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Given Paris' vast array of imposing monuments and buildings, it is conceivable that visitors to Paris would be forgiven for thinking it was the finest capital in the world. Paris is without doubt one of the world's great capitals, and one that leaves few of its 28 million visitors a year disappointed. From its grand boulevards to its beautiful shaded avenues, Paris has a reputation for being refined. It has also succeeded in establishing itself as the spiritual home off all thing chic and artistic. And as home to some of the world's finest fashion shows and art galleries it is no surprise.

Paris has180 museums and monuments for visitors to enjoy, boasting internationally-renowned collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. The most famous of these are the Musee d'Orsay, the Pompidou and of course, the Louvre. Also, make the time to see Notre Dame, one of the most spectacular gothic cathedrals in Europe. A walkway which runs along the roof of the cathedral is accessible, and offers one of the best views of the Parisian landscape. But perhaps the only view of Paris better than that from Notre Dame is from the Eiffel Tower. One of the world's most impressive towers, expect stunning panoramic views of a genuinely beautiful city.

However, although Paris has much to offer in terms of historical attractions, the biggest tourist draws remain those synonymous with Napoleon. Visit Napoleon's grandiose tomb in the Hotel des Invalides or the Arc de Triomphe and you will find that Bonaparte's still casts a long shadow over France, and Paris in particular. But the fun does not stop when the lights go down. Paris, like many of the world's great cities never really sleeps, but at most rests its eyes.

If you are looking for a good Parisian night out, head to the Place de la Bastille, the Left Bank and the Marais for numerous bars, clubs and restaurants. But expect to pay more for a beer than you would in London (if you can imagine such a thing). As a favoured destination for both romantic breaks and stag do's, Paris clearly has something to offer any visitor. You will never find time to see and do everything you would wish to in Paris, so just lay back and allow this sophisticated city to show you a good time.

Having established itself as the world's premier art gallery many years ago, the Louvre reported a record number of visitors in 2005, as Dan Brown's omnipotent novel The Da Vinci Code brought the tourists flocking to see the real thing. Approximately 7.3 million people visited the Louvre in 2005, up from 6.7 million in 2004, general administrator Didier Selles told The Associated Press. Mr Selles said that The Da Vinci Code had in all probability brought visitors to the Louvre, although "not in gigantic proportions". Some travel companies have now begun offering Da Vinci code tours that stop at the Louvre. But the gallery said it expects even more dramatic results starting this spring, when The Da Vinci Code movie, starring Tom Hanks debuts. Certain scenes were even filmed in the gallery itself. In one of the book�s opening scenes, the Louvre curator is murdered and discovered naked, arms and legs outstretched, with a five-pointed star drawn on his chest in blood. The subsequent investigation leads to the search for the so-called Da Vinci code. More galleries have also been opened up to the public. In 2001, a quarter of the Louvre's rooms were closed, compared to 13 per cent now.

About one-quarter of everyone who travels to Paris visits the Louvre, Mr Selles said. One-third of Louvre visitors are French, followed by 18 � 20 per cent Americans, with Chinese tourists beating the number of Japanese tourists for the first time in 2004.

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