, to strengthen his image as the Sun King.
The lavish Napoleon III Apartments.
The Mobilier des résidences royales, 18th-century royal furniture collation.
The Salle Mollien, the red rooms which contain beautiful and large paintings as The Coronation of Napoleon.

It is most recommended to plan your visit in advance to make sure you'll be able to view the most must-see artworks. Also, make sure you buy your tickets online in advance to save precious time.

Pont des Arts is a magnificent stone bridge that connects the two banks of the River Seine. The bridge gained world recognition when lovers from all over the world used to bind love locks with their names to the bridge. It is one of many proofs that Paris is the most romantic city in the world.

Stroll around the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter that is full of wonderful Romanesque architecture and iconic places. The lovely neighborhood is covered with alluring galleries, charming passages, delicious pastries, and has some of the great chocolate shops in Paris. Do not miss the marvelous Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Café de Flore and Musée Eugène Delacroix.

Take a short break from your travel day and stop at Eggs & Co. A cozy restaurant-café, with delectable meals and friendly staff. As the name suggests, Eggs & Co offers a variety of meals based on eggs, therefore it is not suitable for vegans. But if you love Eggs Benedict and a really good coffee, Eggs & Co is your place.

Jardin du Luxembourg, spectacular gardens that are full of flowers, statues, lawns, and sitting areas. The enticing gardens were ordered by Queen Marie de Medici, widow of King Henry IV, in 1612, to surround Luxembourg Palace. Today, the gardens are open to all and the Palace becomes the house of the French Senate. It is a must-visit place in Paris and represents well the love of the French to nature, aesthetic and preserving the past.

An exceptional neoclassical building, the Panthéon was formed as a church dedicated to Paris's guardian saint, Saint Geneviève. However, when the place constructions end, the place changed its original course due to the French Revolution and become the last resting place of outstanding and extraordinary French people. Among the notable people that are buried at the Panthéon you may find Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie and Pierre Curie and Emile Zola.

La Sorbonne is a prominent university in France and one of the very firsts in the world. The beginning was very modest, the university was founded in 1253 by Robert de Sorbon, a Theologian who established the College of Sorbonne. The College developed into a fine university and reputable and respectable research institution with more than 55,000 students. It is situated in the splendid Latin Quarter and since its roots reach up to the 13th century, the university has a very special character and wonderfully elegant architecture.

Notre-Dame de Paris is a Gothic Catholic cathedral church and one of the most famous icons of Paris and faith. The Cathedral was built during the middle-ages and has a very long history which entwined with Paris history. It became an icon, also thanks to brilliant Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" who excites the imagination of readers since 1831. Unfortunately, the place burned in April 2019 and is undergoing a massive reconstruction. Despite this, the Cathedral and its surrounding are still very much worth watching.

Paris's Kilometer Zero or Point Zero is the starting point of all the roads. But it is more than a geographical milestone. The belief is that if you stand on the Kilometer Zero's marker, you will always return to Paris. So if you wish to return to Paris in the future, help that wish to come true by standing on Kilometer Zero. You will find the hotspot, right in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral entrance.

A stunning opera house, that serves as a home to Opéra national de Paris. The grandiose building gracefully adds another dimension to the excellent opera productions that are held in Palais Garnier. The palatial Palais Garnier open its doors to the public in 1875 and is a central tourist attraction in Paris. The opera house's exterior is famous for its impressive façade with a golden touch that is full of sculptures and symbols. The interior is also exceptional, with an outstanding foyer, stately staircase, and the Chagall painting on the main auditorium's ceiling. Even if you are not an opera fan, the place is defiantly worth a visit and a tour.

Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris's most central and entrancing gardens. The Garden was originally built due to king Henri III's wife, Queen Catherine de Medici, wish to build a palace in Paris. Thus, Tuileries Palace was constructed in 1564 and remained intact until it was later destroyed by fire in 1871 by the Paris Commune.

The grandiose garden receives its famous contour only a century after. When André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect who also design the exceptional Palace of Versailles's gardens, re-design the garden in 1664. Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris and near the Louvre, the majestic garden is abundant with green lawns, ponds, trees, flowers, and statues. Open to the public in 1667, the charming Tuileries Garden is locals' and tourists' favorite, and a great way to get acquainted with Paris.

Part of the D'Orsay Museum charm is the building, which used to be a railway station (Gare d'Orsay). The remarkable building itself looks like artwork and is a splendid decoration to the masterpiece this museum contains. And like some of the iconic landmarks in Paris, Musee D'Orsay building, then Gare d'Orsay, was ready just in time for the 1900 Paris Exposition (Exposition Universelle). The lovely museum located on the bank of the river Seine has many wonderful French artworks from the middle of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. D'Orsay Museum also exhibits a fantastic collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. Gauguin, Cézanne, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Monet, and Van Gogh if to name a few, are among the remarkable artist this museum display their masterpieces.

