Paris has 2,000 years of history layered into its streets, and much of it is free to explore. This guide moves chronologically through the city — Gallo-Roman Paris, medieval Île de la Cité, Revolutionary hot-spots, and Haussmann's transformation — connecting the stones to the stories.
Medieval Paris in a 15th-century mansion built on Roman baths. The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are worth the entry alone — six 15th-century Flemish tapestries of extraordinary beauty. The Roman frigidarium below is still largely intact.
The Gothic cathedral reopened in 2024 after the 2019 fire, with restored interior. Construction began in 1163 and took 182 years. Victor Hugo's Hunchback saved it from demolition in the 19th century.
The royal palace that became the Revolutionary prison. Marie Antoinette was held in cell No. 15 before her execution. The medieval Great Hall is the oldest royal room in France (1302).
Built by Louis IX in 1248 to house the Crown of Thorns (bought from Constantinople for three times what the chapel cost to build). The upper chapel is the finest Gothic interior anywhere.
Under the square in front of Notre-Dame, 2,000 years of Paris archaeology are preserved. Roman roads, medieval cellars, Haussmann-era sewers — the physical layers of the city exposed.
The lively square where students and revolutionaries have always gathered. Head into the Latin Quarter streets for honest brasserie food — Rue de la Huchette (touristy) or the quieter streets west of Boulevard Saint-Michel.
The prison that sparked the Revolution (July 14, 1789) is gone — but the column in the centre marks where it stood. The street pattern still shows the outline of the old fortress. The July Column commemorates the 1830 revolution.
The history of Paris from prehistoric times to the 20th century, housed in two Renaissance mansions in Le Marais. Marcel Proust's cork-lined bedroom is here, along with the key artefacts of the Revolution.
Paris's oldest covered market (1615). Japanese bento, Moroccan tagines, French cheese — a proper lunch in a genuinely historic market that locals have been using for 400 years.
Louis XIV's hospital for wounded soldiers is now a vast military history complex. Napoleon's tomb in the domed church below is extraordinary — red marble sarcophagus designed to make visitors bow in reverence. The Army Museum (included) has armour from the Middle Ages through WWI.
Paris's largest square was the execution ground of the Revolution — Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Robespierre all lost their heads here. The obelisk from Luxor Temple (1833 gift from Egypt) now stands where the guillotine was.
The most historic restaurant in Paris — the dining room of the Gare de Lyon station (1901), now a classified monument. Belle Époque frescoes, gilded ceilings, and classic French cuisine. Favoured by Coco Chanel and Brigitte Bardot.
An hour from central Paris (RER C direct), Louis XIV's palace complex is the defining statement of French royal power. The Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, and the formal gardens (free) could fill a full day.
The neoclassical mausoleum of France's greatest citizens. Voltaire and Rousseau are here, as are Marie Curie (first woman enshrined), Victor Hugo, Émile Zola and Alexandre Dumas. Foucault's original pendulum hangs in the dome.
The most famous cemetery in the world, and genuinely beautiful — a hilly park of 300,000 graves including Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Chopin, Balzac and Proust. Pick up a map at the entrance.
The 19th-century iron footbridges and tree-lined canal banks of the 10th arrondissement are where young Parisians actually hang out. Organic wine bars, vintage shops, and a genuine neighbourhood feel.
Join the Parisian tradition of the apéro — a glass of wine or pastis before dinner. The canal banks around Rue Bichat are lined with bars with outdoor seating and a local crowd.
A Provençal bistro in Le Marais with 80 types of pastis and a legendary chocolate mousse brought to the table in a bowl you share. Warm, lively, very French.