Things to do in Orsay

It’s impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower. This striking construction appears everywhere, from tacky souvenirs to valuable artworks, and is one of the city’s best-loved landmarks.

With three vast wings and one of the largest collections in the world, it’s hard to know where to start in this magnificent museum of fine art and antiquities. Its official title is Musée du Louvre, or Louvre Museum, but most people just call it the Louvre. The home of the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace is spread across six hectares on the Right Bank in the fashionable 1st arrondissement and is one of the must-see sights of Paris.

Climb the 284 steps of the Arc de Triomphe to see the beating heart of Paris spread out at your feet. The triumphal arch is the centrepiece of Place Charles de Gaulle, the “star” (or “étoile”, as it’s known to Parisians) formed by the intersection of twelve main avenues, including the world-famous Champs-Elysées. Although it’s on a busy traffic junction, a network of pedestrian crossings and plenty of room around the base makes it easy to explore on foot.

Notre Dame Cathedral dates from 1163 and took almost two centuries to complete, undergoing major restoration in the mid-19th century. Its twin towers dominate the Ile de la Cité, the larger of two islands in the River Seine, and many people catch their first glimpse of this famous Parisian landmark from the observation deck of a river cruiser.

Treat yourself to an evening of classical entertainment at the Paris Opera (Opéra National de Paris). Admire the handsome architecture and luxurious interiors of Palais Garnier, the home of this historic French opera company. Learn about the 300-year-old past of the Paris Opera via art collections, multimedia displays and museum exhibits.

Walk along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and gaze up at the imposing Arc de Triomphe. Discover the history behind the intricate carvings decorating it. Enjoy the walk along the boulevard and shop in the designer stores lining the road.

Many visitors to Paris are surprised to discover a district of unashamed modernity situated right on the edge of the historic city. Reaction to the high-rise development around La Défense from locals and tourists alike was mixed at first, but it has gradually won over the doubters with its blend of cutting-edge retail and state-of-the-art business facilities.

When the going gets hot, locals head for the leafy tranquillity of the Luxembourg Gardens on Paris’s bohemian Left Bank. Students from the nearby Sorbonne University, mothers with young children and office workers all treat this lovely park as a home from home.