No other city can make you weak at the knees the way that Paris can. For art, food, romance, or fun, Paris is a city to savor and sigh over. Enjoy joie de vivre all year-round in a city that is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.
Often imitated but never replicated, Paris remains the global benchmark for sophistication and culture. Iconic sights, magnificent avenues, cozy cafe life, artistic treasures - it's like looking at life through the perfect Instagram filter. It's hard to know where to start: views for miles from the Eiffel Tower, stained-glass perfection at Notre Dame Cathedral, the ethereal Mona Lisa at the Louvre, artist stalls and buskers at Montmartre, a boat trip along the Seine. Don't overlook a day trip to the gilded treasures of Versailles.
It doesn't have to be sightseeing overload. Find a shady spot in the Jardin du Luxembourg, or look for smaller museums and galleries away from the headlining acts. When you need a break, nurse a glass of wine on an outdoor terrace and enjoy the passing parade.
There's talk that the French invented restaurants as we know them today - and they've been perfecting the art since. Rest assured, your taste buds are in for a treat, whether your style is browsing photogenic markets for first-rate picnic supplies, window-shopping the rainbow-colored creations at upmarket patisseries, noshing at classic neighborhood bistros or dressing up to visit glorified temples to gastronomie.
It's best to avoid the overly touristy, and hone in on bistros for fine plates of classic French cuisine. If you're after fine dining and Michelin stars, you're in the right city - but book ahead! In the right weather, you can't go wrong with a crusty baguette, some cheese, some wine and a picnic rug.
If you can find time among the sightseeing and eating, there's plenty of motivation for shopping. Fashion is, of course, synonymous with Paris, and many of the world's great designers call the city home. If that's too fancy, the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is tagged as the world's biggest flea market (it has more than 2500 stalls).
There are street markets, vintage boutiques, and department stores to raid, and neighborhood backstreets are filled with whimsical specialty stores. All over town are exquisite mementos - especially gourmet ones. How many bottles of wine or wheels of cheese can you fit in your bag? Will your gift of exquisitely wrapped macarons make it home to your friend, or will you be too tempted to eat them yourself?
With its wealth of museums, restaurants and cultural sights, Paris is a great city to visit year-round. High season is June-September and the whole of December, so make sure to book well in advance if you plan on traveling then.
Paris is home to 7 major train stations, all servicing different areas of the country. With so many options, it’s a great place to start your France trip.
The Euro is the currency used in Paris. Be sure to exchange cash before you arrive or at any bureau de change throughout the city. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Paris is famous for its metro system. There’s also a public bus network and taxi apps such as Uber and Lyft.
Tipping in Paris is not mandatory but a tip of 5-10% is considered polite if you’ve received good service.
