エトワール凱旋門
📍 住所：Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, フランス
Standing majestically at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Place de l’Étoile), the ‘Arc de Triomphe’ exudes an overwhelming presence befitting the starting point of any Paris sightseeing tour. Its construction began on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate his great victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Although Napoleon himself did not live to see its completion, this arch, completed in 1836, still symbolizes France’s glory and national pride. At its base, the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ holds an eternal flame, quietly burning in remembrance of those who fell in World War I.
The magnificent exterior sculptures are not the only highlight. As Parisians wisely say, ‘If you want to photograph the Eiffel Tower, don’t climb the Eiffel Tower.’ The Arc de Triomphe’s rooftop observation deck is arguably the best photo spot in Paris. From the observation deck, you can truly feel the geometric beauty of Paris, with its 12 grand avenues radiating outwards like a star (étoile). However, to reach this spectacular view, you must climb a seemingly endless spiral staircase of 284 steps. There are small resting areas along the way, but they are not suitable for long breaks. Those without confidence in their physical stamina should be cautious, but the exhilaration of looking down at the torrent of lights on the Champs-Élysées after reaching the top is an invaluable experience.
As it’s an extremely popular spot, it’s a golden rule to book your tickets online before departing Japan. If you possess a Paris Museum Pass, you might be able to enter relatively smoothly. Visiting around sunset allows you to simultaneously enjoy the Parisian sky bathed in orange hues and the romantic moment when the city lights begin to twinkle.
エッフェル塔
📍 住所：Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, フランス
Constructed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris Exposition, the ‘Eiffel Tower’ is an indispensable and absolute symbol of the Parisian cityscape. Contrary to its elegant appearance from afar, the steel structure when viewed from its base is incredibly powerful, exuding a robust aura. The observation decks are divided into the 2nd floor (approx. 116m) and the top floor (approx. 276m). Champagne-inclusive plans are available for the top floor, allowing you to indulge in the luxury of sipping champagne while gazing at the panoramic view of Paris at dusk.
For a deeper, local-style experience, you might choose to ‘climb the stairs to the 2nd floor yourself.’ Tickets for the stairs are cheaper than the elevator, but continuously climbing the endless steps will exhaust you more than you might imagine. There are no vending machines along the way, so it’s a golden rule to bring mineral water with you if you decide to take on the stairs. If you try to buy water at a shop on the 2nd floor after a tiring climb, you’ll be met with the tourist price shock of 4.5 euros (over 700 yen) for a 500ml plastic bottle.
Also, don’t miss the ‘Champagne Flash’ at night. For five minutes starting exactly at the top of every hour (00 minutes) after sunset, approximately 20,000 light bulbs scattered across the entire tower sparkle and twinkle in a breathtaking illumination. Besides directly ascending the tower, enjoying a dinner cruise on the Seine River and looking up at the glittering Eiffel Tower amidst the shimmering Parisian nightscape is also a superb highlight for travelers.
ノートルダム大聖堂
📍 住所：6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, フランス
Standing on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine River, ‘Notre Dame Cathedral’ is a magnificent church praised as the pinnacle of French Gothic architecture. It suffered a tragic collapse of its spire and roof in a massive fire in 2019, but thanks to donations from around the world and the dedication of many craftspeople, it has finally reopened to the public in December 2024, after more than five years. The reconstructed cathedral is not merely a historical building; it has become a symbol of the indomitable spirit and hope for renewal among Parisians.
Before the fire, the interior had a somewhat dim and solemn impression, but with years of soot meticulously removed, the stone walls and ceiling have regained their original whiteness, transforming it into an astonishingly bright and pure space. The intricate sculptures of the facade, the flying buttresses reaching for the sky, and the beautiful ‘rose windows’ of stained glass, the true essence of Gothic architecture, are must-sees. The sight of sunlight streaming through the stained glass into the church is truly a beauty worthy of being called ‘a stone symphony.’
