The must sees and best time to visit Paris

A trip to Paris is a bucket list vacation for nearly any world traveler. The City of Love never disappoints. With so many stunning pieces of architecture, world-class museums, and historical sites, it is hard not to get lost in the magic of this city. Featuring so many things to see and do, you need to arrive in Paris with a game plan. Here are just a few of the sites that should do the trick:

The Eiffel Tower

As the world's most recognized landmark, a trip to the Eiffel Tower makes a great first stop on your Paris adventure. Built in 1889 to commemorate the French Revolution's centennial year, this landmark is the defining feature of the Paris landscape. You can take in the splendor of the Iron Lady with a quintessential Parisian picnic of baguettes and cheese on the grounds of the Champs de Mars or by taking a ride up to the top to gaze out over the city.

The Louvre Museum

This former palace is an architectural wonder in itself. But, it is what is inside that continues to draw the crowds. Start your tour by checking out the famous works such as the Venus de Milo statue, the Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture, and the massive Coronation of Napoleon painting. And, of course, no visit to Paris is complete without sneaking a peek at the famous Mona Lisa painting. Be sure to take note that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

The Musée d'Orsay

While many people look down on this museum as the Louvre's little brother, this could not be further from the truth. Located on the Left Bank of Paris, this gem is where you want to be able to see an amazing collection of Impressionism art. At the Musée d'Orsay, you will find an impressive list of works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gough, and more.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Although the devastating fire in April of 2019 has limited viewing of this magnificent cathedral, you can still view its grandeur from the street. It would be a shame to visit Paris without taking in the incredible facade of this remarkable church.

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica

This stunning church rises proudly over Paris from its perch on a hill over Montmartre. The church is distinguished by its white dome and unique Romano-Byzantine architectural style. Inside the church, you will find stained glass windows, gold leaf mosaics, and more. The panoramic views of the city offered by the expansive terrace are worth the visit alone. A visit to Sacré-Coeur pairs wonderfully with a trip to the historic Montmartre district of Paris.

Cruise the Seine

The perfect way to end your trip to this romantic destination is with a boat cruise along the Seine River. The many bridges and islands that dot the landscape of the Seine are best seen from the water. You will understand why so many people fall in love with Paris when you experience the city from its beloved river.

The Arc de Triomphe

Standing boldly at the start of the Champs Elysees Avenue, this monument is a national icon for the entire country of France. The structure was finished in 1836 and was built to commemorate the victories of the Imperial and Revolutionary armies. A visit to the top of the Arc de Triomphe is one of the best ways to see the city of Paris from up high. The benefit of this over the Eiffel Tower is that you can view the Tower from the top of the Arc.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Now that you have a better idea of your itinerary goals, it is time to decide when to visit this lovely city. If you are looking to take advantage of the best weather, you would be wise to consider travel in April through June and late September through early November. During these months, you will enjoy moderate temperatures while also avoiding the high crowds of summer. While you will save the most money traveling during January and February, you also run a higher risk of experiencing inclement winter weather that could put a damper on your touring plans. Be sure to check the forecast in advance of your trip so that you can pack and plan accordingly.

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