Paris, France (Point of interest)

Napoleon's grand symbol of military victory has ironically twice been a ground for crushing French defeats: in 1871 by Prussians and in 1941 by Germans. Nonetheless, the Arc de Triomphe proudly crowns the Champs-Elysees, sitting on Paris's most imp... Continue reading →

Architect Jean Nouvel's ultra-modern Branly Museum, near the Eiffel Tower, showcases collections of anthropological and ethnological artefacts, and primitive art from Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. For great views of the Eiffel Tower, head... Continue reading →

The Catacombs, in Denfert-Rochereau, are a labyrinth of quarried tunnels - the final resting place of six million Parisians whose bodies were moved here from overcrowded graves in 1810. Visitors can explore the eerie bone-lined passages, 18 metres ... Continue reading →

Cité de l'Architecture in the Chaillot district houses over 850 copies of architectural treasures. Moulded portions of churches, châteaux and great French cathedrals like Chartres sit alongside reconstructions of modern architecture including a m... Continue reading →

Strictly speaking, Eglise Saint Germain des Prés is Paris' oldest church although in fact nothing remains of the original 6th-century structure. Set on the Place St Germain, the church offers a spiritual retreat amidst the quartier's consumer fren... Continue reading →

More a stately home than a museum, the Jacquemart-André Museum, near the Champs-Elysées, is the treasure trove of a couple devoted to 17th- and 18th-century art and furniture. In the gilt-clad salons, admire works by Bellini and Rembrandt. The J... Continue reading →

The Tuileries gardens, between the Louvre and place de la Concorde, are the perfect place for a stroll. André Le Nôtre designed them in 1664, while warming up for perhaps his most challenging task - designing the gardens of Versailles.... Continue reading →

The Jardins du Luxembourg gardens, surrounding the Luxembourg palace, were built in the 1620s for Marie de Médicis, Henri IV's widow, by Salomon de Brosse. They comprise formal and English gardens, sculpture, an orangery, orchards and an apiary.... Continue reading →

Despite an initial shaky start, Honoré de Balzac became one of French literature's most famous names. His former home, the Maison de Balzac in Paris, is open to the public, his writing desk still intact. Balzac lived in the Rue Raynouard from 184... Continue reading →

Built on the site of a Roman baths, Paris's Cluny Museum has housed an engaging display of Medieval art since the 19th century. Its pretty medieval garden is also a drawcard, and links Saint-Germain with Paul-Painleve square (opposite the Sorbonne)... Continue reading →

The meeting point for Paris' Muslim community, the Mosquee de Paris is made up of various courtyards and buildings, many open to the public. Visit the Islamic library and hammam, then sip mint tea in the mosaic tea room.... Continue reading →

In the heart of the Marais, by the Place des Vosges, is the intriguing Musée Carnavalet, keeper of Paris' memories. The museum is actually two buildings, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, joined by a passage. The ... Continue reading →

Set inside a stunning Belle Époque railway station, the Musée d'Orsay on the Left Bank houses world-famous collections of 19th-century art. On the top floor, Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas and Renoir steal the show. Across the river ... Continue reading →

Paris's Musée des Arts Asiatiques-Guimet houses art and archaeology from India, Pakistan, China and Korea. Among the calm buddhas and angry divinities are exquisite decorative arts including painted Chinese screens and gold-embroidered robes which... Continue reading →

Paris' Observatory opens its doors to a few group visits each week. Tours last two hours and take in the Clock Room in the basement as well as numerous precious astronomical instruments, including a 19th-century piece that measures the equator.... Continue reading →

The natural lake beneath the Belle-Époque Garnier Palace in the Opéra district inspired Leroux to write Phantom of the Opera. Reserve tickets early at Opéra Garnier to see classics performed by France's national ballet and contemporary dances by... Continue reading →

In a stunning 1930s-era palace, opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Palais de Tokyo is a cutting-edge contemporary art museum. It houses an ever-changing succession of avant-garde and wacky installations that help visitors break away from traditional pe... Continue reading →

In Paris' re-vamped industrial quarters, Parc de la Villette has wide, angular lawns littered with modern sculptures, fountains, a vast interactive science museum, a 3D Imax cinema and an avant-garde circus. Visitors come in summer for the open-air... Continue reading →

The tombs of celebrated singers, writers, artists, statesmen and revolutionaries can be found among the thousands buried in Paris' leafy Père Lachaise Cemetery. It is reputedly the world's most visited cemetery, with tombs ranging from the ostenta... Continue reading →