city trip to paris

Paris   Travel Guide

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32 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

If it's your first visit to Paris, you'll probably want to spend some time at the world-renowned  Eiffel Tower , the Louvre (home of the "Mona Lisa") and the Notre-Dame. Don't miss out on other notable city jewels either, such as the Musée

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Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, head to Place du Trocadéro. (Just expect to contend with some crowds!) – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice. The first time, in 1909, the tower was kept around because of its potential as a transmission tower (an antenna was installed atop the tower). Gustav Eiffel, chief architect of the Eiffel Tower, had a variety of scientific experiments tested on the tower with the hope that any discoveries would help prolong its lifespan. One of these included a wireless transmissions test, which the tower passed with flying colors. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies as well as relay intel to troops on the ground. The second time the Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of the tower, but never ended up going through with his plan.

Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August), and all day on Bastille Day (July 14). – Laura French  

If you only had time to visit one museum in Paris, it should undoubtedly be the Musée du Louvre. That's because the Louvre is not only widely considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe, but one of the best in the world. The museum first opened its doors in 1793 and features more than 35,000 works of art on display. Here, you can get up close to a variety of art from different time periods and cultures. The Louvre features everything from Egyptian mummy tombs to ancient Grecian sculptures (including the renowned Winged Victory of Samothrace and curvaceous Venus de Milo). There are also thousands of paintings to peruse as well. Masterpieces such as "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugene Delacroix, "The Raft of the Medusa" by Théodore Géricault and Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," the museum's biggest star, can be found here.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) free

Note that the cathedral sustained significant damage as a result of a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed during the fire. The interior of the cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It is set to reopen in December 2024. In the meantime, visitors can peruse a new exhibit that debuted in March 2023. It's located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the free exhibit highlights the ongoing construction work at the site, including the expertise of the workers, as well as some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral. There are also free, volunteer-led informational tours around the outside of the cathedral select days of the week. Consult this online calendar to see when English tours are offered.

Like the Eiffel Tower , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction of the famous cathedral started in the late 12th century and final touches weren't made until nearly 200 years later. Once you get an eyeful of the cathedral yourself, you'll start to understand why it took so long.

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Champs-Élysées Champs-Élysées free

Musician Joe Dassin once sang "Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Élysées," which translates to "There's everything you could want along the Champs-Élysées." And he's right. Paris' most famous boulevard – stretching more than a mile from the glittering obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe – is a shopper's mecca. Along its wide, tree-lined sidewalks, you'll find such luxury stores as Louis Vuitton and Chanel rubbing elbows with less-pricey establishments like Adidas and Zara.

While the Champs-Élysées is no doubt a shopping paradise, recent travelers noticed the price tags at most stores can be pretty high. And the more affordable options are constantly swamped with people. The Champs-Élysées itself is no different. Because this is such a famous street in Paris, expect there to be crowds galore, both during the day and the nighttime. Still, many travelers enjoyed taking in the Champs-Élysées' bustling atmosphere and observing both locals and tourists come and go. Some recent visitors said a trip to the Champs-Élysées is not complete without a stop at Ladurée, the city's famous macaron shop.

Arc de Triomphe Arc de Triomphe

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées , the towering Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoléon to honor the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars. The arch, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is adorned with several impressive, intricately carved sculptures. Underneath the arch, travelers will find the names of the battles fought during the first French Republic and Napolean's Empire, as well as generals who fought in them. Travelers will also find the famous tomb of The Unknown Soldier. The unknown soldier currently buried there is meant to represent all the unidentified or unaccounted for soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The flame that was lit when the soldier was laid to rest has not extinguished since it was initially lit in the 1920s, and is rekindled every night at 6:30 p.m. by a member of the armed services.

Aside from admiring the arch, visitors can climb to the top and take in the Parisian panorama. Most visitors are wowed by the immense size of the structure and recommend ascending to the top for the spectacular Paris views. Visitors caution that you'll have to wait in line to get to the top and the climb, which is made up of hundreds of stairs, can be a serious workout. Others strongly cautioned against trying to cross the roundabout to get to the Arc. Instead, take the underground tunnel near the metro that leads directly to the base of the structure.

Latin Quarter Latin Quarter free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're in the area, check out the Grand Mosquée de Paris, next to the Jardin des Plantes. It's a beautiful mosque with a hidden-away courtyard, and there's an atmospheric tearoom attached that serves Middle Eastern sweet treats. – Laura French

Architecture lovers should not miss the Latin Quarter. Also known as the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Its narrow cobblestone streets, winding whimsically through the larger city grid, recall its medieval history. Why does this densely packed neighborhood of attractions, shops and restaurants retain this unique character? It escaped Baron Haussmann's planning reform of the city, thus retaining a more ancient ambience.

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Seine River Seine River free

You won’t have much trouble finding the Seine, as it flows directly through the heart of Paris. The river is perhaps one of the most famous waterways in the world and an attraction in itself. It's also useful for more practical reasons: It flows from east to west, dividing the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Knowing where you are in relation to the Seine can help you find your way around during your trip.

For tourists, the waterway mostly serves as a photo backdrop, but it is a lifeline for locals. It's a reliable water supply, a major transportation route and vital for many kinds of commerce. It has also served as a source of sustenance for many fishermen dating back to the third century. In 1991, the Seine River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance in both the past and the present.

Musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry (when it’s also free to enter the Centre Pompidou, Musée de l'Orangerie, Musée du Rodin, Musée Picasso and several other attractions). – Laura French

Although the extensive Louvre may appear to get most of the Parisian limelight, recent travelers seem to enjoy the Musée d'Orsay more. Travelers say the museum is much more manageable than the often-overwhelming Louvre and note that there are also significantly fewer crowds here. Many visitors confidently report that you can easily get through this museum in a few hours. As for the art, travelers loved the museum's colorful collection of paintings as well as the building itself, with many calling the Belle Epoque architecture of the d'Orsay a work of art on its own.

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Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Pick up picnic provisions at a nearby farmer's market, such as Marché Raspail, to enjoy in the gardens. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

A warm-weather oasis that offers the simplest of pleasures, the Luxembourg Gardens provide ample green space (60 acres) for sun-soaking and people-watching, plus there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. When the city bustle becomes too overwhelming, meander around the paths and formal gardens, or just relax with a picnic. Kids can float sailboats at the Grand Basin, ride ponies, take a spin on the merry-go-round, or catch a puppet show at the on-site Theatre des Marionnettes. Adults might delight in the on-site Musée du Luxembourg, the first French museum that was opened to the public. Though with 106 sculptures to its name, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Luxembourg Gardens could easily be considered an open-air museum itself.

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) free

Rising high above Paris, the Sacré-Coeur (meaning "Sacred Heart") looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Towering over the eclectic neighborhood of Montmartre (once a hangout for Paris' bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine, 19th-century masterpiece is easily recognized by its ornate ivory domes. As blanched as it may appear on the outside, the basilica's interior is a sight worth beholding: The ceilings glitter with France's largest mosaic, which depicts Jesus rising alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.

You'll also likely be left in awe with the panoramic views found from atop the Sacré-Coeur's outdoor staircase. But for an even better photo-op, climb all 300 steps to the top of the dome. The dome is accessible to visitors every day from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mass is held multiple times a day every day.

Centre Pompidou Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is one of the most visited cultural sites in Paris. But keep this in mind – and recent travelers attest to this – if you're not a fan of modern art, you probably won't enjoy this museum. The Pompidou is all modern and contemporary art (think cubist, surrealist and pop art, among others). Even its exterior is a little "out there," with its insides (piping, plumbing, elevators, escalators, etc.) exposed on the outside.

Inside the inside-out museum, you'll find one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world (more than 120,000 pieces of art are in its complete collection). The most notable attraction within is France's National Museum of Modern Art, which features works from 20th and 21st-century artists. Here, you can find big names such as Matisse, Picasso and even Andy Warhol. Also within the Centre Pompidou is additional exhibition and entertainment spaces as well as a library, rooftop restaurant and cinemas.

Jardin des Tuileries Jardin des Tuileries free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While you’re here, don’t miss Angelina, just across the street on Rue de Rivoli. This historic, belle epoque-style salon de thé opened in 1903 and serves excellent French delicacies and pastries alongside its famous, indulgently rich hot chocolate. – Laura French

Centrally located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden that spans approximately 55 acres. Though it was initially designed solely for the use of the royal family and court, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991 (as part of the Banks of the Seine) and has been open to the public since the 17th century.

Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle

Nowhere in Paris does stained-glass windows quite as well as Sainte-Chapelle. The panes – dating back to the chapel's construction in the 13th century – depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vivid color. Sainte-Chapelle, which took just seven years to build, is a treasured example of French Gothic architecture and originally held Christian artifacts acquired by Louis IX. The building underwent a rigorous restoration between 2008 and 2014 and now welcomes visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1 (France's Labor Day). Admission costs 13 euros (about $14) per person ages 18 and older. Audio guides are available in English (among other languages) for an additional 3 euros (about $3.50). 

Recent travelers say the chapel is a true masterpiece and not to be missed, though some visitors did note it was smaller than they anticipated. Still, they say it's worth taking your time to have a closer look at each of the stained-glass windows, as they all tell a different story. Some travelers also recommended touring the Conciergerie next door, a palace turned prison that was erected in the 14th century. If you plan to tour both sites, consider purchasing a joint ticket for 20 euros (about $22).   

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Pantheon Pantheon

Situated in the Latin Quarter – or the 5th arrondissement – of Paris, the Panthéon is a large church and burial ground with a storied history. The structure was completed in 1790 at the start of the French Revolution, and it served as a mausoleum, a church and an art gallery throughout its early years. In 1851, scientist Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within the building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum was removed and replaced a number of times, and a replica was installed in 1995 and is still in operation today. The Panthéon also contains a crypt where a number of important historians, philosophers, scientists and writers are buried, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie.

Most recent travelers loved seeing the museum's noteworthy gravesites and Foucault's pendulum. They also recommended taking a dome tour for exceptional views of Paris; you’ll see the Eiffel Tower from the top, as well as many other well-known landmarks. Still, some visitors said the admission fee is too high.

Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris

A masterpiece of architectural opulence, the Opéra Garnier – also known as the Palais Garnier – still exudes the opulence it radiated in the late 1800s. This palpable sense of intrigue and mystery that permeates the opera is due in part to its awe-inspiring Old-World interiors as well as Gaston Leroux, the author of "Phantom of the Opera," for which the Garnier served as his inspiration. Leroux claimed the phantom was indeed real, successfully incorporating real life opera occurrences (such as the chandelier falling and killing a bystander) into his fiction. The Garnier's lack of a robust historical record, as well as Leroux's writing talents, have left many wondering if there really was a dweller that lurked beneath the opera. Staff have claimed otherwise, but say with the opera's very real underground "lake" (water tank), it's easy to see how the story could be so convincing. Without Napoleon III, who was responsible for commissioning the opera, Leroux's tale may never have never come to fruition.

The best way to fully experience the Palais Garnier is by purchasing a ballet or opera ticket. Remember to book your tickets several months in advance, as performances are highly coveted. If you won't be in town for a performance or aren't up for forking over the oftentimes high price of a performance, you can explore the building's magnificent interiors on your own.

Le Marais Le Marais free

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, you’ll find the former house of Victor Hugo, which is now a museum that’s free to enter. – Laura French

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts), Le Marais is one of Paris' oldest and coolest districts – so cool, in fact, that French writer Victor Hugo (author of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables") called it home. With all of its cobblestone streets, stately stone architecture and tucked away courtyards, it's easy to feel as if you're strolling through medieval Paris. Back in the day, Le Marais housed some notable French royalty. King Henry IV was the one responsible for the construction of the Place des Vosges, Paris' oldest square. And Louis XIV called this neighborhood home for a while until he decided to move his family and court to Versailles . Much of Le Marais also survived the destruction of the French Revolution.

Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles) Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)

U.S. News Insider Tip: In summer, the palace hosts weekend fountain shows in the gardens, featuring music and special effects; come on a Saturday night to see the best, with grounds lit up to magical effect and a firework display at the end. – Laura French

The Château de Versailles, the sprawling palace and former seat of power, is located 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Every year, nearly 10 million travelers make the trek from Paris to bear witness to the chateau's world-famous grandeur in person. But between all of the gold figurines, dramatic frescoes and cascading crystal chandeliers you'll no doubt find in bulk throughout the chateau, you might be surprised to learn that King Louis XIV's extravagant former residence had pretty humble-ish beginnings.

Musée Rodin Musée Rodin

A hidden jewel in the city, the Musée Rodin is actually the former residence of famed 19th-century sculptor Auguste Rodin. But in the place of furniture and kitschy lawn ornaments are Rodin's emotive sculptures, including The Walking Man, The Kiss and The Thinker, among many more. In addition to the sculptures, the museum houses 8,000 of the artist's drawings in its collection – a fraction of those are on display –  as well as an area dedicated to the work of his muse and mistress, artist Camille Claudel. Visitors will also get to view pieces from the Rodin's personal art collection, including paintings by Van Gogh.

Recent travelers found Rodin's sculptures to be nothing short of stunning, and highly recommend a visit even if you don't consider yourself an art buff. Another big favorite, and for some visitors as much of a highlight as the art, were the beautiful on-site gardens. To travelers, the gardens, in combination with the museum's manageable size, created a serene and peaceful atmosphere not easily found at other top Parisian museums.

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Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain-des-Prés free

The arts abound in Paris. Although visual art gets the most attention here, the city is also a historic literary center. Saint-Germain, in the 6th arrondissement, is known as a 19th- and 20th-century intellectual hub. Here, great writers, thinkers and artists mixed and mingled in their homes and nearby establishments. Anyone battling writer's block will want to spend an afternoon wandering its picturesque streets, stopping by famous literary cafes or enjoying one of the museums located in the neighborhood's borders.

After filling your mind at the Musée Delacroix, Musée du Luxembourg or Musée de Mineralogie, unwind at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore. The former was visited by everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, and more recently, Julia Child. Nearby Café de Flore opened in the 1800s as well, and claims visitors from Leon Trotsky to Albert Camus to Picasso. Sartre worked from here – using the space as a historical Starbucks – while New Wave celebrities like Bridget Bardot or fashionista Karl Lagerfeld graced its seats later on, in the 1960s. There are plenty of mouthwatering pastry shops and bridge views, too. Recent visitors noted that this is a perfect neighborhood for strolling, shopping or staying – there are plenty of upscale hotels . Many of the best Paris tours also include guided walks through the neighborhood.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann free

Whether or not you plan to shop, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store is a sight to be seen. What started as a small novelty shop in 1893 has since grown into an approximately 750,000-square-foot megastore containing hundreds of brands, from budget-friendly options like Levi's and Carhartt to high-end labels like Prada and Cartier. And while you might be dazzled by the unending collection of fashionable goods, don’t forget to look up. The pièce de résistance of the luxury bazaar is the stunning neo-Byzantine glass dome 141 feet above the ground. There's also a glass walkway on the top floor of the building that allows the bravest of visitors to stand above all the action below. 

Several recent visitors called Galeries Lafayette the most beautiful shopping center in the world, pointing out that even if you aren't there to buy luxury products, the stunning building is a destination in itself. They also recommend going up to the roof of the complex (accessible from the eighth floor), which is open to visitors free of charge, to take in breathtaking views of the city below. From the roof, you'll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower , Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame .

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris) Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris)

Not every inch of Paris is as romantic as you think – in fact, the Catacombs are downright chilling. Prior to the creation of the Catacombs in the late 18th century, Parisians buried their dead in cemeteries. But as the city continued to grow, burial grounds ran out of space, graves started to become exposed and stunk up surrounding neighborhoods. The limestone quarries located 65 feet beneath Paris eventually became the solution, providing ample and safe space for the city's deceased loved ones. It took years to move millions of bodies from all the Parisian graves.

Today, the solemn, skull-and-boned lined tunnels weave beneath the heart of the City of Love, beckoning to visitors with an interest in the departed. The catacombs stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access about a mile's worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4,6 and RER B) metro station. Trying to access the catacombs at any other entrance throughout the city is illegal. You'll want to wear sturdy footwear as the paths inside are full of gravel, uneven and even slippery in some sections. What's more, you'll have to descend 131 steps and climb 112 steps back up. As such, the catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible. And because of the attraction's unique nature and popularity, expect a queue.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) free

A cemetery as a tourist attraction? If any city can pull it off, it's Paris. Covering nearly 110 acres of the 20th arrondissement (district), the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It's also Paris' largest green space. Père-Lachaise is a maze of cobblestone pathways lined with leafy, cascading trees which perfectly shade the striking 19th-century burial chambers that permeate the grounds. Aesthetics aside, Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous burial grounds: Everyone from Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to Edith Piaf and Gertrude Stein can be found here. Make sure to pick up a map before you venture in, there are more than 100,000 burial plots here (exact estimates vary dramatically).

Travelers admitted the main reason they made the trek to Père-Lachaise was to visit the famous faces buried here, though after discovering the enchanting grounds, they were happy to stay and wander. Visitors found the architecture of the individual tombstones and burial chambers to be stunning, especially with the many dramatic statues included with the plots. Others particularly appreciate the overall peaceful atmosphere of Père-Lachaise. Because the cemetery is so big, visitors say it's unlikely you'll be sharing lots of space with fellow visitors or tourists at any given time.

Bateaux Mouches Bateaux Mouches

For those who want to cruise down the Seine River , hopping on one of the six Bateaux-Mouches boats is a go-to option. Just about any meal you can think of is offered as you glide along the river – or as the company puts it, Paris's "most beautiful avenue." There are also hourlong cruise-only trips, for those who want to efficiently view some of the city's most iconic sights, including Notre Dame and the Musée d'Orsay . These cruises are among the best Paris tours . Combo tickets that include a bus tour or a cabaret show are also available.

Travelers who recently took a cruise loved the views from the boat and the informational nature of the tour. Many people took a night cruise, which was frequently lauded for its romantic atmosphere. However, a few visitors expressed disappointment with meal portions and the check-in process.

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Musee de l'Orangerie Musee de l'Orangerie

An extension of Musée d'Orsay , Musée de l'Orangerie features a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. It is best known for its enlarged "Water Lilies" paintings by Claude Monet. The eight massive paintings are divided across two oval rooms that are filled with natural light from a glass roof. Monet increased the size of these paintings with the intention of fully immersing viewers in their beauty, especially after the hardships of World War I. Beyond the "Water Lilies" series, Musée de l'Orangerie houses the Jean Walter-Paul Guillaume collection, which features works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and more.  

Museum visitors – especially Monet fans – said this gallery is a must-see. They were pleased to discover it was a relatively small building, meaning it can be seen fairly quickly if you short on time. The smaller space also translates to less crowds, which many museumgoers appreciated.

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk about 10 minutes around the corner and you’ll find the Montparnasse Cemetery – a fascinating alternative to Père Lachaise , home to the burial places of artists and intellectuals, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant and Charles Baudelaire. – Laura French

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck claims to have the best views in Paris – and once you reach the top, it's easy to see why. The lower deck stands more than 650 feet high and overlooks major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower , through floor-to-ceiling windows. Travel another 32 feet upward to the rooftop terrace, and you'll find panoramic vistas of the City of Lights 365 days a year. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles in every direction.

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for the famed Parisian nightlife experience, Moulin Rouge will likely fit the bill. The legendary cabaret club opened in 1889, wowing crowds with dazzling dancers, free-flowing Champagne and outrageous elements like a gigantic model elephant in the garden. With its rich history and extravagant performances, Moulin Rouge has become an important staple in the City of Lights.

On a night at the Moulin Rouge, visitors can be wined and dined while watching talented burlesque dancers adorned in feathers, rhinestones and sequins. (The costumes are known to be a bit risqué, so travelers should note that the venue may not be the most suitable for children.) While many recent travelers felt that the show was a spectacular must-see while vacationing in Paris, others felt it was overhyped and overcrowded. However, those who opted for the dinner show said the food was fantastic with top-notch service to match.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont free

Paris is home to many beautiful public parks, where visitors and locals alike relax in grassy squares during periods of pleasant weather. Parc de Buttes-Chaumont's 61 acres boasts this – plus a lake, a suspension bridge and walking paths – and a dark history. Its name comes from the bare hill once occupying the site. Stone was mined here, sewage dumped and even horse carcasses discarded. When Napoleon III renovated Paris in the 19th century, it was selected as a large park site, and the artificial lake created. That transformation also washed away its medieval reputation as a gallows. Known as Gibbet of Montfaucon at that time, the bodies of people executed in the city were sometimes displayed here for months on end.

If you can put that history behind you, cross the Gustave Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, or ascend the hill with the Temple de la Sybille for beautiful views of Montmartre. Inside the hillside, quarrying created a cavern. Napoleon's park builders took the opportunity to add a human-made waterfall to the 65-foot-tall space. Summer visitors will especially enjoy the misty reprieve from Paris's heat and humidity.

Conciergerie Conciergerie

Located next to Sainte-Chapelle , the Conciergerie was once a royal residence for various French leaders. At the end of the 14th century, King Charles V and the rest of the palace's inhabitants moved to new residences at the Louvre . The abandoned building was then turned into a new parliament and office space for the kingdom. However, during the French Revolution (and for many decades thereafter), the Conciergerie served as a prison compound to hold both political and common criminals. Most famously, it held Marie Antoinette, the fallen queen of France, in the weeks before she was executed by guillotine in October 1793. In the 19th century, Antoinette's cell was transformed into a chapel, and in 1914 the entire building was deemed a historic monument and opened to the public.

Recent travelers said the site is a delight for history buffs. Still, others noted that if you aren’t particularly interested in the French Revolution or Marie Antoinette, you may find the empty jail cells and barren halls a bit dull. All visitors are given a "HistoPad" (available in six languages) to help enhance their experience. The iPad allows visitors to see what the rooms would've looked like centuries ago with the help of augmented reality, 3D reconstructions and interactive functionalities.What everyone seemed to agree on was the medieval architecture, which is said to be stunning both inside and out.

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Rue de Rivoli Rue de Rivoli free

One of the most famous shopping streets in Paris, the elegant Rue de Rivoli is lined with neoclassical buildings housing designer boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants built into historic arcades. Named after Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Rivoli and stretching from Place de la Bastille in the east to Place de la Concorde, it's where you'll find the Louvre , the Jardin des Tuileries , Hôtel de Ville (Paris's elaborate city hall) and other attractions. It's also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville – an elaborate department store founded in 1856. Other shops range from affordable brands like Sephora, L'Occitane and Mango to high-end designer stores and local French boutiques.

Recent travelers highly recommended strolling along the street to browse its historic arcades and shops, and many were impressed by the elaborate architecture. They also enjoyed the quiet atmosphere; the street went car-free in 2020, with only pedestrians, cyclists, buses and taxis now allowed here (its former lanes have been turned into a wide bike path, so it provides a welcome respite from the city's at-times hectic traffic). Others said it was a great spot for people-watching, although some said the shops can feel a little commercial.

Bois de Vincennes Bois de Vincennes free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in the summer to catch the Paris Jazz Festival, when the Parc Floral hosts performers from Paris and beyond. – Laura French

Used as a royal hunting ground from the 12th century, this scenic, easterly refuge is Paris's biggest park, sprawling nearly 2,500 acres (making it nearly three times larger than New York's Central Park , and slightly bigger than its westerly sister, the Bois de Boulogne). It's home to verdant woodland as well as the Parc Floral, a botanical garden with its own mini golf course and various other family-friendly attractions. You'll also find four artificial lakes in the park – boats are available to rent on the Lac Daumesnil – alongside the Parc Zoologique de Paris, several cafes and restaurants and the Château de Vincennes, a lavish former royal residence built in the medieval era.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen free

Set on the northern edge of Paris and home to the highest concentration of antiques dealers in the world, this famous flea market is a must for anyone looking to browse and buy vintage treasures. Spread across twelve covered markets and five streets, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen houses everything from 17th-century furnishings to vintage jewelry, designer clothes, art, books and beyond. When your feet need a break, there are also a handful of restaurants.

At its heart is the Marché Vernaison, an eclectic mishmash of nearly a million objects, spread across nearly 100,000 square feet and selling pretty much anything you can think of. Equally unmissable is the Marché Dauphine, which sells books, vintage records, clothes and more in a huge pavilion, and the Marché Paul Bert Serpette, an upmarket spot specializing in avant-garde interior design that's seen everyone from Julia Roberts to Mick Jagger grace its floors.

Louis Vuitton Foundation Louis Vuitton Foundation

Open to the public since October 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is the brainchild of the LVMH Group (which owns luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton) and famed American architect Frank Gehry. In addition to the art gallery, Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles , among other renowned museums, university buildings and residences. Outfitted with curved panels of glass and smooth concrete, the foundation's daring and modern design stands out among Paris' abundance of centuries-old buildings. Inside, you'll find collections of modern and contemporary art housed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum's goal is to promote art and culture on the outskirts of Paris, and it succeeds by attracting more than 1 million visitors each year. 

Though the museum is a bit off the beaten path in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement, visitors loved taking in the architectural wonder and its surrounding gardens, as well as the unique exhibits inside. One common criticism was that the building was a bit far from the nearest metro station (about a 15-minute walk), so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

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"There's nowhere quite like Paris and it's amazing to watch our guests light up when they see bucket list icons like the Eiffel Tower in real life. Don't forget to slow down and savour the freshly baked pastries from the local boulangerie and mingle with the locals in the sidewalk cafés and markets."

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See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre

You can’t take a Paris trip without visiting the Louvre. It’s the both the largest art museum and the most-visited museum in the world, and you can soak it all in with our special evening experience at the Louvre. You’ll discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa with your Local Specialist and enjoy the quiet atmosphere without the crowds. Simply magical.

Visit the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice

Paris is full of spectacular architecture, and the church of Saint-Sulpice may be one of the best. This medieval cathedral is the second-largest church in the city and your Paris travel guide will show you around the stunning facades, stained glass windows, impressive fountains, unique sundial, and the breathtaking organ, one of the largest in the world.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Seine

As the scenic centrepiece of Paris, you can’t miss exploring the iconic River Seine. We’ll wander along the pretty riverbank by day and take you on a special Seine cruise by night, when the City of Light is illuminated in twinkling lights. Look out for icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame, and relax as you drift along this enchanting river.

Explore the Latin Quarter of Paris

When you travel Paris with Trafalgar, you’ll join a Local Specialist to discover the Latin Quarter, the city’s epicentre of culture, learning and creativity. See the ancient Sorbonne University, one of the world’s first universities, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this student hotspot, and perhaps even stop by the legendary Shakespeare and Co bookstore.

Experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret

You’ve probably seen the Parisian Cabaret in dozens of movies and photos, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing the real thing. We’ll take you to the world-famous Moulin Rouge Cabaret, where you’ll enjoy dinner, champagne and a dazzling show of 60 dancers and over 1,000 costumes, for an incredible evening you’ll never forget.

Our top 5 things to do in Paris

With so many incredible Paris attractions to choose from, we’ll show you the very best things to do in Paris, from the beautiful Saint-Sulpice to the original Parisian cabaret.

Musée Rodin

Located just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, you can’t miss the spectacular Musée Rodin. Founded in 1916 by Auguste Rodin himself, the museum features the artist’s incredible sculptures within an 18th-century rocco mansion and a stunning three-hectare garden, along with his personal collection of paintings, photographs and ancient artefacts.

Paris Opera & Palais Garnier

If you want to experience the height of Parisian opulence, it’s got to be the Palais Garnier. This extraordinary building is a 1,979-seat opera house constructed in the late 19th-century, and is renowned as the setting for The Phantom of the Opera. Today you can discover its magnificent treasures or even spend a glitzy night at the opera or ballet.

Grand Palais

Located right across from the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais is an icon of Paris with its giant glass ceiling and Beaux-Arts style architecture. Its interior is even more thrilling, with national art galleries, science museums and exhibition halls all held under the famous dome, and you can easily spend a day or two here.

Best museums in Paris

When you travel Paris with Trafalgar, we’ll make sure you get your fill of the best Paris museums, from the iconic Louvre to the magnificent Opéra Garnier.

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is the ultimate French vegetarian dish, loved by all for its heartwarming local flavors. It’s essentially a vegetable stew, made with a rich tomato sauce and a rainbow of veggies like zucchini, eggplant and squash, and herbs like basil, garlic and thyme. One bite and you’ll fall in love with the home-cooked ratatouille of Paris.

One of France’s most famous recipes, Coq au Vin features wine-braised chicken served alongside ingredients like mushrooms and bacon. Across the country you will try many regional versions of this comforting dish, which translates fittingly to “rooster/cock with wine”.

French cuisine celebrates both savory and sweet ingredients, not just in the form of croissants. Find true street-food joy in the popular dessert of crêpes, with strawberries, Nutella, bananas and lemon curd just some of the toppings loved by locals and travelers alike. Or, try the national specialty crêpes Suzette with orange zest and caramelized butter.

Best food in Paris

Our Paris holidays are filled with the legendary Parisian cuisine, and we’ll show you all the best places to try your French favorites from fresh croissants to delicate desserts.

What to pack for Paris

French phrasebook

It’s a good idea to learn some common French phrases before arriving in Paris, and the locals are sure to appreciate your efforts to learn their mother tongue.

Camera & extra SD card

Paris is full of soul-stirring moments you’ll want to capture forever, so be sure to pack a few extra SD cards for all those special snaps and videos.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering through the Louvre, or strolling along the River Seine, you’ll need a comfy pair of shoes on your Paris tour.

Formal wear

If you want to hit the town in Paris with a Moulin Rouge show or a night at the opera, be sure to bring a glamorous outfit to fit in with the chic locals.

All-weather clothing

Paris is known for its unpredictable weather, with rain one day and sunshine the next. It’s best to pack both warm and cooler layers so you’re prepared for everything.

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12 Best Things To Do in Paris: The Ultimate 3-day Trip

Paris: named ‘the city of love’ by the greatest poets, writers, actors, and musicians who found inspiration in the beauty of this mesmerizing city. Whitestone townhouses ooze luxury, the smell of freshly baked croissants drifts through the air, and flowers hang at the sides of cobbled streets. Take a trip to Paris, France , for 2-4 days, spending your days visiting attractions, trendy neighborhoods, and delicious restaurants. Use this Paris guide to plan your trip to one of Europe’s best cities .

Day 1: All Around the Eiffel Tower

Channel your inner ‘Emily in Paris’ and start your day with a delicious coffee and freshly baked croissant at a boulangerie near your accommodation. Practice your French , and enjoy the satisfaction of those perfect warm layers of pastry!

Tip: On your trip to Paris, look for bakeries (Boulangerie) and pastry shops (Patisseries).

1. Arc de Triomphe

Start by taking the subway (1.90 EUR) to station ‘Charles de Gaulle – Etoile’. From here, walk to the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic sights on any trip to Paris. The huge square arch sits at the western end of the famous road, ‘Champs-Elysees’, a wide avenue that’s been featured in many famous movies.

Completed in 1836, the monument honors the armies of the revolution and the empire, with beautiful carvings on the stone. There is a small museum inside the structure walls, which tells you a bit about the history of the Arc de Triomphe, plus interesting historical photos. 

Best of all, you can climb to the top! Nearly 300 stairs later, you’ll find a viewing platform with spectacular views over the city. At sunset, you’ll get beautiful colors in the sky, and at night you can watch Paris live up to its name as ‘the city of lights’. You can even see the Eiffel Tower lights; it’s covered in 20,000 bulbs!

Opening Times & Tickets: Open 10 am to 10.30 pm every day of the year. Tickets cost 16 EUR. Buy Tickets

Hotels near the Arc de Triomphe

Hotels in paris 😴.

2. Laduree Macarons

Beautiful colored meringues, filled with a variety of flavorsome filling; macarons are synonymous with France! Laduree is one of the most beautiful and famous shops in Paris, with shops all around the city.

One of the most elegant is on the Champs Elysees, just a 10-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Sit in and enjoy the neoclassical style interiors, as if you have gone back in time to dine on rainbow-colored macarons with Marie Antoinette.

Alternatively, you can choose your flavors and have them boxed up to take away. These make a delicious gift from your trip to Paris! See the location .

3. Pont Alexandre III

One of the most wonderful things about Paris is its two sides separated by the beautiful River Seine. And where there’s a river, you’ll always find some interesting bridges! Head towards the Seine (about 15 minutes from Laduree) to see one of the most beautiful bridges in all of Paris: Pont Alexandre III.

This is a very important bridge, known for its central location and amazing architecture. On the bridge, you’ll find numerous pillars topped with gold-winged horses. Plus, the bridge is lined with old-fashioned lamps, making it a particularly romantic place to walk at night as you cross the bridge looking onto the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.

Tip: Want to explore more of the Seine? Spend a few hours walking along its banks or take a boat tour. Boat tours are a great way to learn about Paris and see it from a totally different perspective! If history tours aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of other options, such as a dinner cruise . 

Here are all your hotel options in Paris.

4. Musee d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is 10 minutes from the Pont Alexandre III. Cross the bridge and follow the arty boulevard to discover the memorable art museum.

The long building, which was once a station, is impressive on the outside. However, the interior is truly breathtaking! Discover a vast open space with an arched glass roof covering incredible collections of artwork. Whether you like traditional art or modern, you’ll find something to enjoy in the Musee d’Orsay.

Opening Times & Tickets: Tuesday – Sunday 9.30 am to 6 pm. Tickets cost 16 EUR. If you’re an art lover, you might also want to check out a guided tour .

5. Eiffel Tower – A must-do in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments globally, up there with the likes of the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa . It is an icon of Paris (and France !), towering above the city by day and lighting it up at night. 

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting this spectacular monument. You can find your way to the Eiffel Tower from the museum by following the skyline. As you go, grab a delicious lunch nearby or buy a baguette from the bakery and make your own picnic to eat under the tower. 

Simply marveling at the Eiffel Tower from below is an experience in itself. Wander around the structure, gaining a view from all angles, or head to the stairs in front of the Jardins du Trocadero to get some fantastic photos and an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.

Tip: If you want to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, we recommend arriving at sunrise to get the best shot. After 9 AM, the area becomes very crowded with people. This is the most touristy area in all of Paris!

Get your tickets here

Climbing to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Visiting the top of the tower is a little more expensive, but a great idea if you want to have a unique experience and get some excellent views on your trip to Paris.

You’ll find the beginning of these fantastic Parisian views on the first floor, with the added exhilaration of a transparent glass-bottomed floor to look down from.

On the second floor, as you get higher and higher, you’ll have access to Michelin-star restaurants, shops, and even a macaron counter to eat your treats from this remarkable location.

The very top is the most sensational of all, as you stand 276 meters up above Paris with only the tip of the tower and the sky above you. Grab a glass of champagne to toast the moment!

The ticket price is dependent on what you want to see. Most tickets include the use of the glass-walled lift. For example, a lift ticket up to the second floor is 17.10 EUR, and a ticket to the top is 26.80 EUR. If you don’t mind taking the stairs, cheaper tickets are available.

It gets very busy, so we recommend buying tickets online .

Opening Times

Every day from 9.30 AM – 10.45 PM.

Note: Maintenance work is carried out every year on the top from Jan 3 to Feb 4 (during this time, you can only access the first and second floors with stairs).

Hotels near the Eiffel Tower

Day 2: Montmartre (Best to do in Paris)

Montmartre is the prettiest area in all of Paris. What was once a tiny village on the hill, separated from the city, now forms the 18th district of Paris.

It used to be popular with artists, musicians, and poets who came here to paint and write, inspired by the beautiful Parisian scenery. It also went through a famous period of cabarets, brothels, and underground nightlife, known mainly for the Moulin Rouge.

These days, it keeps its beautiful village atmosphere and is a great place to stay when you visit Paris.

Join this popular walking tour in Montmartre

6. Basilica Sacre-Coeur

The Basilica Sacre-Coeur is the icon of Montmartre, a stunning white church that sits on the very top of the hill looking over Paris. Climb up the steep cobbled streets and zig-zagged blocks of stairs to reach the gardens below the church, where you’ll be met with views of the impressive three-domed church, which looks more like a palace!

You can access the central dome by climbing 300 steps to the top, where you’ll find even greater panoramic views of Paris.

Tip: Make sure to be here at 8 AM or earlier to avoid the massive groups of tourists.

Opening Times & Tickets: Visiting the Sacre-Coeur is free! It’s open from 6 AM to 10.30 PM every day. If you want to climb to the dome, the opening hours are 10.30 AM to 8.30 PM (summer) and 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM (winter).

7. Paris’ Prettiest Street (Rue de l’Abreuvoir)

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is known as ‘the prettiest street in Paris’, located on the charming hills of Montmartre. You could easily spend a morning walking around the area, getting lost down the streets, and taking photos of the beautiful houses and doorways.

However, visiting Rue de l‘Abreuvoir is an absolute must on your trip to Paris! This street is also one of the oldest, first mentioned in 1325, and home to ancient houses which date back to the 1930s. 

Read more: Montmartre, one of the most beautiful areas in Paris

The most famous house on Rue de l’Abreuvoir is ‘La Maison Rose’ (the pink house). This gorgeous pink house, with green shutters and a blanket of ivy behind it, is a famous cafe that used to be visited by many renowned writers, poets, and artists. Picasso even used to hang out at this very spot!

Tip: The reputation of this beautiful street means it can be busy. Visit first thing in the morning to get the best photo opportunities.

Hotels in Montmartre

8. See the Moulin Rouge

Wander down the hill towards the Pigalle neighborhood, where you’ll find lots of picturesque spots and, of course, the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Montmartre was once known for its many windmills that sat on the hill here, one of which was home to the Moulin Rouge (Red Windmill) during the neighborhood’s time of underground nightlife and debauchery.

It was a famous time between the two world wars when people from all walks of life would gather to watch dancing, singing, and acrobatics.

These days you can still watch the Moulin Rouge show here, but you’ll need to book months in advance as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Paris.  

Day 3: Notre Dame, Louvre, and more

Get up and prepare yourself for a busy day of sightseeing on your trip to Paris! Day 3 is all about soaking up the unique Parisian culture, whether art, literature, or music.

9. Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral as early as possible to really observe the beauty without the crowds. If you can arrive before 8 AM, the sun is still behind the cathedral, and the square in front is almost empty.

This breathtaking religious building is another icon of Paris and a must-see on your Paris trip, mainly because it’s one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in the world (built between 1163 and 1245)! Admire the fascinating gargoyles and the gothic features, and climb the 422 steps to the top of the cathedral tower for magical views over the center of Paris.

Note: Since the 2019 fire that consumed Notre Dame Cathedral, the majority of the cathedral is still closed for repairs. You can, however, still visit the cathedral square and look at Notre Dame (be aware there is a lot of scaffolding covering the facade), and you can visit the crypt.

It’s still worth wandering around the parameters of Notre Dame, if not just to be close to this incredible icon of history in Paris. Hidden in a side street nearby is a beautiful little cafe called Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. Stop here for a photo and a morning coffee before continuing your day. 

10. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore might not look like much from the outside, but enter, and you’ll find a world of hidden treasures! Books are piled up from floor to ceiling, and great literature covers almost every surface. If you’re a book lover, this is a must-do on your trip to Paris. You can even enjoy a coffee and a cake here while you peruse the pages of ancient novels!

How to get there: Shakespeare and Company Bookstore is at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie. To get there, cross the bridge on the side of Notre Dame.

11. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous in the entire world! It’s known for housing the Mona Lisa and its unique triangular shape. Watch people of all ages outside trying to get the typical ‘Louvre’ photo and positioning the triangle in their hands (think Leaning Tower of Pisa style!). 

From Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, you can reach the Louvre within 15 minutes of walking. Because of the museum’s popularity, buying tickets online in advance is recommended. If you don’t feel like going into the museum, you can relax or take photos at the square or nearby park.

Opening times and entry fee: 9 AM – 6 PM every day (closed on Tuesdays). 17 EUR for tickets purchased online.

Hotels near the Louvre Museum

Paris Guide: Things to do near the Louvre Museum

Alternatively, start your walk through the oldest park in Paris: Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden). It extends from the Louvre all the way to Place de la Concorde. The Jardin Tuileries is a large public park with fountains, chairs, and grass to relax. Throughout the garden, you will find various art, like statues and a smaller version of the Arc de Triomphe.

From the Louvre, hop on the metro towards Gare de Lyon. From here, it’s a 5-minute walk to Rue Cremieux, one of the most fantastic, colorful streets in Paris! This sweet cobbled street is bordered by rainbow-colored Parisian houses, flowers, and bikes and is a lovely place to grab some photos on your trip to Paris. 

12. Le Marais

Spend the rest of your day in the trendy neighborhood: Le Marais. You can find everything you could possibly need in this beautiful little medieval neighborhood, whether it’s trendy vintage shops and restaurants, luxurious squares, or ancient, narrow medieval streets that could be straight from a novel.

On your walk, take a look inside the concept stores ‘Merci’ and ‘Papier Tigre’, or get a delicious dinner at restaurants like ‘Ober Mamma’ (Italian) or ‘PNY’ (burgers).

Please Note: This Paris guide excludes the arrival day. Due to all the possible arrival options and travel times, it’s best to add this yourself.

Hotels in Le Marais

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Paris

France has one of the most internationally famous cuisines, and Paris is a hub for the most renowned restaurants and chefs worldwide. That being said, there is a way to eat for all kinds of budgets. Whether it’s Michelin-star restaurants, quirky hidden cafes, or great takeout food, there’s something for everyone! Some of our favorites were:

• Mastino (Italian)
• Scandle (Eco cafe)
• Holybelly 5 (Brunch)
• La Cantine de Sam (Delicious vegetarian food)
• Zia (Brunch)
• Pink Mamma (Italian)

Where to Stay in Paris

The best area to stay in Paris is Le Marais if you want access to everything right on your doorstep. You’ll be in the middle of trendy restaurants and shops and can walk or take the metro to most sights. However, most accommodations won’t go below €80 a night, so it might be worth searching in other areas nearby too.

Alternatively, find a hotel in Montmartre just outside the city center but full of character and charming streets and cheaper accommodation in general. Finally, stay in Saint Germain if you prefer to stay close to many restaurants and the main attractions.

How to visit Paris

Paris has an international airport with flights arriving from all over the world. From the airport, it’s easy to take the metro directly into the center. 

Getting around Paris

The Paris metro has over 300 stations and is one of the oldest in the world. Getting around Paris is super easy if you use Google Maps or ‘City Mapper’. City Mapper is ideal as it will tell you exactly which line you should take and in what direction. It also offers you combinations of bus, tram, and metro, depending on what’s easiest.

With the Navigo Easy pass, you can easily travel by metro. You purchase this at the station once and you can then always recharge it. For example, if you buy a package of 10 rides, you pay 14.90.

You can also purchase a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day or 5-day pass. If you follow this guide, you will need a 3-day pass for zones 1-3. The price for this exact pass is 33.90 euros per person (2023).

How much does Paris cost?

Paris can be visited on a budget if you’re happy to stay in cheaper accommodation, for example, apartments a little further out of the center or hostels. Consider renting an apartment on Booking.com with a kitchen so you can do a supermarket shop on your first day and prepare some meals at home to save on eating out in Paris. The following prices are at cafes and restaurants per person per day:

Costs of Traveling in Paris

Travel on a budget in Paris, from $430 − $530 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1080 − $1950 USD, and high-end from $1860 − $2650 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $8 − $50 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $50 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $40 − $80 USD
• Activities: $5 − $40 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to visit Paris

Paris is beautiful all year round! The summer months are the warmest and, therefore, the busiest.

Christmas is also the peak season when people enjoy the cold temperatures and festive Christmas lights. For that reason, visiting in the spring or September is a perfect time. During these months, enjoy mild weather, days of sunshine, and slightly quieter streets.

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• Find Hotels via Booking.com
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Cotignac: The Cliffside Village of Provence, France

9 best things to do in marseille, 11 best things to do in bordeaux (wine capital of france).

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

A quick Paris trip for us started with a hotel near the Eiffel Tower, we discovered that everything starts at the tower. Even the Bus from Charles de Gaulle airport goes to the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel tower is definitely the heart and soul of Paris!

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16 top local tips on what to do in Paris

Aug 10, 2023 • 12 min read

From cruising the Seine to strolling the city with the locals, here are the best things to do in Paris © Christopher Ames / Getty Images

Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals,  Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie"  (the good life).

Away from the highlights – the Louvre, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower – Parisian life ticks along with a coffee on a terrace, a bike ride along the Seine, and wine-fueled lunches with friends in noisy bistros. Blending the blockbuster experiences with these local delights is the key to experiencing the best of Paris.

Here are the top things to do according to a local.

1. See the Eiffel Tower at night

Dodge the habitual daytime crowd zig-zagging up the Eiffel Tower ’s southern-pillar staircase or cruising by lift to the top-floor champagne bar, and experience Paris’ signature spire after dark instead. Even better: book at the Michelin-starred   Le Jules Vernes  and dine in the company of the most beautiful city panorama ensnared within Eiffel’s hypnotic metal web on the 2nd floor.

Detour : For smouldering, eyeball-to-eyeball views of the  Dame de Fer  (Iron Lady) herself, illuminated at night, enjoy a date night beneath the stars at the summer rooftop bar atop La Shangri-La Paris . Can't be in there? See it from the Seine, with Eiffel Tower views from fine-dining bateau   Ducasse sur Seine .

2. Be surprised by the artworks at Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection

There’s a secret to exploring the city’s recent art venue  addition, which opened in May 2021 in an 18th-century rotunda where the city’s grain market and stock exchange once were. Reserve tickets online, book lunch in the top-floor Halles aux Graines restaurant run by legendary French chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras, and keep your wits about you when admiring the contemporary art in this world-class collection by French billionaire François Pinault.

The exquisite "marble" replica of a late-Renaissance Giambologna sculpture in the central hall (actually a gargantuan, slow-burning wax candle by Swiss artist Urs Fischer), the pesky "pigeons" perched on the balustrade above, the "cushions" strewn on the occasional chair throughout are not what they seem. This mischievous new gallery has been designed to shock and surprise.

3. Sample local life at Paris' food (and flea) markets

Nothing reveals the backstreet grit and grind of local life quite like Paris’ stash of intoxicating markets. Most neighborhoods have one and Bastille’s morning street marché on Blvd Richard Lenoir is a brilliant introduction.

When hunger strikes, swing through the inconspicuous green metal gate on rue de Bretagne, 3e, in nearby Le Marais to uncover  Marché des Enfants Rouges . This is the city’s oldest covered market, dating from 1615, with a maze of food stalls cooking up Moroccan couscous, Japanese bento, Thai curries and other world cuisines. Order a stuffed- and sizzled-to-order toasted sandwich or galette (savoury crêpe) from gregarious Alain at  Chez Alain Miam Miam , then grab a pew to lunch with locals around communal tables.

To peek into the makings of a Parisian home, ride metro line 13 north to  Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen . A village in itself, this gargantuan nine-hectare flea market – Europe’s largest – is where thrifty Parisians gravitate at weekends to hunt down chintzy Louis XVI lamps, rare and wondrous vinyl, avant-garde fittings and furniture, antiques and other second-hand treasures for their city-sleek apartments.

4. Wander through Paris' history at Musée Carnavalet

With its photogenic twinset of hôtels particuliers (private mansions) smacking of 17th-century Parisian aristocracy and labyrinth of lavish rooms spanning time, the  Musée Carnavalet in Le Marais is an enchanting rendezvous with history. The architecture alone at Paris’ oldest museum, open since 1880, plunges you straight into the Renaissance.

Thanks to a four-year redesign costing more than €55 million, visiting the Musée Carnavalet is a sharp, immersive, chronological waltz through the glittering story of Paris, from prehistory to the terrorism-troubled 21st century. Some 3800 of 625,000 historical pieces – paintings, sculptures, furniture, signs, posters, models, coins, toys, musical instruments, erotica – adorn rooms perfectly styled to reflect each era. The most spectacular – the lavish painted ceilings, gilt and stucco of the Salons La Rivière (1652–56), Hôtel Wendel’s Art Deco ballroom, Fouquet’s Art Nouveau jewelry shop – are the Real McCoy, uprooted from their original location to the museum for safekeeping.

Planning tip:  Admission to the permanent collection is free and doesn't need to be booked in advance. End in the museum cafe, with tables enchantingly scattered in the manicured courtyard garden.

5. Explore Monet's artworks at museums across the city

Which art lover can resist Monet’s signature water lilies? Exhilaratingly gargantuan and immersive, his lilies fill two oval rooms – designed by Monet himself in the 1920s – at the  Musée de l’Orangerie in the  Jardin des Tuileries .

More Monet masterpieces rub shoulders with paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh in the  Musée d’Orsay , displaying world-class art from 1848 to 1914 in a resplendent 1900-built train station by the Seine. But the real gold lies off the trodden tourist trail, at the unsung  Musée Marmottan Monet . Quietly at home in an intimate, Empire-style hôtel particulier in the residential 16e arrondissement , this is where the world’s largest collection of canvases by Monet can be found.

6. Go on a treasure hunt at the Louvre

It would take nine months to simply glance at all 35,000-odd masterpieces at the  Musée du Louvre , home to one of the world’s finest collections of Western art. Instead you can join a  ThatMuse scavenger hunt to make best sense of the overwhelmingly gargantuan palace-gallery, built as a fortress for Philippe-Auguste in the 12th century and rehashed as a swish royal residence in the mid-16th.

Hunts are themed, a huge hit with families, and lead you into quieter rooms well beyond the over-crowded likes of Da Vinci’s celebrity Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s Dying Slave . Count between two and three hours to track down, and snap a photo as evidence, up to 30 artworks – the "pieces of treasure".

Local tip: Decamp afterwards to  Café Le Nemours , one of Paris’ most mythical cafes with an elegant terrace beneath arches, for a coffee or organic Alain Millat peach juice and classic Parisian jambon et fromage baguette sandwich (or something fancier).

7. Admire Paris' iconic rooftops

Talk of inscribing Paris’ iconic rooftops on Unesco’s World Heritage List has been rumbling for years. Begin your rooftop foray at ground level on  place des Vosges , laid out as Place Royale in Le Marais in 1612. It's the city’s oldest square – and the most handsome. This is an ideal spot to admire Paris’ signature roofs from below, originally tiled in slate from the nearby Loire Valley and, from the mid-19th century, with cheaper sheets of shiny seagull-grey zinc.

A 10-minute walk away on trendy Rue Vieille du Temple, 3e, fashionistas hobnob over cocktails, barbecued meats and weekend brunch at  Au Top , a hidden rooftop with an insane 360-degree panorama.  Le Perchoir Marais is the other unmissable rooftop in the neighborhood.

Local tip:  Other Parisian-packed venues to swoon over the city’s romantic skyline: the viewing terrace of department store  Galeries Lafayette , Perruche above  Le Printemps , cocktail and DJ hub  Le Perchoir in the 11e, and farm-to-fork  Le Perchoir , at home on Europe’s largest urban farm in the 15e on – guess what – a rooftop.

8. Take a leisurely stroll like a Parisian flâneur

When 19th-century town planner Georges Eugène Haussmann bulldozed the medieval city’s cobweb of dank, narrow alleys in the 1850s to create an elegant, light-filled capital of broad tree-shaded boulevards and squares, he clearly had Parisian flânerie (strolling at leisure) in mind. Left-bank  St-Germain des Prés , right-bank  Le Marais and  Jardin du Luxembourg are classic areas for slow, indulgent walks.

For monumental grandeur around every corner, kick off on the viewing platform of  Arc de Triomphe , stroll shop-lined  Champs-Elysées to obelisk-pierced  Place de la Concorde , and cut through  Jardin des Tuileries to arch-pierced Place du Carrousel. Admire the Louvre, with its striking glass pyramid, then duck beneath the arches to Place Colette with its flashy metro-station entrance threaded with 800 Murano glass beads.

Continue into  Jardin du Palais Royal to frolic around Daniel Buren’s signature black-and-white striped columns, browse its upmarket boutique-clad arcades, chill over freshly roasted coffee at hidden  Café Kitsuné , and flop on a park bench to watch Paris go by in gorgeous slow motion.

Planning tip: Join up with  Explore Paris on a wildly creative themed walking tour of Paris such as operatic strolls with a singer in Montmartre, Chinese Belleville, or gourmet walks in Goutte d’Or.

9. Experience village life in Montmartre

Gorging on the spectacular Paris vista that unfolds from the steps of the pearly-white domes of the  Sacré-Coeur Basilica – or atop the 300 more steps spiraling up inside the church dome – is a veritable Montmartre moment. But to get under the skin of this fabled quarter of ivy-clad cottages, windmills and artist cafes, it pays to duck down hidden alleys and squares, and explore less-visited streets on the backside of the Butte (as the Montmartre hill is known).

Local tip: Reserve a table at clandestine cocktail bar  Le Très Particulier , with walled summer garden, in a 19th-century mansion on Ave Junot. Mooch a couple of doors downhill to Villa Leandré at No 23, one of the picturesque cul-de-sacs in Paris with flowery cottage gardens fronting 1920s, terraced brick houses. Another 15 minutes brings you to La Cité Pilleux (45 rue Ganneron, 18e), an equally bucolic dead-end lane with old industrial workshops re-spun as pretty little dwellings.

10. Tour the historic Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Gawping at ornate tomb art while paying your respects to 70,000 rich, famous and infamous buried in the world’s most-visited  cemetery is a riveting urban walk. The historic graveyard, open since 1804, is one of central Paris’ biggest green spaces, with 5300 trees and shrubs, and magnificent 19th-century sculptures by artists such as David d’Angers, Hector Guimard, Visconti and Chapu.

To scout out the iconic graves of 1960s rock star Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf et al, scan the QR code inside the cemetery’s Blvd de Ménilmontant entrance to access a map; or hook up with entertaining cemetery historian Thierry Le Roi. His two-hour  guided tours are legendary in their own right.

Local tip:  Visit on a sunny day after the rain to experience this unexpected green oasis at its most lush.

11. Take in the views from Arc de Triomphe's viewing platform

The Arc de Triomphe 's sky-high viewing platform is dramatically less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, but with views to rival. The 50m-high (164ft), Roman-style, triumphal arch commemorating Napoléon’s 1805 victory at Austerlitz is also the best spot to get your head around Paris’  Axe Historique (Historical Axis) – a line of historical monuments forming a perfect east-to-west axis through central Paris.

Admire astonishing vistas stretching from the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées (all east), to the Arc de Triomphe’s modern counterpoint, 1980s-built  Grande Arche de la Défense (west). Peer down to watch cars twirling around the city’s busiest roundabout encircling the arch and spinning off along one of eight leafy Haussmannian avenues.

12. Cruise the Seine

Paris’ geographical and spiritual heart is the Seine – it all began on its island twinset after all, with early settlers arriving on Île de la Cité around the 3rd century BCE. Cruising the river with Bateaux-Mouches or aboard a hop-on-hop-off  Batobus river boat – part of the city’s public transport system – is a memorable experience. Admire scenic Unesco World Heritage-listed riverbanks, islands, summertime beaches and 37 bridges spanning every architectural era.

Sunset drinks are a rite of passage at floating bar and guinguette (dance hall),  Rosa Bonheur sur Seine – as is a dose of contemporary street art a short walk west along the quay to bohemian barge-gallery  Fluctuart . To stay on the Seine 24/7, check into floating hotel,  Off Paris Seine .

Local tip: Hopes are high that parts of the river will be clean enough to swim in by 2025. Until then, cool off on hot summer days at floating outdoor pool  Piscine Joséphine Baker .

13. Be intoxicated by Paris' cocktail culture

From glam hotel bars to clandestine speakeasies and upcycled hostess bars in South Pigalle, the craft-cocktail scene in Paris is intoxicating.  Paris Cocktail Week , held each year in January, is a brilliant introduction. Otherwise, DIY your initiation with a signature Serendipity at  Bar Hemingway in the Ritz – a teeny, chic, wood-paneled space where British-born bartender Colin Field has mixed cocktails for more than 25 years. Legend says Hemingway, wielding a machine gun, helped liberate the hotel bar during WWII – following which he knocked back 51 consecutive dry martinis.

Local tip:  Forgotten French liqueurs, zany homemade infusions and inventive syrups are at their finest at  Le Mary Céleste , one of Paris’ first bars to pair cocktails with modern French tapas dishes. For summer cocktails, follow a clued-in crowd to  Le Pavillon Puebla , a guinguette -styled party space in a rambling 19th-century mansion in beautiful offbeat city park  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

14. Eat quality local produce at grassroots restaurants

Grassroots produce – seasonal, locally grown, invariably organic and so freshly harvested that earth still clings to the roots – has never been so important in French cuisine. Chefs in Paris are working harder than ever with small regional producers to elevate taste and quality to even greater heights (not to mention supporting local economies).

The untouristed 10th arrondissement is becoming increasingly foodie with wildly successful, bistronomie addresses such as  Les Résistants and  L’Avant Poste .

15. Go shopping at designer boutiques

Be it your own made-to-measure Louis Vuitton trunk, a heavenly fragranced candle from the world’s oldest candlemaker , or the season’s latest from eco-conscious fashion store  Sézane , shopping in Paris is exuberant and exotic. Pick your quartier depending on personal style and goût (taste): Le Marais for workshop boutiques of independent upcoming designers and mainstream fashion, or around  Canal St-Martin in the edgier 10e for concept stores, pop-ups and alternative design boutiques.

Detour: After 15 years of restoration, to the tune of €750 million, historic department store  La Samaritaine is breathtaking in size and beauty. Drooling over the Seine-side building’s original art nouveau and art deco features, including the glass-topped central hall – all impeccably restored by Pritzker Prize–winning Japanese firm Sanaa – is completely fine.

16. Watch movies beneath the stars

Paris is one of the most  cinematic cities on earth. Film buffs can poke behind the scenes of art deco movie theater  Le Grand Rex , lose their soul in a silent B&W movie accompanied by a live pianist music at the  Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé , or follow in the footsteps of screen star Amélie Poulain in Montmartre.

Summer raises the curtain on romance with movies beneath the stars – deckchairs are scattered on the grass in Parc de la Villette during free film screenings mid-July to mid-August. MK2’s ground-breaking cinema hotel,  Hôtel Paradiso in the 12e has designer rooms sporting private cinema screens and a lush green rooftop garden hosting screenings after-dark.

Local tip:  Films screened on a 24m-long screen in the Louvre’s magnificent 16th-century courtyard during July’s four-day Cinéma Paradiso Louvre open-air film fest are always a rip-roaring success.

This article was first published July 2019 and updated August 2023

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An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included

The best trips to Paris blend the new and the old. Here, a longtime Francophile shares which landmarks are worth visiting, plus a mix of classic and recently opened hotels, restaurants, bars, and more.

• Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best nightlife.

• Best Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

How to get there, other neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

First-timers come to Paris seeking Eiffel Tower views, flaky croissants, snapshots of the Mona Lisa, and a proper taste of steak frites. Even seasoned visitors of the City of Light would agree: Cravings for that postcard version of the city don’t abate easily, but there’s so much more to see (and taste, and do). 

Luckily, part of Paris' enduring magic is how expertly it weaves the living museum of itself — the can’t-miss landmarks, historic cafes, and perfectly preserved artist studios — with the momentum of what’s new. A Michelin-starred restaurant with a deep-cut Champagne list beckons just beyond the Eiffel Tower; a kaleidoscopic Wes Anderson-inspired hotel sits on the corner of the Hôtel de Ville; and late-night wine and cocktails lure in chefs and industry folk until 5 a.m. at a bar beside Place de la République. You don’t have to choose between the old and new Paris. It’s all there — you just need to know where to look. 

To that end, I’ve curated a list of tried-and-true bonnes adresses to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris, from the city’s most luxurious hotels to convivial natural wine bars, expansive concept shops, museums of all kinds (everything from Picasso to perfume), and restaurants for every occasion. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• It’s certainly a splurge, but there’s no place more emphatically Parisian than the Ritz Paris, where sumptuous suites and the Bar Hemingway beckon. 
• The superb lunchtime tasting menu at Michelin-starred Substance is inventive, surprisingly affordable, and conveniently around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. 
• Visit the former studio and gardens of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at the intimate Musée Bourdelle, tucked away in the 15th arrondissement. 
• Spend your Sunday souvenir shopping at one of the world’s largest flea markets, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. 
• Mingle with local chefs, bar owners, and other industry folk over a nightcap at Cavalier, a natural wine and cocktail hot spot just off the Canal Saint-Martin.

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Cheval blanc.

Courtesy of Cheval Blanc Paris

Perched just over the Pont Neuf in the historic Samaritaine department store, this 72-room marvel is a beacon of luxury (of the LVMH variety). The location is as central as it gets and the spa is divine (it’s Dior), plus there’s a dreamy lap pool and sauna as well as an intimate new Japanese restaurant. 

Le Grand Mazarin

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

Step into your own Wes Anderson film at this Martin Brudnizki-designed property on Rue des Archives, smack in the middle of the bustling Marais . Here, 61 maximalist rooms and suites dazzle with velvet headboards, ornate tapestries, and objets d’art . Dip down to the subterranean pool to admire the Cocteau-inspired fresco, then treat yourself to the salted chocolate mousse at Boubalé .

The Ritz Paris remains in a class of its own. Classical music plays underwater at the pool here, while marble fireplaces, sumptuous drapes, peach-colored bathrobes, and over-the-top room service transport you to a bygone Paris — one where you might still find Marcel Proust scrawling notes in the tea room, or Coco Chanel checking in on her atelier. If you’re not looking to splurge on a stay, be sure to book in at Bar Hemingway and take a stroll around the covered arcade just to bask in the hotel’s history. 

Cour des Vosges

This sublime address feels like a well-kept secret: It’s discreetly tucked away in one of the arcades around the leafy Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest and most picturesque planned square. A spiral staircase (and a small elevator) lead to a dozen rooms and suites where exposed wood beams, curated libraries, and well-stocked bar carts welcome you home.

Saint James Paris

Fancy a visit to the French countryside, but short on time? Transport yourself there with a stay at this newly redesigned château hotel — the only one of its kind in the city — that borders the sprawling Bois de Boulogne (and the must-see Louis Vuitton Foundation ) in the ultra-private 16th arrondissement. Grab a martini at the sexy, wood-paneled Library Bar or steal away in the beautifully manicured gardens with a good book — and don’t miss the elegant Guerlain spa and lap pool. 

Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

Visit a museum.

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to at least one museum — and luckily, the city has more than 130, dedicated to everything from impressionism to wine to the art of smoking. While droves of people will queue up for their selfie with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, I’d encourage you to check out some of the quieter, quirkier museums — like Maison Fragonard’s perfume museum , Montmartre’s charming literary museum , or the kid-friendly fairground museum hidden in the Pavillons de Bercy — which are often located in less central neighborhoods and will bring you into more local Paris. 

When it comes to art museums, it’s hard to top Musée Picasso , housed in a 17th-century mansion with a superlative collection by the Spanish painter plus ever-rotating exhibitions. The Centre Pompidou is the city’s always-invigorating modern and contemporary art museum, which is set to close for major renovations in 2025. Musée Marmottan Monet , meanwhile, is home to the largest collection of the pioneering impressionist’s work in the world, and it's running an Olympics-inspired exhibition through September 2024. Impressionist lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée d’Orsay , a former Beaux-Arts train station where you can have a tête-à-tête with works by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and more. 

Two other favorites: Spread across two Renaissance mansions and a beautiful courtyard, Musée Carnavalet explores the history of Paris through street signs and other fascinating relics of its past. Across the river, a few blocks from the Montparnasse Tower, Musée Bourdelle is a light-filled wonder of works by sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, a contemporary of Rodin whose former studio and gardens are a haven to walk around. 

Eat your way through Paris’ oldest food market.

At the heart of what is now the trendy Marais neighborhood, the Marché des Enfants Rouges has been operating since 1615 and retains much of its out-of-time charm. It’s a beguiling labyrinth of food and flower stalls: tried-and-true favorites include Chez Alain Miam Miam 's famous sandwiches, the seafood-focused small plates and natural wines of Les Enfants du Marché , and the carnivorous hedonism of The Butcher of Paris . 

Tour the city’s covered passages. 

The French know a thing or two about the art of shopping, as evidenced by the sublime elegance of the 19th-century covered passageways running throughout Paris. Less than two dozen of the nearly 200 original glass arcades remain, and are now home to rare bookshops, vintage postcard stores, artisan workshops, clothing shops, and wine bars. Trusted guide companies like Viator and Get Your Guide offer walking tours that hit the highlights (Galerie Vivienne, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, and more), or you can choose to wander them at your own pace.  

Hit the major landmarks.

No matter if it’s your first or 50th trip to Paris, you’ll always find yourself struck by the grandeur of the city’s famous landmarks. While some demand a visit, others, like the Eiffel Tower, best reveal their magic when glimpsed from afar (Rue de l’Université and Avenue de Camoens are two excellent viewing points). The Arc de Triomphe can be checked off your list from the Champs-Élysées, but it’s worth going up at least once to take in the spectacular views over Paris. Other main attractions, like the pristine white dome of Sacré-Cœur Basilica, should factor into part of your neighborhood explorations, as you trace your way up the steep steps of Montmartre for more panoramic views, vintage shopping, and charming museums. 

If time allows, hop on the RER C train and head toward the Château de Versailles (the station is Versailles Château–Rive Gauche), where you can immerse yourself in the gilded rooms and fairy-tale gardens of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. 

Learn the art of French savoir faire from local tastemakers.

“There’s nothing like being with a local,” says Clément Le Coz, co-founder of luxury travel agency Le Coup de Foudre , which curates bespoke itineraries around fashion, fine jewelry, antiques, literature, and just about any other creative pursuit. 

“Just getting a list of tips and places is the first step, but a moment to spend there with someone is incomparable,” he adds. Along with his wife, Justina Socas, the pair of them are devastatingly elegant — their team of in-the-know locals opens up a version of Paris that’s nearly impossible for visitors to access otherwise, including private visits to the Manufacture des Gobelins (a centuries-old tapestry factory) and lunch inside the mesmerizing atelier of La Maison Charles , a historic bronze manufacturer.  

“You’re providing a piece of history,” says Le Coz. “It’s not only taking people to a private showroom or introducing them to a fashion designer; it’s explaining the significance and the story behind it.” 

Best Shopping 

This three-story concept shop in the Marais always yields some new delight, be it a chic branded burlap tote, a pink ceramic dessert plate, or a perfectly tailored button-down shirt. It’s one of my go-to spots for souvenir shopping, and you can grab a coffee at their Used Book Cafe if you’re in need of a pick-me-up. 

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Sundays in Paris are a quiet affair, as many restaurants and businesses are closed. To make the most of your day, head to the sprawling wonderland of the Saint-Ouen , where nearly 2,000 vendors comprise the largest secondhand market in the world.

Head to Marché Paul Bert Serpette for showrooms full of fabulous furniture; to Marché Dauphine to check out the retro spaceship centerpiece, plus vintage clothes, books, and records; and to Marché Vernaison for more than 200 vendors selling souvenir-worthy bric-a-brac. Local guides can help you find the best stalls —  Paris Flea Market is a great independent tour company leading small group and private tours. 

Shakespeare and Company

John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images

Finish the book you brought to Paris? Lose yourself in the city’s legendary English-language bookstore , once frequented by literary luminaries like Allen Ginsberg and Anaïs Nin. It continues to be a welcome home for contemporary writers, hosting book talks with writers like Sheila Heti and Ottessa Moshfegh on a regular basis.

This multilevel concept store is a stone’s throw from the Marché des Enfants Rouges and feels a bit more off-the-radar than Merci. It was founded by the French federation of craft professionals and showcases hundreds of their unique handmade works, from statement necklaces to ceramic tableware.

Vintage Shops

There’s no shortage of exceptional vintage stores in Paris, from the bargain-bin kilo shops of the Marais to more curated boutiques and appointment-only showrooms. Some favorites include Sous Les Pavés, Le Vintage , a three-story funhouse of "Alice in Wonderland" proportions in Saint-Michel, specializing in 1960s Italian designers (think lots of Pucci) and meticulously restored lingerie. Vintage Inspiration Paris is a pint-sized treasure trove of Yves Saint Laurent blazers and Mugler dresses and bags up in Batignolles, while En Voiture Simone and Nice Piece are beacons of good taste in the Marais, drawing in Parisian It girls and A-listers alike. 

Pharmacie Citypharma

French pharmacies are a beauty and bargain lover’s paradise, and this is the best and biggest of the lot. From affordable retinols to brightening Caudalie products and Nuxe body oil, this two-story pharmacy in Saint-Germain-des-Prés makes for excellent souvenir shopping. 

Jon Hicks/Getty Images

Chambre Noire

Arrive early to secure a spot at this canal-adjacent watering hole — and know that you might end up staying until close. Here, hip expats, in-the-know visitors, and a good dash of French folks push together tables and knock knees on small stools as they crowd around bottle after bottle of natural wine from Austria, Germany, and, of course, France. Steal a spot on the terrace if you can — and order the olives, tortilla, and mushrooms. Just make sure you’ve marked the 4 Boulevard Jules Ferry location on the canal, as their wine shop sometimes comes up on Google Maps or Uber instead. 

Cafe La Perle

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for people-watching than this corner cafe in the heart of the Marais. Grab a 14-euro carafe of house wine and a sidewalk stool in the early evening, then settle in to watch the parade of Parisians heading to apéro hour. Late at night, the crowd skews French and youthful, taking over the street, waving cigarettes around, and dodging scooters as they sort out their after-party plans. 

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, this Oberkampf gem is perpetually crowded. Fresh, seasonal small plates fly out of the kitchen until 11 p.m., and tables grow increasingly jubilant as magnums of wine start to crowd their tables. If you don’t mind a crowd, it’s a perfect bar no matter the weather — cozy and warm in winter, airy and flowing out onto the sidewalk in summer. 

Vinyl lovers looking for a place to groove will find it at Fréquence . While not exactly a dance bar, there are always people moving here — to what degree depends largely on the music and how packed the floor is. It’s a tiny space (which often means waiting in line to get in if you show up late), but the cocktails are reliably good, plus there’s wine and sake. The crowd thins as people rotate in and out of the downstairs smoking room. On weekends, it’s open until 4 a.m. 

Smack between Place de la République and Canal Saint-Martin, this late-night wine and cocktail bar is an industry hot spot that stays open until 5 a.m. most nights, welcoming in chefs and sommeliers who’ve just finished a shift nearby. Guest chefs whip up small plates from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; afterward, you can order cheese and charcuterie platters and oysters until the wee hours, parking yourself on the terrace in warmer weather. 

Best Restaurants 

The food around the Eiffel Tower tends to be overpriced and underwhelming — definitively not the case with one-Michelin-star Substance , which is helmed by 29-year-old chef Matthias Marc and offers a 65-euro tasting menu at lunch. Get a front-row seat to the spectacle at the chef’s counter, where he displays calm concentration and evident joy while transforming the products of his native Jura into sublime dishes (such as a transcendent gnocchi finished off tableside with Morteau sausage and vin jaune that brought me to tears). The wine list is impeccable — but if you’re feeling adventurous, trust the sommelier’s pairings. For those with time on their hands, the more immersive tasting menus — which can last three or four hours — are worth it.

Tucked down a winding private street just beside Père Lachaise, this Basque-inspired hideaway always feels like a party. In warmer weather, long tables stretch out underneath twinkling lights in what might be the city’s coolest courtyard, where locals smoke and sip on natural wine before finishing off with flan. 

Breizh Cafe

Courtesy of Breizh Cafe

It would be a crime not to eat a crepe during your trip to Paris, and you can find some of the best at Breizh Cafe . Their Brittany-style buckwheat galettes are so popular that they’ve opened up several outposts around the city — the best being their sun-soaked corner in the Marais, where they serve galettes with aged Comte, Jambon de Paris, and onions decadently caramelized in cider. 

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Bistros abound in Paris, but none hold a candle to Paul Bert . It’s as much about the food (perfect renditions of French classics, from steak au poivre to cheese soufflé) as it is the service (our waitress was both exasperated and energetic, a delightful combination). The portions are deeply satisfying, and the wine list covers classic producers as well as up-and-comers. As such, it’s quite popular, so be sure to call ahead to book a reservation. 

Le Cheval d’Or 

A lot is happening behind the famous red facade of this freshly revamped Chinese bistro , where foodies flock for superb stuffed duck à l’orange and invigorating flavor combinations, like red pepper and rhubarb pork belly, or tofu and caviar consommé. It’s tucked away in Jourdain, a part of the 19th arrondissement that few tourists will make the trek for, so the crowd skews local and gourmand. 

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

With so many restaurants boasting ever-rotating menus of small plates, there’s something comforting about a bistro serving up steak frites day in and day out. Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is a classic, first opened in 1959 and serving the same set menu ever since: fresh green salad with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette, followed by tenderloin steak in a drool-inducing secret sauce plus homemade french fries. Frankly, it’s perfect. Go for Sunday brunch, and wash it all down with their organic house red wine from Gaillac.

L’Avant Comptoir de La Terre

Few things bring a smile to my face faster than a gallon of cornichons sidling up to a big bowl of butter. That’s the permanent tableaux at Yves Camdeborde’s narrow bar in Saint-Germain-des-Prés , which sets my heart aflutter on every visit (no matter: a bowl of duck hearts is quick to fortify me). The meat-focused tapas menu is hearty, the wine list always has a few treasures, and best of all, it’s open on Sundays. 

Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure

Paris is a delight to visit all year round, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider booking a trip during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), when the droves of summer tourists have left and holiday travel hasn’t yet kicked up. Flights and accommodations tend to be more affordable during these seasons as well, although you can often find great winter flights outside of Christmas and New Year’s timing. 

Fall has always been my favorite time to go — locals are returning from summer vacation and the city’s energy is completely refreshed. Plus, the warmth tends to linger for a bit. Winter , while typically gray and chilly, is charming, with holiday markets serving mulled wine around the city. In spring, cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom all around the capital, giving whole new meaning to la vie en rose . Summer sees the largest influx of tourists, but also promises of sunny promenades along the Seine and elaborate picnics in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This summer will be an incredible opportunity to visit, as Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games from July to August. 

The city’s two main international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport, offer easy and affordable access to Paris by public transit in under an hour. There are also plenty of taxis at the airport, and ride-share apps like Uber are popular.

Flights and accommodations are most pricey during summer and in December; I tend to fly with low-cost carrier French Bee , which is reliably comfortable and affordable (one-way flights start at just $189, plus there’s bottomless Champagne in their Premium class). 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Home to the city’s smaller Chinatown and two of its most spectacular parks, Belleville somehow has remained off the primary tourist circuit. It’s a local neighborhood, with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Come in the afternoon for a picnic and panoramic views in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont; stay for wine at Buttes Snack Bar and a big Laotian feast at the ultra-popular Lao Siam . Afterward, head to the famed Combat cocktail bar for a nightcap. 

