There’s so much to see in Paris it’s difficult to narrow it down to only ten, but if you are limited on time then these are the sights you have see on your trip to France.

1. The Eiffel Tower – Don’t just buy a cheap statue and think you’re done. A trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a must. The tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and has become one of the most recognizable structures in the world and a global icon of France. Aside from all the history, the view from the top is one you will never forget and it will also get you excited to see the rest that Paris has to offer.
2. The Louvre – You could spend a whole weekend in the Louvre and still only scratch the surface of what it contains. With over 35,000 pieces of art it’s best to figure out what you want and have time to see and prioritize, otherwise you will get lost in the Louvre and never want to leave.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral – The moment you step out of the Metro station located on it’s doorstep you’ll be in awe of the sheer size and beauty of this almost 850 year old building. This awe doesn’t fade once you step inside and see the amazing vaulted ceilings and breathtaking stained class. Make sure you take a trip to the top of the towers; the view is great and you can see both the gargoyles and the famous bells up close. Last stop before you leave check out the crypts under the cathedral entrance.
4. Arc de Triomphe – Almost as iconic as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. The Arc was built to remember those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars. You will find the names of all French victories and Generals written on its inner and outer surfaces. Below lies the Tomb of the Unknown Solider from World War I.
5. Champs-Elysees – Considered one of the most famous and beautiful avenues in the world. The Champs-Elysees is just over one mile long and runs through the 8^th district of Paris from the Place de la Concorde in the east to the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west. The avenue is lined with clipped horse-chestnut trees, cinemas, cafés and luxury specialty shops and is one of the most expensive strip of real estate in the world.
6. Musee d’Orsay – Originally a railway station from the 1900’s the Musee d’Orsay holds primarily French art from 1848 to 1915. This includes paintings, sculptures, furniture and photography. If you’re interested in impressionist art from such painters as Monet, Degas, Renoir or Van Gogh you won’t find a larger collection anywhere else.
7. Saint-Sulpice – Made famous by the best selling book the Da Vinci Code, Saint-Sulpice is the second largest church in Paris, after Notre-Dame. One of it’s main attractions which was also featured in the Da Vinci Code is the Great Organ that dates back to the 18^th century. The sound of this amazing instrument is unparalleled and considered Cavaille-Colls’ crowning jewel.
8. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris – More commonly known as Sacre-Coeur Basilica, this Roman Catholic church is located on the summit of butte Montmarte, the highest point in the city. Be sure to remember your camera to get some magnificent shots of all of Paris.
9. Palace of Versailles – Known by the French as Chateaux de Versailles, it is one of the largest and opulent castles in the world. Its exquisite architecture, breathtaking gardens, and long history is why it has become one of the most visited locations in France. When the chateau was built, Versailles was a country village, but today it is a suburb of Paris and around 20km southwest of the French capital. You won’t regret visiting this amazing location.
10. Luxembourg Gardens – Even though it is the second largest park in Paris it is easily the most popular. The park is the garden of the French Senate and is home to the Luxembourg Palace in the 6^th district of Paris. Located at the center of the park you will find the Grand Bassin, an octagonal pond. It is here that children can rent small boats, watch a puppet theater, ride ponies as well as a merry-go-round. You can also borrow one of the many chairs and take it anywhere within the park you’d like to sit, perhaps to watch a game of Jeux de Boules or have a relaxing picnic.

Duke Dudley is a travel writer from Portland, Maine. He recommends 1-800-Fly-Europe for your future flights to Paris.

Thanks to agaw.dilim for the photo from Flickr!