Photos: Paris sights, from best to bust

Notre Dame Cathedral: begun in 1160, plundered in 1790, still amazing in 2010.  (Horacio Villalobos / EPA)

Eiffel Tower: Is there a more romantic attraction in the world? You know, if you like that kind of stuff.  (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)

Napoleon’s Tomb: beautiful and profound, housed in a glimmering church caked in gold.  (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)

Musée de l’Armée: The greatest military museum in the world could use an editor.  (Horacio Villalobos / EPA)

Champs-Élysées: Left me a little cold, but a must for serious shoppers.  (Miguel Medina / AFP / Getty Images)

The Louvre: the Mona Lisa in a mob setting (especially in summer). No matter what I say, you’re going to go. So go already.  (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)