Planning a visit to Paris soon? It’s definitely worth checking out some of these remarkable attractions. Below, we highlight a few cathedrals, palaces, and castles in Paris:
Basilica of Saint-Denis
Fascinated by French history? Then the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris is a must-see!
This cathedral is not only the resting place of many members of the French Royal Family; it also houses more than 70 statues and monumental tombs from the Renaissance. The architecture alone is worth the visit. After all, it is the first Gothic cathedral in the world! The crypts you will see in this magnificent cathedral will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
No less than 43 kings, 32 queens (including Marie Antoinette), and 10 royal servants are buried here. The Basilica of Saint-Denis is a highly impressive structure with a rich monarchical history. Admire the largest collection of funerary sculptures from the 12th to the 16th centuries.
The Basilica of Saint-Denis is built on the grave of Saint Denis, a Parisian bishop who died in the year 250. In 1966, this basilica became a cathedral. The Basilica of Saint-Denis is the epitome of French art and architecture!
Tickets for Saint-Denis are available here.
Château de Fontainebleau: A Feast for the Eyes!
For 800 years, this exceptionally beautiful castle was inhabited by kings and emperors. The Château de Fontainebleau has secured a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Fontainebleau is a story in itself. It’s not just for art lovers; there’s something for everyone. Apartments, galleries, theaters, chapels, four museums, courtyards, and gardens. There’s plenty of history, and if you’re interested in architecture, Fontainebleau is the place to be.
With more than 1,500 rooms spread over 130 hectares of park and gardens, it is truly the home of kings! The richness, decorations, and preciousness radiate the royal character perfectly!
At Fontainebleau, you can find, among other things, François Gérard’s portrait of Empress Josephine from 1807, the Napoleon I Museum, and the original bed chambers of Marie Antoinette and Napoleon! This is something you simply must see!
Tickets for Fontainebleau are available here.
Château de Pierrefonds, a Magnificent Castle in Paris
Rebuilt especially for Napoleon III, this medieval castle is now a knight’s castle with a creaky drawbridge. However, the bridge will soon stop creaking, as it is being restored this year.
Children will love it here, with plenty of excitement from the decorated decors, a basement with tombs, and two reconstructions of medieval siege weapons. No, you’re not dreaming; it’s real!
Château de Pierrefonds also organizes various workshops for young and old. Want to dress up as a knight? See what’s possible there. There’s enough to do and see!
You will be pleasantly surprised at Château de Pierrefonds. There is something to see, experience, or do everywhere. Enjoy the intricately painted and decorated decors; you will be enchanted! Take the children by the hand and fully enjoy Château de Pierrefonds!
Tickets for Pierrefonds are available here.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Reasons to Visit
A fairytale, an experience, an event! Not only are the King’s quarters impressive, but the French gardens, the Dome, the kitchens in the basement, and the Carriage Museum are too. Or rent a historical costume and live as a knight, and one of your children as a musketeer.
Don’t forget to look around at the beautifully laid out gardens with all their elegant paths. It’s almost too beautiful for words.
This is also the first castle to light 2,000 candles in the living rooms and garden paths every Saturday night in the summer. Or be surprised by the most beautiful fireworks! If you’re not in a romantic mood yet, you will be soon!
Imagine the energy bill for this place.
Tickets for Vaux-le-Vicomte are available here.
Visit Sainte-Chapelle with 15-Meter-High Stained Glass Windows
Sainte-Chapelle is proud to have been built in just seven years, a record time. It was created to house precious Christian relics, such as the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ.
This 13th-century church features dazzling stained glass windows. There are already seven stained glass windows on the north side, surrounded by beautiful masonry, the archangel, and the large west rose. In good weather, these stained glass windows are breathtakingly beautiful!
King Louis IX commissioned the construction of this “holy chapel” to house his religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns. Sainte-Chapelle is also a memorial chapel for its most famous prisoner, Marie Antoinette.
This medieval royal palace was abandoned by the kings of France at the end of the 14th century and converted into a prison. Sainte-Chapelle was one of the main prisons during the French Revolution.
Handy tip: Download the Vitraux Sainte-Chapelle app! You can fully enjoy the mysterious stained glass windows and discover all their meanings!
Tickets for Sainte-Chapelle are available here.
Palace of Versailles: For All Art and History Lovers!
There’s plenty of history to absorb at the Palace of Versailles. The beautiful fountains will certainly catch your attention, too. The moving water adapts to the sound of music. This musical fountain show in the palace gardens is quite special!
There is regularly a fountain show with classical music. Enjoy a walk in the gardens while witnessing this special spectacle.
There is much to discover in the Palace of Versailles. The secret hamlet of Marie Antoinette, or admire yourself in the Hall of Mirrors.
The palace rooms contain collections of paintings and sculptures illustrating the history of France. The Palace of Versailles has 700 rooms, 67 staircases, countless artworks, and beautifully maintained gardens.
Did you know that the Palace of Versailles housed over 10,000 people during its peak? The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I here. Up until the French Revolution, kings succeeded each other and decorated the castle.
The Palace of Versailles now has 2,300 rooms, covering a total of 63,154 m²!
Currently, the Palace of Versailles is being restored. This will be completed in 2020. Some parts of the estate may be under scaffolding during your visit, but there is still plenty to see and do!
Tickets for the Palace of Versailles are available here.
In the Heart of Paris: Visit the Beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral!
Everyone has heard the bells, or in this case, the chimes of Notre Dame. Victor Hugo, the writer, called Notre Dame a “symphony of stone.” A true Gothic masterpiece. Learn more about this fascinating structure, the myths, and the history behind this centuries-old building.
Before entering Notre Dame, be sure to admire the facade. The three entrances are decorated with beautiful sculptures, each with its own name. Climbing the towers is a must for a fantastic view.
A small tip from history: unfortunately, both the church and the cathedral were damaged during the French Revolution in 1792. Several paintings and sculptures were destroyed during this storming. By visiting Notre Dame, you are walking through a piece of history. Interesting to experience!
Inside the cathedral, the beautiful rose windows are also worth seeing. When light passes through the windows, you can see how colorful they are, with stunning images. It’s a sight that will give you goosebumps.
It’s also special to attend a mass. Notre Dame has an organ with over 7,000 pipes, so you can imagine the beautiful sound it produces. Only three organists are allowed to play this organ. So if a mass takes place with organ music, don’t miss it!
Learn all about Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame de Paris, dedicated to Mary. Look around and let all the beauty sink in.