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

Jardins du Trocadéro

Designed in 1937, the tiered Trocadéro Gardens descend gently down Chaillot Hill from the palace to the Seine and the Pont d’Iéna. The centrepiece of this 10-ha (25-acre) park is the long rectangular pool lined with stone and bronze statues, including Woman by Georges Braque (1882–1963). Its illuminated fountains are spectacular at night. With flowering trees, walkways and bridges over small streams, the gardens are a romantic place for a stroll (see Jardin du Luxembourg).
Jazz Club Lionel Hampton

The jazz club par excellence actually serves up a wider range of music than its name suggests. Check what’s on as you might get blues, rock or even gospel music. There’s a heavy emphasis on visiting African-American musicians (Oscar Peterson has played here). A sophisticated experience.
Jean-Paul Hévin

Another of the distinguished chocolatiers of Paris, where it is regarded as an honoured profession. Also sells pastries and cakes.
Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Montparnasse Cemetery

Joined together in death as in life, even though they never lived together, their joint grave is a remarkably simple affair. Both of these philosophers were born, lived and died in Paris (see Top 10 Foreign Writers who Lived in Paris).
Jeu de Paume

This gallery is one of the finest exhibition spaces in the city, being set within a 19th-century real tennis court (jeu de paume ). It is a showcase for outstanding photography, film and video.
Jil Sander

Minimal and modern store, just like the clothes. Sander’s trouser suits, cashmere dresses and overcoats in neutral colours are displayed on four floors.
Jim Morrison, Père Lachaise Cemetery

The American lead singer of The Doors rock band spent the last few months of his life in Paris and died here in 1971. Fans still hold vigils at his grave, which is covered with scrawled messages from all over the world.

Jim Morrison’s grave
Jo Goldenberg

This Jewish deli-restaurant serves dishes such as chicken soup, chopped liver and potato latkes .
Joe Allen Restaurant

A great brunch, and for lunch and dinner a mixed French/US menu is served.
Jogging

You can get your aerobic fix along the pathways of Paris’s parks and gardens.

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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