DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Paris

Clockwise from top: Boulevard St-Germain, Sacr-Coeur, Versailles gardens, Centre Georges Pompidou, River Seine from Pont Alexandre III, Galeries Lafayette interior, Moulin Rouge

Paris, City of Light. Capital of romance and revolution. A heady mix of caf philosophers and Coco Chanel couture. A foodie paradise. A culture-lovers dream. The focus of a thousand iconic movie images. Paris is all these things and more so who could deny that its Europes most magical destination? With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Paris, its yours to explore.

We love Paris: its culture, its charm, its je ne sais quoi. What could be better than exploring the chic shops of the Marais district or sniffing out the best cheeses in Rue Montorgeuils market; wandering through village-like Montmartre or browsing the bookstalls of the Latin Quarter; people-watching in the Jardin du Luxembourg or sauntering along Boulevard St-Germain for an early morning coffee at Caf de Flore in the footsteps of Hemingway and Picasso? And what could be more fun than hopping on a Vlib bike and cycling along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to Sainte-Chapelle?

Paris is a city made for strolling, along its leafy boulevards and through its parks, against a backdrop of elegant Haussmann buildings and soaring contemporary structures. Theres history in these cobblestoned streets, but Paris is also a striking 21st-century city, where cutting-edge art is displayed in the Palais de Tokyo, and a new generation of acclaimed chefs is experimenting and building upon Pariss reputation for gastronomic excellence.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Paris has to offer, from the world-famous glories of the Louvre to the pretty lakes and waterfalls in Bois de Vincennes. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to places off the beaten track, plus 11 easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Paris.

EXPLORING PARIS

Paris has an inexhaustible wealth of things to see and do. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of your time. The city is relatively compact, so you should be able to do most of your sightseeing on foot, and youre never far from a metro station.

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Two Days in Paris

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Day 1

Morning

Cross ).

Afternoon

Meander through the stylish district of , stunningly lit up at night.

Muse dOrsay is housed in a former railway station.

Day 2

Morning

Take in the views from atop the .

Afternoon

Explore the hip for panoramic views.

Montmartres leafy Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels, is full of life and colour.

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Four Days in Paris

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Day 1

Morning

Visit Montmartres .

Afternoon

Wander through .

Day 2

Morning

Discover modern art at the .

Afternoon

See the .

Day 3

Morning

Take a boat trip along the River Seine (see p170) before a visit to the great Impressionists at the .

Afternoon

Pay your respects to Napoleon at .

Day 4

Morning

Youll have time to see all the star exhibits of the .

Afternoon

Visit the .

Panthons awe-inspiring interior features elegant arches, which link the pillars that support the dome.

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Top 10 Paris Highlights

Magnificent vaulting and stained-glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle

Top 10 Paris Highlights

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MUSE DU LOUVRE

One of the worlds most impressive museums, the Louvre contains some 35,000 priceless objects. It was built as a fortress by King Philippe-Auguste in 1190, but Charles V (136480) made it his home. In the 16th century Franois I replaced it with a Renaissance-style palace and founded the royal art collection with 12 paintings from Italy. Revolutionaries opened the collection to the public in 1793. Shortly after, Napoleon renovated the Louvre as a museum.

NEED TO KNOW

Muse du Louvre, 75001 01 40 20 53 17 www.louvre.fr Open 9am6pm Mon, Thu, Sat & Sun (to 9:45pm Wed & Fri); closed Tue, 1 Jan, 1 May, 14 Jul, 25 Dec Adm 17; free 1st Sun of month (except AprSep); under-18s free; under-26s (EU only) free

Google Map

• For a light lunch, try Le Caf Marly in the Richelieu Wing or the food court in Carrousel du Louvre. For a more special option, book at Alain Ducasses Bistrot Benoit below the pyramid.
• Pre-booking a timed entry slot is essential, even for visitors who benefit from free entry. Tickets can be booked on the Louvre website. Choose a date and a 30- minute window to access the museum.

Gallery Guide

The foyer is under the pyramid. Those with tickets are given priority access at the pyramid. Alternatively, buy tickets at the Carrousel du Louvre entrance (99 rue de Rivoli) or Porte des Lions. The Sully, Denon and Richelieu wings lead off from the foyer. Painting and sculpture are displayed by country, plus galleries for