Paris: Things To Do

Bateaux-Mouches Dinner Cruise Set sail on romantic, live-music-accompanied dining cruises from the 8th arrondissement, passing by the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and underneath the scenic arches of numerous bridges. 8th Arrondissement; Port de la Conference; 011-33-1-42-25-96-10; www.bateaux-mouches.fr
culture | tour | smart splurge | outdoors | view

Eiffel Tower Soak up the stellar tower views from the Trocadéro Gardens esplanade, and follow up with a visit to the highest of the tower’s three observation decks for breathtaking panoramic city views. 7th Arrondissement; Champ de Mars; 011-33-1-44-11-23-23; www.tour-eiffel.fr
family | architecture | culture | history | view

Luxembourg Gardens Sit down for a Parisian style pique-nique or just give museum-trodden tootsies a rest in this 60-acre haven of extensive lawns, embellished fountains, elegant sculptures, and meticulously designed flower gardens. 6th Arrondissement; Rue de Médicis/Rue de Vaugirard
family | culture | outdoors | nature

Musée d'Orsay Housed in a beautifully restored belle époque train station, Impressionism and Postimpressionism fans will be agog over masterpieces by van Gogh, Matisse, Monet, Cézanne, and Degas, among others. 7th Arrondissement; 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur; 011-33-1-44-13-17-17; www.musee-orsay.fr
family | culture | history | art

Notre Dame Trek the 255 tower steps for fantastic Paris views and a close-up of the 12th century cathedral’s flying buttresses, gargoyles and fantastical creatures. Go inside for the magnificent stained-glass windows. 4th Arrondissement; Place du Parvis Notre-Dame; 011-33-1-42-34-56-10; www.cathedraledeparis.com/EN/0.asp
family | architecture | culture | history

The Louvre This French royal palace-turned-museum puts some 35,000 works on display, including such renowned works as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the armless Venus de Milo. 1st Arrondissement; Palais du Louvre; 011-33-1-40-20-53-17; www.louvre.fr
family | architecture | culture | history | art