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

1724

The Duke of Antin, overseer of the royal gardens, extended the avenue to the heights of Chaillot, the present site of the Arc de Triomphe.
1772

The Marquis of Marigny extended the avenue again, this time all the way to the Neuilly bridge over the Seine, the stretch of street now called avenue Charles-de-Gaulle.
1774

Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot lowered the hill of the Champs-Elysées by 5 m (16 ft) to reduce the steep gradient, therefore making an easier and safer passage for residents’ horses and carriages.
1789

On 14 July every year Parisians celebrate Bastille Day to commemorate the start of the French Revolution (see 14 July 1789). There are marching bands, military processions and Air Force jets fly overhead. In late July, “les Champs” is also the final stretch for the Tour de France bicycle race.
1792–4

“The Terror” reigns, under the radical Commune led by Robespierre, Danton and Marat. Thousands are executed by guillotine.
17th-Century Murals

In the Ancient Armoury Department, restored 17th-century murals by Joseph Parrocel celebrate Louis XIV’s military conquests.
1850s

Twelve huge iron structures are built to house the market. Napoleon III declares that Les Halles is essential to Paris life.
1965

Work begins on a modern wholesale market south of Paris, at Rungis.
1969

The market is closed and moved to Rungis, partly to ease the traffic congestion that was by now too much for the centre of the city.
1971

The old buildings are demolished and digging begins, to create for a time what is known as the trou des Halles (the hole of Les Halles).