25 Iconic Buildings in Paris

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25 Iconic Buildings in Paris

Paris is known to be a dreamy and romantic city that features exquisite architecture. It is the ideal destination because it simply stands majestic and beautiful. It is also widely known as a center of art, fashion and culture. It is definitely as picturesque as it sounds.

With the many buildings that span across Paris, there are a few structures that are worth a mention. These are buildings that capture your attention if not because of their architecture then it is because of their size or the purpose and symbol they serve. The most common and worth a mention is the Eiffel Tower. Listed below are 25 of Paris’ most iconic buildings. Enjoy!

1. Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower is an iron tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. It is one of France’s most iconic and recognizable landmarks. The tower was built by one Gustave Eiffel. Clearly, the tower was named after him.

The construction took place in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle. This was the celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the French Revolution. Fun fact; Eiffel Tower is considered a symbol of love. Lovers are known to declare their undying love to each other under the tower. Anyone who travels to Paris makes a point to visit the Eiffel Tower. The tower is almost synonymous to the city of Paris and France itself.                                                                                                

2. Arc de Triomphe

Photo by Ashley Elena. Wikimedia Commons.

Arc de Triomphe translates to the Arch of Triumph in English. This famous monument in Paris was built by order of Napoleon I to celebrate the French military who fought during the French Revolution and the wars during the Napoleonic era.

The names of generals who took part in the war are inscribed on the surfaces of the Arc de Triomphe. Also included are all the names of the battles that occurred. A visit to this place is a crash course of the history of France. One must have a ticket in order to explore the Arc de Triomphe.

3. Notre-Dame de Paris

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This is a medieval catholic cathedral located in Paris. It is one of the oldest cathedrals built using the gothic architectural style. Notre-Dame de Paris is an extremely well-known cathedral all over the world.

The church was built between 1163 and 1245. Its construction was done under Bishop Maurice de Sully. The cathedral is famous for its magnificent size and beautiful architecture. It is known as a symbol of peace, togetherness and concord.

4. Palace of Versailles

Photo by Eric Pouhier. Wikimedia Commons.

The Palace of Versailles is a former principal royal residence located in Versailles. It was built by King Louis XIV. The palace provided a model for other royal residences for centuries.

This is after it was constructed by architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects. The Palace of Versailles was also the location of the signing of the peace treaty in 1919. The palace is now owned by the French Republic since 1995. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Les Invalides

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Formally known as Hotel national des Invalides, this a complex of buildings located in the 7^th arrondissement of Paris. The complex has museums and monuments.

The building was built by order of Louis XIV to provide accommodation and hospital care for wounded soldiers. Included therein is the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was constructed between 1671 and 1676. The building is now open for visits from 8 am.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

6. Louvre Museum

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Louvre Museum is an historic landmark in Paris. It was built in 1190 as a fortress and to serve as a royal palace. This museum is the world’s most-visited museum. It hosts the richest collection of artwork and artefacts from famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci.

Some of Leonardo da Vinci’s art in the museum includes Mona Lisa and Virgin of the Rocks. For the record, Mona Lisa is considered the most famous painting in the world. It is also important to note that Louvre Museum is the largest museum covering 73,000 square meters.

7. Sacré-Coeur

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Sacré-Coeur is the most visited church in France after Notre de Dame. Further, it is the second in height after Eiffel Tower. This is because the basilica is located at the top of Butte Montmartre. Montmartre is a hill that stands at 427 feet.

Sacré-Coeur is a Roman catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1919. Annually, close to 10 million visitors go the basilica. This building utilized the Roman-Byzantine architectural style. It is definitely a must visit site in Paris, France.

8. Centre Pompidou

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Centre Pompidou is a complex of buildings located in Beaubourg of the 4^th arrondissement in Paris. Its construction began in 1971 utilizing several architectural styles like brutalist, postmodern and high-tech.

The building serves as a museum center for visual arts. It has collections of modern art. Some of these arts are exhibited temporarily while others are permanent. Further, the center has a public library and a space for music and acoustic research. It remains an iconic building in Paris.

9. Musée d’Orsay

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Musée d’Orsay is a museum in Paris located in a former Beaux-Arts railway station that was built between 1898 and 1900. The museum houses French art that date between 1848 and 1914.

This is inclusive of sculptures, paintings, and photography. Some painters whose work is featured includes Pissarro, Renoir, Monet and Manet. Musée d’Orsay has sort of specialized in impressionist art.

10. 59 Rivoli

Photo by 59Rivoli. Wikimedia Commons.

59 Rivoli is an art gallery in Paris. It is a space that is well-known for its parties, exhibitions and performances. Previously, this was building was a branch to the Credit Lyonnais bank.

When it remained abandoned for 15 years, artists took up the space and began doing exhibits. In 2006, the space became legalized as an art gallery. It is a great space to explore art in its very essence. It has given artists a place to commune.

11. Sainte Chapelle

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The Sainte Chapelle is a royal catholic chapel located in 1^st arrondissement in Paris. The construction of the chapel was done by the commission of King Louis IX. This was under the organization of architect Pierre of Montreuil between 1242 and 1248.

It was constructed using the gothic architectural style. This chapel was consecrated as a sacred shrine in 1248 to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Being a royal chapel, Sainte Chapelle remains a symbol of monarchy.

12. The Conciergerie

Photo by Ricardo André Frantz. Wikimedia Commons.