Moments away from Musee D'Orsay and near the National Assembly resides a beautiful and elegant Michelin star restaurant. Loiseau Rive Gauche will provide you with not only succulent meals but a wonderful Parisian fine-dining experience. Aesthetic as much as it is palatable, the restaurant serves an exceptional seasonal gourmet tasting menu, fantastic wines, and great desserts.

Pont Alexandre III is one of Paris's iconic landmarks and maybe the most gorgeous bridge in the city. As nearby Grand Palais and Petit Palais, Pont Alexandre III was built for 1900 Exposition Universelle (Universal Exposition). Impressive sculptures with touches of gold are scattered along the bridge together with splendid Art Nouveau lamps. Pont Alexandre III's central location, and the view of some of Paris's architectural wonders when you cross it, make this bridge a must-see.

Place de la Concorde is a central square in Paris, famous for its beauty, striking obelisk, and winsome fountains. The square is approximately 19 acres and was creatively designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Since 1836 the Square contains Luxor Obelisk, which was given as a gift from Egypt and is more than 3,000 years old. The magnificent fountains, Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves, were constructed in 1840, and since then they are a source of pride and joy for the Parisians. At the French Revolution, the square was witness to many noble and royal executions, including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. Today, the square is one of Paris's beloved spots and attracts many tourists from all over the world.

Located in the lovely garden of Jehan Rictus Square, Le mur des je t'aime (Wall of Love or I Love You Wall), is another reminder of Paris as the romantic city in the world. Created by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, on the wall is written in more than 250 different languages the phrase "I Love You".

Place du Tertre is a famous square in Paris, with wonderful history and vivid bohemian spirit. Place du Tertre was a magnet to many artists who worked and lived in Montmarte, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, this artistic tradition of gathering in Place du Tertre still continues and you can find many artists in the square who sell their artworks. If you wish to find a talented painter for a portrait, Place du Tertre is the right place for you.

The importance of Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilica of the Sacred Heart), is not only since it is a place of faith. Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located on Butte Montmarte, the second highest place in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. As such, the place provides an astonishing view of Paris. The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre is a Roman Catholic Church with a remarkable interior, organ, and mosaic, and Romano-Byzantine architectural style. Can be seen from afar due to its all-white color from the outside, Sacré-Cœur Basilica which was built in 1919, has also a crypt and a dome that provides a full panoramic view of the city.

Galeries Lafayette is not only a department store in Paris, it is a symbol of luxury, fashion, and style for more than 120 years. With outstanding design, a spectacular colorful dome, and prestigious brands and products, Galeries Lafayette is a fantastic shopping experience.

Located on the 4th arrondissement near the Marais, Centre Pompidou contains a library and the extremely successful National Museum of Modern Art (Musée National d'Art Moderne). The inside-out design of the complex is considered controversial but also gains plenty of fans and praise. The attached square, Place Georges Pompidou, is beloved by many and has become a gathering place for Parisians who enjoy music and art performances.

Sainte-Chapelle is a fine example of a French medieval Gothic chapel. It was a royal chapel, part of Palais de la Cité which serves the kings of France until the 14th century. The small chapel has magnificent architecture and is world-famous for its stunning 13th-century stained glass windows. Those stained glass windows made Sainte-Chapelle a very popular place. Especially during the days when the sun is shining through and the church is lit by beautiful colors and leaves the visitors with an unforgettable experience.

A historical monument in Paris, Pont Neuf is the oldest stone bridge across the River Seine that still exists today. Originally invited by Henri IV, the bridge was constructed, with some serious pauses, from 1578 to 1607. Magnificent during the day but even more at night, when the bridge arches are lighted up, Pont Neuf is another world-famous icon of Paris that you should not miss.

End your day at Le Fumoir, a restaurant-bar with a fantastic location, minutes from Pont Neuf and steps from the Louvre. The place offers a gastronomical celebration of flavors and dedicates to healthy food with Scandinavian influences. Seafood is also served, and vegetarians will find respectable appetizing and mouthwatering options to order. The bar is lovely with delightful cocktails and courteous staff who will be happy to assist you to find the right drink for you.

Go to Gare des Invalides Metro and RER station (or the nearest RER C station around your hotel). Make sure you arrive 15-20 minutes before departure so you will have enough time to buy tickets and find the platform. Take RER C (VICK or VITY trains) toward Versailles and get off at Versailles Château - Rive Gauche train station, it will take you about 40 minutes to get there.

Versailles Château - Rive Gauche is the Palace of Versailles nearest train station. It takes about 10 minutes of walking to arrive at the Palace and gardens of Versailles. It is very easy to navigate your way to the Château since the way is paved with directions and the locals are also very friendly and helpful.

