Aquaboulevard, Paris

The largest water park in Europe and located in the heart of the city, Aquaboulevard is a great treat for kids on rainy days in Paris, as its facilities are indoors, with outdoor pools and a beach for when the weather is fine. The park itself includes waterslides and wave machines, with Jacuzzis for parents, but the complex also offers cinemas, tennis courts, a fitness centre, play areas, and other attractions.

Opening Times:
Monday to Thursday 9am-11pm; Friday 9am-midnight; Saturday 8am-midnight; Sunday 8am-11pm

Admission:
EUR25

Parc Asterix, Paris

Based on the famous comics by Uderzo and Goscinny about cheeky Gauls who annoy the Roman Empire, the Parc Asterix is a theme park located just outside of Paris. Kids will love meeting their favourite characters, including of course Asterix himself, and his giant friend Obelix. The park is well known for its large variety of roller-coasters and has begun incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the Romans and the ancient Greeks. The Menhir express is a log flume ride, while other rides include the Goudurix, the Grand Splatch and the Oxygénarium.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 10am-7pm during peak season; 10am-6pm during off-peak season. Open until 11pm on selected summer weekends.

Admission:
One day pass: EUR40 (adults) EUR30 (children under 12). Parking is EUR8 per day.

France Miniature, Paris

Located in Flancourt, France Miniature features over 130 models of famous French attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Lourdes and Versailles, for visitors to enjoy. Everything has been created a 1:30 scale and some for the models are even animated. Children will love spending a day out at this miniature country.

Opening Times:
10am-7pm July and August, 10am-6pm rest of the year; closed November to February, and selected weeks in March, April, September and October.

Admission:
Peak season: EUR20 (adults); EUR14 (children). Off-season: EUR19 (adults); EUR13 (children).

Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris

Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) greets visitors with two gigantic whale skeletons at the entrance. With wonderful exhibitions and fascinating displays on botany, archaeology and palaeontology to name a few, the museum will captivate kids' imaginations and educate them as well. The dinosaur exhibits is hugely popular with the younger visitors, but this museum is a must for children of all ages.

Opening Times:
Wednesday to Monday 10am-6pm

Admission:
EUR8 (adults); EUR6 (children)

Le Jardin d' Acclimatation, Paris

This children's amusement park sees thousands of tourists every year. Featuring a menagerie and the Exploradome Museum, with fantastic optical illusions and amazing structures, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a great place for kids to run around and let off some steam.

Opening Times:
April to September 7am-10pm, October to March 10am-6pm.

Admission:
EUR2.90, concessions available.

Jardin des Plantes, Paris

The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical garden. Covering 28 hectares (280,000 m²) the garden was originally planted by Louis XIII's doctor in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden. In 1640, it became Paris's first public garden. In 1739, after a long period of decline, the gardens were expanded greatly and a maze called the Labyrinth was added. It still exists today. The Jardin des Plantes maintains a botanical school which constructs demonstration gardens and trains botanists.

Opening Times:
Daily 7:30am-8pm

Admission:
Free.

Disneyland Paris, Paris

Comprising two theme parks, Disneyland Paris is a must for all children visiting the city. The resort is a great place to see all their favourite characters, from Mickey and Minnie, to Buzz and Woody, to a veritable chorus line of Princesses. Many of the most loved attractions from the American parks are there, including Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. With rides and attractions for children of all ages, everyone will have a great time at Disneyland Paris.

There are also seven Disney-owned hotels for visitors and holidaymakers to choose from to help make their Disneyland Paris experience one to remember. Hotel guests get special perks like extended park hours and character meet-and-greets, and have access to additional attractions for adults like the golf course. On your way to the park, you can visit Val d'Europe, a town specially-built for Disneyland Paris.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 10am, closing time varies according to season. Check the website for specific dates.

Admission:
General admission: £51 (adults); £45 (children). Concessions and packages available.

Pompidou Centre, Paris

Built in the 1970s and named after former French president Georges Pompidou, the futuristic Pompidou Centre is now considered part of the Parisian landscape. The outrageous design, complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million; it is the city's most popular attraction by far. The building houses the Musée National d'Art Modern (MNAM), which displays a vast collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract and Absurd and its numerous cinemas and theatres have regular musical and dance performances. The square to the West of the building attracts a varied assortment of street performers. While you're there, be sure to check out the whimsical Stravinsky Fountain with its 16 water-spraying scultpures.

Getting There:
Métro Rambuteau, Châtelet, Hôtel de Ville; RER (train) Châtelet or Les Halles; bus 21, 29, 38, 47, 58, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 81, 85, 96

Opening Times:
Daily (except Tuesdays), 11am-10pm. MNAM: Wednesday to Monday, 11am-9pm. Closed 1 May.

Admission:
One-day Centre pass EUR12, exhibitions EUR10; MNAM EUR12 (temporary exhibitions vary).

Louvre, Paris

One of the world's great art museums, this vast edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from all over the world. The permanent collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art.

The Louvre was opened to the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display the spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The best-known attractions in the Louvre are Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room; and the ancient Venus de Milo. With more than 35,000 works on display, don't even attempt to see it all in one day.

Getting There:
Métro Palais Royal or Musée du Louvre; bus 21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81 or 95

Opening Times:
Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm. Wednesday and Friday 9am-9:45pm. Closed Tuesdays. Opening hours for temporary exhibitions vary. The museum is closed 25 December, 1 January and 1 May.

Admission:
EUR10 full-day pass to permanent exhibitions, EUR11 for temporary exhibitions in the Hall Napoleon. Free admission the first Sunday of every month (not including the Hall Napoleon). Concessions are available and children under 18 are free.

Notre-Dame, Paris

Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Paris, on the Isle de la Cité, and as the most enduring symbol of Paris is an alluring tourist attraction. Built between 1163 and 1345 the Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 people and it is dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast 7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback in the novel by Victor Hugo.

Opposite the north door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum. The church has no gift shop, but votive candles are available at points in the church in return for a donation.

For a special experience, visit Notre-Dame on a Sunday morning when Paris' museums are closed and services are being held, but be respectful of worshippers, especially when taking photos. Some say the best time to visit Notre Dame, however, is on summer evenings for the Night Show, operatic performances projected on a 100-metre tulle screen hanging in the nave. The performances are held nightly in July and August.

Getting There:
Cité métro; RER Châtelet-Les Halles or Saint-Mic stations; or bus 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85 or 96.

Opening Times:
Daily, 8am-6:45pm (closes 7:15pm on Saturday and Sunday).

Admission:
Free.

Les Invalides, Paris

Les Invalides were built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a military hospital to take care of wounded soldiers. This attraction comprises the largest single collection of monuments and museums in Paris all relating to the military history of France. It is a burial site for some of France's war heroes, including the ashes of the greatest French military commander, Napoleon Bonaparte, rest under the dome of Les Invalides and attract many visitors to Paris. Its large grounds and church with a golden dome make Les Invalides a classical French architecture masterpiece.

Getting There:
Acessible by Line 8 Latour-Maubourg, or Bus 32, 63, 93.

Opening Times:
10am-5pm (October to March), 10am-6pm and until 9pm on Tuesdays (April to September). Open an extra half hour on Sundays. Closed first Monday of every month and public holidays.

Admission:
EUR9, free for under 18s; other concessions available.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris' signature sightseeing attraction and bring more than six million visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. The Eiffel Tower was considered an eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984 feet (300m) above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful panoramic view over Paris.

The Eiffel Tower itself has several restaurants, including the popular Le Jules Verne, with panoramic views of the city, and a champagne bar at the very top. There are also several souvenir shops and a carousel at the base. This is a great way to keep children entertained if you plan to go to the top of the Tower, as the queues can be several hours long. A slightly different (and cheaper) way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower is with a picnic on the lawns with the famous structure providing a picturesque backdrop.

Getting There:
RER Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station; Métro Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Ecole Militaire; bus 42, 69, 72, 82, 87

Opening Times:
Daily; 9:30am to 11:45pm (29 August to 16 June), 9am-12:45pm (17 June to 28 August). Last entry is 45 minutes before closing time.

Admission:
Elevator: 1st and 2nd floor EUR8.20, 3rd floor EUR13.40 (adults). Stairs: EUR4.70 (2nd floor). Concessions available.

Versailles, Paris

The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km) southwest of Paris and is one of France's most noted attractions. Most of the palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known as the Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the grandest palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New Château. This lavish statement of monarchical power was to become a symbol of the excess that would lead to the revolution of 1789. Perhaps the most famous room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, signifying the end of the Great War. Within the palace visitors can also see the former royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and other staterooms, and within the vast landscaped park and gardens are many wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There is a small train that ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun King and Napoleon enjoyed the company of their mistresses.

Getting There:
Buses, trains and the métro all go to Versailles from Paris.

Opening Times:
9am-6:30pm (3 April to 31 October); 9am-5:30pm (1 November to 2 April). Closed Mondays. The park stays open later, however last admission to the Palace is 30 minutes before closing.

Admission:
The Palace: EUR15, free for under 18s. Concessions and other packages available.

Musée National Picasso, Paris

The Picasso Museum is situated in a 17th century mansion in the heart of Paris. The collection was started in 1973, after the French government accepted Picasso's own collection in lieu of death duties, and was added to after his widow's death in 1990. All the phases of work from the Paris-based artist are represented including his paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and even poetry. Memorable works include the self-portrait Paolo as Harlequinand Nude in an Armchair. Most of Picasso's great paintings however are owned by and housed in foreign museums or are in the hands of private collectors. The museum is currently closed for renovations.

Getting There:
Métro Chemin Vert, St-Paul or Saint-Sébastien Froissart; bus 29, 96, 69, 75

Opening Times:
Wednesday to Monday 9:30am-5:30pm.

Admission:
EUR8.50; free for under 18s

Musée Rodin, Paris

The Rodin Museum is situated near the Musée d'Orsay and is housed in what was formerly the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful hotel where Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) once lived and worked. Inside are many of Rodin's great marble sculptures including The Kisswhile outside, in the garden, are famous bronzes including The Thinker.The museum also includes many works by Camille Claudel (Rodin's pupil and mistress) and paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet and Rodin himself. The museum has a gift shop with reproductions of some of the most famous works.

Getting There:
Métro Varenne, Invalides or Saint-François-Xavier; RER to Invalides station; bus 69, 82, 87 or 92.

Opening Times:
Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5:45pm.

Admission:
EUR6 (adult); EUR10 museum and temporary exhibitions. Concessions available. Free the first Sunday of each month.

Musée d'Orsay, Paris

This great museum is fairly new by Paris standards. It is situated in a railway station by the Seine and houses a vast collection of works from the significant 1848 to 1914 period. There are important works from the Art-Nouveau movement but the Orsay is best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The collection is arranged chronologically and contains highly regarded works by Monet, Manet and Courbet. Also on permanent display is the famous painting by Gustave Doré entitled L'énigmeand Henri Chapu's marble statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy.

Getting There:
RER Musée d'Orsay; Métro Solférino; bus 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84 or 94

Opening Times:
Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am-6pm (closes 9:45 on Thursday), closed Mondays and on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

Admission:
Permanent collections: EUR8 adults, EUR5.50 concessions, free for under 18s. Full admission to permanent and temporary exhibitions EUR10.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile is set at the centre of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues in the heart of the Champs Elysées. It stands 165 feet (51m) tall and the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and is rekindled every evening at 6pm. On July 14, the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, a military parade starts at the arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées.

Admission:
EUR7, concessions EUR4.50

Fontainebleau, Paris

In the 16th century, Henry II and Catherine de Medici commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant to build a new palace here within the Fontainebleau forest 40 miles (64km) south of Paris. Italian Mannerist artists Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio came to assist in the interior decoration, helping to found the School of Fontainebleau. Visitors will see the long Gallery of François I, which the artists adorned with scenes like The Rape of Europaand the monarch holding a pomegranate, a symbol of unity, as well as the richly adorned Louis XV Staircase and the monumental fireplace and frescoes in the ballroom. The palace was a refuge for French monarchs from the days of the Renaissance; they valued it because of its distance from the slums of Paris and for the rich hunting grounds that surrounded it. Many important events have occurred here, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon stood on the grand steps in front of the palace and bade farewell to his shattered army before departing for Elba. Compared to the glories of Versailles, however, Fontainebleau can be a bit of an anticlimax; it is best to see it before Versailles.

Opening Times:
Wednesday to Monday 9:30am-6pm (until 5pm from October to May).

Admission:
Great Apartmets: EUR10, free for under 18s. Combo ticket including Small Apartments, Museum and guided tour: EUR11