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

Expressions of Independence:

This exhibition is a first time and exceptional event, as no other group exhibition presenting the work of living Sri Lankan artists has taken place outside of Sri Lanka. The Mona Bismarck Foundation in Paris and the University of Visual and Performing Arts in Sri Lanka have chosen to create this exhibition within the framework of Sri Lanka’s national history: sixty Sri Lankan paintings for the 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence to be celebrated this year.
F Scott Fitzgerald

Like Hemingway, US writer Fitzgerald (1896–1940) lived in Montparnasse and frequented the bar La Coupole.
Fauchon

The king of Parisian épiceries (grocers). The mouth-watering window displays are works of art and tempt you inside for pastries, exotic fruits and some 20,000 other items.
Fernandel

The lugubrious French film actor known as Fernandel was born in Marseille in 1903 and made more than 100 films in a career that lasted from 1930 until his death in Paris in 1971.
Festival d’utomne à Paris

This major festival promotes arts across the board in Paris, commissioning new works and encouraging all walks of life to see and enjoy performances of dance, music and drama.
Fête du Cinéma

Film buffs should be sure to verify the exact date of this annual event, held each June. For just one day, cinemagoers pay full price for the first film that they see, but can then see as many other films as they choose, for a few Euros each.
Fêtes des Vendanges

Paris used to be one of the country’s major wine producers, but these days only the vineyards at Montmartre remain (see Montmartre and Pigalle). These produce just under 600 litres (5 barrels) of wine each autumn, but great fun is had at the Fêtes des Vendanges when the wine is auctioned off for charity. There are parades, speeches and, of course, much drinking.
Fleurie

Children under-12 stay free in this smart but lively St-Germain hotel, and those over 12 can have an extra bed in their parents’ room for a small charge. Satellite TV and PC connections in each room, and a huge buffet breakfast.
Florence Finkelsztajn

The sister shop to the above offers a similar range, with freshly baked rye bread plus a deli.
Flower and Bird Markets

Dating from 1808, the colourful Marché aux Fleurs (flower market) on the Ile de la Cité is the oldest and one of the largest flower markets in Paris. Its blooms brighten up the area between the stark walls of the Conciergerie and Hôtel Dieu from Monday to Saturday – everything from orchids to orange trees. On Sundays it is joined by the Marché aux Oiseaux (bird market) with equally colourful, caged species.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €100
- €100–150
- €150–250
- €250–350
- over €350