10 Tourist attractions in Paris that are NOT worth your time!

Is this your first time in Paris?

Then you probably want to see as much of the city as possible!

But be careful. You have precious little time to explore a large city like Paris and there are quite a few tourist traps and attractions you should avoid.

To help you plan your trip to Paris in France I have put together a list of the 10 tourist attractions and experiences I would recommend you avoid and why.

1. Moulin Rouge – Expensive and catering to tourists

First up, we have the Moulin Rouge. It is located in the heart of Montmartre in the French capital and is one of the most iconic cabarets in the world.

The Moulin Rouge was established in 1889 and has a very long history of entertaining guests with dance performances.

Obviously, it became incredibly popular after the movie Moulin Rouge. But is it worth your time?

Well, yes and no. If you have a higher budget and this is definitely something that you want to see and do, I would recommend you book tickets.

If the Moulin Rouge is something you want to do on the side and you’re not really interested in the cabaret, then I would probably recommend you don’t go.

Attending a show can actually be very expensive. Tickets are often more than 100 euros, and this does not include dinner packages, drinks, or even the champagne.

I would also say that all the performances are really catered to tourists, which means that the experience is actually not very authentic, and it could feel very commercial.

The venue itself is just packed with tourists, which, depending on what kind of traveler you are, might not be something that you’re into. It’s not really a very intimate atmosphere.

Instead have a look at the other cabarets to watch or maybe go to a good restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower. It will most likely cost the same or less.

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2. The Champs-Elysees – Not very high-end anymore and overcrowded

Next up, we have the Champs-Elysees, a very famous avenue in Paris. It stretches from the Arc de Triomphe through the Place de la Concorde, and there are lots of shops, cafes, and theaters lining this beautiful avenue.

It’s often referred to as the most beautiful avenue in the world, with many luxury retail stores and high-end cafes.

However, the Champs-Elysees is often very overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy a nice and peaceful walk due to the sheer number of people.

Where the street used to be very high-end and luxurious, now there are many shops and cafes that cater mainly to tourists. There’s a McDonald’s and a KFC.

It’s less high-end now, which means there are a lot better alternatives, especially in the Marais district and in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Additionally, the Champs-Elysees is a major thoroughfare. It is one of the busiest streets of Paris. Traffic can get really heavy, especially in the evening, which can detract from the overall experience on the Champs-Elysees. That’s why I would give it a pass if you are short of time.

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3. Place du Tertre – One big tourist trap

Then we have Place du Tertre. I really don’t like Place du Tertre. I grew up with art, and going to Place du Tertre makes me feel a bit dirty – and not in a good way.

It is located in the Montmartre district, and at Place du Tertre, you will see many artists who set up easels and paint portraits for tourists in the name of art.

It used to be an amazing place because it became famous as a gathering spot for artists such as Picasso, Modigliani, and Utrillo in the 20th century. It is often hailed as some of the best things to do in Paris but I would make very little time for it on your itinerary when planning a trip to Paris.

However, at the moment, it is one of the biggest tourist traps in Paris. Even if you look at the shops near Place du Tertre that sell “art” of Paris, you will notice that a lot of the pieces they sell have not actually been painted by hand but by machines, probably somewhere in Eastern Europe.

The square is also extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season. There are lots of pickpockets around, and much of the artwork and the portraits you buy here are very overpriced and often not very good.

The area feels incredibly commercial, with artists catering more to tourists rather than maintaining an authentic artistic atmosphere.

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4. Louvre Pyramid – Long lines

The Pyramid of Louvre on the Museum Square

People ask me about the Louvre Pyramid and whether they should visit it. I would say no because you can visit the Louvre Pyramid when you go to visit the Louvre.

If you don’t know what the Louvre Pyramid is, it’s a glass and metal pyramid that serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. It was designed by architect I.M. Pei and inaugurated in 1989.

This pyramid is an iconic symbol of the Louvre, merging contemporary architecture with the beautiful historic palace. It is also one of the most photographed landmarks in Paris.

Why shouldn’t you visit it?

Well, you’ll probably get tired of it due to the long lines at the entrance of the Louvre. Even though it is visually striking, the pyramid itself might not be worth spending much time at because it can be underwhelming compared to the extensive art collection inside the Louvre.

I would suggest taking a few pictures with it and then considering an alternative entrance to the Louvre, such as the Carrousel du Louvre, which is often less crowded. This way, you can skip the line and have a quicker entry.

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5. Pont des Arts – Overcrowded

Institut de France seen from Pont des Arts Bridge

Next, we have the Pont des Arts. The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge over the river Seine that connects the Institut de France and the central square of the Palais du Louvre.

It is also known as a love lock bridge because many couples attach padlocks to the railings as a symbol of their love and then throw the key into the Seine.

Why is it a bit overrated? First of all, I would really recommend against putting a padlock on the bridge because it can actually damage the bridge.