Hike up to the city’s hilltop artist’s village for endless views over Paris, plus romantic hidden gardens, studio visits of famous French painters, and appointment-only vintage shopping. End the night by heading down the hill to the legendary Moulin Rouge to catch a cabaret show. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Art galleries, designer shops, and double-decker pharmacies full of discounted French beauty products abound in this chic and historic neighborhood, once the intellectual epicenter of the city. For culture, follow in Hemingway and Picasso’s footsteps at Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore; for retail therapy, head to Le Bon Marché , the city’s oldest (and most fabulous) department store. 

Paris is a walkable city — you’ll find yourself clocking 10,000 steps before noon most days. But if you’re heading all the way across town or just want to give your feet a break, the Métro is speedy and straightforward to use: You can purchase single-use tickets (though they are set to be phased out by 2025) or a refillable Navigo pass from an agent for longer stays. The bus network is also extensive and easy to navigate — the same tickets or Navigo pass work here, too. 

Taxis are fairly easy to come by in touristy areas, and ride-share apps like Uber work well here. Other reliable options include Bolt and G7 for reserving a taxi ahead of time.

Helpful apps to download include Le Fooding and Raisin for tracking down the best places to eat and drink, plus Google Translate , although by and large, the people in the service and hospitality industry will speak at least some English. To that point, don’t forget to say bonjour (hello) and merci ( thank you) — your effort will save you some trouble, promise.

Where to Go in 2024

Home > Paris Travel Tips > Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

How to plan a trip to paris, france.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris in 2024, you will want to read this Paris Travel Planner . Paris for first-timers can be overwhelming; there are so many things to see and do! That’s why we want to help with our Paris Trip Planner .

This Paris Trip Planner covers everything you need to know to plan a trip to Paris, including the best time to visit Paris, where to stay, what to do, how to move around, and more.

Do you need help with your Paris trip planning? So let’s get started! Here’s how to plan a trip to Paris, France, you’ll never forget in easy steps that works for any kind of trip — no matter how long you’re going for! Just follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be off to Paris in no time!

Paris Travel Planner 2024 Content:

• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris
• Travel Insurance
• Where to Stay in Paris
• Accommodation in Paris
• How to Get from Paris Airport to City
• The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner
• Paris Itinerary Planner
• What to Eat & Drink in Paris
• Day Trips from Paris
• Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

There is no best way to plan a trip to Paris, France, but if you follow this step-by-step Paris Planner, you won’t forget the essentials.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you are planning a honeymoon to Paris or a family trip to Paris, you can complete the reading of this Paris Travel Planner with our specific guides:

• Paris honeymoon guide
• Quick guide to Paris for kids

1. Best Time to Visit Paris

When is the best time to travel to Paris? “ Paris is always a good idea , ” and there is never a bad time to travel to Paris. The city has beautiful parks and picturesque streets that are great to explore under the sun. It also has some of the world’s best museums and other interesting indoor options when it rains, or it’s too cold to be outside.

TIP: In general, the best time to go to Paris is from May to October, and then December for the Christmas Holidays .

If you are flexible with dates, important things to consider when you are planning a Paris trip are the low /high tourist seasons and the weather in Paris. This is what you need to know:

Seasons in Paris

What is the best season to visit Paris? This graphic below represents the weather in Paris year-round, with average temperatures (in Celsius) and average rainfall (%).

>>   Spring is a good time to visit Paris. Spring means blue skies, the gardens in Paris in bloom , and animated café-terraces. The city is also famous for its cherry blossoms (check out our favorite cherry blossom spots in Paris ), usually in March and April.

However, temperatures are still fresh (minimums of 4C° to 10C°), with frequent showers. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and a jacket in your day bag!

Spring Months in Paris

>> Summer in Paris comes with longer days and nice temperatures (maximums of 23C° to 25C°). With a long list of summer festivals and cool outdoor activities everywhere, no wonder Paris is one of the best summer destinations in Europe !

However, summer is also the high season in Paris, which means more tourists, long lines to visit the main attractions, and higher prices.

Summer Months in Paris

>> Fall is, in our opinion, the best season for a first time in Paris. The colors of the trees are gorgeous, temperatures are still pleasant (maximums of 11C° to 21C°), and there are fewer tourists. In the last couple of years, we could organize outdoor activities until mid-November, with bright and sunny days.

Fall Months in Paris

>> Winter in Paris is not the best time to visit Paris in terms of weather (minimums of 2C° to 7°C and only 4 to 5 hours of light), and sunset in Paris is very early. However, some people love to travel to Paris at Christmas time to see Paris’s decorations and illuminations and the best Christmas markets in Paris .

Paris is also a popular destination for Saint Valentine’s  in February. There are many romantic things to do in Paris !

Winter Months in Paris

Tourist Seasons in Paris

>>  The high season in Paris is considered from 1st April to 31st October. It means nice weather and more hours of daylight and many people will tell you this is the best time to visit Paris.

But at the same time, the high season in Paris is not the best season to plan a trip to Paris in terms of budget (best accommodation sold out, higher prices). Also, the city is too crowded with tourists – especially in the summer – while locals are somewhere else on holiday.

>> The low season in Paris goes from 1st November to 31st March, except for Paris at Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Paris . This is the cheapest time to travel to Paris and the best time to visit Paris to avoid crowds. If you decide to travel off-season, you will get a more local experience, and it will be easier to find good deals on accommodation, for example.

In the end, Paris is a movable feast and (sun or rain) you will have a great time!

Paris Olympics 2024

The Summer Olympics 2024 will be held in Paris and France from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2024 . This will be the biggest event ever organized in the country, so expect more visitors than usual (=book everything NOW!).

If you are planning a trip to Paris around these dates, check out our Paris Olympics 2024 Guide so you don’t miss anything on such a historical event.

Best Time to Visit Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

Be flexible with your dates. Flexibility is key, especially if you are planning a trip to Paris on a budget. Flight tickets or train tickets to Paris will be more expensive:

• During the school holidays in France ;
• During holidays in France or Europe;
• Weekend trips (Friday to Sunday);
• During special events like New Year’s Eve or Saint Valentine’s Day.

If you are a museum lover visiting Paris for the first time, the best time to go to Paris will probably be the first weekend of the month when you can visit many museums in Paris for free. Some of these museums have this offer all year round, while other museums are only free during the winter months.

2. Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris

Flight Tickets to Paris

Paris has three airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) , north of Paris; Paris Orly (ORY) , south of Paris; and Paris-Beauvais (BVA) . Despite its name, Paris Beauvais is not in Paris but in the city of Beauvais (80 km north of Paris, in the Hauts-de-France region).

If you are traveling to Paris from somewhere overseas, you will probably land at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is used mainly for flights to /from Europe and North Africa, while Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) is mainly for Ryan Air flights.

Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport are more or less at the same distance from Paris, so if you are traveling from Europe, you can choose whatever flight (or flight company) you like. We don’t like Orly Airport (ORY) that much, so we always try to book flights from /to Paris Charles de Gaulle. But this is just our opinion.

Lately, we like to book our flights with Omio , a search engine for all major forms of transport that is very easy to use! It has different filters – time, number of scales, departure time – so the research and booking process is straightforward – Click here to buy your flight tickets to Paris with Omio

Train Tickets to Paris

If you live in Europe, high-speed trains are a good and definitely a more eco-friendly option for your trip to Paris. Here are some of the main European destinations served from the stations in Paris.

• Gare du Nord: London (Eurostar), Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam (Thalys)
• Gare de l’Est: Germany, and Luxembourg
• Gare de Lyon: Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich), Italy, and Catalunya (Girona, Barcelona)
• Gare d’Austerlitz: Western Spain.

We like and recommend Omio to book train tickets from /to Paris. The website is straightforward to use, it is written in English, and it proposes interesting promotions from time to time – Click here to buy your train tickets to Paris with Omio

Our readers from the UK and Australia, however, prefer  Trainline , probably because it has its headquarters in the UK. Trainline is also in English and works more or less like Omio.

So there’s the Omio team and the Trainline team, but you should always find the same information and ticket prices in both sites.

3. Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance

Don’t skimp on Travel Insurance when you plan your trip to Paris 2024. Since anything can happen while traveling, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be insured.

Before going through other aspects of your Paris planning, ensure you are completely covered before traveling to minimize the financial risks of theft, loss of luggage, or flight cancellation.

SafetyWing has super affordable plans for budget travelers for long and short trips. While marketed as “Nomad Insurance,” you can get it for as little as five days. You can sign up for SafetyWing insurance even if your journey has already started! – Click here to get a quote for your next trip to Paris.

HeyMondo is another option for your Paris trip. It offers travelers insurance that combines medical and travel-related coverage for single trips (leisure and business trips), annual multi-trip, and extended stays (with COVID-19 coverage included). Use this link to get a 5% off .

You can also compare plans, prices, and coverage with Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs. Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

Schengen Area Travel Insurance

For those who require a visa to enter France or any other Schengen country , travel insurance covering repatriation and medical expenses is compulsory. The necessary visa to enter Europe will not be issued unless you provide proof of suitable coverage – Buy your travel insurance with HeyMondo

4. Where to Stay in Paris

Planning a trip to Paris for the first time can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding which area you want to stay in Paris.

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (=districts of Paris), which are also administrative divisions. In each Paris Arrondissement , there is a town hall (Mairie), a mayor and elected officials, a council, a politician, and so on. Of course, each division is still subject to the city’s overall policy and the mayor of Paris, the socialist Anne Hidalgo.

To find your bearings in Paris , there is a little trick: the 1st Paris arrondissement is in the center of Paris, then the other Paris arrondissements are located forming a spiral turning clockwise, to finish in the 20th in the east. Check out our Districts of Paris Guide to learn more about the Arrondissements of Paris.

Where to stay in Paris? The best area to stay in Paris very much depends on the sort of trip you’re planning. Check our suggestions below for sightseeing, luxury, family, and first-time trips to Paris.

5. Accommodation in Paris

So you got your train or flight tickets for your Paris trip, and the countdown starts! In the previous chapter, you have more or less decided where to stay in Paris (the Arrondissement of Paris). The next step of your Paris travel plan is to book accommodation in Paris.

Hotels and Hostels in Paris

Hotels can be so much more than a simple place to rest your head, and a city like Paris cannot disappoint in terms of accommodation: your Paris hotel can be just as memorable as your sightseeing!

When it comes to booking your bed in Paris, the best site to search and compare different accommodation options in Europe is Booking.com because you have everything from hostels to luxury hotels. What we have found quite regularly on Booking.com is that you can get a room in a small hotel for the same price as a hostel. Research makes all the difference!

Click here to book your hotel with Booking.com

>> For a top Paris experience, stay in a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower or, even better, in one of the fabulous historic hotels of Paris . All these hotels are gorgeous and the beginning of a five-star Parisian experience!

>> Truth be told, these historic hotels are not for all the pockets. But there are many unique themed hotels in Paris that certainly know how to give their guests a memorable and colorful stay for less money. If you plan a trip to Paris in the summer, consider one of the Paris hotels with a pool for the warmest days.

>> For those people traveling on a budget, we hand-picked the  best hostels in Paris (with dorms but also private rooms). You will be surprised at how cute our proposals are, but in a city like Paris, it could not be otherwise!

Check out these lists of best hotels in the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:

• Best hotels near the Louvre Museum
• Best hotels in Le Marais
• Best hotels in the Latin Quarter
• Best hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Furnished Apartments in Paris

For a much more local experience, consider renting an apartment in Paris . This is definitely a much more local option than a hotel or a hostel, plus you can even cook some of your meals to save money. And there are some apartments with Eiffel Tower views too!

If you decide to rent an apartment in Paris, we recommend Booking.com , which also does  apartment rentals for travelers with excellent service. With Booking.com, you can have all your hotel and apartment bookings under the same dashboard, plus their customer service is excellent – Find the Best Apartments in Paris with Booking.com

GOOD TO KNOW: Furnished apartments are very requested in Paris, especially in tourist areas. For this reason, apartment owners prioritize bookings for longer stays rather than just a weekend.

Accommodation in Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

>> Book in advance for more options and better prices.

>> Avoid Famous Places in Paris  if you are traveling on a budget.

>> Consider one of the best hotels near Gare du Nord for late arrivals or early departures from this train station. They are good, safe, and cheaper than in the most popular neighborhoods.

>> Check out our Hotel Recommendations in our articles by Paris Arrondissement .

6. How to Get from Paris Airport to the City

If you don’t live in Europe, you will probably fly to Paris. There are currently 153 air companies flying to Paris so that you can fly to the City of Light from anywhere in the world!

There are two airports near Paris: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). You have different options to get to Paris, depending on which airport you land at.

Best Transportation Options from Paris Airports to City

Our personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups , a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

>> Full list of transportation options from CDG Airport to Paris

>> Full list of transportation options from ORY Airport to Paris

7. The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner

The next step of your Paris plan is to decide what to see and do. If this is your first trip to Paris, the lists below cover the main attractions and the most iconic things to do in Paris.

>> 50 Iconic Things to Do in Paris

>> Paris Checklist

>> Best Rooftop Bars in Paris

>> Best Cabarets in Paris

>> Top Things to Do in Paris at Night

>> Most Beautiful Covered Passages of Paris

>> Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

>> Famous Buildings in Paris

>> Famous Paris Landmarks

TIP: Check out the best Paris combo tickets , good combinations of 2-3 Paris tickets & tours that make you save time and money!

8. Paris Itinerary Planner

If you are planning a trip to Paris for the first time and need some inspiration for your Paris travel plan, these Paris itineraries for one day to a week will be helpful.

>> One Day in Paris Itinerary

>> Two Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Three Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Four Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Five Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Six Days in Paris Itinerary

>> One Week in Paris Itinerary

Layover in Paris

If your vacation includes a layover in Paris, it is possible to get a glimpse of what the city offers before your next flight.

If your top priority is to see the Eiffel Tower , it is possible to have a quick ride from the airport to the city center to check it out from your bucket list. Head here for the best ways to go to the Eiffel Tower from Charles de Gaulle Airport, or check out this article for the best ways to go from Orly Airport to the Eiffel Tower.

With a long layover in Paris , you can consider a short itinerary to see some of Paris’ main sites. Check out how to spend a layover in Paris , with some proposals for short itineraries and our best tips.

TIP: This Paris layover tour from the airport always gets the best ratings!   

9. What to Eat & Drink in Paris

When you travel to Paris, be sure to learn about French food in Paris and the best things to eat in Paris. If you’re not trying the food, you are far away from getting to know the culture. We have hand-picked our best food articles for this Paris Trip Planner 2024.

>> Paris Food Guide

>> Where to Eat in Paris

>> French Wine Regions near Paris

>> Famous Foods to Try  in Paris

>> Best Bistros in Paris

>> Best Cheap Eats in Paris

>> Best Parisian Cakes (born and perfectioned in Paris!)

>> Best Desserts in Paris

If you are looking for restaurant recommendations, this blog also lists the best restaurants in Paris by district .

10. Day Trips from Paris

If you have an extra day or two, don’t hesitate to go beyond Paris. Check out the ultimate list of best day trips from Paris , featuring historic cities, seaside towns, world heritage wonders, and adventures in the great French countryside.

Versailles is the most popular day trip from Paris. Home to the Kings of France between 1662 and 1789, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most important landmarks in French history, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The Gardens of Versailles are beautiful to see too! Check out our Versailles Quick Guide to get the most out of this wonderful place.

Disneyland Paris is a must for families visiting the French capital. Check out how to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris and this Disneyland Paris crowd calendar for the quietest days in Mickeyland!

For a more local feeling, there are many picturesque small towns near Paris very easy to reach by train.

11. Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

Check out our Paris insider tips for your first time in Paris.

>> Most of the hotels and hostels in Paris offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. You can also get a prepaid SIM card for your trip, which will allow you to communicate with other numbers in France and keep you connected to the internet all the time. Here are the best prepaid SIM cards for France (and how to get them).

>> Paris is one of the most visited cities on this planet. In 2018, 17.95 million international overnight tourists visited the city mainly for sightseeing and shopping. Read how to avoid the longest lines in Paris’ main attractions .

>> The Parisian Metro is nearly 115 years old, the second oldest metro after London’s tube system! The metro now serves 6 million out of 10.5 million people in Paris. Learn how to navigate the Parisian metro with our Paris Metro Guide .

>> Arguably the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre Museum is also the biggest! Indeed, it would take 100 days to see all of the art in the Louvre Museum. Learn how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less .

>> The Parisian style is simple, chic, and beautiful. Parisian’s motto is ‘Less is More,’ with a minimum of versatile and easy-to-combine items. If your Paris planning includes making the perfect packing list, check out our suggestions for men and women on what to pack and what to wear in Paris to blend in with the local crowd.

>> One week before leaving for Paris, check out this post about the Paris strikes 2024 . Just in case…

Consider a Paris Tourist Pass

Lines to visit the main Paris tourist attractions are guaranteed. Long lines. If you are planning a Paris trip and you want to visit most of its famous sights, you may want to consider a Paris Tourist Pass for you Paris trip plan.

The  Paris Museum Pass offers visitors direct access to 55 of Paris’s top attractions and museums in Paris. The Paris Museum Pass is available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days. If your schedule in Paris is tight and you don’t want to spend your time waiting in line, the Paris Museum Pass is for you.

There are other interesting tourist passes for visiting Paris; check out our Paris Pass Comparison for the full list.

So there you have it, how to plan a Paris trip 2024 you’ll never forget. Go on reading this Paris travel blog 2024 for more information and the history and culture in Paris.

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

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Your Paris Holiday

When you book a holiday package to Paris, all the planning is done beforehand. This gives you extra time to uncover some of the things that define this urban city, such as its romantic ambience, iconic sights and chic vibe. You'll want to take in some sights during your trip to Paris. Drop by popular attractions like Eiffel Tower , Louvre Museum and Arc de Triomphe . A couple of quick clicks is all it takes to craft your ideal Paris holiday on Expedia.

The Latest Paris Holiday Deals

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Everything you need to know about holidays to Paris 

Where to stay in paris.

Paris is home to lots of fascinating arrondissements for visitors to explore by day – and many beautiful Paris hotels where they can rest their heads at night. Wherever you choose to spend the night in the capital of chic, you're bound to find beauty and magic at every turn. 

• Marais : Culture lovers choosing where to stay in Paris might opt for the ultra-hip Marais, a hub for contemporary art and the home to the Centre Pompidou. 
• 7th Arrondissement : Sightseers may wish to secure a hotel in the 7th Arrondissement, where you can relax in the shadow of the iconic Eiffel Tower. 

How to find cheap Paris deals

Prices for Paris trip packages can vary depending on several factors, such as trip length and how much luxury you want to enjoy during your stay. You can book some of the best Paris holiday packages on Expedia: the selection of deals and offers can help you get discounts of 31* on your Paris trip. When you search, sort the results by price to find some of the best deals available. This city can be just as atmospheric as you admire the twinkling lights on winter nights – so you can book Paris in quieter months like November, January and February safe in the knowledge you'll still enjoy a great trip. Searching during this time of year is also a great way to find deals for last-minute holidays in Paris, as fewer hotels are booked.  

Top things to do in Paris

The French capital has something for everyone: from lovers of art and history to those looking to sample the fashion, shopping and nightlife of a world city at the cutting edge. Popular Paris activities include: 

• Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées : Tick off the bucket-list landmarks by visiting Arc de Triomphe and shopping till you drop on the world-famous avenue. 
• Disneyland Paris : Of course, little travellers – and the young at heart – are sure to clamour for a trip to Disneyland Paris, where they can enjoy the magic of meeting their favourite mouse and a wider cast of cuddly characters. 
• Wine tasting: Spend an evening or afternoon sampling greatness from the grape at a wine tasting. 

Paris honeymoon packages

Paris honeymoon packages are a great way to celebrate the beginning of the rest of your lives together – and there are many options available on Expedia. There's no better way to spend your first days as a married couple than on a romantic Paris holiday , strolling arm in arm along the Seine, breathing in the art and beauty of the City of Love. Choose from a selection of romantic hotels in Paris available to book on Expedia with the right ambience for romance: think luxury hotels in Paris with spacious suites, sumptuous beds, and fabulous furnishings fit for newlyweds. For a honeymoon trip with a difference, opt for a hotel that's a hop and a skip away from the Louvre in the lavish surroundings of La Clef Louvre by the Crest Collection and pay a visit to the mercurial Mona Lisa herself – she's sure to put a smile on your faces. 

Paris family holidays

Paris is a paradise for young and old: children and adults alike will love discovering everything this global metropolis has to offer, from the abovementioned visit to Mickey to an array of magnificent museums and art galleries to explore. Paris family holiday packages available to book on Expedia are on hand to help take the hassle out of travel enfamille. Book family-friendly hotels in Paris at a convenient distance to major sights featuring child-friendly facilities where the kids can entertain themselves while adults sit back and relax. 

Paris luxury holidays

Expedia offers a range of sumptuous and stylish luxury hotels in Paris for those who want to indulge in a luxurious stay. Consider the chic and central Hotel Narcisse Blanc,which has its very own spa, or the ultra-exclusive The Peninsula, located in the heart of Paris and featuring its own swimming pool – theultimate in rest and relaxationà la française. 

All-inclusive holiday packages to Paris

Expedia has some all-inclusive hotels in Paris available that are on hand to cater to your every need. All-inclusive holiday packages to Paris are a great way to indulge in the ultimate hassle-free travel and save money on package holidays to Paris in .With transport, accommodation and extras taken care of, you can relax and absorb the beauty and charm of this beautiful city.  

Paris Essential Information

Our guide on where to stay in paris.

Paris City Center

Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame are a few top attractions in Paris City Center. Hop around the city on the metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Station or Louvre - Rivoli Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and charming cafes.

6th Arrondissement

Read about Parisian intelligentsia, discover the lively Latin Quarter and enjoy scenic gardens and bohemian café culture.

Admire historic and architectural marvels and visit one of the largest museums of modern art in Europe in the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements of Paris.

Faubourg Saint-Germain

While you're in Faubourg Saint-Germain, take in top sights like Eiffel Tower or Orsay Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rue du Bac Station or Solferino Station.

8th Arrondissement

Featuring the most famous street in Paris, this district is strongly linked to Napoleon’s rise and France’s dark years of revolution.

Our pick of the best Paris Hotel Deals

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Frequently asked questions.

• Pay monthly holidays : If paying in multiple transactions is what works best for you, Klarna offers just that! Paying in easy monthly instalments will make your holiday dreams come true.
• No-deposit holidays : Clicking the “book now” button is easier with this option. With no upfront fee for your getaway, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start packing your suitcase.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Paris

Disneyland® paris.

Dreams come true with a trip to this beloved theme park. Find all the magic, excitement, thrills and joy you could ever wish for.

Eiffel Tower

Nothing says Paris like this landmark of iron latticework emblematic of the City of Light.

Louvre Museum

Home to the Mona Lisa, and instantly recognizable by its glass pyramid, this landmark has vast collections of well-known art from France and around the world.

Unmissable things to do in Paris

Versailles: skip-the-line tour of palace with gardens access, skip-the-line eiffel tower tickets with summit access & optional cruise, from paris: versailles skip-the-line tour & gardens access.

• Neighbourhoods in Paris
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Paris city breaks

Make your holiday to Paris one to remember with our city trip guide. Discover tips on things to do and see and where to stay and eat.

Paris holidays and city breaks

Things to do in paris.

There’s never a shortage of things to do in Paris. Proud of its enduring revolutionary spirit, the city is dotted with reminders of its long and storied history: Roman ruins, royal palaces and imposing monuments to France’s illustrious writers and artists. Once you’ve ticked culture off your list of Paris activities, there’s still plenty left to do: hit the shops for vintage and designer goods, eat your way around upscale pâtisseries, or hop on a Vélib’ – the local shared bikes – for a cheap and cheerful tour of the city. Don’t forget the capital’s laid-back nightlife: an evening spent in a cosy wine bar or an underground cocktail den has to rate as one of the top things to do in Paris.

Three days in Paris

A 3-day itinerary including ideas, tips and addresses to get the most out of your stay.

Two days in Paris

A 2-day itinerary to help you make the most out of a weekend in Paris.

Romantic things to do in Paris

Romance can get stressful if you don't know where to go. Use this handy guide to help you.

Things to see in Paris

Paris is laid out in 20 arrondissements, each a distinct neighbourhood with its own unique atmosphere and tourist attractions. Home to the delicate portrait of the Mona Lisa, the Louvre museum is a must see in Paris, though it’s just one of many stops on a tour of the most iconic Paris attractions. Paris sightseeing is best done on foot: head across the river to the galleries and cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or north to the Sacré Cœur and its jaw-dropping views over the city. See if you can spot the towers of Notre Dame, or the broad boulevard of the Champs-Elysées leading to the Arc de Triomphe – if you can tear your eyes away, that is, from a certain iron tower.

The Eiffel Tower

Unpopular when first unveiled in 1889, this feat of steel has stood the test of time: you’d be hard-pressed to find a more recognisable symbol of a city. With crowds naturally keen to reach – by lift or leg power – the dizzying heights of its 300 metres, it’s worth planning ahead to visit the Eiffel Tower. Book online to beat the queues, and make sure to avoid peak times; early mornings or late afternoons will have the best golden light for your snaps. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Café Lignac, just a stone’s throw away: the elegant bistro makes a fitting finale.

