Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris, which translates to 'Our Lady of Paris', is a medieval Catholic cathedral and one of the most famous sites in Paris. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame de Paris dates back to the middle ages.

Situated at the far end of the Île de la Cité, work began on the cathedral in 1160 and was completed by 1260, although the original masterpiece was modified several times over the following centuries. Interest in the building increased hugely after the publication of Victor Hugo's novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1831.

During the French Revolution in the 18th century, the Notre-Dame de Paris was severely damaged but restored to its former glory in the 19th century including being cleared of years of soot to return it to its former colour, the one you see today.

Visitors flock to this stunning cathedral to gaze in awe at his stained glass and rose windows, the steeples and the fascinating gargoyles, and the towers which if climbed offer stunning panoramic views of Paris.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

Place des Vosges

Originally known as Place Royale, Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris and was one of the most expensive and fashionable places to live during the 17th and 18th centuries for Parisians. Not only is it the oldest, but it is also one of the most beautiful squares where visitors can stroll along the paths of the garden and admire the facades of the stunning buildings that surround the square.

The history of the square dates back to 1604 when King Henry IV built the royal pavilion at the southern end of the square. Upon success of this stunning red-brick building, the king ordered the construction of 35 buildings to follow the same design resulting in a symmetrical square of red brick and white stone facades.

The square sits in the Marais neighbourhood of Paris which also happens to be one of the most charming in the city. Here former 17th and 18th-century mansions once home to the Parisian nobility, have been transformed into popular museums such as the Musée Picasso Paris, Musée Carnavalet, and the Victor Hugo museum.

As well as this, this area is also known for its large Parisian Jewish community contributing to the vibrant array of shops and restaurants, as well as the city's largest gay district.

Address: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France

Arc de Triomphe

Standing tall at the end of the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe is iconic of Paris. Built to honour those who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars, the Arc de Triomphe ignites a flame at 6.30 every evening. The names of the victories and generals of the wars are inscribed in the interior and parts of the exterior the archway; the infamous Tomb of the Unknown Solider lays beneath.

Inspired by the Arch Di Titus in Rome, the Arch de Triomphe was the makings of the architect, Jean Chalgrin, commissioned after the Battle of Austerlitz. The archway became the meeting point for parades, following successful military campaigns.

In 1919, Charles Godefroy flew through the archway in his Nieuport in protest of the pilots having to march along with the infantry in the parade to mark the end of WWI, the pilots regarded themselves as "heroes of the air".

Address: 75017 Paris, France

Champs Elysees

Found between the Place de la Concorde and Place Charles de Gaulle, the Champs-Elysees is arguably the most famous street in the city, well-known for its high-end boutique shops, cafes and theatres. The street forms part of the Axe de Historique, a line of monuments and statues that form Paris' top attractions today.

Fronted by the Arc de Triomphe, respectively, the street becomes a site of celebration once a year for the Bastille Day military parade, which has been held annually since 1880, more or less. The street has seen parades pass through for centuries, acting as the main site of military celebration in the city.

The street also becomes a finishing line for the Tour de France in the summer.

Address: Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France

Eiffel Tower

An object of discord, desire and fascination, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress. Enriched by a history full of new developments, the structure is a sight of wonder from all directions, while providing the opportunity to see Paris from a completely different angle.

The Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. Its construction, in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days, was a veritable technical and architectural achievement.

"Utopia achieved", a symbol of technological prowess, at the end of the 19th century it was a demonstration of French engineering personified by Gustave Eiffel, and a defining moment of the industrial era.

Over the decades, the Eiffel Tower has seen remarkable achievements, extraordinary light shows, and prestigious visitors. A mythical and audacious site, it has always inspired artists and challenges.

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

Vedettes de Paris Cruise

Discover Paris like you never before as you board your cruise for a riverside exploration of Paris.

Boarding at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, your boat will take you on a sightseeing tour of the Seine River to witness the marvellous spectacle offered by the monuments and bridges of Paris that form this part of the city.

Address: Port de Suffren, 75007 Paris, France

Île de la Cité

Once known as Lutetia, Île de la Cité is one of two remaining natural islands on the River Seine within the city of Paris. The island is home to some of the most famous Parisian sights including the Pont Neuf, the Pont de l’Archevêché and Notre Dame cathedral, among many others.