Leave the station and go to Avenue du Général de Gaulle, then turn left to Avenue de Sceaux. Then again turn right at the Avenue and continue until you will arrive at Avenue Rockefeller. At Avenue Rockefeller, you will need to turn left when you'll see Avenue de Paris. Turn left at Avenue de Paris and continue at Rue de l'Indépendance Américaine until you'll see the Palace entrance.

World Heritage and symbol to hedonism, power, and royals fall, Château de Versailles and the surrounding gardens are a true wonder of beauty. The place played an important part in France's history and was home to royals for more than 100 years until the French Revolution start. This is the place where Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, lived before they were forced to leave and later were executed by guillotine in 1793.

The Palace of Versailles is a remarkable place, which tells an important piece of France's history. An exquisite, elegant and engaging, the Palace of Versailles is evidence of the French aesthetic, love of beauty, and nature. It is also a perfect ending to your trip in the captivating and irresistible City of Lights.

The marvelous Palace of Versailles contains 2,300 rooms. Among them, you can find the splendor Hall of Mirrors, maybe the most iconic place in the Palace. The spectacular 73 meters golden hall was built to celebrate France's prosperity and success and exhibit remarkable design, aesthetics, and arts. The grandiose golden hall which is full of mirrors and chandeliers was the royal's favorite for ceremonies and political events.

Other famous must-sees at the Palace are:
The King's Apartment, seven stately rooms which the king holds for official duties.
The Royal Chapel, with the exceptionally beautiful ceiling.
The King’s Private Apartments, lavish private rooms used by Louis XIV, Louis XV, and later by Louis XVI.
The Queen’s Apartments, which were is used by Maria Theresa, Louis XIV’s wife, and later Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI's wife.
Marie-Antoinette's Private Chambers, appealing and elegant rooms for the Queen's private use.
Madame de Pompadour's Apartments, four private rooms of Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV's famous mistress.
The Empire Rooms, created by king Louis-Philippe to gain the support of Bonapartists and therefore dedicated rooms to the Empire and the memory of Napoleon.
The Gallery of Great Battles, the biggest room in the Palace. 120 meters long gallery that is covered with more than 30 large paintings displaying France's most glorious military operations.

The palace's gardens are absolutely stunning and rightfully gained their world fame. You can spend the entire day there, and it will still be hard to leave those delightful gardens. The gardens are full of impressive green lawns, trees, beautiful flowers, imposing statues, and incredible musical fountains. The royal gardens of Versailles are one of France's most beloved monuments and a memory for a lifetime, for every traveler.

The Park of Versailles is monumental, spectacular, and enchanting. It is a direct continuation of the palace's amazing gardens. The large and wide park includes the Grand Canal and the Lake of the Swiss Guards and extends over 800 hectares, approximately. The view of the 1,670 meters long Grand Canal is incredible and amplifies the beauty of the Royal Palace. The Grand Canal was a complex engineering project and was designed by the famous landscape architect and king's Louis XIV head gardener, André Le Nôtre. The work on the Canal starts in 1668 and ends after 11 years, in 1679 and the outcome is grandiose and majestic. The Lake of the Swiss Guards is smaller, yet splendid. It took about 9 years, from 1679 until 1686 until the Lake receive its final shape. Surrounded by vegetation and green lawns, the Lake is fetching and another lovely spot at the fabulous Palace of Versailles.

The wonderful Grand Trianon was constructed in 1687 and is very unique. It has a bold design and Italian-inspired architecture, it is covered with pink marble, has a black and white floor at the peristyle, and delightful gardens. Designed by the Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the palatial Grand Trianon was a place of escape for Louis XIV from the crowded Palace. It was also in use by Louis XV's wife, Marie Leszczyńska, during the summers. Another important residence of the Grand Trianon was Napoleon, who stayed there when he could. The interior is as well imposing, with fully furnished state apartments, private chambers, and the Cotelle Gallery which has 24 paintings, most of them by Jean Cotelle.

Marie-Antoinette's Estate consists of the Petit Trianon, the English Gardens, and the Queen's hamlet. The Petit Trianon was originally ordered by King Louis XV in 1758. It took more than 10 years to build the winsome new palace that was ready for use in 1768. Following the death of Louis XV in 1774, and the beginning of Louis XVI's regime, the Petit Trianon was given to Queen Marie-Antoinette by her king-husband, and it became her favorite residence. The Queen closely supervised the design of the exceptional nearby English Gardens and the creation of the splendid Queen's hamlet who was established on a bank of a lake. While damaged during the French Revolution, it was Napoleon who wish and succeed to restore the palace and its gardens to the original design during Marie-Antoinette's days.

Today, dedicated to her memory of one of the most known royals in French history, Marie-Antoinette's Estate is the last stop in an entrancing 5-days journey in breathtaking Paris. A majestic ending of an unforgettable trip in the City of Lights and love, a place where everyone should visit, at least once in their lifetime.