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Boat Down the Seine

The Seine has been an outlet to the rest of the country as well as a vital trade route since Paris was first founded. Nothing shows this importance better than the list of civic buildings clustered around the river: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro are just some of the examples. The best way to get an idea of their proximity and a glimpse of Paris at a relaxed and leisurely pace is on a boat tour. A host of operators will guide you under the city's pretty bridges and you can choose between a simple sightseeing cruise or a romantic night-time trip complete with dinner.

Check Your Reflection in the Hall of Mirrors

Just a 30-minute train ride from central palace will take you to the embarrassment of riches that is the Palace of Versailles. The building was improved upon by a number of French kings but it will always be considered the work of one man, Louis XIV. It was in Louis' third campaign of building at Versailles that he created the palaces’ most famous and outlandishly opulent feature, the Hall of Mirrors. At a time when mirrors were the height of luxury and hard to come by, the French monarch used more than 350 to decorate this breathtaking passage. Besides the Hall of Mirrors there are myriad wonders on offer at Versailles, including the king's apartments and the sprawling gardens.

Cancan the Night Away

The red windmill of the Moulin Rouge has been synonymous with all things cabaret since the venue opened its doors in the late 1880s, and today visitors still flock to the place for a glimpse of seedy glamour at the nightly shows. Found in the red-light district of La Pigalle, the Moulin Rouge cast off the more shady elements of its reputation in the early 20th century and became a venue of choice for Parisian society. Artists like Toulouse-Lautrec were frequent visitors and many of his works depict the life of the cabaret centre and home of the high-kicking cancan dance.

This bohemian nook has eccentric Paris character to spare with its easel-and-artist filled square (Place du Tertre), Moulin Rouge and hilltop Sacre-Coeur basilica. Mustachioed master Dali's Espace museum is nearby.

You can photograph it, climb it, drink wine near it and kiss under it. One lady loved it so much she married it. Nearby: Quai Branly Museum, the Champ de Mars Gardens, lots of hotels.

These Gothic masterpieces, located a few blocks apart, are steeped in sacred beauty. Discover flying buttresses, relics and artwork inside Notre-Dame. Jewel box Sainte-Chapelle sparkles with thousands of religious scenes depicted in 15 stained-glass windows.

Named after Louis XIV's confessor, this French cemetery is filled with serene beauty. Visit the interred here: Oscar Wilde, Maria Callas, Gustave Dore, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrisson.

Though it's not technically in Paris, missing Versailles is still a real non-non. Catch your reflection in the Hall of Mirrors, and see a world of silks, murals, ostrich plumes and regal glitz.

Get your art fix from Mona Lisa to the Michelangelos and Winged Victory to the Louvre Pyramid. Stroll the still-thriving old market district Les Halles nearby.

The Eiffel Tower

Built in the late 19th century amid a storm of controversy and only supposed to stay standing a mere 20 years, the Eiffel Tower is a testament to how perceptions change. French engineer Henri Eiffel conceived of and built the tower as the showpiece and entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, and today it is one of the world’s most striking landmarks. But it was not always so beloved: in its early years it enraged the Parisian artistic community, with the likes of Alexandre Dumas and Guy de Maupassant speaking out against it. Maupassant was even said to have eaten lunch at the tower on a daily basis as it was the only eatery in Paris from which the structure could not be seen. With unrivalled views from its three levels and even a Michelin-starred restaurant, it is a monument that simply cannot be missed.

The Sacré Coeur

Equally impressive is the domed grandeur of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, or the Sacré Coeur. This is the most democratic of constructions: a competition was held to decide on the design, with the Romano-Byzantine vision of Paul Abadie being chosen. Sadly for him he died soon after construction began and other architects were drafted in to complete the project. The basilica is as gleaming white today as it was when it was completed in the early 20th century, owing to the use of travertine stone, which reacts with rain water to produce the calcite that keeps the structure pristine. When you visit make sure to check out the surrounding bohemian streets of Montmartre, an artistic hub since the 1880s.

The Louvre

Effortlessly blending the historic and the modern, this world-famous museum is housed in the Louvre Palace. The original structure dates back to the 12th century but the attraction has become just as well known for its arresting glass pyramids rising from the ground, which were added in the 1980s. The Mona Lisa—with probably the most famous smile on the planet—is just one of the countless treasures inside, so be prepared for some queuing.

Bois de Vincennes

The gardens found in this attraction let you escape the city, and there are ample places to enjoy a simple picnic lunch.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Hidden inside this cemetery is the final resting place of legendary singer Jim Morrison, and hundreds of people make the pilgrimage here every week.

Clignancourt Flea Market

Travellers and locals flock to this Paris flea market for antiques, vintage collectibles, and other items imported from other countries.

Notre Dame Cathedral

People around the world know this historic cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and has appeared in dozens of movies.

Musée Marmottan-Monet

This museum has a variety of Impressionist paintings on display inside a historic building once used by hunting parties.

Musée d'Art Moderne

With a focus on modern art, this museum is home to hundreds of paintings from famous artists who worked in styles such as Cubism.

Disneyland Paris

Relax at this amusement park, which offers new and classic rides, live entertainment, food, and a nightly parade and fireworks show.

Army Museum

While this museum focuses on the history of war, it also has a variety of displays devoted to different types of vehicles and weapons.

Vanves Market

Visit this local flea market to find everything from freshly made coffee and pastries to souvenirs, clothing, and more.

Musée de l'Orangerie

This hidden gem of the city is practically unknown to tourists, but it is home to a variety of Impressionist paintings, including several by Monet.