Île de la Cité is the oldest settlement in Paris and until the 1850s, this area was largely residential but has since been filled with many of the cities other buildings that sit amongst the stunning landmarks.

With its location in the heart of Paris, Île de la Cité is a popular meeting place for locals and travellers alike. As you wander down the River Seine's banks you can admire the beautiful facade of Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy the many street performances by wandering museums and theatre groups.

Address: Île de la Cité, Paris, France

Louvre Museum

Officially known as the Great Louvre, this museum is not only a historic monument of France but also the world's largest art museum. It is the national museum of France which is housed in a large palace in Paris and was the most visited museum in the world in 2017.

This central landmark is located on the bank of the River Seine which flows through Paris. It houses over 38,000 objects ranging from pre-historic ancient civilisations to the 21st century covering an area of over 72,000 square metres.

The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace which was built in the late 12th century under the orders of Phillip II. Due to the city's expansion, various changes in the fortress' use and the expansion of the building itself changed a lot from the time between Phillip II's rule and 1793 when it was decreed that it should become a museum during the French Revolution.

Closing again in 1801 for structural renovation, the museum reopened under Napoleon's reign but following his abdication, many of the works were seixed. The museum's collections increased significently during the reign of Louise XVIII and Charles X and have grown steadily since.

The museum today is split into a number of different departments, which are: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

La Cave des Tuileries Paris

At the heart of Paris, in the 1st arrondissement, La Cave des Tuileries is located between the Concorde Square, the Vendôme square, the Tuileries garden and the Louvre Museum.

There are 3 beautiful vaulted cellars with exposed stone from the Napoleonic era under Rivoli Street. There are more than 500 references of Champagnes, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Languedoc, Rhône, Loire, Jura, Savoie, Sud-Ouest, beers and whiskies.

La Cave des Tuileries is a wine shop managed by François who is at your service to make you discover his favourite wines and wine-makers with the objective of helping you to find your perfect food and wine pairing.

The expression “my cellar master” takes on its full meaning at La Cave des Tuileries.

Address: 232 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Montmartre

Perched upon one of the largest hills in the city, the Basilica Sacre-Coeur dominates Montmartre, which is in the 18th arrondissement, a district famous for its artistic history.

During the interwar predating WWI, La Belle Epoque artists frequented Montmartre, with the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas and Monet having studios in the area.

Montmartre is thought to be one of the oldest inhabited areas in the city. Excavations have found items that are estimated to date back to the 3rd century and Roman baths from the 2nd.

The name comes from a story from the 3rd century when the Romans ordered the beheading of the Christian bishop, Saint-Denis. When decapitated, he picked up his head and went down the hill, where he died. From then on, the hill was no longer Mont de Mars but Mont des Martyrs.

Address: Montmartre, 75018 Paris, France

Paris

The glimmering streets of the City of Light are enough to charm anyone. Paris is alive and thriving with activity; day or night, rain or shine, it's a city that is made to enjoy the outdoors.

Famous for fashion, it would be rude not to indulge in a little shopping while here, with department stores like LaFayette and Printemps housing one-offs from some of the best local designers around and small boutique shops offering the best of the best, shopping doesn't really get better than this.

For art lovers, spending some time at smaller museums is somewhat of a once-in-a-lifetime, Paris has one of the most impressive art collections in the world. Alternatively, lazing around in the parks or at a sidewalk cafe on a sunny day in Paris is a moment of bliss - an inexpensive experience that simply cannot be missed.

Address: Paris, France

Le Marais

Found on the Right Bank of the Seine, Le Marais is an old aristocratic district of Paris that is home to some of the finest architecture in the city.

Spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, today it's one of the trendiest areas of Paris, featuring the most elite high-end stores for those in the know, alongside boutique art galleries and fine dining restaurants.

However, the district has not always been concerned with the aristocracy. Towards the end of the 19th century, many Eastern European Jews moved to the area. Having fallen into disrepair and no longer the aristocratic stronghold it was before the French Revolution, the Jewish people brought tailoring back to the area.

After WWII, the area was extensively restored in an effort to protest and conserve areas of cultural and historical significance with many 'Hôtels particuliers' adapting to host art galleries and museums that the area became famous for.

Taking some time to wander the streets and discover one of the best shopping experiences in the city.

Address: Le Marais, Paris, France