Cultural tourism is doing well in France. After two difficult years over the health crisis, the national monuments are as visited as they were in 2019, with over 10 million visitors reported in 2022. This is what the Centre des Monuments Nationaux – National Monument Center – revealed in a press release published this past January 3. “In Paris, the return of international visitors, specifically European and American, enables major monuments to experience major rises in comparison with 2021, and reach the same level as in 2019”, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux claimed.
But then, what was the most visited monument in Paris in 2022? According to data revealed, the Arc de Triomphe peaked at 1,754,767 visitors (+244% compared with 2021). Located on Place de l’Etoile, this iconic Paris landmark has lost nothing of its charm, and attracts crowds of curious people and enthusiast visitors eager to enjoy unobstructed views on the world’s most beautiful avenue.
The Arc de Triomphe: a breathtaking view at the foot of the Champs-Elysées
Nestled in the 8th arrondissement, at the entrance to the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the capital's must-see landmarks, opening its doors to all visitors who love beautiful views and altitude. A climb that also allows you to discover the monument's history. The good news is that the monument will reopen its doors on May 19, 2021! [Read more]
Ranking second most-visited national monument in 2022 in Paris stands the gorgeous Sainte-Chapelle that attracted 1,201,601 visitors (+222% compared with 2021).
The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun. [Read more]
For the first time, the Pantheon is close to one million visitors with 949,445 people welcomed in 2022 (+158% compared with 2021). Was Josephine Baker’s entombment a reason to this renewed interest for the monument? “The recent homages of the nation” as well as “the renovation of the upper parts, the inauguration of new mediation systems and the creation of a cultural program”, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux explained in the press release.
The center also reveals the Conciergerie did very well in 2022, especially thanks to the incredible “Outremonde, The sleeping chapter” exhibition by Théo Mercier. The monument reported a total of 454,742 visitors in 2022, including over 110,000 since this past October 14th.
In Île-de-France, let us pay homage to the lovely performance delivered by the Château de Maisons and the Château de Rambouillet in Yvelines. Thanks to the immersive “Beauty and the Beast” and “Secret Défense” shows by Polaris, the places respectively attracted 67,631 and 65,576 visitors.
Official website
www.monuments-nationaux.fr
The Arc de Triomphe: a breathtaking view at the foot of the Champs-Elysées
The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris
