by Spike Wyatt

Created on: December 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 04, 2012

There's so much to see in Paris that it's very difficult to come up with a short-list for tourists. Having lived there for a few years in the past, I thought I'd put together a dozen suggestions. Some are obvious, but others are less well-known.

1. The Louvre

Originally a fortress, then a palace and now one of the biggest museums in the world with almost 35,000 objects inside, the Louvre is essential viewing when in Paris. It simply should not be missed, whether you're a fan of history or not. A walk through in a single afternoon or a day is an eye-opener, but museum lovers will need several visits to take everything in. Be prepared for queues at the entrance - after all, it's the world's most visited art museum.

2. Tour Eiffel - cole Militaire

The Eiffel Tower still stands as a remarkable feat of engineering. Instantly recognisable by almost anyone in the world, it houses a restaurant and has lifts. Behind the Tower is the Champ de Mars, a beautiful open area of grass where people relax, play frisbee and jog along the paths - it's rather amusing to see the fully made-up bourgeois joggers amidst the more serious fitness types! At the other end of the Champ is the cole Militaire, another impressive piece of architecture.

3. Pont de l'Alma

Not really a tourist spot until recent years, this bridge was previously known because the bateaux-mouches (the ones for boat trips down the river) stop just beside it for boarding. Now, though, the other side of the river is a spot that is remembered because Princess Diana died in the tunnel underneath. There was already a sculpture of a flame there, but it has become a place to pay tribute to her.

4. Arc de Triomphe

Napoleon's famed triumphant arch, in remembrance of those who died in his wars. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unnamed Soldier. Surrounded by one of the most insane roundabouts in the world - four unmarked lanes wide, with a dozen exits and notoriously bad French drivers changing lanes randomly - the arch stands at the beginning of one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Which leads us nicely on to...

5. Les Champs Elysee

The place to see and be seen for every tourist. Although the Champs has gone downhill a bit in recent years with the arrival of more mainstream stores, it still houses some wonderful shops and restaurants. Prices are exaggerated, of course, but even just window shopping or sitting outside Fouquet's and watching all the people go by is worth the time.

6. Place Vendome

For people

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