Eiffel Tower

Between 1889 and 1931 the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building on the planet. Not bad for a temporary structure that was only supposed to last the length of the Exposition Universelle! It is now impossible to imagine Paris without the tower and more than 200,000,000 million people have visited it.

Entry (to the top between January 1 2008 and March 14 2008): €11.50 (adults), €6.30 (3-11 years).

Nearest RER: Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel.

Arc de Triomphe

At the western end of the Champs Elysees, the Arc was built to honour soldiers who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. Now you celebrate if you can emerge unscathed from trying to drive around it! If your head for heights cannot stand the Eiffel Tower then the Arc is a good fall back.

Entry: €6.10 (standard), €3.81 (special rates).

Nearest Metro: Charles de Gaulle - Etoile.

Sacre-Coeur

The Basilica of Sacre Coeur is at the summit of Montmatre butte, the highest point in the city. The city of Paris decided in 1973 to use land on Montmatre for a basilica but the building was only finished in 1914. The basilica is one of the focal points of Paris, surrounded by tourists jostling for the best views in the city and cafes trying to get their business. It's worth the climb!

Nearest Metro: Anvers

The Louvre

The Louvre is the world's most visited art museum with over 8 million people flocking to the home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo every year. The original palace was completed in 1793 and the famous, and controversial, glass pyramid was added in 1989.

Entry: €9 (all day), €6 (6-9.45pm Wed and Fri) - both exclude temporary exhibitions in the Hall Napoleon.

Nearest Metro: Musee du Louvres.

Notre Dame

The 12th century Gothic cathedral is on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cite. Victor Hugo's 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' was written to raise the building's profile and help prevent it being knocked down in the 19th century.

Nearest Metro: Saint Michel Notre Dame.

Bateaux Mouche and Bateaux Parisiens

If you fancy taking in the sights in relaxing style then take a ride on the Bateaux Mouche or Bateaux Parisiens. Leaving the Pont de l'Alma and Eiffel Tower respectively, both offer boat rides down the Seine that include commentary and the obligatory tourist photograph! You can choose between day and evening cruises.

Nearest RER/Metro: Champs de Mars - Tour Eiffel (Bateaux Parisiens) / Pont de l'Alma (Bateaux Mouche).