Heading to France's capital for Euro 2016? If you're tying in your visit with a trip to Paris, here's how to make the most of your time in the capital.
Paris is full of beautiful buildings, vibrant culture and lots to see and do, and it can be tough trying to decide what you should do first. So, we thought it would be a good idea to compile a guide of the most important places to visit. Without any further ado - here's an easy itinerary which you can break down and adapt to your needs. Enjoy the game - and your time in Paris!
Day one:
If it's your first day in the city, you'll want to see what Paris is all about - culture and art. Both can be found in the Louvre, the world's largest museum, which houses over 35,000 works of art and artefacts, including the famous Mona Lisa. There are exhibitions from a variety of different cultures, so you can experience art and artefacts from around the world.
In the evening, you can enjoy classic and modern musicals in the Théâtre du Châtelet. Although the theatre specialises in musicals, you can also see ballet, classical concerts and modern music concerts here, so you can choose whatever tickles your fancy.
Day two:
If you're interested in history, particularly from the WW2 era, you can take a day trip to the Normandy beaches. It is a more solemn choice for a day trip but it is a very picturesque place, as well as an important, and sad, part of history.
In the evening, you might want to cheer yourselves up with a visit to La Comédie-Française, which shows both modern and classic plays. It's not too expensive and the costumes in particular are gorgeous.
Day three:
You cannot go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower, although you may not want to go up it if you're afraid of heights. At the top of the 984ft tower is a restaurant, shop, café and exhibition, so there's more to see than just breathtaking views.
A classical concert at the Salle Pleyel is a great way to finish off the day if you have a love for huge orchestras. If you get tickets behind the band, it is cheaper and it feels as if you're part of the orchestra; you also get to see the conductor in action.
Day four:
Another unmissable site is the Notre-Dame, made famous by the story The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (the clue's in the name). It will require some walking, but if you make it to the top there are incredible views, stunning architecture, and you'll also see the giant bell Quasimodo famously rang in the book.
If you're a bit of a wine buff and a foodie, you'll want to visit one of the best bars in Paris - Le Baron Rouge - for dinner. Why not indulge in one of its amazing wine-tasting sessions?
Day five:
To really remember your trip to Paris, you'll want to see something incredible on your last day. It is recommended you visit La Basilique du Sacré Coeur, which is located at the highest point in the city and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Before you leave you should also visit the Arc de Triomphe, which looks particularly beautiful in the evening and is less crowded in the later hours. Make sure to get some good snaps of it before you have to catch your flight home.
Photo credits: Flickr, with thanks to Calvin YC, Dustin Gaffke, Chris Combe, hjjanisch, Martie Swart and Kosala Bandara