Known as the "city of lights" (it was the first city to provide street lighting), Paris is famed for its romance and architecture -- the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral are just three world-famous landmarks. Culture lovers are also well-served by the city's many museums.

Weather/ when to go:

It can be hard to know what to pack for a trip to Paris as the weather can be unpredictable whatever the season. Spring can be wet and cold or sunny and chilly. Even in May -- which is often a warm month -- there is still a good chance of rain. Summer can be hot and humid but can also be milder and either way, rain is a definite possibility. The average number of wet days in summer isn't dramatically different compared to winter so definitely take an umbrella! Autumn is often cold but sunny and while winter can be chilly, the temperature doesn't usually dip below freezing for any great length of time and snow isn't the norm.

Do & see:

Paris is packed full of attractions and here are just a few of the things you'll want to check out during your visit:

The Eiffel Tower

Built in the 1890s as an entrance for the World's Fair to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower is arguably the most famous landmark in Paris. Millions flock here every year for the breath-taking views of the city. There are lifts up to the top floor but if you're feeling particularly inspired, you can take the stairs as far as the second floor (and the lift up to the top floor) but you'll need some stamina -- there are hundreds of steps!
Address: La Tour Eiffel

La Seine

Take a boat trip on the river Seine and admire the many spectacular bridges that span it and the grand buildings along the banks. Many of the city's prominent attractions can be seen from the water, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre was formerly a palace but is now home to one of the world's largest museums. Around 35,000 pieces of art are exhibited here from a wide range of periods and cultures. The famous Mona Lisa is just one of the pieces on display.
Address: Place du Louvre 1er

Basilique du Sacré Cœur

Located above the artist district of Montmartre, the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur is an impressive piece of architecture. Be prepared to climb a fair few steps to get there but it's worth it when you do. From its vantage point on the top of Montmartre hill, it offers views across Paris.
Address: place du Parvis du Sacré Cœur 18e

Musée d’Orsay

Formerly a grand railway station, the Musée d’Orsay houses sculptures and Impressionist paintings from the likes of Monet, Renoir, Cezanne and van Gogh.
Address: 62 rue de Lille 7e

Notre Dame Cathedral

Located in the heart of Paris on the Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame Cathedral is an exquisite example of French Gothic architecture. You can climb to the top of one of the towers for views of Paris and the Seine.
Address: 6 place du Parvis Notre Dame 4e 4e

Arc de Triomphe

The world's largest triumphal arch is situated at the western end of the Champs-Elysées and is a tribute to those who fell in the Napoleonic and French Revolutionary wars. Underneath the arch is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame paying tribute to those who died in the First and Second world wars. Inside the arch is a small museum, which looks at the construction, history and design in more detail. As part of the admission fee, you can climb to the top of the arch for views of the city.
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle