The original Paris is located on the Cité and Saint Louis islands. Its development took place by absorbing the surrounding small towns and villages.. But all of them have kept their colors, their stories, their daily habits. It is undoubtedly the multiplicity of its faces which makes the irresistible charm of Paris. Here is all our information to visit Paris serenely!
Traveling to Paris, an unforgettable experience
It is when you go out to distract yourself that you will best perceive its contrasts: run down Oberkampf Street looking for a restaurant or a Parisian bistro and you will rub shoulders with a predominantly young population, from a cultural and mixed background. If you want to go out near the Champs-Élysées in a trendy nightclub or famous cabaret, you will quickly realize that you have just moved from one world to another.
The surrounding luxury is matched only by the intoxication of the previous bar! Finally, a stroll in the Parisian parks and gardens will allow you to understand why the city is so romantic. Paris is also a rebellious city, marked by the vicissitudes of history, which also shaped the geography of the city. The capital has struggled to adapt to all the changes, but it is managing to absorb everything, little by little. The Eiffel Tower is probably the best example!
The Champs Elysées
Paris will always be Paris
Paris is above all a city that explores, contemplates itself. For those who like to visit in the noble sense of the term, the city is a big treat. The possibilities are endless! Historical monuments, Unesco world heritage, museums with inestimable collections, districts with typical charms, the banks of the Seine… Paris has a culture of its own. Despite the inconvenience linked to urban saturation, this allows it to remain in the global collective unconscious, the most beautiful city in the world.
The magic of Paris
Paris is also the city of lovers and romantic vacations. The city of light is also, let us remember, one of the world's fashion capitals. If your budget does not allow you to play the "Pretty Woman" place Vendôme, stroll around the Châtelet! Whatever your tendencies, you will find what you are looking for. But the most beautiful gift will be this kiss on the Pont Alexandre III that you will not fail to give him ...
The Alexandre III bridge
Visiting Paris is to be full of culture but also of relaxation. Thereby, the city has amusement and leisure parks envied by many countries. The city is also well served by the public transport network, which will allow you to join your visits fairly quickly. But the magic operated by Paris on us, humble traveler, is there: we cannot humanely go around it all at once. We go 2, 3, 10 times! If the capital of France is not the most pleasant city to live in on a daily basis (and again, that is debatable), it is undoubtedly the most wonderful city to discover.
In which season to go to Paris?
The most visited capital in the world welcomes crowds of tourists throughout the year thanks to its charm as traditional as it is modern, able to sublimate whatever the season. The most lenient period in terms of climatic conditions is from May to October. Often sunny and little subject to downpours during this period, the city then sees crowds of tourists invest all the best known of its many tourist sites. If you want to visit Paris in peace, prefer the months of July and especially August because the capital is then emptied of its inhabitants who escape to the countryside or to the sea to take advantage of the summer.
️️ PRACTICAL TIPS : consult our climate forecast for each month of the year. You will then know when to go to Paris!
If Paris bears the nickname of City of Light, it is not only because of its history but also because it is capable of really creating wonder in the hearts of its tourists. To be convinced, there is nothing like visiting Paris during the end of the year celebrations. Montmartre, Saint Germain des Prés and especially the Champs Élysées are adorned with their most beautiful garlands and illuminations, a magical spectacle that we highly recommend!
What budget should you plan for during your stay?
Here, no surprises, Paris is an expensive city that requires a solid budget to enjoy all these paying artifices. It is estimated that the cost of living is on average 25% higher than the French national average. Accommodation shows particularly high prices. Even the few youth hostels rarely go below 20 euros per night, while the palaces are reserved for an elite. Mid-range hotels remain expensive, despite a downward trend imposed by competition from AirBnb.
Hotel de Cluny
As for food, the many restaurants allow you to vary the pleasures, but also the prices. From kebab at 6 euros to the overpriced gourmet menu, all tastes are represented, even if most restaurants are quite expensive. The price of the metro ticket is 1,80 euros. At this price, you will travel wherever you want in the capital but will have to buy one again each time you exit the metro. There are passes for several days and the capital is well endowed with Vélibs (the famous self-service bicycles) or scooters which tend to invade the roads and sidewalks.
Many Uber cruises around the capital, ready to take you anywhere for less than Parisian taxis. Finally, in terms of activities, museums can be expensive (Le Louvre, 12 euros) but the city offers a multitude of free activities, long historical walks and breathtaking views (we think of the Sacré-Coeur), a good way to reduce the costs of your trip.
How to reach the French capital?
For foreigners or faraway provincials, it can be very interesting to go to Paris by plane. The most visited capital in the world enjoys the presence of multiple airlines, from classics and history to low-cost. From neighboring countries, it is not uncommon to find return tickets for less than 50 euros. Be careful though, low-cost airlines sometimes land you in Beauvais, a city north of Paris, which considerably lengthens the trip. The train is also a pleasant means of transport because the multiple stations in the capital allow you to find yourself directly in the heart of Paris.
