DK Travel : Paris

From Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, Paris holds some of the world's most famous sights and these highlights should be top of the list for any first-time visitor. With the exception of the overtly modern Pompidou Centre, they have been landmarks of this elegant and romantic capital for centuries and remain awe-inspiring sights, no matter how often you visit the city.

More on guided tours in Paris

Au Pied de Cochon

Long-time Les Halles favourite. If your taste is not for offal, there are options such as oysters and steak.
Au Pied de Cochon

This 24-hour brasserie still serves dishes which used to appeal to the earthy tastes of market workers, including pigs’ trotters.
Au Printemps

One of Paris’s two top department stores, Printemps opened in 1864. Its goods range from designer clothing and accessories, to middle-of-the-range labels and funky fashions, home decor and furniture. The sixth-floor tea room is crowned with a lovely Art Nouveau stained-glass cupola.
Au Trappiste

Among the many beers on tap you can sample Jenlain, a French brew and Blanche Riva, a Belgian beer. Food is also served.
Au Verger de la Madeleine

Vintage wines are the speciality at this store. The owner will help you find a wine to match the year of any special occasion.
Aux Charpentiers

Archetypal Left Bank bistro. Blanquette (veal in cream) is one house speciality.
Aux Négociants

A cross between bar, pub and restaurant. Simple dishes such as pâté or potato pie.
Aux Vins des Pyrenees

Excellent restaurant serving typical French cuisine with a modern twist.
Avenue de Marigny

American author John Steinbeck lived here for five months in 1954 and described Parisians as “the luckiest people in the world”.
Avenue des Champs-Elysées

One of the most famous avenues in the world came into being when the royal gardener André Le Nôtre planted an arbour of trees beyond the border of the Jardin des Tuileries in 1667. First called the Grand Cours (Great Way), it was later renamed the Champs-Elysées (Elysian Fields). In the mid-19th century the avenue acquired pedestrian paths, fountains, gas lights and cafés, and became the fashionable place for socializing and entertainment. Since the funeral of Napoleon in 1840, this wide thoroughfare has also been the route for state processions, victory parades and other city events. The Rond Point des Champs-Elysées is the prettiest part, with chestnut trees and flower beds, but the upper end, near the Arc de Triomphe, has sadly lost its glamour with the influx of fast-food chains and tourist services. Yet a walk along the avenue is still an obligatory part of any visit to Paris.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and charges included.
- under €30
- €30–40
- €40–50
- €50–60
- over €60