Paris

The Musée du Louvre, among the world's largest museums, houses a vast collection of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Caravaggio. Its iconic entrance is adorned by the 21-metre-high glass Pyramide du Louvre. With 35,000 paintings, sculptures, and artefacts spanning from Assyrian to Islamic art, as well as antiquities from prehistory to the 19th century, the Louvre stands as a cultural treasure trove in the heart of Paris.

Commissioned by emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 on account of the French victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to be erected and was then inaugurated by the French king Louis-Philippe in 1836, 15 years after Napoleon's death. Standing tall at 50 metres (164 feet), it is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. Located at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées Avenue, the arch honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Under its vault, lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War.

With its 10 million yearly visitors, Notre-Dame was the most visited site in Paris until a devastating fire ravaged a significant part of the cathedral in April 2019. The structure of the building itself was preserved, as well as most works of art that used to be contained inside. The place has always been the religious centre of the city: the Celts considered the grounds sacred, the Romans built a temple here, the Christians, a basilica, and the last religious structure before the Notre-Dame cathedral was erected was a Romanesque church. The Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame, finished in 1345, is a tectonic masterpiece. The massive structure is 128 metres (420 feet) long and has two 69-metre-tall (226 feet) towers.

Montmartre is one of the most charming and bohemian neighbourhoods in Paris, with the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica and its beacon atop the 130-metre Montmartre hill, being the highest point in Paris. Montmartre is famous for the cafés and studios of many great artists, such as Dalí, Monet, and Picasso. It is also easily recognisable as the filming location of the movie 'Amélie'. Other famous places in the area are the Moulin Rouge and Lapin Agile, downhill to the southwest, in the red-light district of Pigalle.

Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay holds a mesmerising collection of mainly French paintings, sculptures, and photography, including the world's largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, with works from artists such as Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir, and Monet.

Installed in the tunnels of former quarries, in the heart of Paris, the Catacombs are at once a fascinating and eerie attraction. Walk down the many steps to experience this spooky underground cemetery. Here you will find the osseous remains of more than 6 million people, moved to this location from an old cemetery.

If you can be drawn away from the magical allure of the city, venture to a different type of magic at Disneyland Paris. The resort consists of two parks, Disneyland Park, which consists mainly of the usual rides, restaurants, cafés, and tons and tons of shops, and Walt Disney Studios, which has cinemas and stages on top of that. Wander down Main Street USA, explore exotic sceneries in Adventureland, or visit your favourite and most beloved characters at Fantasyland. Tons of fun is waiting to be had by visitors of all ages.

Originally built as a church to house the reliquary of Saint Genevieve, this neoclassical building in the Latin Quarter, modelled after the Pantheon in Rome, is the final resting place of numerous writers, philosophers, poets and scientists, such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie.

Pont Neuf (New Bridge) is, ironically, the oldest bridge over the river Seine in Paris. Its construction dates back to the 16th century, and the iconic bridge stands today at 278 metres (912 feet) long and 28 metres (92 feet) wide, connecting the Île de la Cité with either side of the Seine.

Montparnasse Tower, an iconic skyscraper in the Parisian skyline, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Light. Standing at 210 metres (689 feet), it provides a unique perspective, as it is the only skyscraper within the city centre. The observation deck on the 56th floor provides uninterrupted vistas of famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. With its modern design and a swift elevator ride, Montparnasse Tower provides an alternative viewpoint for those seeking an awe-inspiring Parisian experience beyond the traditional cityscape.

Le Marais is a historic district situated on the Right Bank of the Seine, spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. It is a trendy district with beautiful architecture dating back to the 17th century. Now home to a vibrant LGBT community, Le Marais is famous for its many museums, art galleries, hip boutiques, lively nightlife, numerous kosher restaurants, and historic sites, such as Paris' oldest square, Place des Vosges, where you will find the Musée Victor Hugo, site of the writer's former residence.

The river Seine flows 776 kilometres through northern France and offers a great opportunity to become familiar with many of Paris's impressive monuments while enjoying a boat ride through the heart of the city. A romantic cruise for couples or a fun-filled ride for the whole family, just sit back on the water and enjoy the scenic setting of Paris. Most boat lines offer similar itineraries and are equipped with an audio announcement system, as the multilingual guides provide commentary on the passing sights in several different languages.

Parc Montsouris is one of four large public parks built by Emperor Napoleon III at the cardinal points around the city. The large lake, the cascade, and the extensive lawns make it a favourite among locals in any weather.