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

Hôtel de Marle

This beautiful 16th-century mansion houses the Swedish Cultural Centre.
Hôtel de Monaco de Sagan

Now the Polish Embassy, this 1784 mansion has fountains framing the entrance. It served as the British Embassy until 1825.
Hôtel de Noirmoutiers

Built in 1722, this was once the army staff headquarters and World War I commander Marshal Foch died here in 1929. It now houses ministerial offices.
Hotel de Retz

The Hotel de Retz, tucked away in Paris’s Quartier du Temple, bears no signs of its previous patrician-era interiors. The historic building has been renovated into a series of art exhibition spaces. It houses the Passage de Retz (open daily, except Mon, 10am–7pm) which shows changing exhibitions of fine art and design from young artists. There's also a bookshop and café.
Hôtel de Seine

Timbered rooms indicate the old-world nature of this mansion, close to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Some rooms have balconies.
Hôtel de Sens

One of Paris’s few medieval mansions. Henri IV’s wife Marguerite of Valois lived here after their divorce. Now a fine arts library.
Hôtel de Soubise

Along with the adjacent Hôtel de Rohan, this 17th-century mansion houses the national archives.
Hôtel de St-Aignan

The plain exterior hides an enormous mansion within. It is now the Museum of Jewish Art and History.
Hôtel de Sully

This 17th-century mansion was home to the Duc de Sully, chief minister to Henri IV. It now forms part of the Jeu de Paume.
Hôtel de Ville

Paris’s town hall sports an elaborate façade, with ornate stonework, statues and a turreted roof. It is a 19th-century reconstruction of the original town hall, which was burned down in the Paris Commune of 1871. Though the pedestrianized square in front is pleasant now, it was once the site of gruesome executions: Ravaillac, assassin of Henri IV, was quartered alive here in 1610.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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