Le Moulin Rouge

Topped by the sugarwork dome of the Sacré Cœur, the Montmartre neighbourhood was once famed for its artistic community and bohemian lifestyle. Hip boutiques and restaurants now line its charming cobbled streets, but traces of its glamorous, decadent past still endure. Chief among these is the Moulin Rouge , a luxe cabaret showcasing Cancan dancers whose confident swagger and high kicks have changed little since the days of Toulouse-Lautrec. You’ll easily spot it by the red windmill that gives it its name. For a glimpse of the Belle Epoque glitz inside, make sure to book ahead.

Notre-Dame de Paris

In spite of the fire that devastated it in 2019, Notre-Dame cathedral still stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture – and the spiritual heart of the city. It may now be a building site, but it’s still worth circumnavigating its perch on Ile de la Cité, if only for the informative placards giving insight into the herculean restoration underway. If the distant sight of its majestic towers still leaves you pining for holy wonders, head to the glorious Sainte Chapelle nearby, or to Berthillon for a scoop of sorbet – nothing short of miraculously refreshing on a balmy day.

The Louvre museum

Once a medieval fortress, then a Renaissance palace, the Louvre sealed its fate as a cultural treasure (and treasure trove) with the addition of IM Pei’s striking glass pyramids. This sprawling museum is worth more than one return visit, so you can linger over Renaissance masterpieces or ancient Egyptian wonders as the mood takes you. Outside, the Jardin des Tuileries calls for leisurely walks, or pony rides for little ones. Pop in to the Musée de l’Orangerie to gawp at Monet’s vast lily pad paintings, and end your outing at nearby Angelina with a pastry worthy of Marie-Antoinette.

The Paris Catacombs

Channel your inner Goth: for those of a macabre disposition, a visit to the Paris Catacombs makes for a fascinating tour of the city’s underbelly. The labyrinthine ossuary packs in some of the city’s more lurid history, from Merovingian times through to the Revolution, the Résistance and the occasional illegal rave. You’ll find the entrance near the Denfert-Rochereau station in the 14th arrondissement. It’s a bit out of the way of the usual tourist itineraries, but a detour to the nearby Fondation Cartier – a striking glass temple to modern art – certainly makes the trip worthwhile.

Synonymous in the collective imagination with the excesses of life at court, the Palace of Versailles is just as gilded and opulent as its reputation would have you believe. Louis XIV’s residence hosted royal families for just two generations before the revolution struck, but its ostentatious displays of power endure. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, a masterful reflection of the Sun King’s monumental ego, and Marie-Antoinette’s pastoral hamlet on the Trianon estate. Make a day trip of it: the sprawling palace gardens and their spectacular fountains are a joy to explore.

Les Grands Magasins

Though some prefer a more intimate shopping experience, Paris’s grand department stores have lost none of their appeal since they opened in the 19th century. Start at La Samaritaine , newly reopened and worth the visit for its restored art nouveau interiors alone. On the Right Bank, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette offer floors of designer goods, luxe fashion and covetable homeware. The former’s known for its beauty hall; the latter for its Insta-worthy stained-glass dome. On the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché has a seriously good food hall and arguably the best escalators in town.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

It’s hard to miss the Fondation Louis Vuitton ’s sail-like silhouette in the leafy expanse of the Bois de Boulogne. Designed by Frank Gehry, the deconstructivist building plays host to a permanent art collection, twice yearly big-ticket exhibitions and a live music metres. Look out for the bold, cartoon-like creations by Takashi Murakami, which memorably found their way onto a special Louis Vuitton collection. Multi-media commissions are dotted in and around the galleries: wander through Olafur Eliasson’s Inside the Horizon , an ethereal and kaleidoscopic sonic installation.

Where to stay in Paris

With its broad boulevards, cheap metro system and handy landmarks, Paris is a breeze to navigate on foot. When choosing a good area to stay in Paris , consider location as well as budget. The Marais beckons with its markets, cobbled streets and café terraces. Shopaholics would do well to book near Opera, within easy reach of the department stores and the luxury shops of Faubourg St Honoré. Culture vultures could opt for Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where arthouse cinemas, legendary Jazz venues and the bohemian Shakespeare & Co bookshop are just a short stroll away. Charming boutique hotels have cropped up recently near Gare du Nord – worth considering if you’re deciding where to stay in Paris for a weekend.

Where to stay in Paris with kids

Finding a family-friendly stay in Paris can be tricky: the city centre may float your boat, but your little ones will need somewhere to blow off some steam. The quaintly Parisian 19th arrondissement is slightly out of the way, but it’s budget-friendly and has two huge parks with plenty for kids to do. In the 5th arrondissement, pick up street eats on rue Mouffetard, then head to the Jardin des Plantes for a picnic and a stroll around its bijou menagerie. The 12th arrondissement, with its quick train link to Disneyland Paris and the nearby forest of Vincennes, is another good option.

The best areas for sightseeing

Wondering where to stay in Paris with Eiffel Tower views? Luxe hotels near Trocadéro come with postcard-worthy vistas, but hefty price tags. For a lighter-on-the-wallet option, try the sleepy 15th arrondissement. The 1st arrondissement is arguably the best area for sightseeing in Paris : the Louvre, Pompidou Centre and Notre Dame are just a short stroll away. Don’t miss the Palais Royal , with its elegant arcades and 260 monochrome columns. For a more ostentatious glimpse of Paris, the 8th arrondissement’s broad boulevards, Grand Palais and imposing Arc de Triomphe are hard to beat.

Where to stay in Paris on a budget

Predictably, the cheapest areas to stay in Paris are furthest from the city centre, but there’s much to enjoy off the beaten path. North of Montmartre, up-and-coming Saint-Ouen is best known for its charming flea market, but hip eateries and boutique hotels are sprouting up there too. Bohemian Belleville is another neighbourhood that's worth a look. Drop in on La Bellevilloise for free jazz gigs or a lively buffet brunch, climb to the top of bucolic Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or pay your respects to the likes of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde in the Père Lachaise cemetery.

Best places to eat in Paris

Where to eat in Paris

Whether you’re after traditional French food or a romantic restaurant in Paris, it’s worth asking around for tips on where to eat in Paris . There’s always something exciting launching in the capital of gastronomy. New Ménilmontant hotspot Fripon has TV darling Pauline Séné at work in the kitchen: expect delicate small plates and round-the-world flavours. A hop and a skip from Gare du Nord, Les Deux Gares serves dishes as inventive as its tortoiseshell ceiling. If you’re in an old-school mood, La Grande Brasserie near Bastille does starched linen and classic French fare with style.

Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris

With some hundred Michelin-starred restaurants to its name, Paris is one of the best cities in the world for a memorable meal. Do plan ahead if you have a particular spot in mind: the most famous restaurants in Paris are often fully booked weeks if not months ahead. Casual-cool Septime still tops the list of the top restaurants in Paris; make time for its seven-course tasting menu, each paired with something exquisite from the wine list. Colourful cooking is the order of the day at MoSuke . Stop by for fusion flavours drawing from Mali, Senegal and Japan.

The best bakeries in Paris

Best time to visit paris.

Ella Fitzgerald sang of Paris as a timeless town, where each season is blessed with a particular beauty and atmosphere. What could be a better endorsement of Paris weather? There is no bad time to visit: average temperatures in Paris are often mild, though you’ll need a warm cover-up to enjoy the city’s dazzling Christmas lights. An urban beach takes over the banks of the Seine during the sizzling summers. The city’s less crowded then, but some restaurants and shops shut until September. Autumn’s golden leaves and light are a delight; the Paris Fashion Week makes for top-notch people-watching, too. Spring, perhaps, is when Paris is at loveliest: the city’s in bloom and terrace life can start in earnest again.

Paris in spring

Paris's parks, gardens and museums come alive in spring.

Paris in summer

All the best things to do in Paris in summer.

Paris in autumn

See Paris in a different light during the autumn season.

Paris in winter

Hot cocoa and Christmas window displays...there's plenty of reasons to visit Paris in the winter.

Frequently asked questions

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Make your Paris holiday one to remember by booking discounted tickets and tours to the top attractions in Paris including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles and Orsay Museum. You can also get 20% off a Paris open top bus tour with our partner Tootbus .

Is Paris good for solo travellers?

Paris is a safe city to explore as a solo traveller so you can explore and enjoy the city to its fullest. Create your own itinerary for a 2 or 3 Paris city break.

Is there a direct Eurostar train to Paris?

Yes, you can travel direct on a London to Paris train in just 2 hours and 16 mins.

Can I purchase a multi-day pass for public transport in Paris?

Yes, you can. Enjoy unlimited travel in Paris on all public transport networks by purchasing the Paris Visite travel pass which is valid for either 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days. The pass allows you to travel anywhere in Paris (zones 1-3) and the Île-de-France region (airport connections, Disneyland Paris® and Château de Versailles).

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Find cheap flights to Paris from $151

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to paris departing on 4/29. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to paris.

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Flights to paris - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to paris to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to paris.

If traveling to Paris, the cheapest city to fly from in the last 3 days was New York , with flights as low as $151 one-way and $295 round-trip. Flights from Los Angeles are the most searched and start at $474 for a return trip.

How much is a flight to Paris?

On average, a flight to paris costs $770. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $129 and departed from miami. the most popular routes on kayak are los angeles to paris which costs $870 on average, and new york to paris, which costs $764 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to paris, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to paris is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $879. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $1,020 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to paris, the cheapest month for flights to paris is february, where tickets cost $763 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are july and may, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $1,583 and $1,467 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is january with an average price of $554., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to paris, the cheapest time of day to fly to paris is generally in the afternoon, when flights cost $640 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to paris is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $729., what is a good deal for flights to paris, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to paris, 25% of our users found tickets to paris for the following prices or less: from miami $315 one-way - $646 round-trip, from los angeles $362 one-way - $668 round-trip, from newark airport $370 one-way - $599 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to paris, to get a below average price, you should book around 3 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 42 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in paris, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in paris is châlons-en-champagne chalons-vatry airport, with an average flight price of $45., which airlines fly to paris, airlines flying the most to paris from united states are air france, delta and american airlines. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to paris., which airline offers the most flights to paris, of the 10 airlines that fly to paris, air france offers the most flights, with around 703 per week, followed by easyjet with 103 flights per week., how many airports are there in paris, there are 5 airports in paris: paris charles de gaulle airport (cdg), paris orly airport (ory), paris beauvais-tille airport (bva), châlons-en-champagne chalons-vatry airport (xcr) and paris-le bourget airport (lbg). the busiest airport is paris charles de gaulle airport (cdg), with 62% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to paris, the duration of your flight to paris depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to paris on kayak are from boston , which takes 6h 35m, new york , which takes 7h 05m, miami , which takes 8h 55m, and los angeles , which takes 10h 35m., how many direct flights to paris are there each day, there are around 81 direct flights from within united states to paris every day. most flights depart in the evening, with 9:00 pm the most common departure time and 46% of flights departing in the evening., how many direct flights to paris are there each week, each week there are around 561 direct flights from within united states to paris. the most common day for departures is sunday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to paris each week, each week there are around 1,261 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), 374 medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) and 5,759 short-haul (up to 3 hour flight duration) flights to paris. the most long-haul flights depart from new york., how many cities have direct flights to paris, from the united states, there are direct flights to paris from 18 cities. the city with the most direct flights is new york, with 183 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to paris, faqs - booking paris flights, are there any kid facilities at cdg.

Allow your kids to amuse themselves after your flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport at any of the six kid’s play areas. They have televisions airing kids’ programs, hopscotch, and maze on soft mats. Terminal 2E is home to five kids’ areas (near Doors K36, M25, K49, M45, and L28) and one in Gate 4 of Terminal 3. You will also find kids’ toilets and changing tables in all restrooms in the airport.

What terminal transfer services are available at CDG Airport?

Three free shuttle routes connect the three CDG terminals. The N1 shuttle bus serves Terminal 2's sub terminals 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, the CDG 2 train station, and the PW parking lot. On the other hand, the N2 shuttle bus serves Terminal 2, stopping at the 2E, 2F, and 2G sub terminals. The CDGVal automated people-mover train stops at each terminal and the PX and PR parking lots.

Are there any hotels near Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)?

Flights to Paris may be hectic and tiring. If you are feeling worn, consider booking a stay at Hostellerie Saint Vincent Beauvais, which has good proximity to BVA and attractions such as the Beauvais Cathedral. The facility offers French cuisine and a breakfast-in-bed. Another good option is Welcomotel Beauvais Aeroport, approximately a 10-minute drive from BVA. It is pet-friendly and offers shuttles at a fee.

Where can I get massages at CDG Airport?

If you want to get rid of that neck kink, Terminal 2E hosts the BeRelax Spa, which offers a full range of holistic treatments like massages, facials, and mani/pedis. Throughout Terminal 2, you will also find Be Relax kiosks offering express massages. If you wish to save cash, the airport has massage chairs situated throughout the property.

What is there to do at Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Located at the Terminal 2E, the Espace Musique lounge is a complimentary lounge where visitors can relax in comfortable individual listening stations. Visitors have access to the Universal Music Catalogue along with a selection of radio stations. There’s a viewing room where guests can watch the latest films and TV shows for free.

Are there hotels near Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Hidden within Charles de Gaulle Airport is YotelAir. It is nestled within Terminal 2E after security, allowing travelers a little bit of luxury and privacy within the confines of CDG. Along with rooms offering TVs, workstations and en suite bathrooms, there are lounges for relaxation.

Are there hotels near Orly Airport?

While Orly may not have a hotel directly within its premises, there are multiple hotels within minutes of its terminals. Orly Superior Hotel, Novotel Paris Coeur d'Orly Airport, and Ibis Paris Coeur d'Orly Airport all offer complimentary shuttles to and from the airport.

What is there to do at Orly Airport?

Travelers can read the day away while relaxing in Orly’s library. Leather couches, books, magazines, and tablets are all available for use. They even have a collection of children’s books for young travelers.

How far are the Paris airports from each other?

If you need to travel between Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, the driving distance is approximately 45 minutes. You can also use the RER train service from within Charles de Gaulle airport and the OrlyVal shuttle train to Orly airport. Shuttle services direct from both airports are also available.

Which Paris airport is closest to central Paris?

There are 4 major airports in Paris. The nearest airport from Paris city center is Paris-Le Bourget (9 miles), followed by Paris Orly Airport (9 miles), Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (14 miles), and Paris Beauvais-Tille (42 miles).

On average, a flight to Paris costs $770. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $129 and departed from Miami Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Paris?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Paris.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Paris?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Paris is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Paris?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Paris with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Paris?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Paris up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Paris

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Paris flight deals.
• Paris is serviced by two major international airports . Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) serves as the largest international hub for Paris and for France in general, while Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is more domestically focused and is one of the busiest domestic hubs in France.
• Paris-Beauvais Airport serves as a tertiary budget option for many European travelers as well. Though technically located in the Picardy region some 50 miles north of Paris, the airport remains an important hub for discount flights to Paris .
• Trains and buses offer easy and quick access to both Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Both SNCF and RER B trains connect directly to CDG, while RER B and C trains and Tramway 7 connect to Orly. The RER trains are often the cheapest and one of the quickest ways to reach either airport. Shuttle buses, though slower than trains, also are a good option for many travelers after their flight to Paris, as they offer direct routes from the airport to many of the most famous sites in Paris.
• If you're unwell, Paris Orly Airport (ORY) offers urgent medical care and pharmacy services . Medical services are at Terminal 1-2 near Gate 10A, whereas the pharmacy is at Gate 21D.
• Are you a business traveler looking to stay productive while at the airport? Stay on top of your work at the Paris Orly’s Hall B in South Terminal. It is equipped with working stations as well as charging ports.
• If you want to relax at any of the lounges at Paris Orly Airport, obtain a lounge permit or pay at the door regardless of your flying class of service. The new Extime Lounge is in the duty-free area at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, Terminal 2BD and Terminal 1, while the Premium Traveler Lounge is at Orly 1.
• There are several chapels at Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) for passengers to pray, reflect, and meditate . Terminal 1 hosts an interfaith chapel on Level 2, whereas Level 1 is home to a synagogue. There is a Multifaith Prayer Area at the Arrivals Level of Terminal 4 and Multifaith Offices at Gate H of Terminal 4 and Level 2 of Terminal 1.
• Passengers disembarking at Paris Orly Airport are greeted by artwork displayed at the Paris Orly South Terminal. The sketches give the airport life, transforming travelers’ experiences.
• As one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris unsurprisingly maintains this reputation even in its airports – Lacoste and Burberry are both located in Orly. In Charles de Gaulle, there are numerous high fashion boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Chanel.
• For travelers with a love for vintage video games, CDG has you covered. Gaming areas with play stations and arcade games are located in both Halls L and K. After all, what better way could there be to spend a layover than catching up on some gaming classics?

Prefer to fly non-stop to Paris?

Find which airlines fly direct to Paris, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Paris

AMELIA, ANA, ASL Airlines France, +122 more

AMELIA, ANA, +123 more

AMELIA, ANA, ASL Airlines France, +125 more

AMELIA, ANA, +126 more

AMELIA, ANA, ASL Airlines France, +118 more

AMELIA, ANA, +119 more

AMELIA, ANA, ASL Airlines France, +121 more

AMELIA, ANA, +122 more

AMELIA, ANA, ASL Airlines France, +126 more

AMELIA, ANA, +127 more

ANA, ASL Airlines France, AccesRail, +117 more

ANA, ASL Airlines France, +118 more

AMELIA, ANA, ASL Airlines France, +123 more

AMELIA, ANA, +124 more

Nonstop returns

Paris to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to paris.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

Delta did an awful job w logistics at DTW. Missed connection. We were there an hour early. SUCKED

Inflight entertainment stopped working as we taxi to runway and never worked again until landing and taxi to gate. Grrrr

Had to run to make it only to have the flight delayed to wait for all the late connectors Second drink service skipped up

Boarding was a sh!t show. JFK BOARDING was awful. The agent called three sections at a time Clogging the area then yelling at people to not block the walk way. How are you going to call delta one , premium select and comfort plus at once and the yell at highest paying passengers. Need to do a lot better and the flight attendants in the galley need to understand that their voices travel. They were talking about others and everyone in the cabin heard them

Uncomfortable seats on 14 hour flight. Mediocre food. On time and great crew.

Please see my lengthy description on MSP to Atlanta survey. Tailbone is killing me from old hard seats. Seat would not recline and were not near exit row. Entertainment did not work properly and couldn’t use. No audio and touch screen failed. 3 plus hours of discomfort in narrower seats than previous flight not in comfort plus. Very dissatisfied and deserve comfort plus charges refunds, at the very least, for both my wife and I. The plane needs to be retired. Please feel free to contact me directly for further details.

MSP to Atlanta was much better than Atlanta to St. Kitts. Paid $180 each for myself and wife for Delta comfort from Atlanta to St. Kitts. Seats were more narrow and obviously old and worn out. Tailbone is killing me. Seat would not recline. Seats behind reclined and we were not an exit row or in front of an exit row. Entertainment did not work in that the movie jumped forward and back and there was no audio. The plug in the arm rest was loose. Flight attendant tried “resetting” the video for my seat but no good. She never checked back. Someone else near me had the same issue. Touch screen was unresponsive. No where near as comfortable as MSP to Atlanta flight. 3 plus hrs. flight time without the basic amenities and not even remotely close to comfortable but paid for Comfort plus. I will be very disappointed if I have the same on my return “Comfort Plus” flight St. Kitts to Atlanta. At the very least my wife and I should be refunded for round trip “Comfort Plus” charges. Please feel free to contact me directly for more details.

Did not find the wheelchair that supposed to assist and went to a long queue for transit security chk which was very slow and boarding desk wanted to close counter although that they knew that I am minutes away because of their mistake of not providing the wheelchair.

Boarding was smooth and on time. The seat was comfortable and the entertainment worked. Staff were gracious.

Business class in the second leg - CDG-EVN was a disaster.

I have used Air France and KLM many times it will help if they change their menu's feel like it's been the same for years!!!, Especially the breakfast. Overall the flight was good and enjoyable.

No birding was given for next trip on same carrier, food was very moderate.

We transited through Chad and what was supposed to be a 1hr 20 minutes transit time lasted over 4hrs. We didn't get regular updates until we complained. After a 10hr flight from Paris no form of refreshment given and finally arrived Abuja over 6hrs later and none of my bags came

The line at boarding was not well organized and managed

Sky priority means you get to use the KLM business Lounge.

Je n'ai pas pû incliner mon siège et une des hôtesses ne comprenait pas ce que je disais. Je devais parler fort

their gluten free lactose meal is the best, I have never been satisfied with my flight meals. I definitely enjoyed my flight and the chair is very spacious for economy. I'm so glad Delta is my flight way back to NY.

Nice travel , but would have been better if luggage was included in the price and not an extra charge..

Norse Atlantic is the worst airline I’ve ever traveled with, and i travel a lot. First, they made me check my carry on duffle (never had a problem before) because my backpack they said “isn’t a personal item”. It fits under the seat so yes it is a personal item. $125€ for the duffle and $125€ for my wife’s checked bag, $250€ for two bags, RIPOFF! Once on the flight we got delayed 45mins because the attendants/airline were giving a handicap gentleman a hard time about his scooter which they had already given him permission to bring on board. He also stated he’s never had this problem, & after a lengthy discussion they finally realized they were wrong since it wasn’t ion battery operated and he had all the paperwork. Eventually they allowed him to stow it above his seat which they watched his wife struggle with for over a minute before they helped her. Also, Make sure you purchase food in advance! This airline is EVERYTHING for purchase, from WATER to SNACKS to BLANKETS. Yes, WATER. International flight and not a single thing free. People were literally lining up to the bathroom with empty water bottles to fill up in the sink. The Aircraft was criminally FREEZING as if they intentionally jacked up the air so people would buy $7€ blankets. People were changing into layers in the bathroom & bringing down their carry-ons so they could find layers in their suitcases. Those that didn’t have layers in their bag or had to check their bags had to endure an 8.5hr torture session from Rome to JFK. Add all that to the ridiculous timing of turning on the lights (red eye) so they could come down the aisle with duty “free” options for purchase. A hot topic between passengers while waiting to deboard/get through customs. I wouldn’t fly Norse Atlantic Airways again if they paid me.

I payed for luggage but there was additional luggage charge this wasn’t clear when i purchased.

The crew from Norse was absolutely great! Friendly, respectful and professional! They helped me resolve my baggage issue in Fiumicino, which was a long process and one of the counter girls was her first day at work 😌 they were all great. And later, when they found my 87 year old mom who got completely lost at Fiumicino in a different terminal, all by herself.. they were patient and kind and treated everyone with respect and care. Grazie Norse!!

Crew was excellent, very friendly and professional. Seating was very tight…I’m not a tall person and my knees were touching the seat in front of me. A little bit more legroom would be great.

Chaotic check in. It took an extra hour to haul all across large LAX airport three different times back & fourth. Had no access to duty free shop.

Great flight for great price. Only thing they need is on board Wi-Fi and an app.

It was cold, blankets would have been a big plus.

Airline was unable to check me in, even though I had a valid US visa which they called to confirm. Their system still did not allow check in. If you have a visa don’t travel on this airline. Will be seeking a refund.

I’ve never know a transatlantic flight or even an international flight not to offer complimentary food and drinks . I was shocked - it took me hours to even get served paying almost $4 for a cup of tea. Those that knew had ordered ahead a tiny meal for $30! On a 9 hour flight this was not satisfactory at all. They would be my last choice to fly a long distance flight.

Misleading instructions for check in. Although I did virtual check in and was instructed to head to security, once I was at security, they told me to go back to Play ticket counter and get paper tickets. Also, beware that Play doesn’t participate in TSA PreCheck. I didn’t know that, despite entering PreCheck info when I purchased the tickets. I wasted time in the TSA PreCheck line as well. So we had two setbacks at check in.

It's a budget airline, so forewarned is forearmed. Yes, you pay for everything like carry-on, checked baggage, seat selection, but that's becoming the case with major airlines. Bringing your own snacks and entertainment on board is highly recommended. It's no frills, but the crew, the plane and the flight itself was great. If you want pampering go for a larger airline. If you just want to get from A to B in comfort and safety, Play is a great choice.

It is a low cost airline. Staff are courteous. There is no entertainment. Food is purchased.

Upon boarding, the people at the gate were extremely rude, there were no outlets on a 6 hour international flight, there was no entertainment, all food and drink was purchase only (even snacks), and my seat reclining function was fully broken. The only redeeming quality was the flight attendants were extremely nice. This was by far the worst flight I have ever been on in my entire life

I don’t know how international flights can’t have media screens to keep people entertained for the long flight. Ugh.

Typical experience for budget airline. Boarding from KEF required bus transit from the gate to plane, so if you had "priority boarding" it was useless as it was simply a free-for-all when getting off the bus. But still no issues with getting our luggage into overhead bin so not really a problem.

Was very apprehensive about flying Play, but the flight was fine. Nothing special, nothing horrible. Fair price to get from New York to Iceland.

