Two of Paris's grandest thoroughfares dominate the neighborhood to the north of the Seine : the Champs Elysees, which has many smart hotels and shops but is trending downward as many visitors opt for quieter and less hectic areas to stay in; and the rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré which boasts the heavily guarded Palais de l'Elysee.

The village of Chaillot was absorbed into the city in the 19th century, and many of its opulent Second empire mansions are now embassies or multi-national corporation headquarters.

Streets around the place du Trocadero (great hotel area) and the Neoclassical Palais de Chaillot are packed full of museum and elegant cafes.

Palais de Chaillot and Trocadero :

This immense Palais was built for the international exhibition of 1937 and is now home to four very different museums, among them are areas devoted to french monuments, the history of cinema, ethnology, anthropology and human biology, and to marine and naval history.

The complex also contains the Cinematheque repertory cinema and the huge Theatre National de Chaillot.

The fountains and statues in the Trocadero gardens below line up with the Eiffel Tower across the river and together form a spectacular display when floodlit at night.

Addresses : / Musée des Monuments : phone 44 05 39 10. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 10am-6pm. /Musée de la Marine : phone 45 53 31 70. Open same days and hours. /Musée de l'Homme : phone 44 05 72 72. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 9.45am-5pm. / Musée du Cinema Henri Langlois: Phone 45 53 74 39 Open Wed-Fri 10am-5pm; guided tours only, every hour.

The Invalides :

The Hotel des Invalides (constructed 1671-1676) was designed by Liberal Bruand as a military hospital and retirement home for Louis XIV's soldiers.

Much of the huge classical building is now occupied by the Musée de l'Armée, a staggering display of arms, armour and other war paraphernalia from classic times up to and including the two World Wars.

The Musée des Plans Reliefs consists of fascinating scale-models of French fortified towns.

Also on the site are Eglise Saint Louis soldiers' chapel, and the Eglise du Dome, a wonderful decorated example of Louis XIV Baroque architecture, with a huge, gilded cupola visible for miles. Inside in colorful splendors is the porphyry sarcophagus of Napoleon.

Address : Esplanade des Invalides, 7th. Musée de l'Armée, phone : 44 42 37 72 - Open 10am-5pm.

Eiffel Tower:

When Gustave Eiffel built his tower for the 1889 World's Fair, it was the tallest building in the world at 300m (984ft). It now stands at 321m with its aerial included.

The distorted aspect from its base dramatically shows off the graceful iron work of the time. You can stop at the first or second platforms (accessible by stairs), but those who travel all the way to the top by elevator can see G. Eiffel's cozy salon and enjoy amazing panoramas.

The queues are shorter at night, when the city lights against the River Seine live up to their romantic image. There are gift shops, a restaurant and a post office on board. A must see for all who visit Paris. Visit our Eiffel Tower page.