As it has been immensely popular since its reopening, online pre-booking is strongly recommended. However, if you visit early in the morning, you can often enter relatively smoothly through the walk-in lane without a reservation. Before or after your visit, it’s also recommended to take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River and capture the cathedral’s beautiful form from various angles.
ヴェルサイユ宮殿
📍 住所：Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, フランス
A short journey from central Paris on a double-decker suburban train (RER) will bring you to the ‘Palace of Versailles,’ a testament to the opulence of absolute monarchy. Built by the Sun King Louis XIV with immense wealth and labor, no other place better embodies the word ‘sumptuous.’ Even after the turmoil of the French Revolution, it remains a precious space where you can feel the presence of the royal families of that era.
The greatest highlight is the ‘Hall of Mirrors,’ stretching approximately 73 meters. In the 17th century, mirrors were extremely expensive luxury items, with Venice holding a monopoly on their manufacturing technique. However, France even poached artisans to produce 357 mirrors to create this space. The frescoes on the high ceiling and the lavish crystal chandeliers reflect in the mirrors, creating an ambiance where the entire space is enveloped in light, proudly showcasing France’s overwhelming power at the time.
Beyond exploring the palace, it’s customary to extend your visit to the beautiful geometric French gardens, and to ‘Petit Trianon’ and the ‘Queen’s Hamlet’ loved by Marie Antoinette. However, the grounds are vast, large enough to contain several Tokyo Domes. Half a day is barely enough, so absolutely wear ‘comfortable, broken-in walking shoes.’ Also, a highly practical tip for your visit: women’s restrooms on the grounds tend to have very long queues. It’s advisable to use facilities beforehand, such as those near the station or before entering, paying careful attention to restroom availability.
コンシェルジュリー
📍 住所：2 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, フランス
Located on the Île de la Cité, the ‘Conciergerie’ is a building with a history of both light and shadow; in the Middle Ages, it served as a beautiful palace for the French monarchy, and during the French Revolution, it transformed into a ‘prison of death’ where many of the old regime were incarcerated. It’s common to visit by purchasing a combined ticket with the adjacent Sainte-Chapelle. Its exterior is also recently memorable as the stage where the heavy metal band Gojira delivered a stunning performance during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The greatest charm of this facility is the ‘Histopad,’ a tablet device lent out for free upon entry. It supports Japanese, and when you scan markers on pedestals throughout the building with the tablet, the historical scenes of ‘royal banquets’ or the ‘somber prisons of the revolutionary period’ are vividly recreated in 360-degree VR/AR on the screen within the bare stone spaces. Game elements like a treasure hunt are also incorporated, allowing even those unfamiliar with history to enjoy themselves immensely.
Furthermore, Marie Antoinette’s prison cell, where she was incarcerated until just before her execution, has been recreated, offering a deep insight into the last days of her life. The realistic exhibits, showing how her treatment differed from other prisoners even in such harsh conditions, and her final letters, are well worth seeing. The souvenir shop also offers a wide variety of Marie Antoinette-related goods, which are particularly popular among female travelers.
パリ観光を120%楽しむための現地立ち回り術
As Paris’s tourist attractions draw people from all over the world, ‘advance planning’ significantly impacts your travel satisfaction. Particularly for entering the Eiffel Tower observation deck or the Palace of Versailles, if you just drop by on the day, tickets might be sold out, or you could end up queuing for several hours in scorching heat (or bitter cold). We highly recommend booking time-slot tickets online before you leave Japan. Also, if you plan to visit multiple attractions efficiently, consider purchasing a ‘Paris Museum Pass.’
When moving around, be very wary of pickpockets. If you’re distracted by the beautiful cityscapes or your smartphone’s map, you can easily become a target for professional pickpocketing gangs on the metro or around popular spots. The basic style in Paris is to keep valuables in a zippered bag and hold it firmly in front of your body.
And knowing a little about the historical background will dramatically change how you perceive these buildings. ‘Why did Napoleon build this arch?’ ‘What thoughts occupied Marie Antoinette when she was imprisoned in the Conciergerie?’ — As you ponder such stories, capture your own special Parisian scenery through your lens.