I wasn’t able to check in online the day before or the day of because their web configuration or business model idk. I arrived an hour early and check was closed and there was no one around to speak to and eventually was told there was no possible way to get a digital ticket despite I had no luggage to check and would have easily made it through security to boarding and had to pay for a new ticket for $330 ontop of the $169 I spend for the ticket and then I missed my rental car for $305 because I only arrived at midnight instead of noon that I was originally intended. All booked through kayak. I hope there is some kind of insurance from kayak because this was totally preventable had I not been blocked by play air from getting my check in and plane ticket.

The staff was very professional, the places very clean. The legroom was a little bit tight but so worth the price of the flight. Very pleased! Next time, I want to book a stayover to explore Iceland :)

The boarding process was easy, the crew was friendly and the flight was very smooth. There is a limited menu the food was tasty, but you have to purchase everything. The cost of the flight was very reasonable but everything such as baggage is extra.

everything is an extra cost on this flight, you need to pay to have a your children sit next to you (they won’t change the seat for your kids to sit next to you without charging you), food is an extra you need to pay for on a 12 hour flight, no drinks or snacks throughout the flight, the media selection is subpar and your phone has more options

Many families including ours we seated separately. For kids entertainment only 2 cartoons for 11 hour flight. Checked bag $100 each. Everything else was fine

The boarding process was completely disorganized, adding avoidable stress, and the airline's business model is tight spaces, but seats that recline more to make sleep easier in economy. The passenger behind us did not understand that and shook our chair saying we're reclining too much. We immediately brought the flight attendants in to mediate and deescalate the situation, and they didn't. The passenger behind us kept harassing my wife throughout the 8 hour flight. They should be better trained in this regard if this is the airline's business model and promise to passengers like us who review leg space and reclining angles before purchasing a fare on the airline.

The orthopedic sits, no room to move, no reclining, was horrible and because that I'm still in pain and aches in my whole body

Seats were uncomfortable. Lower back support would be nice. It was the usual for an airplane. Other than that, everything was wonderful. Even my kids said the food was good! Nice to get a blanket and set of earbuds.

Flight got canceled, took us 3 hrs in line to give us vouchers for hotel and meals, which was chaotic and then went to hotel and the voucher did not work at hotel, had to pay and apply for reimbursement and waiting for payment

Better than expected from a low cost airline! The food, seat and overall experience was great! I would fly with them again.

We were there on time we checked in early online and when we got to the airport we only had one code ticket and not the other one, the people at the desk didn’t want to print the other ticket since we didn’t have it on the phone

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Second Cities: The best destinations to add onto a trip to Paris

Welcome to TPG's Second Cities series, where we help you find amazing places that are only a couple of hours away from your original destination. This is the way to get the most out of your itinerary and visit destinations that see fewer tourists but deserve attention.

Paris is aptly nicknamed both the City of Love and the City of Light. Even though winters can be cold and rainy, there's never really a bad time to go. It's romantic year-round and the lights of the Eiffel Tower glitter, rain or shine. With Valentine's Day coming, Paris may be on your mind -- for a couples escape, a family vacation or a getaway with friends.

But why limit your adventure to Paris? France is full of medieval castles, gorgeous coastline, charming villages and more.

The French Riviera, Bordeaux's vineyards and Provence's lavender fields may already be on your radar, but there's still more to see and do. Sip wine in a castle in the French countryside, explore one of France's most incredible medieval citadels or admire 6,000-year-old megaliths. Here are some other destinations to visit in combination with Paris.

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Visit castles and sip wine in the Loire Valley

Why go: All of France is special for wine lovers but the Loire Valley is one of the best regions for oenophiles, especially if you're also into castles. The area features hundreds of towering châteaux, many of them with vineyards of their own. This is an ideal way to taste with kids in tow -- younger children, tweens and teens will all love exploring the castles as you savor your sauvignon blanc or cabernet franc.

Getting there: The Loire Valley is only a few hours away from Paris by car. If you'd prefer, you can take the train from Paris to Tours and then rent a car.

Where to stay: With Hyatt's Small Luxury Hotels program, you can stay at some seriously charming hotels (and castles) while earning and burning Hyatt points. Enjoy a walk in the vineyards or a visit to the Caudalie spa at the 18th-century château Les Sources de Cheverny ($230/25,000 points per night).

Read more: How to redeem points with the World of Hyatt program

What to do: Start by exploring the city of Tours, visiting the gothic cathedral, Les Halles de Tours market and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Rodin and more. Then head east to the countryside to begin your castle and wine adventure. Although the Château de Chenonceau is one of the most popular attractions in the region, you should still visit to wander and wine taste. The only castle in the region to be built over the water, the structure actually spans the Cher River.

Head west toward Nantes through the Loire-Anjour-Touraine Natural Park. Follow the Loire River, which has a number of cycling paths, stopping at châteaux along the way, like the wine-centered Château de Minière or the Château de Targé, hidden among the greenery.

If it's bubbles you're after, follow the river northwest to the Bouvet Ladubay winery, where you can sample the Loire Valley's renowned sparkling wine, Crémant. Both traditional and cycling tours of the cellars and grounds are available.

Discover the beauty of Brittany and Normandy

Why go: Brittany and Normandy make for the perfect road trip from Paris. Drive past walled cities, blustery beaches and hilltop castles. History lovers, foodies and anyone wanting to get out of the city will love these western regions.

Getting there: Take a train from Paris to Rennes, the capital of Brittany (just an hour and a half on the high-speed line). After a quick stop to check out the impressive Palais du Parlement de Bretagne building and the manicured Thabor Gardens with their own aviary, rent a car and start your road trip. Alternatively, rent a car in Paris and drive a few hours to Normandy. There also are river cruises along the Seine from Paris that stop in various parts of Normandy if you'd prefer that to a road trip.

Read more: The best ways to get to Paris using points and miles

Where to stay: These regions don't have much of a selection when it comes to points hotels, so it may be best to consider a home rental, like this picturesque countryside cottage or this romantic treehouse , both available on Airbnb.

What to do: Options for a Brittany/Normandy itinerary are endless, but there are some stops you must include. The majestic Mont Saint-Michel is home to the Monastery of Saint Michel, a monastery-turned-jail-turned-church set atop its own mountainous island. Farther west, Saint Malo is a medieval walled city set upon a golden-sand beach.

Southern Brittany is known for its Carnac Stones. These aren't just any rocks, though -- you can see over 3,000 prehistoric megaliths. Check out some of the dolmen stone formations which were once tombs. Further inland, the caves, boulders and trails of the Huelgoat Forest are perfect for nature enthusiasts. The Nantes-Brest canal runs for over 200 miles through the Brittany region. Explore the villages lining the canal or kayak/canoe in its waters.

If you want to absorb the history of D-Day, drive through spots like Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Arromanches, Utah Beach and Caen. Here, you'll find memorials, museums and beaches where the Allies landed in 1944. Further north in Normandy, drive through the beautiful cliffs and seashore of Étretat. The breathtaking scenery once served as inspiration for great artists like Claude Monet. Closer to Paris, Giverny was Monet's longtime home and the site of the water lily pond and bridge that he often painted.

Explore the Occitanie and Languedoc-Roussillon regions in southern France

Why go: Most visitors associate southern France with Nice and the French Riviera, but you can avoid all the glitz with a relaxing getaway to lesser-explored areas like Occitanie and Languedoc. These regions have a little bit of everything: medieval villages, sandy stretches of beach, cultural cities and delicious wine and cuisine. Although they lack the international glamour of St.Tropez and Cannes, you'll have a truly charming French experience instead.

Getting there: Fly just over an hour on airlines like EasyJet (from ORY) or Air France (from CDG) from Paris to Toulouse. Once there, rent a car.

Where to stay: The DoubleTree by Hilton Carcassone sits on the banks of the Aude River and overlooks the famous fortified hilltop historic center of Carcassone. Room rates start at $150/49,000 points per night.

Read more: The award traveler's guide to Hilton Honors

What to do: Start by heading southeast toward Carcassone, a medieval city set atop a hill. The walled citadel (which dates back to Roman times) has over 53 towers to be explored. Then veer north to Albi, a beautiful town spanning the Tarn River. Highlights include the Albi cathedral and the 13th-century Berbie Palace.

From Albi, head east, passing through natural parks like Grands Causses, where castles are scattered throughout the dense forests, hilly countryside and the famous Tarn gorges. Slightly south, the Haut Languedoc park has extensive hiking trails -- keep your eyes out for the many sheep that roam the park. Continue on until you reach the coast, where you'll find a number of beautiful, quiet beaches.

The seaside town of Sète is particularly interesting. It's often called the Venice of Languedoc for its lengthy canal system. Béziers is another medieval city worth visiting, especially if you're looking to avoid crowds; it sees fewer visitors than the more popular Carcassone. Nearby, you'll find many Languedoc-Roussillon vineyards.

Alternatively, there's plenty to do if you'd prefer to ditch the road trip and hang out in Toulouse. Known as the Pink City for its terra-cotta rooftops, the city has many historical buildings, museums and monuments worth seeing. Stroll (or perhaps ride a bike) across the Pont Neuf, one of the city's most beautiful bridges, stretching across the Garonne River. AvGeeks should tour the Airbus factory just outside the city center near the airport.

Bottom line

Paris is an incredible city with endless activities, but adding a stop in one of these easy-to-reach destinations will expose you to so much more of France's history, culture and way of life. After all, Paris doesn't have limestone cliffs, hundreds of castles, miles of vineyards, medieval citadels or sandy beaches. Explore a second city and voilà -- your France adventure will be even better.

Wander With Alex

Heading to Paris? Activities for Your Parisian Adventure!

Posted: January 30, 2024 | Last updated: February 5, 2024

15 Lovely Things to Do in Paris, France on Your Vacation + Travel Tips

Whether on your bucket list or you’re in the city of love and lights for your honeymoon, there are countless things to do in Paris, France. This large and populated city will keep you entertained from early morning to late night. From art, history, and museums to cafes and bars, you’ll definitely want to create a travel itinerary for this trip!

We were on our honeymoon and spent four days in this gorgeous city. While four days and five nights in Paris won’t allow you to do it all, you can easily see many main attractions, enjoy good food, and get a basic feel for the city with this time. Below, you will find 15 things to do in Paris, plus a few travel tips to help you get the most out of your vacation!

There is so much to see and do; you should plan around your own interests. It’s a densely populated city of over two million people and has things to do around every corner. Below are some of the city's most popular sites and attractions. 

1. Go Up The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, lovingly known as the Iron Lady, was built in two years, from 1887 to 1889; she’s over 135 years old! She has 1,665 steps that, unfortunately to my adventure seekers, you can only climb from the bottom to the second floor. Otherwise, you’ll take a lift.

You can buy tickets to access the second floor or the top. Either way, you’ll gain beautiful views of the city of lights. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to pay to visit the Eiffel Tower, don’t worry. You can see her beauty from all around the city!

Interesting fact: Hilter loved Paris and the Eiffel Tower. So much so that he arranged a visit to declare the Iron Lady as his own. Of course, the Parisians did not want this to happen. So, when he came to visit, they told Hitler that the lifts were broken and he would have to climb 1,665 steps to get to the top. Guess what? Their clever plan worked!

2. Musée du Louvre

The Lourve Museum is quite the museum, housing over 380,000 objects of art and artifacts. First, visit the iconic pyramids located in the courtyard– there is no entry fee to do this. The courtyard is significant, and you can get many beautiful photos from many angles.

If you’re a fan of art, then you’ll want to get tickets to go inside this masterpiece! The Lourve Museum is the most-visited museum in the world and is where the Mona Lisa lives! Also, be sure to take a walk around the courtyard at night. The main pyramid will light up, offering spectacular options for photography lovers. 

3. Jardin des Tuileries

The Tuileries Garden is a massive public garden that is definitely worth a stroll. This beautiful garden was created in 1564 and was originally the garden for the Tuileries Palace. Stroll through the many gardens and fountains, or sit in front of the artwork and marvel at its beauty for a while.

There are even several cafes where you can stop for a bite or a sip of wine during your visit. There are public restrooms on the grounds, but be sure to bring your own toilet paper, as the toilets aren’t always stocked! Bring hand sanitizer with you, too!

4. Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées Ave

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. The monument is a memorial to all who have served and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The monument can be found on the western end of Champs-Élysées Avenue, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Stroll Champs-Élysées Avenue and do a little shopping, or stop at a Cafe for lunch on your walk to the Arc de Triomphe. Once you arrive at the monument, you will be in awe of its size and beauty. Exploring the outside of the monument is free, but if you want beautiful views of the city, grab yourself a ticket to go to the top!

5. Musée d'Orsay

If you are curious about French art, visiting the Orsay Museum is a must. This large museum houses mostly French artwork from 1884 to 1914. When you first arrive, you will be awed by the beautiful sculptures and art in the museum's center. Then, you can make your way around the rooms that cover different periods.

You will find popular pieces from artists like Vincent Van Gough and his Starry Night to artists such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. Audio tours are offered, and exhibits are labeled in French and English. Be sure to give yourself at least two hours if you’re an avid art lover. 

6. Latin Quarter & Parthenon

Don’t miss a stroll through the Latin Quarter when in Paris! There are landmarks, shopping, a nearby University, and many cafes to visit. The area is also home to the Jardin de Plantes (botanical gardens) and the National Museum of Natural History.

The Parthenon, King Louis XV's project, can also be found in the Latin Quarter. Initially serving as a church, the building is now a mausoleum. To roam outside the Paris Parthenon is free, but you can also buy tickets to explore inside or take a guided tour. 

7. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris caught fire in April 2019. Construction continues today, preventing you from visiting the inside of the cathedral that was opened to the public in 1345. However, this has not stopped tourists from visiting the outside of the massive church. It can be spotted from around the city, or take a stroll for a few up close and personal photos. 

8. Le Marais Neighborhood

Le Marias is a charming neighborhood in Paris filled with boutiques, shops, art, bars, and cafes.  It is also a hotspot for fun LGBTQ bars. The area was once known as the Jewish Quarter, and many kosher restaurants can still be found there today. There are several off-the-beaten-path museums in the area that you can also visit. The area is beautifully lit at night, making for a fun and romantic spot for a dinner date or a few drinks with friends. 

9. Jardin du Luxembourg

On the grounds of the Luxembourg Palace, the Luxembourg Gardens are spectacular! This 60-acre public park has flowers, plants, sculptures, fountains, and cafes. Take a stroll, or sit within the gardens and marvel at its beauty. There are many photogenic places around the gardens as well. Currently the seat of the French Senate, you can buy tickets for a tour of the Palace if you must go in! 

10. Sainte-Chapelle

Opened in 1248, this historic gothic-style royal chapel is a wonderful visit. Marvel at the outside of the chapel and its beautiful architecture, and then buy tickets to go inside! You will be able to visit two floors (you must climb the stairs). Inside, you will find beautiful stained glass windows that tell the Bible's story. It is one of the most impressive 13th-century sainted glass chapels that can be found around the world. 

11. Moulin Rouge

If you’re feeling a little risqué or don’t mind nudity, you can visit the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. Opened in 1889, this birthplace of the French can-can dance is a marvelous visit during the evening. If you wish to see a musical show, buy your tickets well in advance. If you attempt to purchase tickets for more than one person just a few days ahead, you will not have luck. 

12. Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre is a gorgeous hilltop church in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris that opened in 1875. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, this exquisite sight is free and open to the public. Whether you visit during the day or at night, it is spectacular! 

As you climb the outside steps, you will see gates with hundreds or thousands of love locks! Don’t have your own? Don't worry; there are many people on the streets selling locks! Once inside the church, you will be amazed at its size and beauty.

Be sure to stay quiet and be respectful, as it is a place of worship. And, if you want a spectacular view of Paris, you can climb the (no lift) 300 steps to the Dome.

When you’re done visiting the church, be sure to roam the streets of the Montmartre neighborhood! It gets lively in the evenings, and there are many cafes to stop by and grab a bite or have a glass of wine!

13. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Neighborhood

The Saint Germain neighborhood in Paris is a beautiful place to visit and a great place to call home base. It is central to many famous sights and near the Seine River. You can easily walk to many places, such as shopping, bars, cafes, museums, churches, and art galleries.

Walk through the neighborhood and enjoy a gelato or a delicious macaron. Charming cafes sit on the corners, and the views of the Seine River are impeccable. A popular thing to do in the evenings is to take a bottle of wine to the river, sit by the bank, and enjoy each other’s company! 

14. Seine River Cruise

While in Paris, be sure to book a Seine River cruise! For a romantic outing, take a dinner cruise at sunset. Sunset is truly the best time for any cruise. You will have spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and many other landmarks .

Many cruises are guided in English and will give you intimate information about the sites you see. Pass beneath the beautiful bridges and take as many photos as your heart desires!

15. Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles and its gardens are exquisite! This 18th-century palace built by King Louis XIV is a 45-minute drive from Paris and is perfect for a day trip. If you love art and history, book a full-day guided tour.

If you like to wander on your own, this can be more of a half-day trip. Either way, you won’t be sorry! You’ll roam endless rooms elaborately decorated, filled floor to ceiling with art. Then, get lost in the magnificent gardens, which feel like a maze. 

Essential Travel Tips for Your Paris Vacation

If you are traveling to Paris or Europe for the first time, you should know some essential things. Below, you will find nine tips to help you with your travel to Paris!

Final Thoughts

If you’re traveling to Paris for your vacation or honeymoon, let me tell you, it is worth it! We spent four days in Paris and were able to do all of the things you have found on this list. We visited in early September when the crowds were lessened, and the weather was still lovely. Be sure to plan your visit ahead of time and book tours well in advance. I hope you enjoy your upcoming visit to Paris, France!

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15 Best Paris Hotels for Taking in the City of Lights

By Laura Begley Bloom

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Paris never ceases to captivate. The City of Light is rich with art, history, and romance. And when it comes to the best hotels in Paris, the city’s top properties deliver all that—and more. Paris has something to suit every personality, budget, and interest. From opulent palace hotels that mirror the city’s grandeur to design-forward boutique stays and historical gems that whisper tales of a bygone era, you can find something for everyone in Paris.

In this user-friendly guide, we’ve scoured the city’s iconic arrondissements to make sure that you’re staying in areas that are both convenient and inspiring. Most of the properties are located on the classic Right Bank—not far from the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées—but we’ve also got finds in chic neighborhoods (like the Marais) and across the Seine on the cool Left Bank.

In short, it’s a compilation designed to excite and guide both the first-time visitor and the seasoned wanderer. Let this list remind you why Paris is a place that you can never stop exploring.

​For Jet-Setters: Château Voltaire

In the beating heart of the 1st arrondissement and within spitting distance of the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre is Château Voltaire. Opened by Zadig & Voltaire founder Thierry Gillier in November 2022, the space combines traditional Parisian elegance with contemporary cool. For his first hospitality venture, Gillier converted his brand’s former headquarters—three buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries—into a hotel that evokes the stylish, louche spirit of modern icons like the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles and London’s Chiltern Firehouse . Inspired by Parisian art de vivre with bespoke headboards, Gillier tapped the interiors firm Festen to design the property. Each of the 31 rooms and one suite have been crafted to resemble a chic pied-à-terre, or small apartment. Manor-style woodwork, fringed velvet, and Gothic accents reflect a union of past and present. The hotel’s ultrachic restaurant, Brasserie l’Emil, draws a stylish crowd of locals and in-the-know travelers.

Château Voltaire

Booking.com

For Lovers: Maison Souquet

Paris is the City of Love, and Maison Souquet truly raises the bar for romance. In fact, it’s right across the rue from Moulin Rouge. Designer Jacques Garcia converted the former bordello into a pulse-racing five-star hotel in Pigalle with velvet-covered salons that evoke the lavish, erotic fantasy of the Belle Époque. Here, Impressionist nudes, 19th-century furniture, and silken drapes have a transportive effect that leaves your inhibitions at the door. The 20 rooms and suites are named after notorious Parisian courtesans and are designed according to one of seven themes: Chinese, Japanese, Indian, 18th century, Empire, Art Deco, and Napoleon III. Velvet chairs, walls adorned in ornate fabric, stuffed headboards, and dim lighting set the mood. Garcia used nearly 2,200 yards of silk across 120 varieties to decorate these dens of decadent sensuousness. And don’t miss the intimate hammam spa.

Maison Souquet

For Creatures of Culture: Hôtel Grand Mazarin

In late 2023, the Marais district welcomed its newest five-star hotel with open arms with the arrival of Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin. Located in a converted 14th-century building, art and culture lovers will appreciate its prime location tucked amid the neighborhood’s hip shops and art galleries, all a stone’s throw north of the Seine. Martin Brudnizki , the design maestro also behind the recently opened La Fantaisie hotel in the fashionable 9th arrondissement, crafts his spaces with an of-the-moment freshness that still feels timeless and elegant. Each of the 50 rooms and 11 suites blend French classicism with a quirky eclecticism: pops of jade, clashing patterns, funky rugs, and custom lamps by Maison Lucien Gau. The hotel’s restaurant, Boubalé, from Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit pays loving tribute to Le Marais’s Jewish roots with playful twists on Ashkenazi delights. In the ornate, intimate basement spa is a mosaic swimming pool with an expansive fresco inspired by Jean Cocteau.

Hôtel Grand Mazarin

Le Grand Mazarin

For Unfettered Luxury: Bulgari Hotel

Opened in 2021, Paris’s first Bulgari hotel on Avenue George V in Paris’s fashionable Right Bank is surprisingly discreet and understated for a brand known for statement-making grandeur. The lobby is illuminated by hanging glass lamps and features an oak-paneled, ivory onyx bar where insiders convene for digestifs. The Italian architecture firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel designed the 76 rooms and suites to evoke impeccably appointed apartments that blend Italian sophistication with classic French style. You’ll find brown leather headboards; sumptuous, jewel-toned furniture; and herringbone pattern carpets that recognizably nod to the parquet floors of Paris’s most desirable flats. Fancy living like royalty for a day? The palatial penthouse suite is a bi-level, glass-encased jewel in the sky, with unmatched views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur, a bathroom clad completely in Arabescato marble, and over 6,000 square feet of terrace and garden space.

Bulgari Hotel

For All-Out Luxury: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

The Crillon has a storied history. In 1758, King Louis XV commissioned the most popular architect of the day, Ange-Jacques Gabriel—who also designed the Petit Trianon at the Palace of Versailles—to create a pair of structures overlooking the Place de la Concorde in the 8th arrondissement. Behind the façades, a mansion was built where none other than Marie Antoinette used to take piano lessons. In 1909, the mansion was turned into a grand hotel that attracted a who’s who of society from Paris and around the globe. Today, the Hôtel de Crillon stands as a living testament to its captivating past, combining aristocratic heritage with contemporary allure. Step through its doors and you’ll discover Bar Les Ambassadeurs (a lounge that serves more than 100 types of Champagne), L’Écrin (a fine-dining restaurant), a wellness spa, and an indoor pool illuminated by 17,600 gold-tile scales. The 78 elegant rooms, 36 suites, and 10 signature suites are outfitted with bespoke furnishings and marble bathrooms. And the location can’t be beat: It’s just a two-minute walk to the Jardin des Tuileries.

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

For Eiffel Tower Views: Shangri-La Paris

Paris is known for its palace hotels, which signify a type of ultraluxury accommodation. The Shangri-La Paris in the 16th arrondissement truly was a palace. In the late 19th century, Prince Roland Bonaparte, grandnephew of Napoleon, built this architectural masterpiece filled with hand-carved marble, frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and a dramatic Stairway of Honor. In 2010, the property was transformed into the Shangri-La Paris—with a design by Pierre-Yves Rochon, who fused Asian hospitality with French elegance. The 100 rooms and suites are filled with Empire-style furnishings that you can see all of Paris from; more than half of the spaces have drop-dead gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower . Food takes a starring role at Shang Palace, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in France that just so happens to be located right in the hotel. Don’t miss Le Bar Botaniste, where the interiors evoke Napoleon’s war tent and the herb-spiked cocktails are inspired by Roland Bonaparte’s passion for botany.

Shangri-La Paris

For Foodies: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

Paris, a well-known culinary haven, reaches its pinnacle at the Four Seasons Hotel George V. Built in 1928, this icon is set right in the Golden Triangle, an 8th arrondissement neighborhood known for its glamorous boutiques and stellar location—in fact, it’s just a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe. While there are plenty of places to eat around the George V and throughout Paris, the five-star hotel is home to no less than three Michelin-starred restaurants. There’s the three-starred Le Cinq (where chef Christian Le Squer’s multicourse menus are served under a majestic chandelier), the one-starred L’Orangerie (where chef Alan Taudon celebrates seafood and plant-based cuisine), and the one-starred modern-Mediterranean Le George (chef Simone Zanoni’s modern-Mediterranean restaurant). The epic wine cellar, hidden 45 feet underground, survived the bombings in World War II. The hotel also offers over-the-top excursions which cement it as one of the best hotels in Paris—like a trip to Versailles in a Porsche with chef Zanoni to pick seasonal produce from his kitchen garden, followed by a cooking class back in the city. Upstairs in the 159 guest rooms and 59 suites, designer Pierre-Yves Rochon embraced Louis XVI–era elegance with trompe l’oeil ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and silk furnishings.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

For Fashionistas: The Ritz Paris

In the 1st arrondissement on the legendary Place Vendôme, The Ritz is a timeless beacon of elegance and style that has been entwined with the city’s literary and fashion scene for more than a century. Coco Chanel resided here for decades, Ernest Hemingway savored spirits at Bar Hemingway (named in his honor), and F. Scott Fitzgerald found sanctuary within its walls. After a $450 million transformation overseen by architect Thierry Despont, The Ritz continues to captivate travelers with its sunlit rooms adorned in gilt-framed molding and a swimming pool that sits under a trompe l’oeil sky ceiling filled with clouds. You can indulge in Parisian pleasures in the hotel’s public spaces: Linger over tea in the Belle Époque–style Salon Proust or savor seafood delights at Bar Vendôme, a stylish brasserie. The rooms are spectacular—especially the suites. Some are named after former guests, including the Suite Coco Chanel (where she lived) and the Suite Marcel Proust, as well as landmarks like the Suite Opéra—which overlooks the Palais Garnier. The hotel’s charm even extends to its youngest guests, with teddy bear mascots and École Ritz Escoffier cooking classes.

