If you have already read Part 1 of this article you would already know that there is a lot to be seen in Paris during the Olympics!
Let us continue exploring more places to visit!
Table of Contents
Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe
One of the most famous avenues in the world, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées stretches over 1.88 Km long (1.17 miles) from Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle where the iconic Arc de Triomphe is located!
In 1836, the Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated by the French king Louis-Philippe to commemorate the armies of the Revolution and the Empire who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. You can see on the inner and outer surfaces of the Arc de Triomphe the names of the 128 battles of the first French Republic and Napoleon’s Empire and the names of the generals who participated in them.
Moreover, in 1921, an unknown soldier from World War I was buried at the base of the Arc de Triomphe and until today the flame of remembrance is lit everyday at 18:30!
An experience not to miss in Paris is to go up the Arc de Triomphe. The view is simply amazing! You can see the Eiffel Tower, la Défense, and the twelve radiating avenues from Place Charles de Gaulle! In fact, Place Charles de Gaulle was formerly named Place de l’Étoile, Etoile meaning “Star” because from above, it looks like a star!
Les Invalides
The Hôtel National des Invalides is a must-see in Paris if you love history. Nowadays, it houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte in the Eglise du Dôme, the Musée de l’Armée, Musée des Plans-Reliefs, the Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération and the Eglise Saint-Louis des Invalides.
The Invalides’ original function was to receive badly injured and disabled war veterans. It was also the church of the royal mass during the reign of Louis XIV and a shelter for Allied pilots in World War II. In the Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum), you can discover drawings, weapons, painting, uniforms and objects dating back to Prehistory!
Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Garden
Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris, you will recognize it by its famous 3,300 years old Egyptian Luxor Obelisk at the end of the Champs-Elysées. The square is surrounded by prestigious hotels and two monumental fountains: Fontaine des Fleuves and Fontaine des Mers.
You can also reach the square at the end of the Tuileries Gardens. We really enjoy passing via this square and staring at this historical monument.
Jardin des Tuileries, or Tuileries Garden, connects the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. As in the Luxembourg Garden, it is a perfect place to relax or just to take a stroll and enjoy the different aspects of Paris! You will likely pass through the Garden after visiting the Louvre. Then, continue walking to reach Place de la Concorde!
Tuileries Garden is the first public garden of Paris! It opened in 1667 after the French Revolution. The Garden and the palace were initially commissioned by Catherine de Médicis in 1564. Before the palace and the Garden, there were tile factories on the site, which gave the name Tuileries.
Saint Michel Neighborhood, Notre dame de Paris and Quartier latin
We had the chance to visit Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral before the fire incident in 2019. Nowaday, the cathedral remains closed to the public and it is expected to reopen in 2024. However, you can still see the cathedral from the outside and admire its remarkable medieval architecture.
Next to the cathedral, enjoy exploring the neighborhood of Saint Michel and its historic Quartier Latin district along the Seine River. This neighborhood is one of the liveliest in Paris with lots of street food shops, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Along the Seine river, you can have a beautiful walk or have a small picnic while watching the Bateaux Mouches passing by. In some places you can even find wood benches and tables; a perfect place to have a break! However, keep in mind that sometimes it gets crowded in the afternoon and at night.
The “Bateaux Mouches” are cruises on the Seine River. There are different options and pricing for the cruises. Some of them offer lunch or a romantic dinner on board. The basic cruise (with no food nor drinks) costs around 14 euros. It is a great and fun way to discover Paris and get to know it better if you visit the city the first time and you have enough time.
Galeries Lafayette
Located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, Galeries Lafayette are a symbol of French luxury shopping. The department stores offer a variety of the most luxurious brands for clothing, accessories and cosmetics such as Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Prada, and more! Galeries Lafayette operate in different regions in France as well in other countries. However, the department store in the 9th arrondissement of Paris has a stunning interior design! During Christmas, the Christmas Tree of Galeries Lafayette is one of the best in Paris.
And the most exciting part is that Galeries Lafayette has a big rooftop terrace with a wonderful view on Paris and it is completely free for all visitors!
Châtelet Neighborhood
Châtelet is one of the liveliest parts of Paris. Shops, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, night clubs, malls, historical buildings, you will find everything there! It is a great place to do some shopping, you can find international and local brands. It is also one of the best places to go to enjoy the Parisian nightlife!
Here is what to visit while in Châtelet:
– Saint-Eustache Church: Built in 1532, the church was restored in 1840 that’s why you will notice different styles! The façade is Gothic, while the interior is in the Renaissance and classical styles.
– The Hôtel de Ville of Paris, the seat of the Paris City Council since 1357. However, visits are only allowed on reservation with guided tours organized by the city’s Protocol Department.
– While walking in Châtelet, you will undoubtedly notice a Gothic style tower standing alone in the middle, it is Tour Saint-Jacques! Built between 1509 and 1523 it is what remains of the medieval church called Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie which was destroyed in 1797! You can buy a ticket to go up the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of Paris!
If you have more time in Paris, check out our travel guide on How to spend a day in Montmartre Paris, an amazing neighborhood of Paris full of art, historic monuments, restaurants, cafés, bars, nightclubs and more!