More things to do
Make the most of your Paris Pass with our top list of activities to try and locations to visit.
Learn about Paris' heritage at the best historic buildings in Paris
Paris is full of historic buildings and some sites in the city date back to the Roman times. Unlock some of the most impressive and important historic buildings in Paris for free and visit cathedrals, to chateaux to learn more about Paris’ rich culture and heritage.
One of the most popular historic buildings in Paris is Notre Dame Cathedral. Deemed one of the most popular historic sites in the world, it’s a non-mover on everyone’s bucket list. Dating back to the 13th century this stunning French Gothic cathedral is loved for its stained glass windows, gargoyles and huge bells. Climb the two towers and you can see over central Paris from this unique vantage point on the Île de la Cité, right in the middle of the River Seine. Before you go, don’t forget to pop into the reliquary, Saint-Chapelle, another 13th church on the Île de la Cité, famous for its relics as well as boasting the oldest complete collection of stained glass windows in the world.
The Conciergerie has been the power house and seat of Justice in Paris for 1000 years and its building is formidably imposing on the bank of the River Seine. The original building was a Roman fortress and was used in the Middle Ages as a palace, reputed for its resplendence. Visit this stunning building and learn about the fascinating history of Paris’ civil and legal past – and all the nitty gritty tales, too!
You can’t visit Paris without seeing the opulent Palace of Versailles. Home to King Louis XVI, this 18th century historic building is one of the finest in the world and set among 250 acres of landscaped gardens it really is a sight to behold. This UNESCO World Heritage site is steeped in history and was the official seat of power until 1789. The building is famous for its extravagance and grandeur and visitors can admire the Hall of Mirrors, in which the treaty of Versailles was signed, as well as the Grand Apartments once home to the King and Marie Antoinette.
Paris is also home to historic chateaux just outside the city centre. One of the most impressive is Chateau de Pierrefonds one of the most iconic castles in the world complete with turrets and battlements. Home to kings for over 200 years, it now showcases a permanent exhibition of 19th century ornaments produced by Monduit. Other must-visit castes are Chateau du Fontainbleau the impressive Renaissance style summer residence, used by the royal family from the 16th century. Visitors can admire the resplendent décor through the ages of the different rulers, restored with the original paintings, furniture and tapestries.
