Paris is unsurpassed in natural beauty, charm and history. First time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of sights to be seen, and how best to fit it all into their limited vacation time.

No wonder so many people return to Paris!

However, if you only plan on going to Paris once, you will want to see the best that a Paris city break has to offer. With so many sights and attractions to see, it's very difficult to narrow the field of choices, but there are some sights which shouldn't be missed.

With that in mind, here are the top ten sights in Paris, chosen because of their historical significance, popularity or natural beauty.

The Eiffel Tower:
When you mention Paris, most people automatically think of the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World Exposition. When the tower was first unveiled, the populace thought it was a towering monstrosity, and it was nearly torn down. Since then, more than 220 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower, and it has become a national icon. The tower is beautiful to behold when lit up, and offers a spectacular view from above, or below.

Notre Dame Cathedral:
The Notre Dame Cathedral took over 100 years to build, and was once the center of medieval Paris. It is probably the most beautiful cathedral in all of Europe.

Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees:
The Arc was built by Emperor Napolean, and offers a fantastic view. No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the sculptures and reliefs that adorn the arch. The promenade offers some spectacular shopping opportunities, as well as an assortment of cafes.

Versailles:
Versailles was home to the King of France, as well as the seat of their government for more than 100 years. While walking through this remarkable palace, you'll feel like your walking in the footsteps of nobility. Inside you'll find the Hall of Mirrors, which consists of 250ft of sheer glass. The Louvre: The Louvre is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery:
The crypts are amazing to behold, and there are some extremely famous people buried here. Including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Richard Wright.

Seine River Cruise:
See the majesty of Paris glide by while riding in a glass boat. You'll get to see the Eiffel Tower, old historic bridges and even the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Musee d'Orsay:
One of the most visited museums on the planet, the Musee d'Orsay holds the biggest collection of sculptures and paintings produced between the years 1848 and 1914. If you're a lover of art, then this is a sight you won't want to miss.

The Sorbonne:
Founded in 1257, the Sorbonne is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and many a great thinker has wandered its halls.

Sacre Coeur and Montmartre:
This basilica dominates the highest point of Paris, and was consecrated in 1909. It boasts gold mosaic interiors, and offers a magnificent view of the city below.