“Paris is a city of history, a city of the human heart and its dreams.” – Charles de Gaulle

Paris, the City of Light, is home to some of the world’s best and most beautiful architecture. With a rich history, the city is a dream destination to visit for people who enjoy landmarks with age-old stories. As the city gears up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, it presents an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore its historical landmarks. Here are a few unmissable historical places to visit in Paris: 

1. The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol representative of Paris, even France. Drama critic Alexander Woollcott once said,”The Eiffel Tower is the Empire State Building of Paris.” Built for the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in 1889, the tower stands at an impressive 324 metres of height. To avoid the crowd, the best time to visit is during the morning. In the evenings, the tower is beautifully lit and the view from the observation decks at the top is breathtaking. To enhance the experience, it is advisable to book tickets in advance to bypass long queues.

2. The Louvre Museum

Initially a royal palace, the Louvre Museum is now the largest museum in the world. The museum is famous for housing the greatest art of all times, including the Mona Lisa. The iconic structure has 400 rooms and over 30,000 pieces of incredible artworks. With some parts of it dating back to the 12th century, the palace’s art collections are truly vast spanning from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. During the Olympics, the museum will host the exhibition “L’Olympisme: a modern invention, an ancient heritage”. It highlights the key personalities who contributed to the rise of the modern Olympic Games. The exhibition will be on display until 16 September.

3. The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was the residence of the royal family of France from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789. The palace is renowned for its opulent architecture, particularly the Hall of Mirrors, and its expansive gardens. Following World War 1, the famous Treaty of Versailles was signed at this palace to end the war and set the terms of surrender for the losing side, including Germany. Currently, it also serves as a national historical building, where the French Parliament meets in congress. In order to have the whole experience, purchase a combined ticket to access the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate.

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4. The Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is another Gothic architectural masterpiece known for its stunning stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. It was commissioned by King Louis IX in the 13the century. It is located on the Île de la Cité. To best enjoy the chapel, visit during the morning when the stained-glass windows are illuminated by natural light.

5. The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at Austerlitz in 1805. It was built as a tribute to the brave French soldiers that fought and died in wars. It is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It is best to visit this monument at night and view the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

6. The Panthéon

The Panthéon is situated in the Latin Quarter of Paris. It was commissioned in 1744 by King Louis XV as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. The construction was completed in 1789, the beginning of the French Revolution. Modelled after the Pantheon in Rome, it is a masterpiece of neoclassical design. The crypt beneath the Panthéon is the final resting place for many renowned individuals, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie. The view of Paris from the dome is breathtaking and is typically available during the spring and summer months. 

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7. The Notre-Dame Cathedral

In the 14th century, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is another very popular destination to visit in Paris. It is a masterpiece of gothic architecture situated on Paris’s picturesque island, Île de la Cité. Following a disastrous fire in 2019, the restoration of the iconic monument is underway and is slated to end in December 2024. Unfortunately, all tours or visits to the Cathedral will be cancelled until then. This means that if you plan to visit the monument during the Olympics, you may be in for disappointment. Despite the fire, the cathedral remains a central symbol of French history and literature. 

Conclusion

Paris is a city where history resides in its architecture, museums, and streets. The city offers an unparalleled backdrop for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Each monument or landmark tells a unique story that has helped make the world it is today. As visitors and sportspersons from around the world convene in Paris for the monumental event, they will have the unique opportunity to explore the city of light in all its glory. 

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