Things to do in Left Bank

The Eiffel Tower dominates the Paris skyline and forms an essential part of the heart-stopping Parisian panorama, viewable from the top of many of the city’s prominent landmarks. But there is no better view of the city than from the 276-metre high top floor observation area of the tower itself, where visitors can treat themselves to a glass of bubbly from the Champagne bar and toast their trip while feeling as though they are truly on top of the world.

The Luxembourg Gardens date back to 1612, when the Palais du Luxembourg and its grounds were built at the request of Marie de Medici. The park opened to the public in the 19th century and the 21-hectare Luxembourg Gardens is today known as a park of the people. The palace now houses the French Senate.

At a temperature of 14 degrees Celcius, the Paris Catacombs get chilly, even in summer, so grab a jacket before descending 130 steps and winding through an eerie series of tunnels leading to an 18th century graveyard. The site is located beneath its unassuming entrance on Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, and stretches more than a mile beneath the tree-lined boulevards above. Upon entry, visitors are warned; “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort” (Stop! This is the empire of death!).

Les Invalides is a historic military complex that includes several museums, monuments and churches. Brush up on French military history at its trio of museums, stroll along the grand lawns of the Esplanade des Invalides and see the ostentatious tomb of the famous French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte.

Tour Montparnasse is one of the very few skyscrapers in Paris, making the view from its 56th-floor observation deck almost entirely exclusive. The 690-foot (210-meter) tower has an upscale restaurant and is primarily used for offices and residences. Spot some of your favorite sights around Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, from the observation deck.