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Plan Your Trip to Paris: Best of Paris Tourism

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Paris, France

Paris lives up to its hype: A city with unbelievable food and culture, plus stunning views everywhere you turn. With 18 arrondissements, it’s a lot to see in one trip, but each neighborhood has a personality all its own. You can’t miss the iconic 7th, where art and history meet—there’s the Eiffel Tower, sure, but the impressive Musée du quai Branly is just a short walk away. It houses an amazing collection of indigenous art. Or, hit up Montmartre (the 18th), with its boho shops and cozy brasseries. It’s a must-stop on the way up or down from Sacre Coeur. While the French practically invented fine dining, don’t skip the street food—Paris has world-class kebabs and falafel. But no matter where you are, be sure to pop into a sidewalk cafe, sip a glass of wine, and people watch—it’s the way to get a taste of true Parisian culture.

Travel Advice

The perfect three days in Paris

What to do on your next escape
Read on

The perfect mother-daughter trip to Paris

Paris is the ultimate destination for a girls’ trip—especially if your travel companion is your daughter. I recently visited the City of Light with my 10 year old in tow, and together we enjoyed a magical, flowery, delicious adventure that she talked about for weeks. Read on for how we spent our time as a mother-daughter duo in Paris.
  • Bateaux Mouches
    8,458
    There are many options for boat rides down the Seine, but our favorite was the dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches. Not only is it a great way to see the city (including the Eiffel Tower, which sparkles in the evening), but you also get to enjoy a four-course dinner and live music while taking in the sights. If you’re not one for floating restaurants, consider booking one of the day cruises instead—you’ll still get epic, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Palais Galliéra
    343
    My daughter is into fashion, so we made it a priority to visit the Palais Galliéra on our trip. The museum, which is housed in a Renaissance-inspired palace just a short walk from some of the top haute couture boutiques in Paris, holds more than 200,000 items related to the history of fashion, including photos of famous designers and my daughter’s favorite: 18th-century dresses.
  • Palace of Versailles
    27,639
    The former home of King Louis XVI, the Palace of Versailles captivated both me and my daughter for hours. We took the train right from Gare du Nord and then spent the entire day exploring the museum interior, picnicking in the park, and strolling through the perfectly manicured gardens. We also enjoyed renting a rowboat and paddling along the Grand Canal.
  • Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
    7,799
    The sprawling Galeries Lafayette department store is about way more than just shopping. There are restaurants, a new spa, and a range of experiences, from cooking classes to guided history tours. My daughter and I opted for the macaron making class, led by an esteemed French pastry chef. It was so much fun making the shells, adding the ganache, and, of course, tasting our handiwork. Held in a quiet corner of Galeries Lafayette, right in the heart of the Opera district, the class makes for a great pre-dinner-and-a-show activity.
  • Pink Mamma
    2,678
    Pink Mama is a popular Italian restaurant housed in a cute, rose-colored building—a.k.a. the ideal spot for a mother-daughter meal. The garden-themed space, with its artwork, mismatched tableware, and pops of color, is incredibly Insta-worthy, and the menu is full of indulgent dishes like lobster risotto and Neapolitan-style pizza topped with fresh truffles. Split the tiramisu for dessert.
  • Carette
    851
    In Paris, you could eat a croissant at a different spot everyday and never run out of new places to visit. Trust me, we tried. Our favorite of the bunch was Carette, where we paired flaky pastries with rich cups of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). Everything was delicious, the decor is classic and elegant, and the views of Place des Vosges from your table make eating here extra special.
  • Le Bois de Boulogne
    407
    One day on our trip, we picked up a baguette, lots of cheese, and some fruit and had a picnic in the stunning Le Bois de Boulogne park on the city’s western side. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1852, it’s the second-largest park in Paris and home to landscaped gardens, several lakes, a waterfall, and even a zoo and amusement park. We chose a sunny spot in the park surrounding the Château de Bagatelle and enjoyed our lunch in view of the castle.
  • Palais Garnier
    20,016
    The opulent Palais Garnier opera house plays host to everything from chamber music concerts to famous operas, but my daughter and I came here to see the Paris Opera Ballet. We saw a show that my daughter herself had performed in back home and it was just spectacular. The baroque architecture and grandness of the opera house only added to the magic.
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Paris Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Paris

Chrissie

Try and speak French as much as you can! Even if Paris is an international city, we do like it when people talk to us in our own language or at least try to!

8judy4

You will not be brought your bill after you finish in a restaurant or cafe. It’s considered rude and pushy. You need to ask for it.

luvplayacar

Pack small! … The buildings are old and the stairways are small and narrow and the elevators say they will fit 8, but not 8 US citizens with large luggage.

Ria

Make sure to buy your tickets to museums online and print them or have them ready to go on your phone. Also, read all of the details on your tickets, what way you don't wait an extra half hour in the yellow line instead of the short green line I was supposed to go to at the Eiffel Tower.

