Top 5 Places to be in Paris
Falling in Love With Paris: The Top Five Places Every Traveler Should Visit
By: Laurin Smith
Paris is the kind of city that feels familiar long before you ever arrive. You’ve seen the photos, watched the movies, and imagined the cafés—but nothing truly prepares you for the energy of the City of Light. For travelers, Paris can become a journey filled with art, fashion, history, and discovery. Here are the top five places that defined her Parisian adventure, blending iconic landmarks with some of the best shopping destinations the city has to offer.
1. The Eiffel Tower: Paris Awakens
No landmark captures the spirit of Paris quite like the Eiffel Tower. Visiting at sunrise, I watched its iron frame glow gold against the morning sky. The soft breeze, the sound of the Seine nearby, and the smell of fresh croissants created a moment that felt straight out of a postcard.
The tower isn’t just a monument—it’s the beginning of every great Paris story.
2. The Louvre Museum & Carrousel du Louvre
Stepping into the Louvre is like stepping into centuries of human creativity. From the Mona Lisa to ancient Egyptian treasures, I wandered through world-famous galleries that left her speechless.
After exploring the museum, she discovered one of Paris’s hidden gems: the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall connected to the museum. Sleek, modern, and filled with French boutiques, it offered a stylish break from the crowd above—complete with the iconic inverted glass pyramid.
3. Arc de Triomphe – A Paris View Worth the Climb
No trip to Paris is complete without stopping at the Arc de Triomphe, one of the city’s most iconic monuments. Standing tall at the end of the Champs-Élysées, this massive arch honors French history with beautifully carved sculptures that come alive up close.
I joined the crowd beneath its towering arches, watching cars swirl around the famous roundabout. But the best moment came at the top—where Paris stretched out in every direction, from the Eiffel Tower to the endless rooftops.
Short, stunning, and unforgettable, the Arc de Triomphe easily earns its spot as a top place to visit in Paris.
4. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
No shopping experience in Paris is complete without the original Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a breathtaking stained-glass dome—the centerpiece of this legendary department store.
From luxury labels to exclusive French fragrances, every floor showcased the essence of Parisian style. Even if you don’t buy anything, the view alone is worth the visit.
5. Champs-Élysées & Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is often called the “most beautiful avenue in the world,” and for good reason. I also strolled beneath its tree-lined walkways, passing luxury flagship stores, cafés, and crowds from around the globe.
At the heart of the avenue sits Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, a fashion-forward department store that feels like a mix of high-end runway and futuristic art gallery. With curated pieces and immersive displays, it revealed why Paris stands unmatched as the fashion capital of the world.
Conclusion
From the historic halls of the Louvre to the glamorous aisles of Galeries Lafayette, Paris blends culture, fashion, and beauty in a way that no other city can replicate. For me, these five destinations turned a simple trip into a story of discovery and inspiration.
Paris doesn’t just welcome travelers—it transforms them. And as I left the city shimmering behind me, one thought stayed clear: Paris isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place you feel!
