By Luke Baum and Hayley Babbitt
Above: The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
There are two kinds of people: those who see Paris as it is and those who see it as it ought to be. Regardless if you are a realist, a romantic, or a little bit of both, Paris is a city that will inspire you to your core. Filled with art and culture from every millennium of human history, from the architecture to the historical figures, you will find something in Paris that will wash you in awe and wonder. You will hear music at every street corner and see painters along the river that runs through the city. Paris is a place that is overflowing with expression.
Follow us on our walking tour of Paris along the Seine River. We’ll take you West from the striking Notre Dame to the dazzling Eiffel Tower. As for your own eventual tour of Paris: explore, make memories, follow your heart, and Paris will guide you.
Contents of Tour:
Notre Dame
Above: Rebuilding the Cathedral of Notre Dame, taken from the southside of the Seine in Paris, France 2019. By Luke Baum
The Cathedral of Notre Dame is nestled on an island in the Seine River. Since construction began in 1163, Notre Dame has stood the test of time. Though neither of us have the experience of going inside the Cathedral due to the 2019 fire, even the facade of Notre Dame is impressive. Although it is still closed, the cathedral is set to reopen on December 8, 2024.
Above: A view of the side of Notre Dame in Paris, France on the night of October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
Beyond its architecture, Notre Dame has also housed religious artifacts throughout the years. The most infamous among them is Crown of Thorns: supposedly worn by Jesus Christ at his crucifixion. During the events of the 2019 fire that swept the cathedral, the Crown of Thorns was allegedly saved along with other relics.
Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore
Above: At the threshold of Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore in Paris, France 2019. By Luke Baum
If you’re interested in checking out an American-founded shop in the middle of Paris, look no further than Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore, found south of Notre Dame on the opposite side of the Seine. Here at this literary temple, you’ll find books of all sorts, including special editions of varying genres. Since its founding in 1951 by George Whitman, the bookstore has been family owned ever since, and it has only grown to be a charming staple along the paths of Paris. Be sure to ask about or research the history here, and say hi to the friendly kitty!
Above: Aggie the cat snoozing the day away at Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore in Paris France 2020. By Paige Baum
The Louvre
Above: Outside of The Louvre, Paris, France on October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
Northwest of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, you’ll find the Louvre shining along the Seine. The glass pyramid, a sight to behold in of itself, is only a crown jewel on the extensive collection of art housed in this museum. Since 1546, the Louvre has been a monument dedicated to housing art, and now it is among the most famous museums in the world.
Above: Up and out of the glass Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France 2019. By Luke Baum
It is said by locals that it would take four continuous days minimum to tour the museum and view the entire collection. Take your time, feel out your circumstances, and view to your heart’s content. There’s always something more to see, which makes the allure of the Louvre so compelling.
Above From Left to Right: Saint Michael Vanquishing Satan by Raphael. Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Captured at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France in 2019 by Luke Baum.
Above: Winged Victory of Samothrace. Captured at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France in 2019 by Luke Baum.
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Above: The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris, France on October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
Further along the Seine from The Louvre, and perfectly positioned for our walking tour, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel serves as a gateway to one of the city’s most iconic monuments: the Arc de Triomphe. Although similar in name, these two arcs are different in terms of size and significance. The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is sometimes called the “little brother” to the Arc de Triomphe, and, subjectively, is an underrated sight that oftentimes gets lost in the bustle of museums and tourists.
Understandably, due to the plethora of monuments, statues, fountains, and museums, many tourists may take one glance at this arc and merely think that it holds little significance compared to the “big brother”, Arc de Triomphe; but don’t be fooled. In the early 19th century, this smaller arc served as a gateway to the city. Constructed throughout 1806 and 1808, this smaller arc was commissioned by none other than the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte as a tribute to his armies. At the very least, this incredible piece of history deserves a quick stop, and comes with the perk of not having very many tourists taking photos, contrary to the usually crowded Arc de Triomphe.
Garden des Tuileries and Musee de l’Orangerie
Continuing west from the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel will take you into the Garden des Tuileries. The gardens and parks of Paris are a staple that sustain the natural beauty of the city, at home with the abundance of galleries, museums, civic buildings, and cafes. This garden was created to accompany the Tuileries Palace in 1564 and seamlessly connects the landmarks of Paris along the Seine. Notably, the Garden des Tuileries offers a striking view of the Obelisque de Louxor and the Arc de Triomphe’s “big brother” in the distance.
Above: Monet Waterlilies in the Musee de l'Orangerie in Paris, France 2019. By Luke Baum
One building in the garden, along with the Tuileries Palace, is l’Orangerie. Now an art museum, this building was originally commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte and constructed in 1852 to nurse orange trees during the winter. This greenhouse-like building was converted into an art museum and has housed the iconic Monet water lilies since 1922. These wall-stretching pieces of art can only truly be appreciated in person, as the camera fails to capture the true nature of these impressively spanning works.
