A Stylish Guide to Paris’s Famous Sights and Destinations

It's no secret that Paris is one of the best places to view both historical and contemporary art. But rather than get a little taste of a lot of different artists, why not take a deep dive into one? At the Rodin Museum, you can view the largest display of the sculptor’s oeuvre.

It’s no vacation without a souvenir. For the home decor fanatics, head over to Marin Montagut. From tableware to poster prints to greeting cards, all hand-illustrated by the eponymous founder and owner, there’s something for everyone.

Unlike other art museums that are dedicated to traditional art forms like sculpture, painting, and photography, this museum is for the decorative arts. Furniture, pottery, fashion, and more all find a home in this stunning center.

It would be a shame to go to Paris and not pay tribute to one of the biggest sporting events of the country: the Tour de France. This cafe, named for the large pack of riders behind the leader, is central to the city’s cycling culture, and, as a bonus, the coffee is divine.

Not even an hour from the city center, the forests of Fontainebleau offer a natural respite from bustling Parisian life. Known for its bouldering destinations as well as scenic hikes, this escape is worth a day trip.

A shortened version of “no gluten,” the Noglu cafe is completely gluten-free, and based on taste alone, you’d never know it. Take an hour one afternoon and sample the menu.

While this museum isn’t the Louvre, many suggest it might be even better (blasphemous, we know). The Museum d’Orsay is less crowded but equally well curated. The permanent collection boasts works by Manet, Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh among other master painters.

One of the most beautiful gardens in the world, the Jardin du Luxembourg is 57 acres of beauty no matter where you look. While perfect for strolling and people watching, you can also ride horses, play lawn bowling, and take a boat ride around the the property’s pond.

If you’re a fan of scary stories, horror movies, or weird history, the Catacombs underneath Paris are a must-visit. We recommend taking a guided tour in order to get all of the creepy historical facts as you wander the tunnels.

The Palais de Tokyo (Tokyo Palace) is a building dedicated to modern and contemporary art. As of 2012, it is the largest center of contemporary art in all of Europe.

This cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the world. (It even inspired the famous musical/Disney film.) Go right at the turn of an hour to hear the famous bells toll.

Situated between two of the most popular attractions in Paris—the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde—the Tuileries is a stunning public garden, perfect for a quick lunch or walk. It also holds great historical significance as the palace here was where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette took refuge during the 1789 uprisings.

Occasionally referred to as the Brooklyn of Paris, the Saint-Germain neighborhood is where to go if you’re looking for all things cool and chic. The HB team cannot recommend the iconic café Les Deux Magots enough for any meal of the day (but especially brunch) and the countless shops for all kinds of vintage treasures.

A surprising spot of nature located in the heart of Paris, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (named for the park’s hill where limestone was once mined), is one of the biggest original green spaces in the city.

Since 1951, this quaint bookshop has been the hangout of famous literary figures like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac, and ­Allen Ginsberg, to name a few. Wander the stacks to find your next great read.

With a name that translates directly as Sacred Heart, this church is an architectural icon in Paris. Located at the top of the hill (the Butte Montmartre), it boasts one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the capital.

If you’re looking for someplace a bit different to capture your Parisian photos, opt to take a stroll down the Rue Crémeux. This one-block pedestrian street in the 12th arrondissement features a row of quaint and brightly colored homes to act as the perfect backdrop.

Rather than brave the lengthy lines of Ladurée for traditional French macarons, head to Pierre Hermé instead. The treats are just as delicious (and slightly better priced).