Weekend in Paris

Iconic Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité. Interior closed after 2019 fire, but gardens and river-level ruins are open and fascinating.

Tip: Walk the Parvis square at dawn for photos with no crowds. The archaeological crypt underneath costs €9 but skip it – free street-level views tell the story.

The exterior of the Gothic cathedral remains free to view from Place Jean-Paul II. The interior is closed due to fire restoration until 2024, but the towers and crypt are still acc

Tip: Visit early morning for quiet photos. The archaeological crypt under the square costs €9, but the square itself is free and has a bronze 'point zero' marker from which all French road distances are measured.

13th-century Gothic chapel with floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes. Free for under-26s from EU, otherwise €11.50.

Tip: Visit on a sunny day between 11am and 2pm when the light hits the glass best. Combine with Conciergerie on the same ticket—same price.

The world's largest museum, free on the first Friday of each month from 6pm to 9.45pm. You can see the Mona Lisa without paying full price, but queues form early.

Tip: Arrive by 5.30pm on free evenings. Use the Porte des Lions entrance to skip the main pyramid queue. Only the permanent collections are free.

The square in front of Notre-Dame has the 'point zéro' marker from which all French road distances are measured. The cathedral itself is closed for restoration, but the exterior and square are free.

Tip: Look down for the bronze compass star marking point zéro. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. The Crypte archéologique below costs €9, but the square is free.

Iconic 12th-century gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité. Free entry to the main nave, with restored spire visible. Expect queues but moving fast.

Tip: Beat the queue by arriving at 7:45am, 15 mins before doors open. Head directly to the rear chapels behind the choir for serene stained glass without the crowd.

Vast, historic square with the 3,000-year-old Luxor Obelisk and fountains. Panoramic views down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe in one direction, and the Tuileries Garden to the Louvre in th

Tip: Arrive around sunset – the golden light hits the obelisk and the fountains catch the light. Best photo spot: stand on the steps of the Hôtel de la Marine at the north side of the square.

The world's largest museum opens its doors for free on the first Friday of each month from 6pm to 9.45pm (except July and August). Book a timed slot online in advance.

Tip: Arrive by 5.30pm to queue before the main doors open. Head straight to the Denon Wing for the Mona Lisa with shorter queues.

The exterior of the Gothic cathedral is fully visible and free. Walk around the forecourt to see the restored spire and the famous flying buttresses.

Tip: Cross the river to Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame for the best photo angle. The crypt underneath the square costs €12 but is worth it for the Roman ruins.

The city's history museum, housed in two Renaissance mansions. Permanent collections cover Paris from prehistoric times through the Revolution to today, with period rooms and art.

Tip: Don't miss the 20th-century rooms on the top floor, with original signs from old Parisian shops. Allow 2 hours minimum.