The Conciergerie is a building located in Paris built using the gothic architectural style. On its construction in the 14^th century, the Conciergerie was a royal palace.

Later on, it served as a prison and a courthouse. Its most famous prisoner was Marie-Antoinette. Right now, the Conciergerie is designated national historic monument. It is open to public tours.

13. Panthéon

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Panthéon is a monument located in 5^th arrondissement in Paris, France. Its construction began in 1758 by the architects Jacques-German Soufflot and Jean-Baptiste Rondelet.

Many great people like Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Jean Moulin, and Rousseau are buried inside this construction. The interior of the building is decorated by mosaics and paintings that depict the French history. The building is the epitome of magnificence.

14. Louis Vuitton Foundation

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This is a French art museum and cultural center. It is located in Mahatma-Gandhi 16^th arrondissement in Paris. Louis Vuitton Foundation was established in 2014 by architect Frank Gehry.

The museum houses work of art owned by LVMH. The featured artists include Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jeff Koons. If you are a Louis Vuitton fan then the Louis Vuitton Foundation is a must visit.

Check out 25 Must-see Art Galleries in Paris.

15. Luxembourg Palace

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Luxembourg Palace is an iconic building located in the 6^th arrondissement of Paris. Its construction was done in 1625 by Salomon de Brosse.

Luxembourg Palace initially served as a residence for the Royal Family. Thereafter, it was turned into a prison during the French Revolution. It now serves as the seat of the Senate of the Fifth Republic.

16. La Sorbonne

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The Sorbonne is a public university located in Paris, France. It is named after the university’s founder, Robert de Sorbon. The university was opened in the 13^th century. Several colleges were merged to form this university.

It was meant to train less privileged students from this side of Paris. While the campus was closed during the French Revolution, it was opened later on and is still running to date. It is considered one of the most prestigious university in Europe and around the world.

17. Grand Palais

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The Grand Palais is an exhibition hall and a museum building located in Champs-Elysees. The purpose of its construction was for the exhibition of French art.

Grand Palais was constructed by several architects using the Beaux-Arts architectural style. To date, the building hosts several cultural events among many other events. This range from automobile shows and concerts to fashion shows.

Click to see 15 marvelous places to visit in Paris. 

18. Louvre Pyramid

Photo by Benh LIEU SONG. Louvre Museum’s Napoleon Courtyard, at dusk. Wikimedia Commons.

This is a glass and metal structure designed by I. M. Pei who is a Chinese-American architect. This architect utilized the modern and futurist architecture. It is one the oldest structure in Paris after being long-standing for 4,500 years.

It was built in honor of the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu who had reigned from 2504-2513 BC. It remains one of the most recognizable architectural structure in France.

19. Hôtel de Ville

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Hôtel de Ville is a city hall of Paris located in 4^th arrondissement. The hall was constructed by several architects using the Renaissance Revival and French Renaissance architecture.

On its construction, the building housed the local government council. It is a major attraction in Paris. Hôtel de Ville remains a popular spot for festive gatherings of all kinds.

20. Place de la Concorde

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Place de la Concorde is a public square located in Paris. This is the location where many executions took place. This includes the execution of Marie Antoinette, Maximilien and King Louis XVI.

The square was redesigned by architect Jacques-Ignace Hittorf. Erected on the square is the Luxor Obelisk. It is decorated with hieroglyphics which exalts the reign of the pharaoh Ramesses II.

21. Palais Garnier

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This is an opera house located in the 9^th arrondisement in Paris. It has been recognized as the most famous opera in the world.

Palais Garnier was constructed by architect Charles Garnier who utilized the Beaux-Arts and Baroque Revival architectural design. The opera is open for visits except during days when there is a show going on. Not only is the opera’s exterior exquisite, its interior is simply magnificent.

Check out these 15 cheap but delicious restaurants in Paris. 

22. Saint-Lazare

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This is a train station that offers train services going towards Normandy, northwest of Paris and along the Paris-Le Havre railway. It remains the 3^rd busiest train station in France.

The station was designed by architect Juste Lisch and was opened for use in 1837. The station also has food stalls, shopping places and enough space to sit and rest as one waits to catch their train.

23. Montparnasse Tower

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Montparnasse Tower is commonly known as Tour Montparnasse. It is a office skyscraper that stands at 210 meters in Paris. The tower serves as a office skyscraper. It was in fact the tallest skyscraper in France after its construction in 1969.

The building was designed by several architects including Urbain Cassan. Many offices are hosted in this tower. The 56th floor has restaurants, bars and a terrace that hosts events.

24. Domaine National du Palais-Royal

Photo by Matias Aros M. Wikimedia Commons.

This is a former royal palace that now serves as good spot for a stroll. It was constructed by the French architect Lemercier to be a royal residence for Cardinal Richelieu.

The palace was modified in the 18^th and 19^th century. It features exquisite architecture, art, cafes and magnificent gardens. It gives a relaxing vibe for a fine stroll in Paris. It is a beautiful space to visit with family.

25. Grand Rex

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Grand Rex is a magnificent cinema located in Paris. The cinema has a capacity of over 2700 people. Grand Rex has been listed as a historical monument since October 1981. The idea of constructing this huge museum was developed by Jacques Haik who was a wealthy music producer. 

It was designed by Architect Augustus Bluysen. The cinema has been termed as a scale model to the famous Radio City Music Hall located in New York City.

Find out the Top 10 Things to do around the Eiffel Tower.