Written by CATHERINE LE NEVEZ
Infused with extraordinary art and architecture, exceptional cuisine and a sense of style, Paris' highlights are endless, making it hard for first-time and returning visitors to know where to start.
Follow our guide to discover the French capital's unmissable attractions, from its most emblematic sights to its hidden treasures.
Cruises
Gliding along the Seine past Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower gives you an idyllic introduction to the city. Year-round, numerous companies run river-cruise tours with multilingual commentary.
To sightsee along the way, Batobus runs a hop-on, hop-off service docking at nine key locations along the Seine, allowing you to spend as long as you like between stops.
Paris Canal Croisières combines cruises of the Seine with trips along the Canal St-Martin, which flows through the city's northeastern neighbourhoods, spanned by footbridges.
Eiffel Tower
Rising to a height of 324m (1063 feet), the wrought-iron tower provides unique perspectives of the city from each of its three viewing platforms, with a Champagne bar at the top.
Book ahead to avoid queuing for lift tickets (you'll still need to pass through security queues), and consider taking the south pillar's stairs from the 2nd floor to the ground.
Laid out like a vast carpet at the foot of the tower is the green expanse of the Parc du Champ de Mars.
Arc de Triomphe
Some of the most magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower – and the city – radiate from the rooftop viewing platform of the Arc de Triomphe.
The 50m-high (164 feet) Roman-style triumphal arch, adorned with sculptures, was commissioned by Napoléon to commemorate his victory at Austerlitz in 1805 and completed some three decades later.
East along the axe historique (historic axis), vistas stretch along Paris' most glamorous avenue, the Champs-Élysées. Westwards, you'll see it's modern counterpoint, the Grande Arche de la Défense.
Beneath is the eternal flame guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Around the arch is the city's busiest roundabout (take the stairs on the Champs-Élysées' northern side to pedestrian tunnels).