Time Travel in Paris: A Journey Through Arts & History Across the Centuries
Last updated March 1, 2024
The iconic Louvre Museum is one of the most visited art museum in world, attracting roughly 7.7 million visitors in 2022.
Paris, the City of Love, has captivated hearts for centuries. With its iconic Eiffel Tower rising skyward, world-class museums brimming with masterpieces, and charming neighborhoods whispering tales of romance and history, it's no wonder it tops so many travel bucket lists. But with so much to see and do, where do you begin?
During my university days, European history captivated me. Little did I know, I'd one day see it come to life through the art and landmarks of Paris. Imagine my awe as I explored the sites where figures like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette walked, gaining a real glimpse into their luxurious lifestyle. Beyond history, Paris is an art lover's paradise, showcasing all forms, from paintings to sculptures. Each masterpiece, each monument, whispers stories waiting to be discovered. After a week immersed in Parisian magic, I've fallen in love with the city’s art and history!
If you are a first-time visitor to Paris, tailor the trip around your interest. If you don’t know what to expect in each place, I’ve curated my top favorite places in Paris that will take you travel through time in this blog. You will obtain brief info and see real photos and you can then make a decision whether the respective place suites your interest. Pre-plan in advance is also recommended as Paris is a big city and it has so much to offer. You also want to make sure you have enough time to include shopping at Champs-Élysées and indulging on yummy food into your travel planning as well.
So, if you are ready, let’s explore Paris together.
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Top places to visit in Paris
Louvre Museum
Arc de Triomphe
The Palais Garnier
Eiffel Tower
Palace of Versailles
Musée d'Orsay
Quick glance at historic events that took place in Paris throughout the years.
Top Places to Visit in Paris
1. Louvre Museum
If I can choose only one site to visit in Paris, Louvre Museum would be the one. Housing treasures like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, this grand palace is the world's most visited museum. That being said, I highly suggest to come early in the morning to avoid the line and the crowd. And don’t forget to allocate enough time, at least 3 hours as this museum is huge! The foundation of the Louvre started in 1190 under King Philip II as a fortress to protect Paris.
During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed in 1793 that the Louvre should become a public museum. This marked the official opening of the Louvre Museum, showcasing art collections previously owned by royalty and the church. The Louvre continued to evolve, with notable additions like the Louvre Palace's Napoleon III wing (1852-1874) and the iconic glass pyramid entrance designed by the first foreigner to work on Louvre museum, I.M. Pei. While visiting the museum, make sure to check out some of these art masterpieces as follow:
1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci: The portrait captivates with its enigmatic smile and masterful techniques. The Italian master, Leonardo da Vinci sold the Mona Lisa to King Francis I of France in 1519. Since then, the portrait became a treasured possession of the French royal family and later the French Republic. Today, Mona Lisa is considered a national treasure of France, symbolizing the country's rich artistic heritage and cultural significance.
2. The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David: This large-scale canvas depicts Napoleon's coronation ceremony, showcasing grandeur and historical significance.
3. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix: This powerful image symbolizes the French Revolution and is known for its dramatic composition and emotional intensity.
4. Venus de Milo: This armless marble sculpture of the Greek goddess Aphrodite is admired for its beauty and mystery surrounding its missing limbs.
5. Winged Victory of Samothrace: This dramatic sculpture embodies triumph and freedom, standing tall at the top of the Daru staircase.
Once you are done, make sure to check out Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel which is only 5 minutes walk from Louvre Museum.
Eating my Croque Monsieur at Le Café Marly, a nice place to take a break after a visit to Louvre Museum.
2. Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly known as Place de l'Étoile). This iconic spot honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. All the names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces.
Over the years, the Arc de Triomphe has witnessed numerous military parades and ceremonies, both celebratory and mournful. In 1919, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I was interred beneath the arch, making it a significant site of national remembrance. If you are not afraid of height, you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Inside, there is also a museum so you can learn more about its history and significance.
