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Everybody wants to race to the top, but don’t neglect the view from the ground. Looking directly up at the magnificent structure makes one appreciate the feat of engineering all the more (see Eiffel Tower).

Such was the success of Paris’s breathtaking Millennium fireworks display, centred on the tower, that the city authorities continued the idea with an hourly lighting display that makes the whole edifice twinkle.

Walk into the centre of the courtyard to fully appreciate this magnificent set of buildings.

The view of the golden Dôme church, through the branches of the trees that line these gardens, is awe-inspiring.

You cannot help but be impressed as you enter the Dôme Church and stand gazing down at the massive tomb which holds the body of the diminutive emperor (see Hôtel des Invalides).

The view of the Hôtel des Invalides, seen from the banks of the Seine, is stunning.

The Egyptian obelisk at the centre of place de la Concorde is at its most impressive from the bridge.

There is no bad approach to the Eiffel Tower, but the best is from the Trocadéro direction, walking straight to the tower across the Pont d’Iéna.

This old street market in avenue de Saxe is a little off the usual tourist track, but the view of the Eiffel Tower above the fruit and vegetable stalls is totally Parisian and will especially appeal to photographers.

There is nowhere in Paris to match the view from the top of the tower, so hope for good weather. With the Seine sparkling below and lush greenery, it is the highlight of any visit (see Eiffel Tower).