

Paris is one of those cities that gets under your skin. Paris is the very essence of all things French. By other standards, Paris is small for a European capital city but this means that most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Aside from the most well known sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame, you will find something to do or see on almost every street corner. The Louvre Museum has vast rooms full of paintings, sculptures and antiquities and draws record crowds every year. If you want to see everything in this museum, you should give yourself at least 2 days. Otherwise, choose which sections you most want to see and visit them first as it is very easy to lose yourself in this huge place.
The Champs-Elysees is one of the world's most beautiful avenues with its broadened sidewalks, designer street furniture and Art Nouveau newsstands. It is on this avenue that you will find designer boutiques and great car showrooms. The Pompidou Center is another place to visit. Built to display and promote modern art, this is by far the most visited site in Paris. Inside you will find galleries, a library and French and English newsstands. A square to the west of the building features street musicians and Marcel Marceau impersonators.
Paris is at its best during spring and autumn, but beware that Parisians take their holidays during August and many businesses may be closed.