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Things to do in Paris
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Constructed for the Universal Exposition in 1889, it was the tallest structure in the world at 300 metres until 1930 when the Chrysler building in New York overtook it.
Spectacular views can be achieved by climbing up the tower or simply lying on the grass underneath it and at night the tower is illuminated from inside with a sweeping searchlight at the top to give the impression of a lighthouse.
Visitors can take a nerve-jangling ride to the top of the tower for around ten euros or £7. Prices gradually decrease for trips to the lower levels and the second level is home to the Jules Verne hyper-gastronomic restaurant.
For those who wish to follow the wandering eyes of the Mona Lisa, visitors should pay a trip to the Louvre. It is one of the largest museums in the world, housing over 35,000 pieces of art in a 60,000 square foot building. It is situated on the banks of the Seine and can be easily spotted by the glass pyramid that adorns its courtyard. The Louvre is divided into eight collections so those with limited time are advised to view a select few.
Other Paris museums include the famous Musee d'Orsay, which is housed in a former railway station and includes a variety of art nouveau, impressionist and post-impressionist works, including those of Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec. Modern art collections can be found in the spectacularly-designed Pompidou Centre.
To marvel in more architectural majesty, visitors are advised to take a trip to the Notre Dame Cathedral. Work began on this Gothic masterpiece in the 12th century and comprises of two main towers and a number of seeping arches. Visitors can climb the towers and admire the granite gargoyles that decorate the exterior. The south tower is home to the bell of Notre Dame, which was tolled by the fictional character of the hunchback in Victor Hugo's novel.
The Arc de Triomphe is another traditional venue that epitomises French nationalism and has been a world-famous landmark since the days of Napoleon. The French refer to it as L'Etoile or the star because of the 12 streets that branch off from the arch. It stands at 164 feet and features intricate carvings. Visitors can climb the 284 steps to the top of the edifice for more spectacular views of the city.
To unleash the child in you, a trip to Disneyland Paris is well worth it. Located 19 miles east of the city, it includes a range of activities and a number of hotels which cater for all budgets. People of all ages are guaranteed to find something to enjoy with areas such as Fantasyland, Adventureland and Frontierland.
So it seems that whatever your age, budget and time restrictions, there will always be something to suit every taste in one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities.
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Things to do
