Everyone has heard of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre but the real fun lies in uncovering the lesser-known diamonds in the rough.
Yes, Paris is home to some of the best known monuments in the world. (And although their names now sound like a tired cliche, they are cliches for a reason: The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Éylsées might be on every tourists to-do list but that is because they are worth braving the crowds for).
However, consider also the other possibilities: From the wealth and glamour of the Champs-Elysées and the UNESCO-protected banks of the Seine to the primary colored pipes of the Pompidou and the lost literary grandeur of Montparnasse, Paris is studded with cultural gems. Not every Paris monument is so well known.
Come relish in the tourist sites and discover the hidden gems.
If history floats your boat, Paris has a wealth of museums to offer. The city was founded over 3 millennia ago so there are a plethora of secrets to discover, whether you are visiting for a weekend or in town for a week or even longer. Not only the collections but some of the buildings themselves are considered Paris monuments.
However, there's no better place for art than in Paris. From the big names like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay to the lesser visited galleries such as Musée de Montmartre which houses the treasures of the neighborhoods artistic past, Paris will delight any art-lover.
Paris is a city of exciting architecture, whether it be historical or contemporary. From the gothic and theatrical in Notre Dame to the neoclassical Arc de Triomphe via Haussman's renovation of the city and the surprising Centre Pompidou, there is something that will cater for every taste.
This is the city where even shopping malls are works of art. Don't believe it? Then just take a peek inside Galeries Lafayette.
All this, and more, Paris monuments in a city that’s a manageable size and boasts one of the best transport networks anywhere in the world. Sounds too good to be true doesn't it?
If you feel like heading off the very obvious tourist trail, why not visit Oscar Wilde's tomb in the Cimitière du Père Lachaise or visit the Musée de l’Erotisme to sample some alternative forms of art?
The Musée Rodin is a great choice for any fans of the sculptor and also makes for a nice change from some of the bigger, more crowded museums in Paris.
If the sun is shining and you are looking for a beautiful garden to enjoy it, why not consider visiting the Japanese garden at UNESCO? If you are looking for a less visited spot to relax, this is the perfect place.
The first time you visit, you might be surprised by the iconic Paris monuments and museums; choosing where to go and what to see can be overwhelming and intimidating. For that very reason, we've put together some travel itinerary suggestions to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
You will never have enough time to see absolutely everything that Paris has to offer so don't try, you will only end up exhausted and stressed - the exact opposite of what a holiday should be about.
Instead, decide which attractions most appeal to you, and then save the rest for a return trip.
There are a few places in the city that everyone must see at least once so to help out we have compiled a list of the un-missable museums and Paris monuments to get you started.
The attractions we have chosen are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sights to see in Paris. Check out our City Guide for information on sights in specific areas of the city.