Attractions in Paris
Opéra de Paris Garnier
Now known as the Palais Garnier, this opulent building in Second Empire baroque style was constructed between 1862 and 1875 as one of the grandest opera houses ever built.
Panthéon
The Pantéon, a 19th century building, was first designed as a church, but later turned into a civil temple. Its crypt contains the vaults of several of France's famous countrymen.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais was built near the Champs-Elysées as an exposition hall for the World Fair of 1900. The structure features art-nouveau ironwork and an enormous glass-domed roof.
Jardin des Plantes
This botanical garden was founded in 1626 as a medical garden and opened to the public in 1650. The garden is also home to a small zoo and the city's Natural History Museum.
Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou is a cultural center in the heart of historic Paris. The complex was built in 1977 by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It includes a museum of modern art and a large library.
Versailles Palace
What started as a modest hunting lodge was expanded into the world's most famous palace, a model for all future European palaces. The palace is located just 20km southwest of Paris.
Musée de l'Armée
The National Army Museum in Paris covers the history of warfare from prehistoric times up to the Second World War. It is one of the world's most expansive army museums with a particularly large collection of military uniforms.
Tour Montparnasse
The Montparnasse Tower, built in 1973, was one of the first tall skyscrapers in Paris. After completion, the tower was seen as an intrusion of the skyline. The public outcry halted construction of skyscrapers in the historic center.
Place de la Bastille
This square was the location of the Bastille stronghold, which was stormed on July 14, 1789, triggering the start of the French Revolution. The stronghold was demolished and an enormous opera house now dominates the square.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a very unusual park situated in the 19th arrondissement. The park is located on a rocky hill and features a 30m (100ft) waterfall, steep hills and a 'suicide bridge'.
Parc de la Villette
This large park in the north of Paris is home to the city's Science Museum as well as several concert halls. The park - bisected by a canal - has a very open layout with large grassy areas and several themed gardens.
Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau, created in the 18th century by the Duke of Orleans, is one of Paris's most attractive parks. It features beautiful flowerbeds, many statues, a series of corinthian columns and even a pyramid.