THE LANDMARKS

1. Ei el Tower

ICO N IC As the symbol of the French capital and one of the most visited cultural attractions in the world, the Ei el Tower stands on the Champ de Mars overlooking the Seine. Built by Gustave Ei el for the Universal Exhibition in 1889, this wrought iron structure spans over 324 meters tall and is famous for its spectacular panoramic views from the 3rd oor (276 meters high). Skip the queues by dining at one of its two restaurants: the 58 Tour Ei el restaurant or chef Alain Ducasse’s superb Le Jules Verne restaurant. Champ de Mars, 5 avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris +33 8 92 70 12 39 | tour-ei el.fr

2. Arc de Triomphe

IMPOSI N G An emblematic landmark towering 50 metres above Place Charles-de-Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe lies at the centre of twelve intersecting avenues, one of which is the famous Champs-Elysées. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and inaugurated in 1836, the building honours his French army soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars. Enjoy breathtaking views of Paris by climbing the 280 stairs to the top of this monumental landmark. Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris +33 1 55 37 73 77 | arcdetriompheparis.com

3. Le Palais-Royal

PICT U R E S QUE Located on the doorstep of the Louvre Museum, the Palais Royal comprises the former private residence of Cardinal Richelieu built in 1628, as well as galleries, a theater and a picturesque garden decorated with fountains and sculptures. is historic French landmark is surrounded by cafés and boutiques and o ers a peaceful place to enjoy a sense of local Parisian life. Don’t miss a visit to the dramatic striped columns by conceptual French artist, Daniel Buren, which were erected in the palace’s courtyard in 1986.

8 rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris +33 1 47 03 92 16 | monuments-nationaux.fr

4.

MAG N IFIC EN T e Grand Palais des ChampsElysées, commonly known as the Grand Palais, is a signi cant Art Nouveau historic site, museum and exhibition hall complex located on the Champs-Élysées. Home to events as diverse as the annual FIAC art fair, Chanel fashion shows, and major art exhibitions, the Grand Palais and the neighbouring Petit Palais are two magni cent must-visit Parisian cultural landmarks.

3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris +33 44 13 17 17 | grandpalais.fr

5. Les Invalides

MI L ITARY Initiated by Louis XIV in 1670 as a home and hospital for aged and disabled soldiers, this complex of buildings and monuments pays tribute to France’s military history. With a beautiful Classical facade and a tree-lined promenade extending to the Seine, this impressive site houses the Musée de l’Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée d’Histoire Contemporaine, and the Musée des PlansReliefs, as well as the burial site for French war heroes such as Napoleon Bonaparte. Avenue de Tourville, 75007 Paris +33 8 10 11 33 99 | musee-armee.fr

6. Centre Georges Pompidou

C U TTI N G- E DG E e visually spectacular ‘inside out’ Centre Georges Pompidou houses Paris’s outstanding modern art museum, displaying over 1,400 permanent artworks from the 20th century until the present day by artists such as Matisse and Kandinsky. With a rolling program of temporary exhibitions held throughout the year, this striking museum boasts the second largest collection of modern art in the world, after New York City’s MoMA. Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris + 33 1 44 78 12 33 | centrepompidou.fr