The Big Icons Everyone Should See in Paris

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Introduction

Paris has been my home, my photography playground, and my constant source of inspiration for years. Over the years, wandering its cobbled streets and grand boulevards, I’ve stumbled upon some of the world’s most iconic spots — and plenty of hidden treasures. So, I decided to share them with you in a new blog series: “Exploring Paris — From Icons to Hidden Gems”. Each post will guide you through a different side of the city, from famous landmarks to places even some Parisians have never visited.

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how rich Paris is in culture: the city boasts over 130 museums, three UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a history that stretches back more than 2,000 years. Whether you’re here for art, history, or just the magic of its streets, there’s a corner of Paris for you. So let's get started with my first 7 recommendations.

1. Musée du Louvre

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Stepping into the Louvre is like stepping into centuries of history. Once a royal palace, it became a museum in 1793 and now houses over 35,000 artworks, from ancient civilizations to Renaissance masterpieces. The Mona Lisa may draw the biggest crowds, but the real magic is in wandering its quieter wings, where Egyptian sculptures and Italian frescoes seem to whisper stories from the past.

The glass pyramid in the courtyard, designed by I.M. Pei, is a modern Parisian icon in itself. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a first-time visitor, the Louvre offers a journey through human creativity like no other.
After your visit, stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries next door or enjoy a decadent hot chocolate at Angelina’s — a tradition for many locals.

Book your Louvre tickets here.

📍Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

2. Musée d'Orsay

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Housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station, the Musée d’Orsay is a masterpiece before you even step inside. Its soaring glass roof floods the galleries with natural light, perfectly illuminating works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas. The collection focuses on the 19th and early 20th centuries, making it a dream for lovers of Impressionism and Art Nouveau.

One of the museum’s highlights is the giant clock window on the top floor, which frames the Seine and Sacré-Cœur in the distance — a perfect photo spot. After exploring, take a riverside walk or cross the footbridge to the Tuileries Gardens.

Plan your visit to the Musée d’Orsay here.

📍1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris

3. Arc de Triomphe

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Rising proudly at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe honors France’s soldiers and stands as a symbol of national pride. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, it’s a monument to victory and resilience, with intricate sculptures and inscriptions that tell the story of French battles.

Climbing to the top is worth every step — from here, the city radiates out in twelve grand avenues, with the Champs-Élysées leading straight toward the Louvre. Visit at sunset to watch Paris light up beneath you. Afterward, you can explore the boutiques, cafés, and theaters that line the avenue.

Reserve your Arc de Triomphe ticket here.

📍Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

4. Panthéon

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In the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon’s grand neoclassical dome rises above narrow medieval streets. Originally built as a church, it now serves as the resting place of France’s most influential figures — Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie among them.

Inside, the vast nave is lined with murals and sculptures, and you’ll find Foucault’s Pendulum swinging gently, a silent experiment that proved Earth’s rotation. Once your visit ends, linger in the Latin Quarter’s bookshops and cafés — they’ve inspired writers and thinkers for centuries.

Book your Panthéon entry here here.

📍Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris

5. Palais Garnier

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Few places capture Parisian opulence like the Palais Garnier. Built in the late 19th century, this opera house is an architectural jewel with marble staircases, gilded balconies, and Marc Chagall’s colorful ceiling painting. Even if you’re not attending a performance, a guided visit reveals the building’s lavish history and the legends that surround it — including The Phantom of the Opera.

The surrounding neighborhood offers plenty to enjoy too: elegant cafés, boutiques, and the famous Galeries Lafayette department store.

Secure your Palais Garnier visit here here.

📍Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

6. Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (Montmartre)

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Perched high on the Butte Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica gleams white against the Paris sky. Built in the early 20th century, it’s dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and offers one of the city’s most breathtaking views from its steps.

Montmartre itself feels like a village within the city, with winding streets, tiny cafés, and the artists’ square, Place du Tertre. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, watch the painters at work, and soak in the creative spirit of Paris.

Discover the Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre here.

📍35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris

7. Château de Versailles

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A short trip from Paris transports you into the world of French royalty. The Château de Versailles, expanded by Louis XIV, is the epitome of opulence — from the shimmering Hall of Mirrors to the Queen’s private hamlet. The sprawling gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, with fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined avenues.

Spend the day wandering the palace and grounds, then rent a bike or rowboat to explore even further. Versailles is a world unto itself — and a must for anyone fascinated by history, art, or simply beauty on a grand scale.

Plan your Versailles day trip here.

📍Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles (outside Paris)

Conclusion

These are the Paris icons — the landmarks that shape the city’s skyline and history. They’re the perfect starting point for first-time visitors, but even after years here, I still find new details to admire each time I go.

Also note that all of these are free to visit if you're under 26 years old and a resident of the EU! 

In the next post of this series, we’ll dive into Paris’s art scene beyond the big names — from Impressionist gems to contemporary collections. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, you might find your new favorite museum in places you’ve never heard of before.

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