Paris
The top sights and landmarks in Paris (France) make it one of the world's most visited cities. The French capital is famous for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe, the artistic quarter of Montmartre, and the nearby Palace of Versailles.
General information
Paris, the capital of France, is one of the world's most visited and most romantic cities — the "City of Light" spread elegantly along the River Seine. Grand Haussmann boulevards, tree-lined quays, historic bridges and pavement cafes set the scene for a city that is a global capital of art, fashion and gastronomy. Divided into twenty arrondissements that spiral out from the centre, Paris rewards wandering as much as sightseeing. French is the language, English is understood in tourist areas, and few places pack so many icons — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame — into such a walkable centre.
Transport and how to get there
Paris has two main airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to the north-east and Orly (ORY) to the south, plus the budget hub of Beauvais (BVA) further out; all are linked to the city by train or coach. Within Paris, the Metro (14 lines) is fast, cheap and reaches everywhere, backed by the RER suburban trains and buses. High-speed TGV trains and the Eurostar to London put much of Europe within a few hours, and the compact centre is a joy to explore on foot or by bike.
Prices
Paris is one of Europe's pricier capitals, especially in the central districts. Expect roughly 120-220 EUR per night for a mid-range hotel, with hostels from about 35 EUR. A casual restaurant meal runs around 18-30 EUR, a coffee at a cafe 3-4 EUR (more if you sit outside on a famous square) and a glass of wine 5-7 EUR. A single Metro ticket is about 2.20 EUR, and major museums such as the Louvre cost around 22 EUR, with many free on the first Sunday of the month. Prices are approximate and vary by season.
Main attractions
The Eiffel Tower is the undisputed symbol, best seen at dusk when it sparkles, while the Louvre holds the Mona Lisa among endless masterpieces. Cross the Seine to the Gothic Notre-Dame on the Ile de la Cite, stroll the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, and climb to the white domes of Sacre-Coeur above artsy Montmartre. Art lovers head to the Musee d'Orsay's Impressionists, and a river cruise ties it all together. Just outside the city, the Palace of Versailles makes an unforgettable day trip.