Márcio F

Paris is magical! From its pretty and remarkable landscapes to its inspiring cafes, Paris has a unique combination of traditional architecture, rich history, pleasant parks and squares, original cuisine and special spirit of life.

Amy

There is always something new and exciting to see here, whether you have been here once or several times.

FaboFinds

In Paris, venturing off the beaten path is very easy, there are little gems hidden everywhere in plain sight.

PaulSnood

You can discover a new city in Paris in every arrondissement. Every time I return I make sure to stay in a new and different part of the city and spend most of my trip exploring there.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Paris is served by two international airports: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (the second busiest airport in Europe) and Paris-Orly.

train

The Gare du Nord is a major transit hub for trains to Northern France and to international destinations in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Paris from overseas, use the government’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June to August): Summer is festival season in Paris, with highlights including Paris L'Eté, Fnac Live, and Solidays, while the Bastille Day fireworks draw huge crowds and the Paris Plages festival brings the beach to the banks of the Seine. Temperatures average highs in the 70s F (20s C) and lows in the 50s F (Teens C).

Alternatively, visit over the holiday season, when Christmas markets, NYE parties, and festive illuminations show the City of Lights at its most atmospheric. During the holiday season Paris sees average highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s (10 to 0 C).

Get around

bicycle

Vélib' is a bike-share system with thousands of bicycle stations located across Paris and in some surrounding municipalities. Visitors can purchase a one- or seven-day subscription either at the docking stations or online.

train

RATP operates its metro and RER services daily from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m (2:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). The metro system is the city’s local underground subway network servicing central Paris and the RER is the regional express network. More information about the network and fares can be found online.

bus

RATP operates Paris’ local bus system daily from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m (2:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). At night, the Noctilien night bus network takes over, operating 47 bus lines from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. More information about the network and fares can be found online.

taxis

Hailing down a taxi on the street in Paris can be difficult so it is best to find an official taxi stand. You can also book a taxi online or on your smartphone here.

ridesharing

Uber and Bolt are readily available in Paris on your smartphone.

scooters

Cityscoot is an electronic scooter-sharing scheme which offers scooter rental through an app on your smartphone.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Central European Standard Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in France is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The plug has two round pins.

What is the currency?

The Euro

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not obligatory in France, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Walking

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Try to speak the language

Learn a few basic phrases as a sign of respect. Locals will often switch to English for your ease and comfort but they appreciate the effort.

Always greet people

A courteous, formal greeting in French, “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame,” is always appreciated — this includes shop attendants, wait staff, hotel staff, drivers.

Don’t talk loudly in public

It is considered rude and ugly.

Don’t expect fast service

Sales assistants in shops or wait staff in restaurants won’t approach you straight away — giving people time and space is an important part of French culture. Also, don’t expect wait staff to give you the bill when your meal is finished, you will have to ask for it.

Paris travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Public Transport Overview

According to forum posts, Paris offers a variety of public transportation options, including buses, metros, and trams. The extensive network is managed by RATP, and details on routes and schedules can be accessed on their official website ratp.fr.

Metro and Bus Details

Travelers have noted that the metro is the fastest way to navigate the city, with extensive coverage that allows you to be no more than 500 m from a station or bus stop within the city. The RER train is highlighted as a direct and efficient option for longer distances within the city, such as traveling to Disneyland Paris.

Bus Routes for Sightseeing

Some travelers have recommended specific bus routes for sightseeing. For example, Bus 69 is praised for passing by several major tourist destinations. Moreover, comprehensive bus route maps and schedules can be found on the RATP website, which helps in planning trips to popular destinations like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

Cost and Tickets

Posts mention that a single metro or bus ride costs €1.90, and there are options for passes depending on the length of stay and travel needs. The Navigo Decouverte pass is specifically called out as handy for unlimited weekly travel.

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Location Preferences

According to forum posts, many travelers prefer staying in central areas such as the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements due to their proximity to major attractions like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. The Latin Quarter and Le Marais are particularly favored for their charming neighborhoods and good metro connectivity.

Hotel Recommendations

Some travelers suggested specific hotels based on their experiences. Hotel Britannique in the 1st arrondissement is noted for its charm and central location, although rooms are small. Hotel Marais Bastille was highly recommended for its good reviews and proximity to local transport. For those looking for a budget option, Ibis Styles Paris Meteor Avenue d'Italie in the 13th arrondissement was mentioned as a good value with decent metro access.

Budget Considerations

Travelers have called out that central locations generally come with higher prices. Budget-conscious visitors might need to look in slightly less central areas but can still find good connectivity through public transport. The posts highlighted that budget options are more likely found outside of the very central arrondissements, yet still accessible by metro.

