Beneath their fabulous Art Nouveau glass domes, the Parisian department stores have become must-see monuments to rival the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Considered to be the leading shopping centre of Europe with 120 million visitors each year, the boulevard Haussmann is a city within the city. But let’s not forget the stores on the rue de Rivoli, on the Left Bank or at the Madeleine. All together, they are a sparkling reflection of Paris in concentrated form, where all your shopping desires can be granted. Fashion, beauty, decoration, leisure and the art of entertaining are just the tip of the iceberg in the creative sea that awaits you.

The Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. It is the stage for numerous events of international significance (light shows, the Tower’s centenary, the Year 2000 pyrotechnic show, repainting campaigns, sparkling lights).

Place Vendôme is a square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France, located to the north of the Tuileries Gardens and east of the Église de la Madeleine. It is the starting point of the Rue de la Paix. Its regular architecture by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and pedimented screens canted across the corners give the rectangular Place Vendôme the aspect of an octagon. The original Vendôme Column at the center of the square was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the battle of Austerlitz; it was torn down on 16 May 1871, by decree of the Paris Commune, but subsequently re-erected and remains a prominent feature on the square today. It is one of the most luxurious square in the World. On this square, you will find prestigious brands like Chanel or Cartier.

Situated in Place de l’Opéra, built between 1861 and 1875 by the architect Charles Garnier, the Palais Garnier opera house has a richly decorated facade, a monumental staircase, and a 1,900-seat Italian auditorium with a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall, lit by a huge crystal chandelier. This building is a perfect example of 19th-century architecture hiding its metallic structure under lots of decorative features. From 1881 to the present day it has undergone several periods of restoration and modernization work that has made it more functional. Maria Callas and Rudolf Nureyev are some of the many artists who have contributed to the history of opera and ballet here. Until the opening of the Bastille opera house, the Palais Garnier opera house presented only ballet. Since then, it has returned to its original vocation of being an academy for music, dance and opera. As well as going to a show, visitors can also visit an exhibition or the main hall open from 11am to 4.30pm to appreciate the richly gilded and red velvet decor. There are special activities for children.

The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. The Auditorium at the Louvre offers a complete program of lectures, concerts, and films linked to the collections and to events taking place at the museum.