The top tourist attractions in Paris

It took three hundred years to complete Notre-Dame, which is why the cathedral blends several architectural styles, from French Gothic to Renaissance and naturalism. That remarkable architecture draws visitors from all over the world and makes it one of the defining sights of the capital.

This avenue stretches 1.9 kilometers, or 1.2 miles, between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Widely regarded as the most beautiful avenue in the world, it is lined with countless restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and shops, offering plenty to do while you take in the beauty of the city.

The beating heart of the capital, Montmartre is far more than a tourist district crowded with souvenir shops. It is home to a cemetery where Gustave Moreau and Edgar Degas rest, and crowned by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, whose steps offer some of the finest views over Paris.

In the 6th arrondissement, the famous Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter holds so many attractions that you scarcely know where to turn. It is renowned for its legendary cafés, among them the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, and is also home to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Created on the initiative of Marie de Médicis, the Luxembourg Garden lies in the 6th arrondissement between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Covering 25 hectares (about 62 acres), it combines sumptuous French and English gardens and remains one of the most beloved green spaces in the city.

Le Marais is considered one of the smartest quarters of Paris, overflowing with chic hotels and shops. Its historic streets and elegant atmosphere make it a rewarding place to wander between the better known monuments.