The Ritz Paris

Tripadvisor.com

For Art Lovers: Le Meurice and Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris

In the heart of the 1st arrondissement on the Rue de Rivoli, Le Meurice Paris opened in 1835 as one of the world’s first luxury hotels—but make no mistake, it’s not stuffy by any means. The classic yet eccentric property has long attracted creative types like Salvador Dalí (who spent a month here every year), Pablo Picasso (who chose to have his wedding dinner there), and Andy Warhol (who frequented the hotel on his trips to Paris). Le Meurice’s rich artistic spirit is woven into every facet of its design. Contemporary art installations adorn its ornate interiors. Rooms have a mix of classic and modern touches, like the Maison Lucien Gau chandeliers and Ateliers Jouffre sofas in the recently redone Pompadour Suite. The gourmet restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse marries culinary and visual artistry in a setting that combines Versailles-inspired opulence with Philippe Starck’s trailblazing vision.

At one time home to such luminaries as Picasso, Manet, and Degas, Paris has remained among the leading capitals of the art world. As such, it makes sense that the City of Lights has more than just one hotel for art lovers. The second option, which is equally as good as the first, would have to be Le Royal Monceau–Raffles Paris. On top of being one of Paris’s premier luxury hotels (Lionel Messi did, after all, sign his contract to play for Paris Saint-Germain at the hotel in August 2021), Le Royal Monceau–Raffles Paris features an exquisite art collection on their property. In fact, the hotel is so dedicated to the arts that it has their own art concierge, Julie Eugène. Eugène not only shows the hotels personal collection, but she can also take guests on private tours of many Paris museums, including the Louis Vuitton Foundation, before the doors open to the public.

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris

For History Buffs: La Réserve Paris Hôtel & Spa

Set in a mansion facing the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower, La Réserve Paris was originally designed by Baron Haussmann in 1854 for Napoleon III’s half brother, the Duc de Morny. The discreet exterior belies the decadent interiors, which present a world of Second Empire glamour that’s been reimagined by designer Jacques Garcia. Inspired by the paintings of artist James Tissot, Garcia used a simple palette—black, red, green, and vivid gold—punctuated with design details like doors with Cordoba leather trims, antique armoires, and velvet-upholstered armchairs. Some of the suites even have views of the Eiffel Tower. Every guest is assigned an on-call butler to help with duties big and small, from packing and unpacking to finding tickets for sold-out shows. La Réserve’s location is hard to beat: Some of the city’s best shopping boulevards, including Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, home to stores like Dior and Chanel, are within walking distance.

La Réserve Paris Hôtel & Spa

For Romantics: Relais Christine

An enchanting Latin Quarter find, Relais Christine is hidden away on a tranquil side street in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Stepping into this 17th-century town house—built atop a 13th-century abbey—is like entering a secret sanctuary. Inside, interior designer Laura Gonzalez weaves her magic throughout the 48 guest rooms, with a whimsical mix of chandeliers from Dedar for Hermès, Pierre Frey fabrics, and vintage treasures from local flea markets. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s vaulted cellar, while the leafy inner courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon aperitif. For sybarites, there’s an intimate spa run by Maison Guerlain. Want to explore? They offer free bicycles (even tandems) that you can take to nearby landmarks like Notre Dame and the Musée d’Orsay. A Fiat 500 S convertible can also be rented for an extra fee if you want to venture farther afield.

Relais Christine

For Design Lovers: J.K. Place Paris

The hotel brand J.K. has a cult following, with the design set in its native Italy. It’s the brainchild of Italian-Israeli hotelier Ori Kafri, who worked with Florentine architect Michele Bönan to create a series of hotels that feel more like private members’ clubs. Their first foray in Europe beyond Italy is J.K. Place Paris, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Carved out of a former embassy, the hotel is located in the alluring Saint-Germain district, not far from landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay and the Tuileries Garden just across the Seine. Bönan’s touch is evident throughout, with an assortment of African chairs, vintage Hermès sketches, and geometric rugs. The restaurant, Casa Tua, with its glass-roof space, serves up Northern Italian cuisine. Meanwhile the subterranean spa beckons with a heated pool lined with glittering Bisazza mosaic tiles.

J.K. Place Paris

For a Boutique Stay: Le Pavillon de la Reine

Like a country retreat dropped into the bustling Marais neighborhood, the family-owned Pavilion de la Reine offers a haven of tranquility on the breathtaking Place des Vosges. The boutique property’s ivy-clad, 17th-century façade seamlessly blends into the square itself while the private garden courtyard looks like something out of a Provençal fairytale. Step inside to discover a harmonious blend of antiques, marble fireplace mantles, and modern furnishings. All of the 56 rooms and suites tell their own story, with Missoni-style throws, velvet settees, and exposed wood beams. Wellness seekers can rejuvenate at Spa de la Reine by Codage, where a small hammam is just the respite you need after a busy day of exploring.

Le Pavillon de la Reine

For Trendsetters: Le Pigalle

Want to explore the trendy Pigalle neighborhood and hilltop Montmartre, home to the iconic Sacré-Coeur? Base yourself at Le Pigalle, an innovative retreat that marries retro aesthetics with cutting-edge design. Each of the 40 rooms is adorned with Art Deco furnishings, thoughtfully curated photo displays, and a minibar stocked with premixed cocktails. The hotel embraces its neighborhood’s history as a red-light district, with playful nods like a velvet-curtained lobby, a neon sign, and even a stripper pole. The area surrounding the hotel is undeniably edgy but cool, close to hot spots like the buzzy bistro Le Mansart. Want to see more of Paris? You’re not far from the Pigalle metro station, which will easily connect you to popular spots like Place de la Concorde and the Left Bank.

Craving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in style—and as streamlined and stress-free as possible.

By Monica Mendal

By Michelle Duncan

By Shayla Martin

By Maria Geyman

14 Beautiful Towns & Cities Near Paris That Are Worth Visiting

Want to explore some towns and cities near Paris ? From artsy towns and beautiful hamlets to historical and architectural cities, this article has them all.

Paris is not only the capital of France but also the most famous and most visited city in the country too.

The city of love , art, impressive architecture, and elegance, there is so much that makes Paris one of the most beautiful cities in Europe .

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

While there are so many things to do in Paris , sometimes you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of this magnetic city and explore other places.

Whether you want to go on a day trip or a weekend trip from Paris , there are so many charming and cute cities near Paris that will leave you wondering why you haven’t explored them yet.

Right from Chantilly which is one of the closest cities to Paris to Normandy which is approximately 3 hours away, here is a list of 14 beautiful cities close to Paris that are worth visiting and I guarantee, they’ll leave you spellbound.

I’ve also included some fun facts and unique bits of information so be sure to read those as well.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Stunning Towns & Cities Near Paris, France

For convenience’s sake, I have listed the French cities near Paris from closest to farthest though they may not necessarily be in the same direction.

1. Chantilly

• Travel time: 25 mins from Gare du Nord by train or 40 mins if you rent a car and drive to Chantilly .
• Where to stay in Chantilly: Budget hotel (2 stars)| Mid-range Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)| Luxury Hotel (5 stars).

Famously known because of an opulent Château which takes on the same name as the city, Chantilly is the nearest city to Paris!

Though Château de Chantilly is usually thought of as just one castle, it is in fact made of 2 Châteaux – the Petit Château and the Grand Château which together form the Domaine de Chantilly.

The entire Domaine houses several museums including the Living Museum of the Horse or Musée du Cheval , Musée Condé , Musée de la Dentelle , Great Stables or the Grandes Ecuries (which are the largest horse stables in Europe), and the immaculately maintained gardens.

Besides the castle, you can also marvel at the Church of Notre Dame of Chantilly which you can find near the Great Stables of Domaine de Chantilly.

If a long walk surrounded by nature is what you long for, look no further than the Chantilly Forest.

While in this beautiful town, don’t forget to try the eponymous French Chantilly Cream (Crème Chantilly) which has influenced the whipped cream business all around France. In fact, whipped cream is referred to as creme chantilly or just la chantilly everywhere in the country.

Before your trip, be sure to buy this Château de Chantilly skip-the-line ticket to enjoy your visit without waiting in line for long.

2. Versailles

• Travel time: Paris to Versailles will take you 40 mins to 1 hour by train .
• Where to stay in Versailles: Budget hotel (2 stars) | Mid-range Hotel (Apartment)| Luxury Hotel (5 stars).

One of the easy day trips from Paris you should take is to the town of Versailles which is home to the opulent Château de Versailles or Palace of Versailles, a former residence of King Louis XIV and the former seat of the French Government.

While there, be sure to check out the Hall of Mirrors , the Grand Chapel , Marie Antoinette’s bedroom , Le Grand Perspective for the best view of Versailles, Galerie des Carrosses or Gallery of Coaches in the Great Stables, and the dazzling and beautiful gardens of Versailles .

The grounds and the place’s park also house some architectural marvels of the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon .

The Queen’s Hamlet or The Hameau de la Reine is another beauty in the Palace park that was built especially for Marie Antoinette as an escape place to get away from it all.

If watching an opera, orchestra, or ballet performance is on your bucket list, then you’ll be glad to know that the Royal Opera of Versailles is located here as well. Dress up like royalty and attend a show at night.

While in the town, I’d also recommend checking out the Versailles Market to try out a wide range of French foods like baguettes, crêpes, and cheese but if organic food is what you prefer, then the Jussieu-Montreuil market is the place you’ll want to explore.

You can also admire the architectural beauty of Notre Dame de Versailles before you leave this historical town.

To visit Versailles, you can either go on your own by purchasing this skip-the-line ticket that comes with an audio guide or book this guided tour if you want to learn about the history of the palace from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Not sure how to get to this opulent castle? You can read my detailed guide on how to get from Paris to Versailles .

3. Fontainebleau

• Travel time: A 45 mins to 1-hour train ride from Paris departing from Gare de Lyon .
• Where to stay in Fontainebleau: Budget hotel (3 stars) | Mid-range Hotel (3 stars) | Luxury Hotel (4 stars).

Since I’ve mentioned Versailles, I should also add the lesser crowded alternative; the gorgeous Château de Fontainebleau located in the beautiful town of Fontainebleau.

Besides its grandeur architecture and the famous Horseshoe staircase, this UNESCO-listed site houses Marie Antoinette’s bed and Napoleon’s throne among other royal artifacts.

The castle is also surrounded by beautiful gardens which take on different designs including the French formal garden style and the French landscape garden.

If you’re a history buff, then the Napoleon Museum of History and Art and the Obelisk of Marie Antoinette will fascinate you.

What makes this castle even more special is that it’s the only château to have been continuously inhabited for 7 centuries by the French royal families with each royal family adding its unique taste and architectural design to what we see today. It is the only château in France to have this honor.

Hikers, picnic goers, and equestrians will be delighted with the scenic Fontainebleau Forest and its offerings.

Psst… Purchase this Fontainebleau entry ticket in advance to make your visit easier.

• Travel time: 1-hour train ride from Gare du Nord or more than a 2-hour drive by car .
• Where to stay in Lille: Budget hotel (3 stars) | Mid-range Hotel (3 stars) | Luxury Hotel (Apartment).

Located just 1 hour away from Paris and at the Border of Belgium, Lille is one of the beautiful cities near Paris that has a mixture of both French and Flemish cultures and languages.

The bustling city center, the beautiful French and Dutch-inspired architecture, and the thriving nightlife all make the city of Lille a cultural hub perfect for both youngsters and history nerds.

The highlight of course is the old town that has a Flemish touch. From the 18th-century houses, cobblestone streets, and baroque buildings, Old Lille will definitely grab your attention.

Stroll around its main square known as the Grand Place to either people watch, rub shoulders with the locals, or even admire the Colonne de la Déesse (The Column of the Goddess).

Some of the other places worth visiting while in Lille include;   Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle which is the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, a former President of France who played a huge role in shaping the history of the country, La Maison Meert to taste the traditional thin-waffle delicacy, Le Palais Des Beaux Arts De Lille which is one of the largest museums in France dedicated to art and antiquities, Citadelle de Lille to learn about the history of the city and so many others.

Since it’s near, it can easily be treated as a day trip from Paris but if you prefer to sleep there, I recommend staying at this hotel .

And while you can visit independently, I recommend booking this 2-hour guided walking tour that will take you through all the major highlights of the city especially if you’re just visiting for a day.

5. Auvers-Sur-Oise

• Travel time: 1 hour by train departing from Gare du Nord .
• Where to stay in Auvers-Sur-Oise: Budget hotel (Bed & Breakfast) | Mid-range Hotel (4 stars) | Luxury Hotel (Bed & Breakfast).

This small and underrated hamlet caught the fancy of none other than the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh , who lived here for a couple of months before his death. Actually, it is also his and his brother’s resting place.

Château d’Auvers , which is located close to the station, is a 19th-century palace that looks magnificent and is worth checking out.

The église d’Auvers or the Church at Auvers is also another attraction depicted beautifully in Van Gogh’s painting of the same name.

To get your spirits up, quite literally, you can visit the only absinthe museum in the world located in Auvers at the Musée de l’Absinthe . Right from its history to abuse to actually tasting it (if you can risk it), you can experience it all.

• Travel time: A 1-hour drive by car or 2 hours 30 mins by train will get you from Paris to Giverny.
• Where to stay in Giverny: Budget hotel (Bed & Breakfast) | Mid-range Hotel (Holiday home) | Luxury Hotel (Guest house).

This quaint village is famous because Claude Monet lived here for over 4 decades and died here as well. The picturesque surroundings are probably what draws aesthetes here and inspires them.

For example, the Giverny Gardens with the iconic water lily pond and Japanese bridge are what inspired some of Monet’s most famous paintings .

Art lovers can also check out the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny or Museum of Impressionism Giverny which as the name suggests is dedicated to the art and history of Impressionism.

You can check out my detailed guide on how to plan a day trip to Giverny from Paris to know exactly what to expect.

But if you don’t feel like planning the visit on your own, you can book this day trip guided tour that comes with a professional guide .

This tour will transport you from Paris to Giverny (since there is no direct public transport between the 2 places) and then the tour guide will take you all around the museum and the gardens while telling you about the history of the place and the famous painter.

7. Chartres

• Travel time: 50 mins drive by car and 1 hour by train .
• Where to stay in Chartres: Budget hotel (2 stars) | Mid-range Hotel (Apartment)| Luxury Hotel (4 stars).

Chartres is most famous for the Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral which is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also one of the best-preserved cathedrals from the 13 th century.

The two differently built and decorated spires on the exterior with its Gothic art and stained glass windows on the interior are what will grab your attention when you visit the cathedral.

Do not miss the Chartres Light Show or Chartres En Lumieres if you visit between the end of April to mid-October. Once it’s nightfall, 25 buildings across Chartres, including Notre-Dame de Chartres, illuminate with impressive light shows.

Another unique charm of this town is Maison Picassiette , which is a short bus ride away. Raymond Isidore the man who built this house used different bits and materials to decorate it.

You will be fascinated to find everything from glass shards to pieces of wood to bottle caps used in a creative manner.

Plus, the sculpture garden behind his cottage has mosaic replicas of stained-glass windows of Notre Dame de Chartres, an old windmill, and even the Eiffel Tower .

• Travel time: 1 hour 30 mins from Gare de l’Est by train .
• Where to stay in Provins: Budget hotel (Apartment) | Mid-range Hotel (3 stars) | Luxury Hotel (Bed & Breakfast).

The town of Provins is another UNESCO World Heritage site that you should visit if you want to be transported back in time.

Everything about it screams medieval and dates back centuries like the 12th-century medieval tower, Tour César , or the medieval tunnels, Les Souterrains de Provins .

The city also holds a medieval Christmas market annually which you can visit if you go around Christmastime .

The town itself is pretty laidback but it does have medieval shows that you can watch like knights performing with horses and falconry.

You can also visit or attend mass at Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church , a church where Joan of Arc attended mass.

One of the other interesting things to do in Provins is to walk up Saint-Jean’s Gate and climb the medieval ramparts.

Though some of the walls are no longer there, the few that exist are well maintained so you’ll be able to enjoy the construction that dates back to the 12th century.

• Travel time: A 1 hour 20 mins train journey from Gare du Nord to Amiens .
• Where to stay in Amiens: Budget hotel (2 stars) | Mid-range Hotel (Apartment) | Luxury Hotel (4 stars).

Situated in the northern region of France, Amiens is one of the cutest cities near Paris.

The Amiens Cathedral or Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens which is the most famous attraction in the city is also the largest cathedral in France.

This UNESCO site which stands tall at over 42 meters (137 feet) will mesmerize you with its intricate façade, oak choir stalls, and gothic carvings.

If you’re a bibliophile and know of Jules Verne or have read his books, then you should also know that he spent a big part of his life in this city specifically in Maison de Jules Verne which now houses models of innovations and the Winter Garden.

For fine art lovers, the Musée de Picardie will amaze you. It includes artifacts and masterpieces right from the prehistoric era.

Also, the Quartier Saint-Leu, a medieval quarter in Amiens will have you exploring and trying out different restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.

10. Strasbourg

• Travel time: 2 hours from Gare de l’Est by train .
• Where to stay in Strasbourg: Budget hotel (2 stars) | Mid-range Hotel (Apartment) | Luxury Hotel (4 stars).

Apart from being a poster town for the Christmas Market or Marché de Noel, Strasbourg offers so much more.

For example, the Saint-Pierre Le Jeune Church has a unique history that you may not know about. Until recently, neither did I.

This neo-Romanesque church started off as a Catholic church and was converted to a Protestant one.

Later on, for nearly 2 centuries, it was split among the Protestants and the Catholics by a dividing wall inside.

In 1898, the New Saint-Pierre Le Jeune Church was constructed and the Catholic congregation moved there and the wall was taken down. It is now back to being a Protestant church.

Then there’s the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg with its beautiful Gothic architecture in red sandstone and stained glass windows from the 12 th and 13 th centuries.

Even Strasbourg’s historical centre, the Grande-Île district, is a UNESCO-listed site. Beyond the impressive architecture that portrays both the German and French styles, there is so much to do and see in Strasbourg.

From Place Kleber , a beautiful square, Palais Rohan a beautiful palace near Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg to Petite France which is the most beautiful place in the city with its colorful half-timbered houses lined along the river.

With all this beauty, it’s not hard to see why Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful cities near Paris to visit.

To make your visit to Strasbourg smooth, you can pre-book your activities in advance to be guaranteed a spot.

You can either book this Strasbourg guided tour by Segway if you want to discover the city in style or this Strasbourg city center guided bike tour with a local to get the most out of your visit.

11. Chablis

• Travel time: 2 hours’ drive by car from Paris will get you to Chablis or around 3 hours by train.
• Where to stay in Chablis: Budget hotel (Apartment) | Mid-range Hotel (3 stars) | Luxury Hotel (Holiday Home).

Located in the region of Burgundy, this medieval town of Chablis is well known for growing Chardonnay grapes and hence known for its wineries.

Besides learning about the whole winemaking process, you can visit the 9th-century Obédiencerie monastery where the monks, the Canons of Saint Martin of Tours, honed the craft of winemaking which eventually led to the white wine of the Chablis region.

Other notable things to do that make Chablis worth visiting include visiting Saint-Pierre and Saint-Martin churches , admiring the beautiful old town, and ofcourse visiting the various vineyards.

In brief, Chablis is one of the towns near Paris perfect for wine lovers!

12. Loire Valley

• Travel time: To get to the Loire Valley region, you will have to rent a car and it takes about 2 hours 15 mins or 1 hour 30 mins by train.
• Where to stay in Tours: Budget hotel (1 star) | Mid-range Hotel (2 stars) | Luxury Hotel (Apartment).

Loire Valley is one of the best regions to savor your wine. Where are the oenophiles at? Besides that, it also has the largest concentration of châteaux in France .

Here, even some of the châteaux have their own vineyards so if you like castles, adore your “Vin” time, and want to feel like royalty while you’re at it, this is the ideal place to go.

Some of the famous châteaux worth visiting include Château de Chambord , Château de Amboise , Château Royal de Blois , Château de Chenonceau and so many others.

And when you’re not drinking amazing wine or getting lost in one of the Loire Castles, take a tour of Tours, a picturesque town located between two rivers (Cher and Loire).

You can immerse yourself in art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours which houses masterpieces by Monet and Rembrandt.

Here are some of the entry tickets to the famous castles you shouldn’t miss while in the region.

• Skip-the-line ticket for Château de Chambord
• Priority entrance ticket to Chenonceau Castle
• Château Royal d’Amboise Entrance Ticket
• Chateau de Blois Entry Ticket

Alternatively, you can just book this full-day Loire Valley guided tour that will take you through 3 of the above castles including wine tasting and a transfer from Paris if you don’t want to plan anything.

• Travel time: 2 hours 30 mins by train or 5 hours by car from Gare de l’Est .
• Where to stay in Colmar: Budget hotel (2 stars) | Mid-range Hotel (4 stars) | Luxury Hotel (2 stars).

Colmar is one of those cities near Paris that looks like it came out of a picture postcard.

This idyllic town with its bucolic setting will transport you back in time. The old town with its intricate, cobblestone pathways, timber-framed, colorful houses, and medieval buildings will charm their way into your heart the minute you set foot in the town.

What’s more, you ask? Well, it lies on the Alsace wine tour route along with other smaller villages in the vicinity.

If riding in a boat through the canals of Venice was on your bucket list of things to do but the crowds put you off, Colmar offers a less crowded alternative in Little Venice .

The canal area with its two dreamy bridges albeit small will offer you just as much if not a more scenic and romantic setting.

If you happen to be here around Christmas, then the Les Marchés de Noel are worth staying for.

One of the other things not to miss out on is this 2-hour Segway tour of Colmar to get a glimpse of this beautiful city in style.

14.  Normandy

• Travel time: A 2 hour 45 mins drive by car and around 2 hours 30 mins by train.

Located along the English Channel, Normandy is one of the cities close to Paris that sits on years of history (and terror in some instances)!

What sets Normandy apart compared to other closest cities to Paris is that it has a little bit of everything!

You can find stunning beaches to relax on, impressive natural landmarks and human-made monuments , castles, and museums to get lost in history, and small towns and villages to connect with the locals.

Visit the town of Étretat to the North of Normandy to enjoy a cliffside picnic while enjoying the breathtaking view of the English Channel or admire the beauty of the white chalk cliffs.

The famous D-Day beaches out of which Omaha beach is the most popular is a 1 hour 30 mins drive from Normandy if you fancy some sunbathing while learning more history about the D-day landing.

Another site worth making a trip to is the Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose abbey rises to 100m (328 ft.) tall. (Make sure you buy this entry ticket to Mont Sant Michel in advance .)

But beware, during high tide, it becomes an island accessible only by one road. The Abbey has 350 steps to the highest point but the view from there is worth the effort.

You can also explore the Museum of the Battle of Normandy to learn more about WWII, wander around Honfleur , chill on the beaches of Deauville , or visit Château de Fontaine-Henry which is the most beautiful castle in Normandy.

If you don’t want to plan a thing, you can opt for one of these tours below.

• D-Day Landing beaches day tour with transfer and lunch
• Mont Saint-Michel full-day guided tour

Final Thoughts on the Closest Cities to Paris

I hope you liked my picks of the best cities close to Paris. Of course, it’s none-exhaustive but I’d add more as explore other towns near Paris.

Let me know which of these cities around Paris you have visited or plan on visiting.

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Nontouristy things to do in Paris
• Stunning views from the Eiffel Tower
• How to plan a perfect picnic in Paris
• Big mistakes to avoid while traveling in Paris
• Things to know before traveling to Paris
• Skip the lines tickets for popular Paris attractions
• Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel tower views
• Things to do in Paris at night
• How to skip the long lines in Paris
• Best places to get stunning views of the Eiffel Tower

Was this post on the best towns and cities around Paris helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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Light fantastique: Paris through the eyes of the impressionists

From Monet to Degas, the luminosity of Paris has inspired countless artists. As the city celebrates 150 years of impressionism it’s still shining bright

P aris is called the City of Light, possibly because of its early adoption of gas street lighting. But that would not explain why, as I approach Gare du Nord on Eurostar during daytime, I experience a soft dazzle, similar to when I see a pebbly beach. This is not a meteorological phenomenon; the weather in Paris is only slightly better than London’s. Instead, the luminosity owes something to the buff or light-grey limestone of the older buildings (including the Sacré Coeur, rearing like a great ghost to my right), its pallor perpetuated by the whitewashed exteriors of newer buildings.