Arc de Triomphe through the years (Source: Wikipedia)
3. The Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier, or also known as the Opéra Garnier, boasts a history as grand and opulent as its gilded halls. This Opera magnificence was built under Napoleon III and it was designed to be a grand venue for opera and ballet, showcasing France's cultural and artistic power. It remains one of the largest opera houses in Europe, with seating capacity of 1,979.
This iconic spot has a mix of Neo-Baroque and Renaissance architecture styles by renowned architect Charles Garnier. The notable features include the ornate façade, the Grand Staircase with its 30 different types of marble, and the opulent Grand Foyer. Though primarily known for opera and ballet, the Palais Garnier also houses a library, museum, and various exhibition spaces. Its diverse offerings cater to both art enthusiasts and history buffs.
Oh, when inside, don’t forget to look up and admire the beauty of the famous chandelier which weighs a whopping 7 tons and features hundreds of crystals.
If you don’t want just a visit but wish to see the full performance, see the event calendar here. And when you are done, don’t forge to make a fun stop at Pierre Hermé and buy some macaroons back to your hotel.
4. Eiffel Tower
This symbol of Paris has been one of the most visited sites in the world. And it has served as a muse for countless artists and photographers throughout its history, featuring in works by Georges Seurat, Marc Chagall, and Robert Doisneau, among others. So naturally, Eiffel Tower has become many people’s must-visit bucket list.
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the World's Fair. At first, many people didn't like it, thinking it was too flashy and didn't fit in with the beautiful skyline of Paris. But the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, believed in it. It was finished in only two years, and even though people didn't like it at first, it soon became very popular because of its amazing views and clever design. So what do you think? Does this masterpiece fit well with Paris’s skyline?
A little tip, the fireworks are a highlight of the Bastille Day or known as France's National Day celebrations in Paris, and they are typically launched from the Eiffel Tower every year on July 14th.
It's a spectacular and much-anticipated event that draws large crowds to the Champ de Mars park below the tower.
Note that the fireworks usually start around 11 pm on July 14th, after sunset. And the display typically lasts for about 30-35 minutes. Each year, the fireworks have a different theme, often tied to historical events or national celebrations. Although the fireworks are launched from the Eiffel Tower, you can see them from various locations in Paris, including the Champ de Mars, Trocadéro Gardens, and along the Seine River.
This is an unique experience but be prepared for large crowds and limited viewing space, especially closer to the tower. My friends and I had to arrive super early to Trocadéro Gardens to reserve the seats, but I think the experience was well-worth the wait. So, if you are in Paris on July 14th, this experience might be fun to try!
A beautiful day at 9:45pm.
5. Palace of Versailles
Step into the opulent world of French royalty at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens. Palace of Versailles is something you never see before. Palace of Versailles was originally a small hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, but it was transformed into a lavish palace by his son, Louis XIV or known as the "Sun King," over several decades. Louis XIV desired to centralize power and showcase his grandeur.
Palace of Versailles wasn't just a royal residence; it was a bustling city itself. With over 20,000 residents, including nobles, servants, artisans, and soldiers, it housed not only the royal family but also the entire court and government apparatus. The most iconic room that will make your jaws drop is the Hall or Mirrors. This magnificent gallery has 357 mirrors reflecting onto each other, creating an illusion of endless space and grandeur. It served as a stage for grand receptions and ceremonies, showcasing the wealth and power of the French monarchy. Outside the palace, there are huge, carefully designed gardens called Versailles that cover 800 hectares. They have neat, shaped lawns, fountains, statues, and wooded areas. These gardens were like an extra part of the palace, showing off how rich and powerful the owners were.
Unfortunately, extravagant lifestyle at Palace of Versailles of the royal family came with a cost. The construction of Versailles required immense resources and labor, leading to criticism and financial strain that ultimately contributed to the monarchy's decline. As such, this fueled public resentment over social inequality, contributing to the French Revolution in 1789. The storming of the palace marked a symbolic end to the monarchy and ushered in a new era in French history. Fast forward today, Palace of Versailles remains a captivating example of Baroque architecture and a place where visitors from around the world can learn about art and history.
