Paris

Paris itself is divided into 20 districts, and each of these has something different to offer, but chances are that on a first trip to Paris at least, your energy will be concentrated around central Paris and all its charms. An excellent way to get the best views of many of the riverside landmarks is to take a boat tour.

Inner Paris

Covering the Île de la Cité and the Île de Saint Louis, as well as the area directly to the north, inner Paris is packed with medieval charm and plenty of top tourist attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pompidou Centre with it's incredible modern art collections. There are numerous excellent places to eat in the centre of Paris, but for an informal dining experience, join locals and tourists alike for a picnic on the open area on the east end of the Île de la Cité.

Left Bank

South of the River Seine is the Latin Quarter, traditionally home to Paris' numerous artists. Book stalls along the banks really set the arty scene. Here the small winding streets open unexpectedly to small gardens and magnificent architecture, such as the Pantheon and the Museé d'Orsay. The Jardin du Luxembourg offers wide open spaces, fountains and plenty of sculptures and further west you'll find the roads widen and the gold topped Hôtel des Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.

Right Bank

The Louvre art museum dominates the right bank as you walk along the River Seine from the Île de la Cité, and this magnificent building has lovely gardens, perfect for imagining you are visiting royalty! The gardens follow onto the start of the Champs-Elysées, possibly the most famous street in Paris and a haven for designer shops. There are plenty of other speciality shops in the area too so it's worth exploring. And of course, the Arc de Triomphe dominates this part of Paris, you can climb to the top for some spectacular views.

Montmartre

Further north in Paris are the areas of Pigalle and, as you climb up the hill, Montmartre. Pigalle is home to the famous Moulin Rouge and is a hotspot for night life of all types. At the top of Montmartre is the Sacré-Coeur cathedral. The steps in front of the cathedral provide an excellent viewpoint as well as an exciting meeting point for tourists and locals alike. Gathering to watch the sun set, a welcoming party atmosphere abounds with musicians and street performers entertaining the hordes of people sitting on the steps of the church.