Paris Metro Map, Easy-to-Print

Finished in 1889 for the International Exhibition of Paris, this trademark icon of the Parisian skyline was at first considered unsightly to natives. Today, however, the Eiffel Tower is a towering symbol of Frenchness and draws tourists looking for the ultimate Parisian view up its height-defying elevators in droves. It's a heady feeling just to look up from the base, but for visitors, the Eiffel Tower is worth seeing from the top (you can purchase lift tickets for the 1st, 2nd and top floor). Views of the City of Lights at night from the sparklingly lit Eiffel Tower are phenomenal.

Paris metro stop: Bir-Hakeim

Louvre Museum

With more than 800 years of history, including stints as a medieval fortress and a palace to kings, the Louvre, in Paris, France, is one of the world's most impressive museums. Enter through a glass pyramid, the unlikely but fitting juxtaposition of the archaic and the hyper-modern, to the Louvre's "encyclodepic" collection of art, including works from ancient civilizations all the way to contemporary art in every imaginable medium.

Paris metro stop: Palais Royal

Centre Pompidou

Although Parisians cannot agree whether this innovative architectural creation is a masterpiece or a monstrosity, this center of performance and exhibition has become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Attraction type: Architectural building; Art museum.

Paris metro stop: Les Halles

Arc de Triomphe

A landmark Paris monument, the Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of the circular place Charles de Gaulle, and forms the hub of a 12-spoked avenue grid that radiates from it. Currently dedicated to an unknown soldier, the Arc de Triomphe's origins are much less humble, being commissioned by the power-hungry Napoleon de Bonaparte.

Paris metro stop: Charles de Gaulle

Chateau de Versailles

The former gluttony and extravagance of the French monarchy certainly make for irresistible Paris attractions. A lavish spread with a Hall of Mirrors, Stables and the most opulent guesthouses one could imagine, the Chateau de Versailles is a lesson in luxury and an ostentatious display of colonialism's gilded spoils.

Disneyland Paris

Patterned after Los Angeles' Disneyland, Disneyland Paris (formerly Euro Disney) opened to less-than-rave reviews and lagging crowds, but now this bastion of Americanism in Paris is a popular Paris attraction, especially for visiting families and American tourists looking for an updated, if still faithful, version of the original. With five theme parks, including Frontierland, Main Street U.S.A., Fantasyland and Walk Disney Studios, Disneyland Paris is a practically a Paris municipality with hotels, restaurants, golf, shops and a massive entertainment center. To avoid long lines, try to visit Disneyland Paris in the off season, from September to June.

RER: Marne-la-Vallée, Paris, Tel. 01.60.30.60.53

Notre Dame Cathedral

Frightfully-realistic gargoyles in all demonic shapes and sizes guard the Notre Dame on all sides and hint at this definitive Paris attraction's long history. Originally commissioned in 1163, the Notre Dame took 200 years to complete. Inside, two stunning, circular stained glass windows fill the cathedral with a brilliantly subdued light and impart a reverent tone. For a hunchback of Notre Dame view of Paris, climb the winding staircase to the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral's bell tower. For a post-climb snack, grab a cafe and crepe at the moderately-priced Choice on Left Bank cafe in the Notre Dame's shadow.

Paris metro stop: Cité

The Catacombs

Mortality is imminent at Paris' eeriest attraction. An metro quarry housing several million skeletons, most of which are under 200 years old, The Catacombs are an metro burial ground and skeletal showcase, not for the claustrophobic, the young or the faint of heart.

Métro, RER Denfert Rochereau Bus 38, 68

Sacre Coeur

This Montmartre landmark, a 19th-century basilica built by the French government following the Franco-Prussian War, features a large medieval dome that provides excellent views of the city.

Paris metro stop: Montmartre

Centre Georges Pompidou

Also known as the Centre Beaubourg, this modern sits right in the heart of Paris and is home to an incredible array of modern art, a cyber café, a couple of restaurants and an excellent library. Although you have to pay to visit the art galleries, it is free to ride up to the top floor in the glass-tube escalators for a free view of the city centre. The library is also free (although there is often a long queue to get in) and has some English language books and newspapers, CD listening stations and free use of language courses on CD-ROM and cassette.

Paris metro stop: Rambuteau