Things not-to-miss on your Parisian vacation!

Trips to Paris create some of the most memorable moments in peoples’ lives, whether it’s a family holiday or a romantic couple’s get-away, this icon of European culture never disappoints. But with so much to see and do in the City of Light, it can be tempting to overwhelm your schedule, and leave little time for the casual strolls that are famous for unveiling the city’s hidden gems.

So here is a list of sights that will help organize your trip and leave you with plenty of time to lose yourself in the beauty and history of Paris.

1. The Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées

The Arc de Triomphe was built in a neoclassic style in the early 19^th century to commemorate those who died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

The arch is in a wonderful part of the city, as it sits at the center of Place de L’Étoile, where twelve grand boulevards branch, including the picturesque Champs-Élysées, famous for its cafés, theatres, and luxury shops, and the military parade its hosts on Bastille Day. A perfect starting point to explore the city.

2. The Eiffel Tower

Visible from the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower may be a Paris cliché, but it is so for a reason. The intricate iron lattice tower, which was originally built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Be sure to buy tickets in advance, as the queues can be extensive.

3. The Louvre Palace

A former royal palace located on the bank of the Seine, the Louvre dates back to the medieval period, and was the monarch’s seat of power until Louis XIV moved to Versailles in 1682.

Now considered one of the world’s finest art museums, the Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and a plethora of other masterpieces. For a drink and bite to eat, head to the nearby Le Fumoir, a great place to relax after a long museum tour.

4. The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris

In the fourth arrondissement, on the Île de la Cité, sits Notre Dame, one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture, whose reliquary is purported to house some of Christianity’s most cherished relics, including: the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails.

5. The Jardin du Luxembourg

Parisians love their manicured and decadent parks, and the Luxembourg Palace andGardens is filled with tree-lined promenades, beautifully arranged flowerbeds, and The Medici Fountain. The palace and gardens were created in 1612 by Catherine de’ Medici, following the death of her husband, King Henry the IV of France.

No matter where you wander to in Paris, you’re bound to be charmed by its beauty, so be sure to keep your eyes open, and have your camera ready.