Paris Museums and Monuments  There is a rich variety of museums and monuments for the culture vultures!  Of course such attractions aren't always suited to children.  Some of these recommendations make a special effort to cater for the family, others are places we think you cannot afford to miss (and a brief visit will make it more palatable!).

Arc de Triomphe

Location: In the Place de l'Etoile.
General Info: Open all year round – up to 11.00pm in summer months and 10.30pm at other times.  Entrance is by timed ticket which also provides entrance to a small museum inside the walls.  Prices are €8 for adults and free for children up to 17 years old.  Tel no: 43 80 31 31.  Website with information on the Arac de Triomphe.
Description: This famous triumphal arch stands 50 metres tall in the centre of 12 radiating avenues which are named after the great generals of the French Republic.
Our recommendations: Climb to the top for a fantastic view of some of Paris’ widest roads, in one direction you can see all the way down the Champs-Elysées (Paris’s premier shopping street), in the other you have fine views of the Eiffel Tower.
For the children: Another one of those places the children will enjoy for twenty minutes or so, don’t hang around!  Seriously they will enjoy going there, but there is not so much to do other than look at the view.  Free on the first Sunday in the month.

Within easy reach of Paris are the splendid châteaux of Versailles and Fontainbleau, as well as Monet's home town of Giverny.
HOT TIP: Many museums are free on the first Sunday in each month!