This giant panoramic work of art spans forty metres in circumference and reaches fourteen metres in height, capturing the small fishing village of Scheveningen as it was in the late nineteenth century in a cyclorama. It creates the illusion that the observer is atop a large sand dune looking down upon the village, an illusion which is complemented by the foreground within the artwork that is made up of artificial terrain. The museum is dedicated to the single work of art from Hendrik Willem Mesdag and there are lots of ways to experience it including a guided tour, lectures and even children’s treasure hunts.

One of, if not the most important centres for justice and peace in the world, Peace Palace comprises the United Nations International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library. Although this is a working palace, which means most areas are closed to the public, there is, however, a visitors centre where those interested can learn more about the history of the palace and the role it plays today in international justice via a free audio tour. On rare occasions, the palace opens its doors to the public for guided tours, but it is advisable to check well in advance if any dates are available as they are few and far between. In any case, the impressive surrounding gardens and Neo-Renaissance buildings are definitely a must-see.

Originally built as a church to house the reliquary of Saint Genevieve, this neoclassical building in the Latin Quarter, modelled after the Pantheon in Rome, is the final resting place of numerous writers, philosophers, poets and scientists, such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie.

Perched atop Montmartre hill, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, or simply Sacré-Cœur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica with a majestic view of Paris. Inaugurated in 1914, it is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and boasts over 500 statues. Its iconic status makes it a regular sight on film.