Versailles is the most beautiful lie ever built.
Voltaire
French philosopher, Voltaire once said this. This quote suggests the extravagance masked underlying problems and contributed to the revolution. One of they key controversial figures is Marie Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI and she lived in the Palace from 1774 to 1792. Her lavish lifestyle and perceived indifference to the plight of the common people contributed to the rise of anti-monarchist sentiment that ultimately led to the French Revolution and the execution of both her and her husband.
It is said that here statement “Qu'ils mangent de la brioche” (Let them eat cake) is a great example of how the royal family was out of touch with the harsh realities faced by many French citizens. The famous quote remains a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding the struggles of others. If you enjoy learning about history as much as I do, read more about the French Revolution here.
Tip: I highly recommend a visit to be in the morning and plan your day to include travel time. The Palace is outside of Paris, so traveling there by Uber or train are the most popular options.
By car, it would take about 45 minutes depending on the traffic. By train, it is a more affordable way, but it takes slightly longer, about an hour. You can take yellow RER train network from your location to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche Station. The station is about 10 minutes walk to the main entrance to the Palace. It’s also important to note that beware of pickpocket when you are in the metro in Paris. And make sure you have a correct train ticket; otherwise, you might be fined.
6. Musée d'Orsay
Musée d'Orsay is probably one of my most favorite art museums in the world. It houses the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art by iconic names such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin.
Impressionism is my personal favorite style because the artists tend to depict everyday life’s activities which I find to be beautiful. Life is about living in a present moment and enjoy everyday’s beauty by observing nature. The museum itself is also a work of art as it is a former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. So, you will see the stunning glass ceilings and grand staircase as a beautiful backdrop of this museum.
While renowned for its paintings, the museum also features many beautiful sculptures, decorative arts, and photography, offering a more comprehensive look at late 19th and early 20th century art. Example of the famous sculptures is Dancer by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1869). This exuberant bronze sculpture portrays a young ballerina mid-leap, capturing the grace and energy of movement. It represents the celebration of life and the beauty of the human form.
Fun fact: Key characteristics of Impressionism
Besides the above (my personal favorites!), you can consider including other famous sites such as The Centre Pompidou, Sainte-Chapelle, and Musée National Picasso-Paris.
Last but not least, don’t forget to savor French food delight while you explore all these great attractions!
From iconic dishes like Soupe à l'oignon, Confit de canard, Steak frites, Croque Monsieur to The Seafood Tower, they are all super delicious. And yes, Escargots are not bad! Bon appétit!
Pro tip: Get The Paris Pass®
I spent one week in Paris and The Paris Pass really helped me enjoy my trip to the max! How?
I believe that this pass is a perfect choice for first-time visitor. The pass offers you admission to dozens of top attractions and I am sure you already have at least five attractions that you want to see! So, that means the more places you visit, the more individual ticket you need to buy. So the pass will help you save money because it comes with great discounted price, up to 50%!
When you purchase a Paris Pass, you'll also receive a Paris Museum Pass, which gives you free entry to over 50 museums. The Paris Pass comes in 2, 3, 4 and 6-day packages, so choose what suits you best. My most favorite thing about the pass is you can skip the line to visit a highly popular and crowded spot such as The Louvre Museum. Just make sure to book your museum spot in advance and present the pass when visit. More details, click here.
To find out about Paris Pass’s participated attractions and Paris Pass’s benefits, click The Paris Pass® to learn more.
Paris wasn't just a vacation; it was a captivating journey through time. I hope you will uncover all the great things in Paris and enjoy the city as much as I did. I enjoyed learning about Paris’s history and see the world through arts.
I do hope this blog provides useful information to you. I can’t wait to visit Paris again and hopefully I can write more about different neighborhoods in Paris and all the delish food spots in future blogs.
Until we meet again, Take care & Au revoir!