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Many places in Europe have now forbidden padlocking because it damages ancient and historic bridges, and a lot of money has to be spent to remove the padlocks.

Another reason is that the bridge is often packed with tourists. If you do want to visit the Pont des Arts, I would recommend doing it in the evening or early in the morning.

Additionally, you might not even see many padlocks because the weight of the padlocks causes structural damage to the bridge, so they have to be removed periodically.

There are many other bridges in Paris, such as Pont Alexandre III or Pont Neuf, that offer better views of Paris and are much nicer to walk on.

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6. Notre-Dame Cathedral – Not much to see until restored

Next, we have the Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. The Notre-Dame can be found on Île-de-la-Cité. It is renowned for its stunning architecture and is also famous due to Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which inspired a beloved Disney movie.

Why is it overrated? Well, at the moment, they’re still reconstructing the Notre-Dame Cathedral after the devastating fire in 2019. As a result, you probably won’t have much access to the cathedral, and you won’t see a lot of it either.

Additionally, if there is any access, there are often very long lines, making it difficult to visit without waiting a long time. The area itself is also very crowded with tourists.

If you are really interested in Gothic architecture or historical churches, I would recommend visiting Saint-Sulpice or Sainte-Chapelle, which are less crowded and, in my opinion, a lot more impressive.

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7. Palais Garnier – Expensive and limited access

I would also say that Palais Garnier might not be worth a visit. The Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier, is a gorgeous and grand opera house known for its opulent architecture and lavish interiors.

It is famous for being the setting of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera and for its beautiful, extravagant baroque style.

Why would I say not to go? Guided tours can be extremely expensive, and even the self-guided tours can be pricey or lack enough context to fully appreciate the history and architecture of the building.

There is also limited access depending on what’s going on, which means you might be restricted to certain areas.This can be incredibly disappointing if important parts of the opera house are off-limits.

Additionally, the tours, despite their cost, can be very crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in a relaxed manner.

If you do like grand architecture and cultural performances, you might consider going to the Opéra Bastille. It’s a smaller venue, but it’s more intimate and has fewer tourists.

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8. Place Vendôme – Nothing to do

Famous bronze Vendome Column with Napoleon statue on top located on spacious old city square in Paris on sunny summer afternoon

Place Vendôme is a square in the 1st arrondissement, very famous for its fashionable shops, haute couture, luxury hotels, and the Vendôme Column.

The square is renowned for the elegant architecture of the surrounding buildings, high-end jewelers, and luxury hotels, including the Ritz Hotel. Many famous brands have shops here, such as Chanel, Rolex, and Cartier.

Why is it overrated? The luxury boutiques and hotels cater to the ultra-wealthy, meaning that many of the activities and attractions are inaccessible to most visitors. If you are ultra-wealthy, Place Vendôme is for you.

However, for most people, there’s not much to do other than take a picture of the Vendôme Column. You can go window shopping, but that’s basically it.

For shopping, I recommend going to Le Marais or Boulevard Haussmann, where there are many more shops available. Additionally, Place Vendôme can feel quite commercial, which detracts from its historical and architectural significance. It is not an experience in Paris I would recommend.

9. La Défense – Not worth it for first time visitors

Then we have La Défense. Now, there’s a caveat: I love La Défense. I try to go almost every single time I visit Paris. However, if this is your first time in Paris, do not go to La Défense. It’s not worth it. If you have been to Paris before and you’re looking for something new, La Défense is 100% worth it.

For first-time visitors, it’s important to know that La Défense is a major business district located just outside the Paris city limits. You can easily get there by public transport like the RER and metro.

It is incredibly well-known for its modern skyscrapers and contemporary architecture, including the Grand Arch. Many corporate headquarters of famous brands are located in La Défense.

One of the reasons why I do like La Défense is because it offers beautiful views over Paris, doesn’t feel touristy at all, and has one of the largest shopping centers in Europe.

However, for a first-time visitor, the ultra-modern La Défense stands in stark contrast to the historic and romantic feel of central Paris.

Unless you love modern architecture or are attending a business event here, there is little to do for an average tourist on their first or second visit to Paris.

10. Les Invalides – Very niche museum

Facade of the Les Invalides Dome in Paris, France

Last but not least, we have Les Invalides. It is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement that includes museums and monuments related to the military history of France.

It also contains a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans. It is probably best known as the burial site of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose tomb is in the Dôme des Invalides.

Why is it overrated? First, it has a very niche appeal. The focus on military history might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re looking for more general and varied cultural experiences.

Admission to Napoleon’s tomb can be very expensive, especially for families. If you don’t have a keen interest in military history, the exhibits might not justify the time and cost, as they are extensive and there is so much to see.

There are many other museums in Paris, such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie, which might provide a more diverse and engaging cultural experience.

So, if you have time, visit Les Invalides, but if you’re short on time, prioritize other museums like the Musée d’Orsay or the Musée de l’Orangerie first.

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