Booking Tips

For the best rates and potentially additional perks like free breakfast, some users recommended booking directly through the hotel’s official website. This might offer better deals compared to third-party booking sites.

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Day Trip Options

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended several day trips from Paris. Rouen and Reims are popular choices, with Rouen known for its compact size and interesting architecture, and Reims for its historical sites like the Cathedral and Museum of the Surrender. Both cities are accessible within 45 minutes to 1 hour by train.

Activities and Attractions

Some users mentioned the possibility of visiting châteaux close to Paris, such as Malmaison or Fontainebleau, which are suitable for cold weather visits. For those interested in art and scenery, Chartres is suggested for its magnificent cathedral and stained glass.

Alternative Suggestions

For those looking for outdoor activities, Fontainebleau offers opportunities for hiking and biking in its adjacent forest. Provins, another recommended destination, is noted for its medieval architecture and seasonal events, although it's best visited in warmer months as some attractions might close during winter.

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Local and Tourist Favorites

According to forum posts, popular restaurant recommendations in Paris include Fish La Boissonnerie for seafood options, Cocottes near the Eiffel Tower for French cuisine, and Chez Janou in the Marais district for its Boeuf Bourguignon. Le Train Bleu is also noted for its beautiful decor and good service, located in a train station.

Unique Dining Experiences

Some travelers have mentioned enjoying L'Ange 20 for its great food and reasonable prices. Le Grand Véfour, known for its historic significance and impressive setting in the Palais-Royal arcade, offers a memorable dining experience, despite mixed reviews about the food quality.

Diverse Cuisine Options

For a variety of cuisines, Kubri in the 11th arrondissement offers Middle Eastern/African fusion dishes, and Yaya provides Greek fusion cuisine. Both places are highlighted for their vibrant atmospheres and innovative menus.

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Official Websites

According to forum posts, the best practice for purchasing tickets to Paris attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower is to use their official websites. For example, tickets for the Louvre can be bought from louvre.fr, and Eiffel Tower tickets from toureiffel.paris. This ensures authenticity and avoids potential scams from third-party resellers.

Timing and Availability

Some travelers mentioned that it's crucial to buy tickets in advance, especially for popular attractions, as they can sell out quickly. For instance, Eiffel Tower tickets are available online 60 days before the visit and tend to sell out fast. However, for some museums like the Musée d'Orsay, you might still be able to purchase general admission tickets on-site if online tickets are sold out for your desired date.

Flexible Ticket Options

For those seeking flexibility, some users have noted that the Parisinfo website offers non-date specific e-tickets for various museums, which might not always allow priority entry but provide the convenience of not being tied to a specific date. Always compare prices and conditions on the official venue websites and check what exactly the ticket entails regarding entry privileges.

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Lounge Availability

According to forum posts, CDG airport offers several lounge options, primarily located airside, meaning access is generally restricted to passengers with boarding passes for flights departing from specific terminals. For instance, the Air Canada Maple Lounge is mentioned as being in Terminal 2A.

Lounge Features

Some travelers have noted that the Air France lounges in Terminal 2E offer various amenities, with the lounge in Hall L being particularly praised for its offerings. However, access to lounges may depend on the terminal from which you are departing, as movement between terminals can be restricted.

Alternative Options

For those without access to the exclusive lounges, or when specific lounges are closed, options such as the Instant Lounge in Terminal 2E, which provides basic comfort and a café, are available. Also, there are general seating areas and food services like Starbucks available across various terminals.

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Hotel Suggestions

Some travelers have recommended the Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg, which is located across from Luxembourg Garden and offers family rooms or adjacent rooms forming a suite. Prices and specific features were not detailed, but its proximity to Luxembourg Garden was highlighted as beneficial for families.

Apartment and Aparthotel Options

For families preferring more space, aparthotels like Citadines and Adagio were suggested. These properties offer the conveniences of a hotel with the additional space and amenities of an apartment, which can be particularly advantageous for families. The exact details regarding price and location were not given, but the general recommendation was for their practicality in family accommodation.

Specific Hotel Recommendations

The Hotel de Suez in the Latin Quarter was noted for its central location and recent renovations, making it a promising option for families. Another suggestion was the hotel residence near the Eiffel Tower, which offers historic charm and family-friendly accommodations, although specifics on pricing and room features were not provided.

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Purchase Locations

According to forum posts, a Navigo Découverte pass can be bought at any Metro station with a ticket window or any RER station. Travelers have specifically mentioned purchasing the pass at major transport hubs such as Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Gare du Nord, and Orly Airport.

Additional Purchase Details

Some travelers mentioned that the pass requires a photo sized 25x30 mm, which you can bring from home or obtain at the station. It costs €5 for the card itself and additional fees depending on the weekly or monthly travel requirements. The pass covers all zones in the Île-de-France region, including travel to locations such as Disneyland Paris and Versailles.

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