Ask anyone what Paris is known for you and you’ll likely get loads of different answers based on different people’s experiences and interest. As the most famous city in the world, Paris is known for a lot of things. And, as the founder of En Route to Rêverie I have helped hundreds of people plan a trip to Paris via Rêverie in Paris.
Paris is dynamic, romantic and full of culture and fashion. It’s a city you can’t see it all in one trip but no matter what you are interested in doing, you can find plenty you’re interested in
What Is Paris Known For?
Monuments
Eiffel Tower
Arguably one of the most famous monuments in the whole world, the Eiffel Tower can be seen from all over Paris. Seeing it sparkle at night is a must and be sure you reference the The Best Views of The Eiffel Tower In Paris for some great photo opps with La Tour Eiffel.
Arc de Triomphe
One of the most significant monuments in all of France, the Arc de Triomphe symbolizes French patriotism. It serves as a reminder of their military victories and those who fought and died for France.
Underneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can climb or take an elevator to the top of this beloved monument that has 360 degree views over the city.
Churches
Two of the world’s most famous churches are in Paris that you will no doubt recognize.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is the most famous church in France and a symbol across the country. It has been closed since 2019 following a devastating fire and the government hopes to have it reopened before the end of 2024.
The church houses numerous significant religious and historical artifacts including the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
Sacré Coeur
The world famous Basilica of the Sacred Heart church sits atop Montmartre above Paris.
Museums
Paris is home to over two hundred museums if you can believe it! My travel atelier En Route to Rêverie can help you decide which museums are best for you to visit when in Paris. We can also get you private tours or even behind the scenes and after access tours as clients.
Louvre Museum
No doubt the Louvre Museum is the most famous art museum in the world. It is home to tens of thousands of works and you could spend days in it and still not see everything. Of course most people feel they have to see the Mona Lisa but there is also plenty else to see and ways to best enjoy this crowded museum such as a private tour.
When you book with En Route to Rêverie you can take advantage of our amazing accredited Louvre tour guides.
Musée d’Orsay
The second most trafficked museum in Paris is the Musée d’Orsay which is housed in a former train station.
History
Whether you’ve studied French or not you likely are familiar with parts of French history such as the effects of World War I and World War II, the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King.
Or consider historical cultural elements the city has such as Moulin Rouge or the jazz clubs that still have music pumping through their windows on certain evenings throughout the city.
Les Bouquinistes de la Seine
One of the most beloved historical facets of Paris are the booksellers along the Seine River known as Les Bouquinistes. They make for a delightful way to support small business owners and search for souvenirs.
Cafés
One of the best things to do when in Paris is to spend time on the terraces of cafés. You likely have heard of famed Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots because they are intrinsically linked with the history of Paris. But there are hundreds of other cafés you can also enjoy.
Be sure you are familiar with Paris Café Etiquette before you head to enjoy one. And don’t miss having Petit Dejéuner at a Parisian café. You’ll feel just like a Paris local no doubt.
Shopping
No trip to the City of Light is complete without shopping. There are so many stores to spend your time and money in. From the Grand Magasins like Galeries Lafayette, to the best in designer shopping like Celine and Dior to small boutiques where you can support small creators and small businesses.
Our En Route to Rêverie Atelier is connected to the best French houses including Dior, Chanel, Celine, Van Clef & Arpels and Louis Vuitton and we are able to assist with appointments and private shopping at their best boutiques while you’re in Paris.
Related: The Best Designer Bags to Buy in Paris
Le Bon Marché
One of the best department stores in Paris this high end grand magasin has a beautiful edit and also a variety of conceptual pop ups that happen in the beautiful art nouveau building.
Chanel
Chanel made a name for itself on Rue Cambon and you’ll find the original boutique on the store still to this day. But there are of course a variety of Chanel boutiques around the city – each with different inventory.
If you’re hopeful for an appointment so you can avoid the long lines this store always boasts, we can help you as an En Route to Rêverie Rêverie in Paris client.
Samaritane
Owned by LVMH and housed in a beautifully restored building, Samaritaine has the biggest beauty floor in Paris and loads of amazing brands curated for men and women.
My En Route to Rêverie Rêverie in Paris clients are also treated to private shopping in a private apartment on-site for no fee and with no minimum spend. I’ve done this special experience several times and it is absolutely amazing!
Louis Vuitton
The Louis Vuitton on the famed Champs Elysées is one of the most famous stores in the world, on one of the most famous shopping streets in the world.
If you’re hopeful for an appointment so you can avoid the long lines this store always boasts, we can help you as an En Route to Rêverie Rêverie in Paris client. We can open the store early, help with personalization on items and set up a private shopping appointment off the main shopping floor.
If you’d like even more stores not to miss you can sign up for the En Route to Rêverie Newsletter. And I share all my favorite places to buy souvenirs in Paris with my En Route to Rêverie Rêverie in Paris clients.
Cuisine
Paris is my favorite place in the world to eat. The city is full of restaurants from bistros to brasseries, to Michelin starred restaurants and small, intimate restaurants.
We curate dining recommendations for each En Route to Rêverie Rêverie in Paris client based on where they are staying, their budget and their preferred dining tastes.
It is one of my favorite things to do when helping people plan trips to Paris because I love, love, love eating in Paris.
Architecture
The architecture in Paris is iconic. From its gray tin rooftops. Paris being spread across the Seine River means it is a city of bridges.
Pont Alexandre III
My favorite of the grand bridges.
Pont Neuf
My favorite of the small bridges and one that offers beautiful views and photo opps across the Seine and with the Eiffel Tower in the back as well.
Place de la Concorde
Located in the 8th arrondissement in very central Paris, the Place de la Concorde is one of the biggest squares in Paris and home to a famous obelisk and two stunning fountains.
Luxury Hotels
Some of my favorite architecture in Paris is at the historical buildings protected by the State of France and turned into hotels such as The Ritz Paris. Paris is famous for its Palace Hotels of which there are 12. Their architecture must be held to certain standards that align with historical standards and I love that this keeps so much of Paris intact.
I’ve stayed at many of the best hotels in Paris so am very familiar with the various properties. If you’d like help in finding the perfect hotel for your trip to Paris and should you also like to be treated to VIP amenities such as complimentary breakfast, late check out and food and beverage credits, contact our atelier to learn more and book with VIP amenities.
. . .
Paris is always a good idea as they say but if you’re curious about the best time to visit Paris you can read this guide about all the pros and cons about various seasons to visit Paris. And of course as you plan your trip, you can plot your Paris Bucket List.
If you want help deciding what to do based on your Paris preferences, budget and depending on who you are going with, when you are going and for how long you are going, my travel atelier En Route to Rêverie would love to help you plan your trip.
Are you planning to visit Paris? Book En Route to Rêverie with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to Paris the best one yet.
This is a great column. My one caveat is that much of what you claim for Paris could be said about your home city. NYC doesn’t have the history of Paris, London, or Rome, but it’s a pretty amazing city, and many would say, the most famous city in the world. Glued to the Olympics at the moment, though!
Paris is SO different from NYC however – in tradition, architecture, the preservation of the past, etc. But of course any major city offers art, culture, history, cuisine!