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

Centre Georges Pompidou

Home to the Paris Museum of Modern Art, the design of the Pompidou Centre makes it a distinctive exhibition in itself. The Centre also has extensive research facilities.
Champ-de-Mars

These long formal gardens, stretching between the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire, were laid out in 1765–7 as a parade ground for the military school, but the “Field of Mars” was opened to the public in 1780. Three years later crowds gathered for the launch of the first hydrogen-filled balloon. On 14 July 1790, a sullen Louis XVI watched as 300,000 citizens celebrated the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, an event which is commemorated here annually (see Marais and the Bastille). Five world exhibitions were held here between 1867 and 1937; the 1889 event gave Paris the Eiffel Tower.
Chanel

Chanel classics, from the braided tweed jackets to two-toned shoes as well as Lagerfeld’s more daring designs, are displayed in this branch of the main rue Cambon store.
Chapelle des Martyrs

Also known as the Martyrium, this 19th-century chapel is said to be on the spot where St Denis was beheaded by the Romans in AD 250.
Chapelle Royale

The Royal Chapel is regarded as one of the finest Baroque buildings in the country. Finished in 1710, the elegant, white marble Corinthian columns and numerous murals make for an awe-inspiring place of prayer.
Charcuterie Alsacienne

If you like strong tastes, try this shop which features produce from Alsace, including cold meats, cheese and wines.
Charcuterie Charles

This award-winning charcuterie shouldn’t be missed. Flavoured sausages and boudin blanc are specialities, and the cold meats are ideal for picnics.
Charcuterie Coesnon

Produce from Normandy is sold at this charcuterie – pâtés, ham, cheese and cider too.
Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor

In 751 the Carolingian dynasty became rulers of France when Pepin the Short ascended the throne. His heir Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800 and moved the capital to Aix-La-Chapelle. Paris fell into decline until nobleman Hugues Capet became king in 987, moving the capital back to his home city.
Charles Baudelaire, Montparnasse Cemetery

The poet who shocked the world with his frank collection of poems Les Fleurs du Mal was born in Paris in 1821 and died here in 1867.