Well connected to the province with the Intercités and TGVs or to its neighbors like Belgium with the Thalys, Paris is historically a railway city. This is evidenced by the charming, somewhat outdated architecture of Saint-Lazare or Lyon stations. However, keep in mind that the train is no longer really a cheap means of transport. Unless you do it well in advance, it is generally more expensive than the plane! By the road, you can reach Paris by bus thanks to the presence of many companies which carry tourists from the province (with Ouibus and Flixbus in particular) or from neighboring countries (with Eurolines). Inexpensive and better and better equipped, the buses are used more and more, but the journeys are sometimes long so take your troubles patiently. We always recommend them more than the car, which will be difficult and expensive to park!
How to get around Paris?
Public transport is highly developed and makes it easy to get around the capital. The metro is its most emblematic representative. The Paris metro began operating in 1900 and today has sixteen lines. The service is of good quality since the distance between two stations rarely exceeds 500 m. Improvement programs have also emerged, thanks to the tram and Vélib ', which favor a more positive impact on the environment. The tram reappeared, providing the transverse service that was lacking in the suburbs. The five RER lines are train lines serving both the suburbs and the center of Paris. The Parisian agglomeration also has a large network of bus lines managed by the RATP.
Getting around Paris
The capital also has taxis, the prices of which are relatively attractive. You can also travel with Uber, a VTC company present in the capital. Paris has six major railway stations (Gare du Nord, Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare de l'Est, Gare Montparnasse, Gare de Lyon and Gare d'Austerlitz) providing both mainline and suburban traffic. Finally, since the end of the 1990s, a network of cycle paths is growing year by year. Following the examples of Rennes and Lyon, the City of Paris launched on July 15, 2007 a self-service bicycle rental system, called Vélib '.
What are the gastronomic specialties of Paname?
If France is the country of gastronomy, it owes it to the whole of its territory which, each in its own way, contributes to French fame throughout the world. Visiting Paris is an opportunity for foreigners to taste a good baguette or croissants accompanied by a coffee., all this standing, leaning on the zinc of a typical bistro. The small breweries that dot the capital also serve cheese plates (especially local bries, from Meaux or Melun) or cold meats. More specifically, the city offers its Parisian escalope, veal soaked in beaten egg then flour before being seared on the fire.
Parisian gastronomy
You can also enjoy a gratinée from Les Halles, a local onion soup to which is added a layer of Gruyère. Meat aficionados will prefer a good beef mironton or the famous bites à la Reine, garnished with mushrooms and a royal-style bechamel sauce. Finally, Paris is a past master in the art of pastry making. Opéra, Moka, Bourdaloue tart complete the long list of its sweets, which prominently feature egg flan, Paris-Brest or even Saint-Honoré.
What is the best area in Paris to sleep in?
Paris is a permanent party, but even the most assiduous of the night owls have to put down their suitcases for a moment in a cozy nest to rest from their crazy evenings. The French capital offers a multitude of accommodation, rarely cheap but the standard of which varies greatly from one district to another.. Full bank accounts will choose the dream by opting for the Champs-Élysées district. Luxury boutiques, trendy art galleries and very high-end palaces, the night will be golden but not cheap! In the Faubourg Saint-Germain, nestled in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, the prices will not be much lower, but you will benefit from the proximity of the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars and a lively district.
Champ de Mars
Smaller scholarships will be slightly off-center in the Opera and Grands Boulevards district. Even if the top-of-the-range accommodation is well represented there, lovers of architecture and refined shows can stay there for 25 euros, provided they are willing to sacrifice a little of their comfort in a youth hostel, such as that of Vintage Paris Gare du Nord for example. The Latin Quarter offers the same hotel diversity. With the Pantheon, the Sorbonne and the many cafes that welcome students who come to eat during their breaks, the district is still very popular with tourists who love art and history. Finally, we could mention the Louvre district to stroll in the Tuileries Garden, the Marais to enjoy its dynamic night-life or of course Montmartre and its breathtaking view!
What are the emblematic monuments to discover?
Visiting Paris is above all immersing yourself in history of a city that has gradually integrated into its architecture multiple monuments, symbols of its rich past. One could not walk the streets of the capital without paying homage to the Iron Lady, who watches over the city since the Universal Exhibition of 1889. Not far from there, the Arc de Triomphe recalls the past glories of the Empire, just like the Pantheon which houses most of the Great Men who made the history of France. Visiting Paris also allows you to follow the thread of the history of Christendom. by investing in places steeped in religious history such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre or Notre Dame and its two imposing towers.
The Sacred Heart
An authentic visit cannot be without a detour through the most famous of Parisian cemeteries. Père Lachaise is the most visited, but those of Montparnasse and Montmartre also welcome big names to whom it is pleasant to pay homage in these places protected from the noise of the city. Finally, visiting Paris is also an opportunity to get lost in multiple streets and squares, often adorned with smaller but equally impressive monuments. We think of the Fontaine des Victoires, located on the place of the same name, the Vendôme column which watches over the goldsmiths of the capital or the Place de la Bastille and its column commemorating the revolution of 1830. Do not hesitate to get lost because visiting Paris is also leaving the door open to the past, which will only reveal itself to the most curious who will explore the city on foot!
