Ahhh, Paris. City of lights, the capital of France, and the fantasy of every wanderluster. A stroll down Paris is like a buffet of stunning vistas; its elegant French architectures prove to be an eye candy we find so hard to resist. Be prepared to drop jaws as KKday shows you our top picks of the most beautiful landmarks in Paris.
1. Palace of Versailles
The Courtyard of The Palace of Versailles (Ninara) |
A Panoramic View of the Palace’s Grounds Panoramas |
The palace’s French Baroque architecture is work of several French architects and designers. Characterised by its cathedral ceilings and intricate crown moldings, the Palace of Versailles made it one of the most commendable architectural pieces of the century.
The Halls of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles (Gilbert Sopakuwa) |
The Halls of Mirrors is the most notable feature at the Palace of Versailles. The 17 arches on the right wall of the gallery were constructed out of 21 mirror pieces each, reflecting the 17 other windows overlooking the palace’s gardens. While mirrors were considered extravagant and luxurious items to have in the 17th century, a whopping number of 357 mirror pieces used in the halls alone.
2. Louvre Pyramid
The Louvre Pyramid by Night (Chad and Steph) |
Sister to Eiffel Tower in Paris, Louvre Pyramid is one of the most significant tourist attractions in the city of lights. Constructed entirely out of glass panels and metal poles, Louvre Pyramid is the masterpiece of Chinese-American architect, I.M. Pei.
The Interior of the Louvre Pyramid (Nelson Minar) |
Despite its beauty, Louvre Pyramid faces controversy and debate over its unfortunate triangular structure and design. Many criticised that Louvre Pyramid is an edifice representing Egyptian death in the middle of Paris, whilst others pointed out that Louvre Pyramid‘s modernist style is incompatible with the Louvre Museum’s classic French architecture. Some even went as far as to claim that 666 glass panels were used in constructing the Louvre Pyramid, a number often affiliated with Satan.
3. Mont Saint Michel
The Mont Saint Michel (afloresm) |
Perched on an island surrounded by tidal waves, the Mont Saint Michel is not a sight to be missed. The UNESCO heritage site is almost a 4-hour ride away from Paris; situated on an island off France’s northwestern coast.
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The Cloister of the Mont Saint Michel (Benh LIEU SONG) |
The medieval castle is open to public, and accessible by bus. If you’re looking for an easier alternative, book a guided tour to Mont Saint Michel with KKday instead.
4. Disneyland, Paris
The Disneyland Castle (Sean MacEntee) |
We can’t possibly leave out the happiest place on Earth when talking about Paris’ most beautiful landmarks, can we?
The Night View at Disneyland (Josh Hallet) |
Disneyland needs no introduction; the theme park is every child’s fairytale come true. The buildings are designed as per how the story books and films illustrated them — whimsical and dreamy.
Relive the happiest days of your childhood with a trip to Disneyland, Paris.
5. Palais Garnier
The Grand Foyer of Palais Garnier (Jim Trodel) |
Also referred to as Opera Garnier, Palais Garnier is a 1,979-seat opera theatre. Just like the Palace of Versailles, the Palais Garnier is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris for its lavish baroque style interior. Built by Charles Garnier and established as the set for Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera, it is no wonder Palais Garnier reigns as the most renowned opera houses in the world.
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The Opera Theatre of Palais Garnier (midorisyu) |
The horseshoe shaped auditorium is generously glided and fitted with red velvet seats. With nearly half a million visitors annually, Palais Garnier is one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions.
Ceiling of the Opera Theatre in Palais Garnier (Joe de Sousa) |
The ceiling of the Palais Garnier’s auditorium was painstakingly painted by Russian-French artist, Marc Chagall. The crystal chandelier holds an incredible number of 340 lights, and weighs 7 tons — equivalent to a full-grown elephant.
Admire the exquisiteness and intricacy of the Palais Garnier with a guided tour by KKday.
6. Sainte-Chapelle
The Saint Chapelle in Paris (Joseph Kranak) |
Located in the heart of Paris, the Sainte-Chapelle is a gothic style church dominated with stunning tinted windows reaching as high as 15 metres each.
Stained glass windows dominates the interior of the Sainte-Chapelle (Mat’s eye) |
Once home to the French royalty, King Louis IX of France kept his Relics of the Passion on the cathedral’s grounds — including that of The Christ’s Crown of Thorns. The Sainte-Chapelle is, without a doubt, a historic gem of Paris.
For the above travel activities in Paris:
>> Visit to the Palace of Versailles (Transport Included)
>> Visit Mont Saint-Michel from Paris
>> Disneyland Paris – 2 Parks
>> Opera Garnier Tour
For more travel guides about Paris:
>> 6 Handy Tips For Paris Budget Travellers
>> 6 Things You Must Buy in France’s Supermarkets
>> 6 Budget Activities in Europe and USA To Complete Your Vacation