There are so many things to see in Paris it is hard to pick out just a few not to miss. But then if you do miss any of them, it just gives you a great excuse to come back again. And Paris is a city worth returning to. It's beautifully designed, with wide boulevards radiating out from the Arch de Triomphe - Paris is historical, it is romantic and Paris is definitely one of the world's greatest cities.
Musée du Louvre - One of the world's most famous museum houses a spectacular collection of art, including the Mona Lisa. It would probably take weeks to really explore the museum, but it would be well worth a visit to see the impressive Winged Victory, David's painting of the coronation of Napoleon and of, course, the Mona Lisa.
Tuileries Gardens - The most central park in Paris, The Tulieres goes along the Seine river from the Musee du Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe. The gardens were designed in 1664 during the reign of Louis XIV and are filled with statues, pools, fountains, a few cafes and even a merry-go-round, small boats for hire and donkey rides.
Arch de Triomphe - Located at the western end of Champs Élysées, the triumphal arch stands 165 feet tall. The construction was instigated by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to commemorate the victory at Austerlitz. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier takes the central place beneath the arch, commemorating those who died in the World Wars.
Champs Élysées - This most famous and prominent avenue was constructed in the 17th century. Two of the country's most famous monuments, the Arch de Triomphe and Place de la Concord are at either end of the avenue. Although it has become rather commercialized, it is still considered a must see and is still fun (if expensive) to stop at one of the sidewalk cafes for coffee or a light lunch and people watch.
Place de la Concorde - Situated at the eastern end of the Champs Élysées, this square was built during the reign of Louis XV and during the French Revolution was the site of the guillotine, which ended the lives of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and thousands more. Today, the square houses the obelisk, given to France as a present from Egypt in 1829.
Eiffel Tower - Probably the most recognizable building in all of France would be the 986 foot Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1888. The best views of Paris can be seen from the top of the tower and should not be missed. Visitors can either climb the stairs or take an elevator. From the 2nd floor to the top of the Tower that visitors are allowed to go is about 950 feet. Admission.
Ile de la Cite is the oldest part of Paris, situated in the middle of the Seine and in its early day was the entire city of Paris. Not to be missed there is a visit to High Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral started in 1163 and completed about 180 years later in about 1345. The stained glass windows are magnificent and the Gargoyles are fascinating. For a look at the upper parts of the church, the river and much of Paris, climb the 387 steps to the top of one of the towers.
The Latin Quarter is across the Seine on the South Bank and home to the most well-known university in France, the Sorbonne. The area was founded in 1257 and its name came from the language spoken there at the time. There are bookshops, restaurants, cafes, medieval monuments, street markets, roman ruins and beautiful churches to explore. Nearby is one of Paris' favorite parks, The Luxembourg Gardens, a perfect spot for a Parisian picnic.
Montmartre is the highest hill of Paris. Topped by the beautiful white Catholic basilica, it is one of Paris' more charming areas. Considered the last village in the city of Paris, Montmartre was very rural until recently, when tourism and progress started catching up with them, although there are still a few windmills around to remind residents of the past and it still is a totally charming part of Paris.
Many poor artists lived a rather bohemian life in Montmartre during the early 19th century including Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir and many more. They sold their paintings to get enough money to eat and buy more paints. Today, the many painters of Place de Tertre can draw your portrait or a scene on the spot with perhaps a future Renoir or Van Gogh among them. Just walk around the area and discover old houses, beautiful gardens, steep streets and some magnificent views of Paris.
Sacré-Coeur - The basilica, begun in 1884, has a design of both Byzantine and Romano styles using travertine stone, which gives it its pure white look. There are fantastic views of the city and is a popular spot for people to gather in the evenings to soak up music and people watch.
Montmartre Cemetery - Cemeteries were banned from Paris in 1786, but several new cemeteries were allowed to replace all the old ones, outside the city limit. One was the Montmartre Cemetery, which of course now is within the city limits. Built in the hollow of an old quarry, the cemetery is a popular tourist destination and the home for many famous artists who worked and lived in the area, including artists Edgar Degas, writers Alexandre Dumas and Emile Zola and Russian ballet master, Nijinsky.
River Cruise on the Seine - Le Bateaux-Mouches are the name of the various boats that cruise on the Seine past some of the most historical sights in Paris. The Seine is crossed by many old and beautiful bridges, including the oldest, the Pont-Neuf near Notre Dame Cathedral, inaugurated in 1607.
You'll also see many of the most famous Parisian landmarks on the banks of the Seine as you cruise past. Several of the boats offer gourmet fare from very highly regarded chefs for both lunch and dinner cruises - the dinner cruise is simply magical as the lights come on and you cruise past these beautiful buildings lit up while dining on gourmet cuisine and wonderful French wine.