The light in Paris was a concern of the impressionists, the movement whose 150th anniversary is marked by the Musée d’Orsay’s forthcoming Inventing Impressionism exhibition. On 15 April 1874, a group of 31 artists, including Monet, Pissarro, Degas and Renoir, “hungry for independence” (as the Musée d’Orsay website has it) from the strictures of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, staged their own exhibition. Inventing Impressionism will feature works from that show and others of the time: “Painted scenes of modern life, and landscapes sketched in the open air, in pale hues and with the lightest of touches.”

The new movement got its name from Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise , a blurry view of Le Havre in Normandy, where he grew up. But, as Stephen Clarke writes in his book Paris Revealed, “Paris is the spiritual home of impressionism”, and their work is often discussed in relation to the remaking of the city by Baron Haussmann, commissioned by Napoleon III to “ aérer, unifier et embellir ” (open up, connect, beautify).

Historian Andrew Hussey writes in his book Paris: The Secret History of “an urban infrastructure that had barely been touched or improved since the late-medieval period … There were no straight roads through Paris, whose centre, Île de la Cité, was a dark and muddy labyrinth.” Haussmann created a network of boulevards, light by virtue of their width, the limestone he employed, zinc or slate roofs that shine when wet, and the pale trunks of the plane trees.

The Grands Boulevards of the Right Bank were especially important to the impressionists. The 1874 exhibition was held on Boulevard des Capucines, in an upper storey at number 35. Monet painted the view from his rooms there, depicting a boulevard full of light (enhanced by reflections off snow) and full of people. The Grands Boulevards were pleasure zones, the haunt of flâneurs , and lined with restaurants, theatres and, later, cinemas. (The Grand Rex , on Boulevard Poissonnière, makes its own contribution to the City of Light with its neon blaze.)

Another place important to the impressionists was Batignolles, a northern district annexed to Paris on Haussmann’s suggestion. Monet made numerous studies of nearby Saint-Lazare station, following the injunction of Émile Zola to find the “poetry” in stations. In Zola’s novel La Bête Humaine, Saint-Lazare is “immense, dreary, drenched with rain, pierced here and there with a blood-red light, vaguely peopled by opaque masses … ”

It was this opacity that the painter sought. Obscure and broke at this point, he marched up to the station master, introducing himself as “the painter, Claude Monet” with such authority that his request that all the engine drivers generate as much steam as possible was granted.

In Édouard Manet’s The Railway , a young woman and a girl are depicted on a bridge overlooking Saint-Lazare. A gout of steam rises behind them, looking like something that shouldn’t be there, a great smudge. It’s still interesting to watch the trains from that bridge (I speak as a rail enthusiast) but they are now electric, and the sky above them seems empty.

Batignolles is off the tourist trail and has been called Paris’s hippest neighbourhood, but there’s something sleepy about it, a sense of having wide streets to oneself. That’s the mood of Gustave Caillebotte’s painting Peintres en bâtiment . Workmen paint a shop front, and the long, empty street stretches away, with one of those white Parisian skies overhead. It has been suggested that the workmen represent painters of the more artistic sort, coming to terms with the scale of the new Paris.

But let’s circle back to that original heart of darkness: the Île de la Cité. Haussmann made it a zone of grand buildings, with a luminosity of their own – the gilding on the gates of the Palais de Justice can dazzle on a sunny day. In the novels of Georges Simenon, Inspector Maigret works at 36 Quai des Orfèvres on the island: it’s a whitish, castle-like building that housed the detectives of the Paris police until they recently relocated. The detective is a connoisseur of the changing light over the river, and in Maigret’s Pickpocket , he observes “a haze hanging over the Seine, less dense than mist, made up of thousands of tiny, brilliant, living particles peculiar to Paris”.

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Not all the luminosity is down to Haussmann. Anyone who walks through the gilded gateway between the Tuileries Garden (rendered ambiguous, in soft green and pinkish tones, by Monet in Les Tuileries) and Place de la Concorde is in a pre-Haussmann world. In Henry James’s novel The Tragic Muse, artist Nick Dormer looks over “the great square, the opposite bank of the Seine, the steep blue roofs of the quay, the bright immensity of Paris”.

Place de la Concorde is being embellished for this summer’s Olympic Games, and I recently saw a lorry there, loaded with typically ornate lamp-posts. In any other town, this would have looked like a delivery of theatrical props, but in Paris it was just a job lot of streetlights.

They would be too big for the parts of the city Haussmann didn’t touch, like the Marais or Montmartre. There, lamps tend to be fitted to the walls of the narrow streets which, for some, are the most characterful in Paris. I love the little bars of Montmartre especially. But the care with which they are lit – often with fairy lights around windows or mirrors – may reflect a lesson learned from Haussmann, in whose favour it could also be said that without him we might not have had the impressionists.

Impressionist exhibitions

Normandy The Normandy impressionist festival , which started this week and runs until 22 September, examines connections between the region and the art movement. Events include an exhibition at the Rouen Fine Arts Museum contrasting works by James McNeill Whistler with those of his impressionist contemporaries; Robert Wilson’s light projections on the facade of Rouen Cathedral (24 May-end September); and Impressionism and the Sea at the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny (29 March-30 June).

Monet and London: Views of the Thames at the Courtauld in Somerset House (27 September–19 January 2025) exhibits some of the artist’s prolific output from his time in the capital between 1899 and 1901. The Houses of Parliament, Charing Cross Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Houses of Parliament are depicted “full of evocative atmosphere, mysterious light and radiant colour”. Although Monet wanted to show these paintings in London, plans fell through and this is the first time they have been the subject of a UK exhibition.

Andrew Martin is the author of the Reading on Trains Substack. Train travel to Paris was provided by Eurostar . Inventing Impressionism is at the Musée d’Orsay from 26 March–14 July

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France is ready for the world.

The countdown is on for Paris’ Summer Olympics , when the City of Light will transform into a living arena for the third time in history. Paris already ranks as one of the most-visited cities in the world — with nearly 36 million visitors in 2023 — but when the biggest international sporting event goes from July 26 to August 11, it’s anticipated to bring 16 million additional travelers.

Even if you missed the first round of single ticket sales last summer, don’t worry — you can still snag a spot for the Paris 2024 Games as more event tickets are steadily being released. Of course, being in the stands is only part of the fun. As you’ll read in the following guide, the competition for your hotel room dollars and free time is heating up, too.

The rings are the thing.

Where to Watch the Games

In one of many firsts, the opening ceremony on July 26 will unfold not in a stadium, but in the heart of the city itself as 160 boats filled with athletes parade along the Seine to the Trocadéro, converting the river into the main stage. A ticket scores you access to the lower quays, from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Pont d’Iéna Bridge, but spectators can post up all along the banks for a glimpse of the show, which will be broadcast on 80 giant screens.

You can also join the celebration in one of nearly 30 complimentary fan zones around the Paris region. Two of the most centrally located areas live-streaming the events will be in the 19th arrondissement in La Villette park and the Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement, by the Eiffel Tower.

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Over the course of 19 days, 329 events across 41 sports will take place in and around the capital, where landmarks like the Grand Palais will serve as a venue for fencing and taekwondo. The Games will also be held in areas surrounding the city, such as Seine-Saint-Denis, home to the Olympic and Paralympic Village. Additionally, the soccer tournament will take place in six stadiums across the country (Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille), so staying central makes traveling from one event to the next easy.

For the ultimate viewing party, head to Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Cheval Blanc Paris near Pont Neuf, whose seventh-floor panoramic terrace, Le Tout-Paris , shows off sweeping shots of the Seine and twinkling Eiffel Tower. For a medal-worthy meal, book a coveted table at the experiential Plénitude .

Hôtel de Crillon is seeing gold.

Where to Stay

If you’re lucky enough to have scored a room at the sumptuous Five-Star Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel before it sold out for the Olympics, you’ll have prime seats to new sports like breakdancing — plus skateboarding, BMX freestyle and three-on-three basketball — in Place de la Concorde, which will be converted into an urban park with four arenas, a DJ, chill zones and dining options. Paris’ City Hall, Hôtel de Ville, will be the starting point for the legendary long-distance marathon, and one of the closest hotels to the action, Le Grand Mazarin , sits catty-corner to the square and still has a few open rooms at press time.

The same goes for Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel Raphael Paris, a family-run charmer that’s only a javelin throw from the Champs-Élysées — it still has availability.

A two-minute stroll from Roland-Garros , home to the Summer Games’ tennis and boxing action, you’ll find Molitor , a hotel in the well-heeled 16th arrondissement that’s known for its centerpiece art deco pool. The pool and expansive Spa by Clarins will be welcome respites from the summer heat. Guests can watch events on screens scattered throughout the property, including the poolside bar. Another perk of staying at these high-end hotels: the concierge may have extra pull when it comes to securing restaurant reservations and tickets to popular shows.

What to See

When you need a break from cheering, Paris has plenty to win you over this summer. Musée d’Orsay ’s “Tonight with the Impressionists Paris 1874” (through August 11) is a unique experience that fully immerses you in a 19th-century art studio on Boulevard des Capucines with the help of a virtual reality headset.

Running through September 2, the Pinault Collection will be on display at the Bourse de Commerce , showcasing a curation of pieces from the 1980s that fall under the exhibition’s theme “ Le monde comme il va ” (The World As It Goes).

Given the amount of traffic and pedestrianization of parts of the city, the best way to get to these galleries (or anywhere else for that matter) is by foot or public transportation (the Métro is the most reliable option). While the central parts of Paris (Louvre, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Latin Quarter) are sure to be bustling, if you want a break from the crowds, head over to a neighborhood as scenic but with slightly less foot traffic.

In Canal Saint-Martin, for example, you can cruise along the water and admire street art, or head over to Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement, which hides in the shadow of Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur Basilica but is every bit as charming — especially now that it has cleaned up its once-seedy reputation as the red-light district. For a curated tour of the neighborhood’s history and museums, book a guided experience with an expert like Alexandra Weinress of The Seen , who can tailor the day to your taste.

You need a game plan for all of Paris’ great dining.

Where to Eat and Drink

In between events, dine in the center of the city near Les Halles at the iconic brasserie Au Pied de Cochon , which is open all day through 5 a.m.; one of the casual all-day-dining Bouillon restaurants in Pigalle or République; or at one of the buzzy Frenchie restaurants or wine bars on Rue du Nil in Sentier, near Les Halles.

The 2nd arrondissement, particularly around Sentier, is a central locale near Hôtel de Ville that’s undergoing a restaurant renaissance with newer additions like Israeli-inspired Tekés and sister spot Shana , a Mediterranean wine bar with shared plates great for casual group dining. Le Fumoir , across from the Louvre, is a favorite for apéro (pre-dinner drinks) and people-watching on the terrace, while Le Mary Celeste , in Le Marais, never fails with its whimsical small plates, craft cocktails and great selection of by-the-glass wines.

In Pigalle, you’ll now find the country’s only outpost of Soho House — a great place to post up and reset in between the action if you’re a member — plus panoramic rooftops like Hôtel Rochechouart’s 360-degree Bar sur le Toit provide one of the few spots in town where you’ll have picture-perfect Eiffel Tower views practically all to yourself.

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In Paris, the Olympics Clean Up Their Act

Organizers of the Games promise to slash greenhouse gas emissions by re-using historic buildings, adding bike lanes, even putting solar panels on the Seine. Will it work?

A pool from the 1924 Paris Olympics is getting a makeover for the 2024 games. Credit... Yulia Grigoryants for The New York Times

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By Somini Sengupta and Catherine Porter

Somini Sengupta and Catherine Porter reported across Paris and the northern suburbs in Seine Saint-Denis.

• Published March 16, 2024 Updated March 17, 2024

How do you produce a global sporting event, with millions of people swooping down on one city, in the age of global warming?

That is the test for the Paris Olympics this summer.

The organizers say they’re putting the games on a climate diet. These Olympics, they say, will generate no more than half the greenhouse gas emissions of recent Olympics. That means tightening the belt on everything that produces planet-warming emissions: electricity, food, buildings, and transportation, including the jet fuel that athletes and fans burn traveling the world to get there.

An event that attracts 10,500 athletes and an estimated 15 million spectators is, by definition, going to have an environmental toll. And that has led those who love the games but hate the pollution to suggest that the Olympics should be scattered around the world, in existing facilities, to eliminate the need for so much new construction and air travel. That’s why Paris is being watched so closely.

It is making more space for bikes and less for cars. It’s doing away with huge, diesel-powered generators, a fixture of big sporting events. It’s planning guest menus that are less polluting to grow and cook than typical French fare: more plants, less steak au poivre. Solar panels will float, temporarily, on the Seine.

But the organizers’ most significant act may be what they are not doing: They aren’t building. At least, not as much.

Instead of building new showpieces for the games (which generates lots of greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing of concrete and steel), the Paris Olympics are repurposing many of the city’s existing attractions, including the Grand Palais, the plaza known as the Concorde and even a swimming pool built for the 1924 Paris Olympics.

It’s not without controversy.

One notable emissions-reduction effort, a decision to forego conventional air-conditioning at the athletes’ village, has raised concerns. Instead, the buildings will rely on a cooling system that uses water pulled from underground. Several Olympic teams, are considering bringing their own air-conditioners.

Still the hope is that experiments like these will offer a template for other Olympics in the future, and other cities worldwide. The few new buildings that are being built, including the athletes’ housing, as well as a swimming complex and an arena, are using less cement and more wood. They have solar panels and greenery on their roofs.

The new buildings are also meant to have a life far beyond the Olympics. They’re designed to be used by local residents for decades to come and, the leaders of the Paris 2024 organizing committee say, revitalize the city’s suburbs. “We set for ourselves ambitions that have never been set for any event before, let alone have this scale,” said Georgina Grenon, who is in charge of the games’ environmental efforts.

Critics counter that, while much of what Paris is doing is commendable, particularly the limits on new construction, to truly address the climate crisis requires more than paring back emissions here and there. “We need to fundamentally rethink these huge mega events,” said Cesar Dugast, co-founder of a climate analysis group called Eclaircies. “Instead of concentrating all the events in a single city, it could be envisaged to distribute them around the world.”

‘It’s a big test’

There’s a more immediate risk facing the Olympics: climate change itself. Rising global temperatures are making Paris summers dangerously hot. That has heightened concerns about how to protect athletes and fans in late July and August.

City officials say they have planted thousands of trees in recent years to temper summer heat. They are erecting misting towers to spray the air. The search is on for wide umbrellas under which fans can wait. “We have solutions. We are preparing,” said Dan Lert, the deputy mayor in charge of preparing the city for heat. “It’s a big test.”

One major thing that sets the Paris games apart from previous Olympics is that it has imposed a limit on the total emissions it will produce. The target: Generate no more than half the greenhouse gas emissions of the 2012 Olympics, which were held in London.

London was chosen as a benchmark because the organizers there also sought to reduce emissions, and they measured them. Estimates like these are based on standard measures of, for instance, how much carbon dioxide is produced by the amount of cement used in new buildings.

The Paris organizers say they will offset those emissions by purchasing “carbon credits” to help fund emissions-reducing projects worldwide. The games organizers have not said what projects the games will fund and at what price. In any case, the market for carbon credits can be murky, with some projects not delivering on their promise.

Refashioning a historic city

What Paris is doing shows what can be done to remake an old city for a new global climate. It also shows what the limits are.

The Place de la Concorde, an 18th century plaza where guillotines were once erected during the French Revolution, this summer will be home to Olympic events like skateboarding.

The plaza is also now home to an unassuming metal box designed to spur an electricity revolution. It contains a high-powered electrical outlet connected to the national grid, enabling every big event on the plaza to throw off the shackles of diesel.

Diesel generators are the dirty secret of sports events. Typically they are trucked in to provide a stable source of power.

The Paris games have also cut a special deal with the electric utility stipulating that there be enough wind and solar energy in the grid to produce all the energy that the games consume.

When it comes to emissions, transportation is another headache. Paris has already been limiting space for cars and making space for bikes, and it’s using the games to accelerate that shift.

But the Olympics, with its huge crowds, threatens trouble for how Parisians get around their city, with many making plans to flee on vacation.

Pierre Rabadan, a former pro rugby player who is now Paris’ deputy mayor for sports, lifted his shoulders against a wind and walked briskly out of the tram stop in front of the city’s new basketball arena, at the top of Rue de la Chapelle. He pointed to an almost finished bike lane along the road, carved out of what had been a wide boulevard devoted to automobiles.

Since the election of Anne Hidalgo as mayor in 2014, Paris has added some 600 kilometers of bike lanes. Around 10 percent have been dubbed Olympistes, a play on “piste,” the French word for track.

“The problem is we built the city around cars,” Mr. Rabadan said.

Another problem is that the city’s metro system is bursting at the seams. Trains are already crowded, and workers are rushing to complete new extensions of two lines in time to serve the games.

To make room for Olympics visitors, the city has urged people to stay off the trains or work from home.

Tarzan and the old pool

Key to the organizers’ climate strategy is to build as little as possible, which is why it is tapping into a leftover from the 1924 Paris Olympics: the Georges Vallerey swimming pool.

It’s getting a new air filtration system, as well as a new roof that lets in light but keeps out heat and cold. Old wood roof beams have been repurposed as countertops. The wooden bleachers, installed at least 40 years ago, remain. Sturdy stucco walls reveal the pool’s age.

“We need not trash everything or destroy everything and put it in the bin,” said Mr. Rabadan.

The pool holds history. It is where Johnny Weissmuller, an American swimmer, won a gold medal in 1924. He went on to play Tarzan in a string of Hollywood movies, Mr. Rabadan is keen to point out.

Roughly 95 percent of the venues to be used in the 2024 games are old buildings or temporary structures. For example, several temporary pools will be built for the games, then taken apart and re-installed in communities that have a dearth of public pools.

‘A laboratory’

The Olympics, Ms. Grenon said, offer “a laboratory,” particularly when it comes to the buildings designed from scratch.

A new aquatic center, on the edge of a highway in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, is a showpiece of Douglas fir and pine. Its 5,000 square meter roof curves like a wave: The architects designed it that way to shrink the size of the building, reducing the energy needed to heat the space.

The pool is 5 meters deep only where necessary to have greater depth for diving, and shallower where it’s not. That too saves water and energy it takes to heat the water. Some of that heat will come from a nearby data center. The venue’s 5,000 seats are made from recycled plastic.

The goal, said Cécilia Gross, one of the architects, was “to do better with less.”

Rising nearby is the biggest new Olympics project: the 128-acre Athletes Village complex that is to morph into a mixed neighborhood for 6,000 residents afterward. Its builders say its emissions are at least 30 percent less than a conventional project of its size.

Timber has a starring role here, too. The village is a cluster of mostly wood-frame buildings.

While timber has its own environmental costs depending on how it’s grown, it is considered far more sustainable than concrete.

In the village, a small patch of sidewalk is paved with oyster shells that can be watered from an underground reservoir and cool the sidewalk on hot days. One experimental building is to recycle all its water. To cool the grounds, 9,000 trees have been planted, including local varieties like oaks and elms that can survive in a hotter future.

Then there’s the unconventional air conditioning.

A network of pipes, using water cooled by first being sent underground, will cool the interiors of the buildings in a technology known as a geo-exchange system. In New York City, St. Patrick’s Cathedral uses something similar, but using air instead of water. A smattering of U.S. universities are also switching to geoexchange.

Along with shade trees, insulation and a breeze from the river, the builders say indoor temperatures can be kept cool enough for the Paris summers of the future. However, the games organizers say, Olympic teams are still free to bring their own air conditioners.

The United States, Canada and Norway said they would. Australia and Ireland have too, according to press reports. The mayor, Ms. Hidalgo, in an interview with Reuters , urged teams to “trust the science.”

Léontine Gallois contributed reporting from Paris.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of a picture caption with this article stated incorrectly the location of a new electric box that replaced diesel generators. It was on the Place de la Concorde, not near the Grand Palais.

How we handle corrections

Somini Sengupta is the international climate reporter on the Times climate team. More about Somini Sengupta

Catherine Porter is an international reporter for The Times, covering France. She is based in Paris. More about Catherine Porter

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Paris aims to host the most sustainable Olympics ever – here's how the city is preparing

Paris 2024 describes the scale of its sustainability ambitions as humanity’s “greatest challenge”. Image:  Unsplash/Alexander Kagan

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Stay up to date:, urban transformation.

• Paris 2024 says its Olympic Games will be the greenest in the event’s history.
• Plans include powering the Athlete’s Village with geothermal and solar energy and doubling the amount of plant-based food served at the event.
• Food and other green choices can make a difference when they’re adopted collectively by large numbers of people, the World Economic Forum says in its latest Global Risks Report.

The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer will set new standards in sustainability, the organizers promise. However, with 800 Olympic sporting events,15,000 athletes, 45,000 volunteers and 13 million meals, organizers understand the massive scale of their sustainability ambitions. In fact, they describe these ambitions as humanity’s “greatest challenge”.

Here's how the Paris games will prioritize sustainability -- and potentially create a model for other events like it to follow.

It can be tough to stay healthy when living in a big city. The Forum is responding through its Healthy Cities and Communities initiative by working to create innovative urban partnerships, which are helping residents find a renewed focus on their physical and mental health.

In 2020, the project continued to expand to new locations and has effectively helped communities impacted by COVID-19. Our work is continuing with concrete actions in 2021 where best practices and learnings from all partner cities will be shared, allowing other cities to replicate and scale.

In Jersey City, USA the Healthy Cities and Communities initiative is working with AeroFarms to deliver locally sourced vertically farmed greens to people in need. The initiative is also helping homeless people who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

In Mumbai, India (home to more than 20 million people) the initiative is working with the local startup community and engaging them on multiple sanitation challenges.

Learn more and find out how to join the initiative in our impact story .

The world’s most sustainable Olympic Games?

The games are being described as the greenest in Olympic history, with Paris 2024 pledging to halve the event’s carbon footprint compared to the average of previous Summer Games. Planning the "most sustainable" games will mean limiting emissions to around 1.75 million tonnes of CO2. Previous summer Olympics, which include Tokyo 2020, Rio 2016 and London 2012, have emitted an average of 3.5 million tonnes of CO2, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee says. Besting emissions from Tokyo's games will be particularly remarkable as that event did not have spectators thanks to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition to avoiding and reducing emissions, the Paris 2024 sustainability strategy will incorporate offsets, investing in environmental and social projects around the world.

Have you read?

Paris is keeping buildings cool with river water, instead of air conditioning , the best way to keep cool in heatwaves plant 170,000 trees, according to paris, how the positive impact of sporting events can be felt long after they've ended, reuse and recycling at paris 2024.

Hosting the Olympics in the past has typically brought big spending on new venues. But 95% of Paris 2024 will be hosted in existing buildings or temporary infrastructure.

The Stade de France, which was originally built for the 1998 football World Cup, will host most events.

Only one new competition venue, the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis , is being built for the 2024 Olympic Games. It is solar-powered, uses natural bio-based building materials and is fitted out with recycled materials.

From renewable energy to recycled fishing nets

The Athletes' Village will also generate energy from sources like geothermal and solar power.

Athletes will sleep on mattresses made from recycled fishing nets and bed bases from reinforced cardboard, reports Luxembourg news channel RTL Today.

For biodiversity, rooftops have been built with enclosures and openings to house insects and birds. And almost 9,000 trees have been planted around the athletes’ village to attract different species.

The 2,800 Olympic apartments will be converted into homes after the games.

Sustainable travel and food choices at the 2024 Olympic Games

Other sustainable features of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games include 1,000km of cycle lanes and 200,000 new trees in the streets, reports The Guardian newspaper.

The Paris Tourist Office says 3,000 more pay-as-you-go bikes are being made available , and most Olympic venues are accessible by public transport. Around 15 million visitors are expected to visit Paris during the Olympics.

Paris 2024 has also pledged to double the amount of plant-based food it serves and halve the amount of single-use plastic used, to cut carbon emissions and reduce waste.

Why sustainable choices matter for the climate

Vegetarian diets and other low-carbon life choices, like sustainable travel, can make a difference when they’re adopted collectively by large numbers of people, the World Economic Forum says in its latest Global Risks Report 2024 .

Collective efforts like these can alter market dynamics and “move the dial on climate change mitigation,” the Forum adds. Businesses making sustainable and ethical choices are also critical to driving improvements worldwide, while collective action can help to prepare the world for global risks.

By 2034, environmental risks make up four of the top five risks identified in the report.

Extreme weather events and a critical change to Earth systems – such as a climate tipping point in global warming – are the top two risks. Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, and shortages in natural resources are also in the top four global risks.

“The actions of individual citizens, companies and countries – while perhaps insignificant on their own – can move the needle on global risk reduction if they reach a critical mass,” the Forum says.

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