All our hotels in Paris

Paris was founded more than 2,000 years ago on an island in the middle of the River Seine – today's fabulously beautiful Île de la Cité – and soon expanded across both banks of the river that today bisects the city, giving us the simmering rivalry between Right Bank (Rive Droite) and Left Bank (Rive Gauche) that still exists today. And so the Île de la Cité is an appropriate place to start a tour of Paris landmarks. Restoration work after the 2019 fire is ongoing at the glorious, Gothic-style Cathédrale Notre\-Dame de Paris, but it remains one of Paris's most iconic sights. Steps away, take a peek at the jewel-coloured stained-glass windows at Gothic-era Sainte\-Chapelle, complemented by a vibrant décor of gold, deep blue and crimson. The Eiffel Tower has marvellous vistas over the Seine and the city's major sights from its wrought-iron viewing decks. Other attractions with fantastic views include the fabled Arc de Triomphe – an imposing 19th-century symbol of a united France – or the observation platform atop the modernist Montparnasse Tower. You'll find further dramatic city panoramas from the steps outside the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and from there, it's only a few paces into the charming, cobbled streets of Montmartre for a mooch around indie art galleries. Paris has numerous major art museums, with two standing out from the crowd. The Musée du Louvre may be the repository of some of the greatest artworks in the world, but don't try to see everything in one day. Cherry pick among the gallery's treasures, which include Leonardo's Mona Lisa, the classical Greek Venus de Milo sculpture and The Lacemakerby Jan Vermeer. Fans of Impressionism can head straight for the Musée d'Orsay and its unrivalled collection of works by Cézanne, Pissarro and Manet, stylishly displayed in a former railway station. A dinner-cruise along the Seine or dining on moules marinière and steak-frites in a buzzy Latin Quarter bistro are almost Parisian rites of passage. Alternatively, dress up for a night of opera at the Palais Garnier, classical concerts at the stately Théâtre du Châtelet or a show and cabaret at the Lido de Paris – ask our concierges to secure tickets for you.

With time on your hands, you can discover places to visit in Paris at leisure – here are some recommendations of things to do in Paris if you're staying for several days. The Musée Carnavalet has had a facelift and is back in business; it's the perfect launch pad for learning about Parisian history through its displays of antique furniture in period rooms. Dedicated devotees of art have a cluster of Paris exhibitions to consider: see the world's most comprehensive collection of Monet's work at the Musée Marmottan Monet, or tour Rodin's bronze and marble sculptures, housed in an eponymous villa\-cum\-museum with a peaceful garden. Witty and wacky contemporary installations are found in one of the newer kids on Paris's artistic block, the outstanding Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection. Shopping in Paris is a sheer delight, from international brands on the Champs\-Elysées to indie boutiques in trendy Le Marais, where you'll unearth vintage clothing and artisan leather goods. Don't forget Paris's passages couverts: these wonderfully ornate shopping arcades with marble floors and vaulted glass roofs include elegant Galerie Vivienne, good for rare-book dealers and upmarket homeware. End your shopping spree in hip boutiques around the Bassin de la Villette, and then take a twilight stroll along the Canal St-Martin, abuzz with craft-beer pubs and cool cafés. Dedicated foodies can trawl the Marché des Enfants Rouges – Paris's oldest covered market – for fresh fruit, seafood and Lebanese street snacks, and graze on Chevre goat's cheese and crêpes from the Marché d'Aligre. Add a freshly baked baguette from a Paris boulangerie and flavoursome macarons from an upmarket patisserie and you're all set for a picnic in the Jardin des Tuileries.

If you have a couple more days to spare, there is plenty to see just outside Paris too. One of the most popular day trips from Paris is to the UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles, the 17th-century showpiece of the legendary Sun King, Louis XIV, and absolutely built to impress with ornate façades and breathtaking size. Impress it does too, thanks to a rococo interior of almost inconceivable opulence, amid lavishly furnished, frescoed and gilded apartments. Outside, all is just as magnificent, with tinkling fountains and classical statuary in hectares of formally landscaped gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. The easiest way to get to Versailles is by train – journeys take around 40 minutes. Travelling with family? Then Disneyland Paris will be high on the bucket list. The frothy fairyland of Cinderella's Castle, children's fun with Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Star Wars-themed adrenaline rides is an easy 40-minute train ride from central Paris, but if you're looking for a few days at the resort, we have various family-friendly hotels near Disneyland Paris. Other day trips from Paris include a tour of Monet's Gardens (an hour) in Giverny – a must for all lovers of Impressionist painting – and a visit to the MAC/VAL contemporary art museum in Vitry-sur-Seine (20 minutes).