Place de la Concorde
Above: Fontaine de Fleuves, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France on October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
Place de la Concorde is the biggest square in the entirety of Paris, measuring around 19 acres in total. This beautiful plaza, situated in the heart of Paris, is iconic for its several monuments, breathtaking views, and world-class museums that surround it. Aside from the stunning landmarks in the modern day square, the plaza didn't always have such a beautiful history. One of the most interesting and notorious historical events that took place in Place de la Concorde is the execution of Marie Antoinette on October 16, 1793.
Above: Obélisque de Louxor, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France on October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
Although the majority of landmarks that can be seen in and around Place de la Concorde are commemorative of French history, some landmarks are representative of other cultures. The most recognizable of these landmarks is the 3,300 year-old Obelisque de Louxor. Standing at 22.5 meters tall, one may wonder why this ancient Egyptian obelisk is in the center of one of the world’s most well known traffic circles. The answer to this is as simple as French and Egyptian relations being friendly, and the countries admiring each other's cultures. The Obelisque de Louxor is but one example of Paris’s ode and inviting nature of other cultures.
Le Petit Palais and Le Grand Palais
Above: A sideview of the Grand Palais in Paris, France 2019. By Luke Baum
Constructed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, Le Petit Palais and Le Grand Palais are the next two major monuments on our walking tour of Paris. Aside from being recognized as “architectural masterpieces”, art enthusiasts from all walks of life will be able to admire the diverse works inside these buildings. From sculptures to paintings to live dance performances and film screenings, there is something for everyone at Le Petit Palais and Le Grand Palais.
Above: The entrance of Le Petit Palais, Paris, France on October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
Throughout history, these buildings have quite a fascinating story. Despite being constructed for the World’s Fair, there have been several other uses for these buildings. Perhaps the most interesting use of the Grand Palais occurred in World War I, serving as a hospital. Although not nearly as old as many other buildings in the timeless city of Paris, these buildings have seen their fair share of history throughout various historical events in the city.
While Le Petit Palais always has free admission, Le Grand Palais charges a cover (depending on your age/certain statuses), yet occasionally has times that are free. Whether or not you decide to stop inside either of these buildings, the architecture itself is enough reason to at least stop outside to get a glimpse of these amazing structures.
Eiffel Tower
Above: The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on October 12, 2024. By Hayley Babbitt.
Finally, you arrive at the most iconic monument in the entirety of France: the Eiffel Tower. The grandness of the tower makes anyone feel small in the presence of its majesty. Constructed in 1889 to serve as the entrance to the World’s Fair, the 300 meter tower continues to mesmerize Parisians and tourists alike today. Designed by French civil engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s historical relevance is an ode to the then 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Above: The Eiffel Tower shining at dusk in Paris, France 2019. By Luke Baum
In the present day, the Eiffel Tower is covered in over 20,000 light bulbs that twinkle each hour, on the hour, which adds even more of a spectacular effect to the already breathtaking tower. The only time the tower fails to sparkle on the hour is when the lights of the tower shut off for the night, which is around 11:45pm (except during the summertime and French Holidays, in which they turn off at 12:45am).
Did you know that you can go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower? Visitors may enjoy taking an elevator or a hike up the staircase to the top! Be sure to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid waiting in a long line upon arrival.
Honorable Mentions
Paris is full of so much beauty to behold that it's challenging to narrow down all of the monuments, galleries, and gardens all into one walkable tour! This is why we took the liberty of adding a few more places to visit while touring this great city.
Montmartre
Above: Reaching the landmark at the peak of Montmartre in Paris, France 2019. By Luke Baum
You could choose to start your day early at Montmartre. The view of the city from the monument on the top of the hill is striking. To experience this view of the unique Parisian rooftops is something that doesn’t quite have the full effect until you see it in person. With the city laid out before you, it sets a tone, inviting you to embark on your next journey across Paris.
Trocadero
Just on the other side of the Seine from the Eiffel tower is the Trocadero; here you’ll find arguably the best view of one of Paris’ main attractions. Once you catch a glimpse of the Eiffel tower along your tour of the Seine, you’ll feel magnetically drawn to it. However, if you really want that classic, picturesque view of one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, you are encouraged to hit up the Trocadero before finding yourself at the foot of the iconic Eiffel tower.
Musee d'Orsay
Though on a bit of a detour on the path of our walking tour along the Seine, you may want to investigate the Musee d’Orsay. This art museum hosts a collection of late 19th to early 20th century European art, including painting, sculptures, furniture, and more. If you’re interested in art history, you won’t want to miss this spectacular museum on the southbank of the Seine.
Above From Left to Right: Van Gogh Self Portrait, 1887. Van Gogh Self Portrait, Sept. 1889. Starry Night Over the Rhone by Vincent Van Gogh. Captured at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, France 2020 by Paige Baum.
Closing Our Tour
Few cities in this world emit the timeless feeling that Paris offers. From world-class architecture and art to some of the Earth’s most enamoring cityscapes, there are several factors that contribute to Paris’s notoriety. With around 50 million visitors each year, any and all walks of life will be able to find what enchants them in the “city of love”. Whether you are traveling on a budget or in search of a luxurious trip, this easy-to-travel city is a place that anyone can enjoy on a visit in their own fashion. Paris waits for you.
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