Nobody can visit Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower. That does make it busy. So try and time your arrival for early morning to beat the crowds. Evening is less busy than the middle of the day and offers the spectacle of city's twinkling lights.
The Louvre is one of the world's great art galleries. Do not think you can devote just an hour or two to it. Give yourself half a day and start by planning your visit with one of the museum's excellent free leaflets.
A visit to the business district of a city is usually something to be endured rather than enjoyed. La Defense is different. La Grande Arche is the workplace for 100,000 people and is stunning, if only for its sheer scale. At its foot are walkways, sculptures and water features.
Although Paris is a fantastic place to melt your credit card in upscale department stores and trendy little boutiques, do not miss out on a weekend trip to one of the city's flea markets. Clignacourt is the biggest with over 2,500 stalls. You may not come across an old master hidden underneath a pile of trash, but you will find some fun souvenirs such as old jugs and ashtrays advertising typically French products.
Every city has at least one bizarre attraction. Here it is Les Egouts de Paris, in English, 'the sewers'. Constructed in the 19th century, and featured in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, they follow the streets above as the signs show. It will take your breath away. For those with more delicate sensibilities there is a museum and film show.
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