To read to complete your visit:
The 15 must-see places to see in Paris
Where to stroll in the French capital?
Paris is also known for some of its large parks and gardens, as well as its banks. Explore the city for a stroll on foot, by bike… or by boat!
Boulogne wood
It was on his return from Boulogne sur Mer that Philippe le Bel built a chapel in this forest, which he therefore named Boulogne. Today, this former hunting ground of the Kings of France is part of the Parisian landscape : you can walk there, of course, but also go camping or watch horse races in the racetracks of Longchamp and Auteuil.
The Bois de Vincennes
This wood is the largest green space in Paris. It is located to the east of the capital and has witnessed many episodes in the history of Paris. Indeed, there were important events, such as the Olympic Games of 1900, the Colonial Exhibition of 1931, and the War of 1870. Today, as you stroll through this immense landscaped space, you will find a hippodrome, a flower park or even a zoo.
Parc Monceau
One of Marcel Proust's favorite parks, this park is also one of many Parisians. As you walk there, you will discover statues of famous men, such as Maupassant or Chopin.
Monceau park
The Parc Montsouris
This park is a pretty English garden. You will be able sit on the lawn and enjoy the surrounding calm. The Montsouris park is open every day.
The Buttes-Chaumont Park
It is a 23 hectare park, laid out in 1866. Its drop is impressive! You will see cliffs, lookouts, a suspension bridge and lawns to rest. This park is unlike any other in Paris! There is even a skate track, for the more athletic.
The Luxembourg Garden
This garden, wanted by Marie de Médicis, was created in 1612. A fountain also bears the name of the queen. The charm of the Luxembourg Gardens is described in a number of novels. For example, Cosette often comes for a walk with Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables". Nowadays, if it is visited by many tourists, it still remains a neighborhood garden and it is very easy to forget that you are in one of the largest capitals in the world. In particular, you can play tennis, chess and even receive beekeeping lessons.
The Luxembourg Garden
Garden plants
The Jardin des Plantes was created with a scientific aim. The species were then studied there. Today nothing has changed! It hosts a Natural History Museum, but the scientific spirit is also accompanied by fun activities which are more contemporary to us. So, discover a labyrinth, a menagerie, but also greenhouses, an alpine garden or a French garden.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
The Père Lachaise cemetery was initially a park, until the day when the local authorities took public health measures. Cemeteries were thus created in Paris, including this one, which we owe to Théodore Brongniart. You will discover the greatest names in history, artists and politicians from all eras.
Paris Charms & Secrets
A guide will show you around Paris by electric bike, while telling you anecdotes about the capital. It is possible to book all year round. For those who are cold, you can also rent a heated jacket.
Paris plague
When every year, Paris Plage brings out its tons of sand, the whole city suddenly takes on the air of a maritime city. If you visit Paris in summer, take advantage of this huge popular festival!
To read also: After Paris Plages… the beach invites itself in the cities of France
Where to take your children in Paris?
If there is a world famous theme park, it is Disneyland Paris, in Marne la Vallée! There is however other places of recreation to do with your children, like the Foire du Trône in Bercy or the Cité des Sciences.
Disneyland Paris: the American-style park
Disneyland Paris is a park of adventure and wonders. Whether it's storming into space in Space Mountain, being propelled into the fourth dimension in the Tower of Terror or taking a dolls world tour in "It's a small world". ", Disney magic still happens. Take the time to attend one of the many parades and see all the characters who rocked your childhood ...
Disneyland Paris
La Foire du Trône: the French fair
The oldest funfair in France is over 1000 years old: it's the Foire du Trône in Paris. It is located close to the Bois de Boulogne. This family event will attract young and old, between March and May.
The City of Science and Industry: the museum where you do everything
Want to combine fun and education? Then the City of Science and Industry is made for you! Located in La Villette, this huge museum is interactive. A space dedicated to children will allow them to touch and do scientific experiments. Different workshops are also offered all year round!
Useful information
Remember to read these practical information before visiting Paris. You will find the address of the Tourist Office, passes and sites labeled Tourism and Handicap.
- Tourist Office : The Paris tourist office is present in different places in the French capital. You will find these places on their official website.
- Tourism and Handicap websites: You will find a list of sites with the Tourism and Handicap label on a dedicated page of the tourist office.
- Paris Museum Pass : It is a real skip-the-line for the permanent collections of more than 50 Parisian and Ile-de-France museums and monuments. For a period of 2, 4 or 6 consecutive days and unlimited entries. Find more information on the conditions on the dedicated site.
- Sites to discover:
- Check the weather forecast in Paris
- Paris photo: many photos of Paris
Vibrate in the City of Light
Do you have an anecdote to tell us on your visit to Paris ? Tell us all about it in the comments!
