Top 10 Sightseeing in Paris
Paris at a Glance: A Journey Through Its Most Iconic Landmarks
Paris is a city where every corner seems to tell a story, blending centuries of history with timeless elegance. For first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike, certain landmarks stand as essential stops on any Parisian itinerary. Before diving deeper into each, let’s take a quick journey through some of the city’s most celebrated sights — with a note on how they fit into a visit with children.
1. The Eiffel Tower
Rising gracefully above the skyline, the Tour Eiffel remains Paris’s ultimate symbol. Whether admired from afar or experienced up close, it captures the spirit of the city with every shimmering light. Children often delight in spotting it from different points in the city, though climbing the tower may involve long waits. Strollers are not permitted on the upper levels, so parents may need to carry little ones. Click here for more details.
2. The Louvre Museum
Home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, where every gallery reveals layers of human creativity and cultural heritage. Its striking glass pyramid is especially fun for children to see. While young kids may tire quickly inside, the museum is stroller-friendly and has family rest areas, making it manageable for short visits. Click here for more details.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Though scarred by fire, this Gothic treasure on the Île de la Cité still enchants with its soaring towers, stained glass, and enduring presence at the heart of Paris. The square outside is open and stroller-accessible, though entry inside is currently limited due to restoration. When open, the towers require many stairs, which are not suitable for young children. Click here for more details.
4. Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Montmartre
Perched atop Montmartre, the white domes of Sacré-Cœur overlook a lively district once beloved by artists. The panoramic view is breathtaking, but reaching it can mean climbing many steps. For families, the funicular offers an easier, stroller-friendly way to the top, and children often enjoy the street performers around the basilica. Click here for more details.
5. Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
This grand avenue, lined with shops and cafés, leads to the imposing Arc de Triomphe, a monument to French victories. Families can stroll the avenue with ease, though reaching the Arc requires using an underground passage, as crossing the traffic circle is unsafe. The climb inside involves many stairs, so it is not recommended for small children or strollers. Click here for more details.
6. Musée d’Orsay
Set within a former railway station, this museum is a treasure trove of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The vast spaces and dramatic clock windows may capture children’s curiosity. It is stroller-friendly, but like the Louvre, the art collection is more suitable for older children and teens who can appreciate the galleries without becoming restless. Click here for more details.
7. Luxembourg Gardens
A peaceful escape in the heart of the Left Bank, these gardens invite locals and visitors alike to stroll, picnic, and play. This is one of the most family-friendly spots in Paris, with a playground, puppet shows, pony rides, and plenty of open space for children to run freely. It’s an ideal stop for babysitters and families alike. Click here for more details.
8. The Panthéon
Modeled after ancient temples, the Panthéon honors France’s great thinkers, scientists, and writers. While culturally significant, its solemn atmosphere and crypt may not appeal to small children. Families with older children may enjoy the dome climb, though strollers are not permitted inside. Click here for more details.
9. Opéra Garnier
A masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, the Opéra Garnier dazzles with marble staircases and golden balconies. Its fairy-tale atmosphere can enchant children, especially those who enjoy stories like The Phantom of the Opera. However, strollers are restricted in performance areas, and guided tours may be more suitable than attending a show with little ones. Click here for more details.
10. Place de la Concorde
At the end of the Champs-Élysées, this vast square is steeped in history and crowned with an Egyptian obelisk. While there are no restrictions for families, the heavy traffic surrounding the square makes close supervision essential. It is best enjoyed as a passing stop rather than a long stay with young children. Click here for more details.
A Mosaic of Paris
Together, these landmarks form a mosaic of Paris: majestic, romantic, historic, and ever-inspiring. Some invite children to play and explore, while others are best appreciated by older visitors, yet each holds a unique place in the city’s cultural history. This overview is just the beginning — in the next series of articles, we’ll linger at each site, uncovering their history, beauty, and practical details for families traveling with little ones
