Paris Sightseeing

Arc de Triomphe
This world-famous landmark structure has served ever since the days of Napoleon as a symbol of victory for triumphant French troops returning home.

Catacombs 
In 1785, Paris decided to solve the problem of its overflowing cemeteries by exhuming the bones of the buried and relocate them in the tunnels of several disused quarries, which lead to the creation of the Catacombs. Here you will find yourself 20 metres underground, working your way along corridors stacked 200-year-old skeletons of several million people.

Eiffel Tower Constructed for the International Exhibition of 1889, this colossal landmark, although initially detested by many Parisians, is now a famous symbol of French civic pride.

Hotel des Invalides
Home to Napoleon’s tomb, this huge domed structure was constructed in the late 17th century under the direction of Louis XIV to shelter old and wounded soldiers.

Hotel de Ville This beautiful, 19th century building is now the seat of the French government, and features a number of displays on French history.

Jardin des Halles This park is a great place if you want to chill out. A whole series of fantasy landscapes fill the park. There are also adventure games for children on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings. Located at 105 rue Rambuteau, right in the centre of the city.

Luxembourg Gardens
These formal gardens were only open to royalty before the French Revolution. They now serve as one of Paris's most popular destinations for relaxation.

Marais
Located on a land-filled swamp, this revitalized neighbourhood, once a centre of high culture, fell into disrepair following the French Revolution, but has regained prominence.

Montmartre
Located in the 18th Arrondissement, this elevated rural neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city has a collection of upscale shops and cafés and still exudes hints of old village charm.

Museum Jacquemart-Andre
This opulent 19th-century mansion displays a spectacular collection of art from several genres compiled by Edouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart.

Louvre Museum
Home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Louvre is considered the world's greatest art museum, with an unparalleled collection of items covering the full spectrum of art through the ages. Tickets are good for the entire day, so you can come and go as you please. Admission is free to all on the first Sunday of every month and for those under 18 years of age every day. For more information visit www.louvre.fr.

Museum d'Orsay This beautiful museum, once a railroad station, now houses a staggering collection of Impressionist art, as well as other items created from 1848-1914.

Museum Rodin
The museum located in this 18th-century hotel where Auguste Rodin once lived, holds an impressive collection of works by this famous French sculptor.

Notre Dame Cathedral 
This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city. The cathedral's immense interior, a marvel of medieval engineering, holds over 6000 people and has spectacular stained glass windows.

Parc de la Villette This park offers the Cite des Sciences, planetarium, various satellite attractions, wide-open spaces to run around or picnic in and a series of ten themed gardens, some specially designed for kids. Located between avenues Jean-Jaures and Corentin-Cariou

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery This famous cemetery is the burial site of numerous French luminaries - authors, writers, musicians and more. The great 17th-century playwright Molière rests here and swirls around with the ghosts of Jim Morrison, Sarah Bernhardt, Oscar Wilde and many others.

Pompidou Centre 
Although Parisians cannot agree whether this innovative architectural creation is a masterpiece or a monstrosity, this centre of performance and exhibition has become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

Sacre-Coeur This Montmartre landmark, a 19th-century basilica built by the French government following the Franco-Prussian War, features a large medieval dome that provides excellent views of the city.

Sainte Chapelle The most exquisite of Paris' Gothic attractions, Sainte Chapelle is found within the walls of the Palais de Justice. The chapel is illuminated by a veritable curtain of luminous 13th-century stained glass, the oldest found in Paris. The church occasionally hosts classical music concerts.

Don’t miss the Arc de Triomphe Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon shortly after his victory at Austerlitz. The Arc de Triomphe was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the base of the four pillars including the famous La Marseillaise by François Rude. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame lies under the Arch.

Disneyland Paris is a must see place to visit, especially if visiting with children. It is situated just outside of Paris in Marne la Vallée and opened in 1992. Today Disneyland Paris covers about 140 acres, with a theme park to rival any of is competitors. Meet Mickey and Dumbo and all your Disney friends! Take a stroll in its themed stores, listen to the orchestras, dive into the fever of Hurricanes Nightclub, take a nightcap at the Sports Bar or go and see the latest films in the newest cinema. There are literally thousands of attractions to choose from.

Go shopping or simply take a stroll down the Champs Elysees. Central to most French National celebrations, the Champs Elysees is one of the world's most well-known streets. The Tour de France finishes here and people from all over the world congregate here to celebrate Bastille Day - the French national holiday. Stroll along its wide expanse and stop for a coffee in one of the chic cafes that line this street.

Climb the Eiffel Tower. Built for the International Exhibition of Paris in 1889, which commemorated the centenary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower is probably the best-known French landmark. Standing at over 300 meters high and weighing 7000 tons, the tower was one of the world’s tallest buildings until 1930. The view over Paris from the top is breathtaking.

Visit the Georges Pompidou Centre. This is one of the most spectacular and controversial modern buildings in Paris. It was designed with the aim of bringing art and culture to the people on the street. Its 1977 factory style architecture starkly contrasts with the surrounding classical French architecture. The centre is multifunctional, containing a public library and the French National Museum of Modern Art which has a large collection of paintings spanning the 20th century. These include works by artists such as Picasso, Braque, Max Ernst, Magritte, Chagall, Matisse, Delaunay,Kandinsky, Klee and much more.

See the Latin Quarter. One of the most famous Parisian districts, the Latin Quarter has welcomed intellectuals and bohemians alike since the Middle Ages. It derives its name from the language of the scholars as the students of the famous Sorbonne University spoke Latin here throughout the 19th-century. The area is full to the brim with cafes, bookshops, small boutiques, nightclubs, street merchants and artists.

Pay at least one visit to the Louvre. Philippe Auguste originally constructed the Louvre as a royal palace in 1190, and it was only after the French Revolution that the idea of transforming it into a huge art museum was discussed. The Louvre eventually opened on 18th November 1793 and is today one of the most beautiful museums in the world. It houses collections from nearly every era and every major artist throughout history. To see the collection in its entirety is a mammoth task and can take a few days. Arrive early to avoid the queues!

See Notre Dame Cathedral. A masterpiece of gothic architecture designed by Maurice de Sully, Notre Dame was built between the 12th and the 14th centuries. Until the French Revolution the cathedral remained relatively unchanged. See the stunning building from the Place du Parvis or take the energetic 387-step climb to the top of the towers for an amazing view of the city. Check out the statuesque gargoyles adorning the cathedral.

Discover your hero’s grave at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Although cemeteries are not on your average tourist itinerary; this one is a must. A popular attraction, especially if any of your idols are buried here. The gothic grand cemetery houses the graves of such celebrities as Chopin, Edith Piaf, Sarah Bernhardt, Rossini, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.

Light a candle at the Sacré Coeur. This is one of Paris' best-known landmarks after the Eiffel Tower. Built by public subscription after the 1870 defeat in the Franco-Prussian war, the Sacré Coeur Basilica's grand collection of 19th century sculptures, architecture, and paintings provide a wonderful insight into the history of that century. Climb the steep steps up to the church and take in the amazing views over the city.