Paris in 15 must-see spots: your guide to an exceptional stay

A stone's throw from the Champs-Élysées and just meters from the Arc de Triomphe, Hôtel Elsa puts you in the heart of the capital. Between museums, historic monuments, and iconic neighborhoods, discover the must-see sights in Paris that are absolutely worth the detour.

1. Climb the Arc de Triomphe, just steps from the Elsa

From Hôtel Elsa, the Arc de Triomphe is literally within reach. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to celebrate his victories, this monument stands proudly in the center of the Place Charles-de-Gaulle, at the intersection of 12 avenues. From its summit, the panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées avenue and the rooftops of Paris is simply breathtaking. And for those staying at the Elsa, note that the top-floor rooms also offer an unobstructed view of this stone masterpiece.

2. The Eiffel Tower and the Champ-de-Mars

A universal symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is like nothing else. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair, it stands 330 meters tall. Visiting it during the day is an incredible experience, and seeing it illuminated at night from the Champ-de-Mars is another. Lying on the grass facing the Iron Lady remains one of the simplest and most unforgettable moments the capital has to offer.

3. Notre-Dame de Paris, finally restored

Reopened after several years of restoration following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral is back in all its glory. Its masterful Gothic architecture, rose windows, and iconic gargoyles make it one of the most photographed monuments in the world. A must-see visit, ideally combined with a stop at the nearby Sainte-Chapelle and its 1,113 dazzling stained-glass windows.

4. The Louvre Museum, the world's largest museum

The Louvre Museum is a journey through time in itself. A former royal palace turned museum during the Revolution, it now houses over 35,000 works, from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo. Plan for at least half a day, as its galleries are immense and every room holds its own treasures. To avoid getting lost, it is best to target a few collections and focus on them fully.

5. The Musée d’Orsay and its Impressionists

Housed in a former 19th-century railway station, the Musée d’Orsay holds the richest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world. Its galleries bring together the greatest names in modern art, such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas. The building itself is a work of art, and the view of the Seine from its large clocks remains etched in memory.

6. Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre retains a soul all its own in Paris. Its cobblestone streets, artist studios, and small squares make it one of the most endearing neighborhoods in the capital.

A hill, a basilica, a view

At the top of the Montmartre hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica dominates Paris with its brilliant whiteness. Consecrated in 1919, its forecourt offers an exceptional panorama of the city's rooftops. To extend your stroll, the Montmartre neighborhood is full of cozy bistros and galleries to wander through at any time of day.

The Moulin Rouge and Paris by night

Not far from there, the famous Moulin Rouge has been keeping the tradition of the Parisian cabaret alive since 1889. Its spectacular revues attract thousands of spectators from around the world every night. A memorable evening for fans of Paris by night.

7. The Marais district: where history meets modernity

Few neighborhoods in Paris pack as much richness as the Marais. Its 17th-century mansions stand alongside trendy art galleries, designer boutiques, and excellent gourmet spots.

Place des Vosges, a royal jewel

At the heart of the Marais, the Place des Vosges is the oldest square in Paris. Built under Henry IV, it captivates visitors with its perfect symmetry and pink brick arcades. Beneath these galleries, art shops and cafés invite you to take a break.

The Picasso Museum and the Marché des Enfants-Rouges

The neighborhood is also home to the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the most comprehensive collections of the Spanish artist's work. Just a stone's throw away, the Marché des Enfants-Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris, is a must-visit stop for food lovers from all over the world.

8. The museums of the Left Bank

The Left Bank of the Seine boasts an exceptional density of museums and monuments. Beyond the Musée d’Orsay, several other spots are well worth a visit.

Les Invalides and the Panthéon

The Hôtel national des Invalides, with its famous golden dome, houses Napoleon’s tomb and extensive military collections. Further south, in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon pays tribute to the great men and women of the French Republic. Zola, Hugo, Curie, Voltaire: their tombs are located in this national mausoleum steeped in Parisian history.

The Luxembourg Gardens Between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Luxembourg Gardens serve as the green lung of the Left Bank. Its fountains, statues, and formal French gardens make it a favorite spot for Parisians to stroll. Perfect for catching your breath between visits.

9. The Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III

Symbols of the Belle Époque, the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais were built for the 1900 World's Fair. The Grand Palais, with its spectacular 45-meter-high glass roof, now hosts contemporary art exhibitions and major cultural events. Just opposite, the Pont Alexandre III spans the Seine with its gilded ornaments and elegant lampposts. It is undoubtedly one of the most photographed bridges in Paris.

10. The Opéra Garnier, a treasure of gold and velvet

The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra Garnier, is one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. Inaugurated in 1875, this masterpiece by Charles Garnier stuns with its opulent decor, featuring marble, gold, a monumental grand staircase, and the famous ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. Even if you don't attend a performance, touring the building is a must. The evening tours offered on certain nights provide a particularly magical atmosphere.

11. The banks of the Seine and river cruises

Strolling along the banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the simple pleasures that Paris generously offers. For a different perspective, hopping on a Seine river cruise allows you to admire the most beautiful monuments from the water. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, and the Pont Alexandre III drift by from a new angle, bathed in the golden light of the evening.

12. The Centre Pompidou and its collections

In the Beaubourg district, the Centre Pompidou stands out as an architectural curiosity in its own right. Its facade of colorful pipes and exposed structures caused a scandal when it opened in 1977. Today, it has become one of the symbols of contemporary Paris. Inside, its collection of modern and contemporary art is one of the most important in Europe.

13. The Champs-Élysées and Parisian shopping

From Hotel Elsa, the Champs-Élysées is just a few minutes' walk away. This legendary avenue, stretching nearly 2 kilometers, remains a must-visit destination for Parisians and travelers from around the globe. For shopping enthusiasts, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann on the Grands Boulevards offer a unique experience beneath their iconic domes.

14. The Trocadéro Gardens and the view of the Eiffel Tower

The Trocadéro Gardens, nestled opposite the Eiffel Tower in the 16th arrondissement, offer one of the most photographed panoramas in the world. Their fountains, terraces, and open pathways make them an ideal place for a stroll in any season. At sunset, the light bathing the Iron Lady from the Trocadéro esplanade is worth the trip alone.

15. An excursion: The Palace of Versailles

An hour from Paris by train, the Palace of Versailles and its French-style gardens are one of the best day trips from the capital. As the quintessential former royal residence, it dazzles with its gilded galleries, the famous Hall of Mirrors, and the vast park designed by Le Nôtre. You will need at least half a day to see the highlights.

Paris is a delight at every street corner, and Hotel Elsa offers the perfect starting point. Book your stay and begin your adventure right outside our doors, where you can discover Paris's most essential landmarks.