Paris – the City of Lights – is one of those places that barely needs to be introduced. Iconic and romantic, Paris is packed with attractions, atmosphere and amazing food – with gorgeous architecture and centuries of history packed into every corner.
Just under five hours drive from the ferryport at Cherbourg, Paris is a city that manages to live up to the hype, which is why it should definitely be on your bucket list.
Any time is a good time to visit, but this year is a little different as the French capital is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11. This is either a great chance to be in the heart of the action during one of the world’s most famous sporting events, or something to book your holiday around.
Because Paris is such a popular destination, it’s important to plan your trip beforehand. There are all kinds of multi-attraction passes available for the many museums and art galleries. Pre-booking is essential at any time of year, but particularly during the summer months.
Paris is well-known for its art, having been a hub for creatives seeking their muse for hundreds of years. This spirit is still alive and well, and you can explore some of the world’s finest art collections through visits to galleries like Musée d’Orsay, home of Van Gogh’s Starry Night and other impressionist masterpieces, or dive into contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou.
Those with more classical tastes won’t want to skip the renowned Louvre, where the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo are housed. The sprawling museum also features fascinating collections of Egyptian, Roman and ancient Greek antiquities.
5 must-see attractions in Paris
The Louvre
Possibly the most famous museum on the planet, The Louvre is home to some of the best-known artworks in history – including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. However, the collection spans everything from prehistory to the modern era, so you’ll want to give it a full day.
Eiffel Tower
An iconic fixture in the Parisian skyline since 1889, Gustave Eiffel’s 330 metre wrought-iron structure is a must-visit. Whether you ascend the tower’s many stairs, take the lift or just marvel at it from the ground, it’s a breathtaking sight.
Notre Dame
The shocking fire of 2019 left this Parisian landmark gutted, but extensive reconstruction has been underway for the last couple of years and is expected to be completed before the end of 2024. You can’t currently enter the cathedral, but it’s worth visiting nonetheless.
Montmartre
Topped by the stunning Sacre Coeur basilica, Montmartre takes a fair bit of legwork to get up, but it’s worth it. Once you’re done taking in stunning views of the city, you should make your way to Place du Tertre, where you’ll find many artists setting up their easels to paint tourists or exhibit their work.
Palace of Versailles
Sitting just outside Paris, the glorious Palace of Versailles is a monument to the past opulence of the French monarchy. Home of famous kings and, of course, Marie Antoinette, it’s worth visiting for the stunning grounds alone, while a tour of the palace offers a fascinating look back in time.
Once you’ve bathed yourself in culture, why not take a boat ride along the Seine? There are numerous tours with guides only too eager to show you all the sights and explain the fascinating history behind some of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Speaking of landmarks, you’ll want to make sure your visit takes you by the gorgeous Avenue des Champs- Elysées, with the Place de la Concorde and Luxor Obelisk at one end, and Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe at the other.
Make sure to stop for a café au lait and patisserie at one of the grand avenue’s many eateries, and explore beautiful boutiques along the way.
For younger visitors (or the young at heart), Disneyland Paris is only a short journey outside the city by train and offers days worth of fun and excitement in a uniquely Disney fairytale environment that is guaranteed to make you smile.
There are so many things to do, but one thing’s for certain - you’ll always have Paris.
No matter how you choose to spend your break, getting there is easy with Stena Line. You can pack everything you need into your car and take it all with you – pack in your family, pack in your friends, pack in your pets or pack in enough luggage for an adventure in France this summer!
Stena Line offers a fantastic on board experience, with bars, restaurants, kids play zones, cabins, Pure Nordic Spa treatments and pet friendly travel – your holiday begins the moment you step on board!
With six weekly sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg, Stena Line has the most sailings to France from Ireland. Enabling you to roll off the ferry, in your car, in Northern France and travel on to wherever you want to go.
Kids go FREE when you book with Stena Line before 30th June 2024!
