Paris: The Cosmopolitan Capital of France

Attraction

There is no structure better symbolises Paris than the Tour Eiffel. Maupassant declared he left Paris because of it, William Morris visited daily to avoid having to see it from afar - and it was originally meant to be a temporary structure. The radical cast-iron tower was built for the 1889 World Fair and the centenary of the 1789 Revolution by engineer Gustave Eiffel. Eiffel made use of new technology that was already popular in iron-framed buildings. Construction took more than two years and used some 18,000 pieces of metal and 2,500,000 rivets. The 300m (984ft) tower stands on four massive concrete piles; it was the tallest structure in the world until overtaken by New York's Empire State Building in the 1930s.

Vintage double-decker lifts strand their way up and down; you can walk as far as the second level. There are souvenir shops, an exhibition space, a café and even a post office on the first and second levels. The smart Jules Verne restaurant, on the second level, has its own lift in the north tower. At the top (third level), there's Eiffel's cosy salon and a viewing platform with panels pointing out what to see. Views can reach 65km (40 miles) on a good day, although the most fascinating perspectives are of the ironwork itself. At night, for ten minutes on the hour, 20,000 flashbulbs attached to the tower provide a beautiful effect. To avoid the queues, come late at night.

 Experience the grandeur of Versailles Palace and Gardens on a small group tour from Paris. With a maximum of only eight per group, this small group trip to Versailles ensures a more intimate experience. Hotel pickup from centrally located Paris hotels is included, taking all the guess work out of your trip. You can choose from a half-day tour (independent tour), either in the morning or afternoon, or a full-day tour (guided tour). On both the half-day and full-day tours you'll also be able to wander around the garden's groves and pools. If you visit Versailles on a Saturday or Sunday during April to October, you can see the famous fountain show in the gardens. The display is accompanied by music composed at the time of Louis XIV's court.

The most beautiful views of Paris: take in the very best view of the Eiffel Tower and everything else Paris has to offer on the amazing 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower. You can enjoy a romantic drink strolling around gazing at the 360 degree view or relax and learn in this safe environment. If you do just one thing when you are in Paris, this has to be it!

Europe's top destination, Disneyland Paris, features two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park), Disney Village, seven themed hotels and Golf Disneyland. About 32 kilometers or 20 miles outside of Paris, it is about one-fifth the size of Paris itself. Millions have visited since it opened (amidst much anti-Mickey controversy) in 1990.
While this isn't exactly the most tres chic destination in France, it provides a great opportunity to make the kids and the parents happy. Not only is it close to Paris, but Paris is 2 hours, 40 minutes from London via Eurostar.