With magic always in the air, Paris is completely enchanting at every turn. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or the sun’s still shining at 9:00 pm in summer, it’s easy to fall in love with the capital of France. In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea.”

Pastries sit in the display case of a pastry shop at the Rue Cler Market.

Rue Cler Market

Wondering where to find that perfectly Parisian street market? Look no further than Rue Cler. The cobblestone street is lined with tables for two outside quintessential cafés, boulangeries, patisseries, chocolate shops, cheese shops, delicatessens, butchers, flower shops, jewelry boutiques and more charm than you can imagine. Stroll for hours, sit and watch the world go by, and take a taste of every delicious morsel the market has to offer. You’ll lose track of time on Rue Cler.

The vaulted roof over Galerie Vivienne.

Galerie Vivienne

This is the kind of hidden gem that some locals don’t even know about. One of the 2nd arrondissement’s best-kept secrets is Galerie Vivienne. Walk this covered Parisian passage and marvel over the antique mosaic floors built in 1823. Notice the timeless elegance of the vaulted glass roof and countless cream-colored arches along the arcade. Pop into the luxury boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafés, bustling bistros or even the lovely library along your charming stroll through this designated historical monument.

A view of the Arc de Triomphe from Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Champs-Élysées

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is luxury personified. Think of it as a far more elegant and illustrious version of Times Square in NYC. Tourists flock here for a glimpse of the iconic Arc de Triomphe, dining al fresco, and perhaps a stroll through Cartier or Louis Vuitton. Theaters, shops, and cafés line the famous avenue in the 8th arrondissement. It’s also the location of the annual Bastille Day military parade and where the Tour de France ends.

The illuminated Eiffel Tower.

Paris: Eiffel Tower

La crème de la crème – the trademark of Paris since 1889 stands over 1,000 feet tall welcoming more than 7 million visitors up to its observation decks each year. Restaurants on the first and second tiers make dining and daydreaming magical by day and night. You’ll never forget the first time you see the incredible monument you’ve envisioned your whole life. Its iron lattice design illuminates beautifully in the evening, dazzling first-timers and old-timers alike. Be sure to take in la Tour Eiffel in daylight as well. We recommend picking up some pastries or a bit of charcuterie and making a picnic beneath the picturesque tower for an afternoon you’ll remember fondly, forever.

The view of Paris from Montparnasse Tower.

View From Montparnasse Tower

From the top of the Eiffel Tower you’ll see France as far as the eye can see, which is lovely, but for staggering views of the Eiffel Tower and all of Paris – you’ll want to ascend to the observation deck of the Montparnasse Tower. There’s no better place for a perfect panoramic picture of the sprawling city beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower. Atop one of France’s tallest skyscrapers, you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking 360º cityscape.

 Sacré-Cœur sits on a hill surrounded by visitors.

Sacré-Cœur

Between metro stations Anvers and Blanche, you’ll find the eclectic and colorful neighborhood, Montmartre. More magnificent views can be seen atop the highest point in Paris – a trademark 19th-century basilica built in the heart of the 18th arrondissement called Sacré-Cœur. Ride the funicular up to the beautiful dome-topped structure and soak up some local culture on the ever-popular steps that climb to the basilica. While you’re in the 18th, you should also visit The Espace Dalí – an exceptional exhibit of Salvador Dali’s surreal artwork.

Tourists walk around the courtyard of the Louvre.

The Louvre

The Louvre is one of those places you just have to visit on your Parisian expedition. And when you go, you simply must see the Mona Lisa. Don’t let the massive crowd drive you away. You’ll get your turn to be up close and personal with the most mysterious lady in all of France. However, she’s hardly all there is to see in the world’s largest art museum. Located on the Right Bank of the River Seine, the former royal palace is a destination that can’t be missed. It’s a particularly spectacular sight to see at night. (As is all of the city of lights, of course.)

A tree-lined path at the Palais-Royal.

Palais-Royal

Even more, magnificence can be found in the 1st arrondissement. The former royal palace of Paris, Palais-Royal is a picture-perfect place to stroll through the gorgeous gardens or sit by a fountain with a fresh baguette. Ideally located on your walk back from the Louvre, you’ll find the main courtyard to be a delightfully serene oasis filled with local artists, musicians, and tourists alike.

The sun shines over visitors at Luxembourg Palace.

Luxembourg Gardens

Regal architecture and lush gardens meet in the Latin Quarter to form Le Jardin du Luxembourg – one of the 6th arrondissement’s prettiest places filled with fountains, ponds, and greenhouses. Today, the French Senate meets in the Luxembourg Palace, originally built in 1615, but you don’t have to be royalty or involved in politics to roam the 60 acres of land that was once home to kings and queens. Parisians and tourists enjoy picnics, tennis, chess, horseback riding and so much more on these gorgeous grounds.

An interesting point-of-view to the Victor Hugo Mansion.

Victor Hugo Mansion

Victor Hugo’s magnificent mansion is another architectural wonder that is not to be missed. If you’re passionate about poetry, photography, or literature from before your time – you’ll be enthralled in the beauty and novelty of the famous writer’s home turned museum. Did you know that he wrote “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables”?

An overcast day at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

This medieval monument is another iconically Parisian site you’ve seen dozens of times in photos and films. Take a stroll through it or appreciate it’s beauty from a double-decker tour bus like we did. Located in the lovely fourth arrondissement this massive structure was built between the 12th and 14th centuries in traditional French gothic fashion. It’s intricate arches, and stained glass windows give character to every nook and cranny of this masterpiece from the Middle Ages.

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