14èME ARRONDISSEMENT. This calm, park-like cemetery shelters many famous Parisians. A virtual city of tombstones, grave markers and mausoleums, Montparnasse is beautifully maintained. You'll often find visitors there, searching out the graves of philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, writer Guy de Maupassant, and composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Also buried on the grounds are photographer Man Ray, playwright Samuel Beckett, and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. METRO: Montparnasse Bienvenüe

18èME ARRONDISSEMENT. This historic and incredibly picturesque cemetery is the resting place of many of Paris's most famous citizens. Wander among the mature trees, observing beautifully crafted mausoleums, commemorative statues, and heartfelt inscriptions. Among the tombs of well-known personages you'll find are those of composer Hector Berlioz, film great François Truffaut, painter Edgar Degas, and ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky.

20èME ARRONDISSEMENT. Named for Louis XIV's confessor, who once lived in the vicinity, this cemetery was established in 1804. It was planned as a repository for human remains when authorities sought to improve sanitation by moving graves from the center of the city to its outskirts. Now park-like in its appeal, Père Lachaise is a much-desired place to be buried. Within its bounds are the graves of Molière, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Chopin, Edith Piaf, Sarah Bernhardt, Marcel Proust, and other famous figures. Stately trees and beautiful memorials add to the cemetery's present-day calm. METRO: Père Lachaise, Philippe Auguste

7èME ARRONDISSEMENT. This gorgeous architectural gem, completed in the 17th century, is located in the city's Faubourg-St-Germain region. It was created by Louis XIV as a home for aged soldiers and disabled veterans. Among its prominent features are a sweeping esplanade, a series of gardens, and a striking domed church, where military heroes (including Napoléon I) are interred. Also at this location is the Musée de l'Armée, an outstanding art and military history museum, with extensive armament collections. METRO: Invalides, Latour Maubourg

8èME ARRONDISSEMENT. This symbol of French victory was commissioned by Napoleon and completed in 1836. Adorned with sculpture and the names of military successes, the enormous arch features a small museum and rooftop viewing platform. At its base is the tomb of the unknown soldier. The arch sits at the center of place Charles de Gaulle (formerly place d'Etoile), a square that branches off into twelve avenues. It also offers great views southeast down the Champs-Elysées to the Louvre and northwest towards La Défense. Pedestrian access is most safely gained via the pedestrian tunnel from the north side of the Champs Elysées. METRO: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile