the "mother of all museums" attracts 10 million visitors a year! The Parisian repository of art with the glass pyramid at the entrance houses 35,000 exhibits representing periods from the prehistoric age to the 21st century. It is impossible to see it all in one visit. Must-sees include the Egyptian antiquities, the famous Mona Lisa and the sculptural masterpieces of ancient Greece, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory (Nike) of Samothrace. Address: Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre

the cathedral represents the crowning achievement of French Gothic architecture. Building began in 1163, and its many decorative elements include impressive rosettes embellishing the façade of the church that is interwoven with the history of Paris. Decorated with splendid sculptures, it was looted during the French Revolution and was central to Victor Hugo's novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".  Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II.

the most famous sight in Paris and one of the most photographed monuments in the world, it was built in 1889 by engineer Gustave Eiffel for the World's Fair celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution. Take the lift (or climb the 704 steps) to the top for a panoramic view of the entire city from 276 metres. Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France.

housed in a romantic railway station ca. 1900 on the Seine, it features masterpieces by French Impressionists Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Renoir and many others. Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur.

this magnificent monument at the western end of the Champs-Élysées was commissioned by Napoleon to honour his army's victory in Austerlitz. Often called the "Triumphal Arch of the Star", in reference to the fact that 12 main avenues radiate from there, it is integral to many historical moments in Paris, such as the victory march that took place with Charles de Gaulle at the head of the procession after the city was liberated from the Germans. Address: Place Charles de Gaulle.

visit this dazzling palace of the "Sun King" and travel back to the 17th century when France was ruled by the House of Bourbon. You will be awed by the Hall of Mirrors and enchanted by the famous gardens. Don't miss out on a tour through Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's private château. Address: Place d'Armes.

board one of the familiar open excursion boats - the bateaux mouches - for a view of the most important sights of Paris from the water. The cruise can be combined with a meal or a cabaret show. Address: boats depart from the Port de la Conférence (0033142259610) and the Port de la Bourdonnais.

the all-white Roman Catholic church and minor basilica dominates Montmartre hill. Building on the church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Christ began in 1876. Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre.

a monumental hive of culture in Beaubourg visited by an average of 16,000 people daily! The post-modern hi-tech structure designed by Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini inspired an architectural revolution in the 1970s. Visit the National Museum of Modern Art to see the works of artists from all over the world and don't miss one of the periodic ground-breaking exhibitions. Address: Place Georges Pompidou.

it is well worth a visit to the museum in the Tuileries Garden to see - among other masterpieces - the awe-inspiring "Water Lilies" series (Nymphéas) painted in the early 20th century by Impressionist Claude Monet. The artist had spent 20 years observing these aquatic plants in the garden of his home in Giverny. Address: Jardin Tuileries.

more than 5,000 works by the leading Spanish artist are on exhibit in this elegant mansion in the Marais district. Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny.