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The 50 Best Things to Do in Paris

Unique things to do in paris.

With so many gorgeous things to do in Paris, it’s no wonder that the French capital is on the top of so many people’s bucket lists. Some of the must-do unique experiences in Paris include photographing the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Louvre, admiring the stunning Notre Dame, and seeing the world-famous cabaret at the Moulin Rouge, but there’s much more!

If you’re planning a trip to Paris or even just dreaming about a trip, then this list of the 50 best things to do in Paris is going to provide you with some great inspiration. In this comprehensive list, we don’t just list the top things to do in Paris, but also some of the more unique things to do in Paris.

One thing for sure is that there are so many wonderful and fun things to do in Paris that you’ll need to book multiple trips to enjoy them all. Use this Paris things-to-do list as a little checklist if you wish, and happy exploring!

Top 50 Things to Do in Paris

In no particular order, here is our list of the 50 best things to do in Paris.

1- Watch the Sunrise on the Seine

For the early rises, head down to the Seine just before dawn and be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the city of Paris.  One of the best spots to watch the sunrise over the Seine is from the gorgeous Pont Alexandre III , where you’ll have a great view of the Eiffel Tower.

2- Admire the Exterior of Beautiful Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral is and will always be the beating heart of Paris. Despite the devastating fire in April 2019, which destroyed part of the cathedral, a visit to Notre Dame is still one of the most iconic places in Paris for tourists to visit.

While you won’t be able to explore inside this gorgeous cathedral, you can still get reasonably close and admire her beauty from the outside. Our Lady of Paris is still watching over Paris and the Parisians from the rose window of the west facade.

3- Explore Medieval Ile de la Cité

Ile de la Cité is one of two small islands in the center of Paris and is the location where the medieval city was established. This is the historic center and one of the oldest areas in Paris.

Today three main medieval buildings remain on Ile de la Cité – the Cathedral of Notre Dame , Sainte Chapelle , and the Conciergerie where Marie-Antionette awaited execution in 1793. But of course, there’s much more to explore!

4- Admire the Amazing Stained Glass Windows at Sainte Chapelle

Located on Ile de la Cité, and just a short stroll from Notre Dame, this gorgeous chapel was built in the early 13th century by King Louis IX – also known as Saint Louis – and has one of the world’s best display of stained glass .

If you want to  visit the Sainte-Chapelle  in all its glory, the best time to visit is during sunset.

5- Browse the Bouquinistes’ Stalls along the Seine

As you walk along the Seine River, you can’t miss the numerous bouquinistes’ stalls.  These stalls sell a range of items such as second-hand books, magazines, and artwork.  This is the perfect place for tourists to come and purchase a few souvenirs.

The tradition of selling used books along the Seine started in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6- Explore the Iconic Artworks at the Louvre

From the Royal Palace to the world’s most visited museum in the world, you cannot miss the Louvre , one of the most iconic sites in Paris!

Cross the glass pyramid and wander aimlessly through its maze of galleries, with iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa, The Coronation of Napoleon, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, or the Venus de Milo.

If your time in Paris is limited, but still you don’t want to miss one of the most famous museums in the world, we tell you how to make the most of the Louvre in 2 hours or less .

7- Walk through the Tuileries Gardens

Either before or after you visit the Louvre, be sure to stop by the nearby Tuileries Gardens . This is a lovely place to relax with friends and family or to explore the beautiful gardens, particularly in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

During the warmer months, you will find a range of stalls selling ice cream and pastries as well as many artists creating gorgeous artworks.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Tuileries Gardens whilst having fun, you can also arrange your own self-guided scavenger hunt in the Tuileries Garden .

8- Discover the Secret Covered Passages of Paris

While many tourists are familiar with all the iconic buildings and monuments in Paris, they may not be aware of Paris’ secret passages .  During the 18 th and 19thcenturies, there were more than 150 of these passages; however, only a few remain these days.

These charming passages that are dotted throughout the city are indoor laneways filled with boutique stores and cafes. The passages themselves are complete works of art, with their colorful stained glass roofs, mosaic floors, stunning architecture, and antique décor.

Some of the passages to explore include Passage des Panoramas , Galerie Vivienne, and Passage du Grand-Cerf .

9- Watch the World Go by from the Terrace of a Parisian Café

The streets of Paris are lined with gorgeous little cafes, and one of the best ways to enjoy the Parisian Cafés is to sit outside on the terrace and watch the world go.

This will not only give you a chance to indulge in some delicious Parisian food but also get a glimpse into the lives of local Parisian people as they go about their day-to-day business.

10- See Paris from the Summit of the Eiffel Tower

No doubt for many visitors, one of the must-do in Paris is to go to the summit of the Eiffel Tower . The Eiffel Tower is not only one of the most recognizable structures in the world, but with millions of visitors every year, it is also considered to be the most visited paid tourist attraction.

Opened in 1889 for the Paris World Fair, the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high, which is the tallest structure in Paris. The tower has three levels, with restaurants being on the first and second levels.  Levels one and two can be reached via stairs or a lift, but the top level, which sits at 276 meters, can only be reached by a lift. From the Eiffel Tower’s summit, you will enjoy great views of Paris.

It can be very busy at the Eiffel Tower, and so it is recommended to purchase your tickets well in advance .

11- Explore the Bohemian Neighborhood of Montmartre

One of the most popular areas of Paris to explore is Montmartre , a picturesque bohemian district with a very particular atmosphere that was an independent village from Paris until the 19th century.

Put on a good pair of walking shoes and stroll around the narrow hilly streets. Use this self-guided walking tour with a map to explore the main sights and learn the stories and legends behind them.

Admire the quaint and colorful shop fronts that line the streets, pop into several of the little stores along the way, or relax at one of the many cozy little cafés or Montmartre restaurants that spill onto the streets.

If you prefer to visit the Montmartre off the beaten path, then have a look at our Secret Map of Montmartre .

12- See the Can Can Dancers at the Moulin Rouge

For an evening of fun, head to the Moulin Rouge to see one of the most iconic cabarets in Paris. Running since 1889, at the Moulin Rouge, as well as witnessing the crazy cancan dance , you’ll see a range of world-class acts.

This is one of the most unique things to do in Paris, so be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Although the Moulin Rouge has multiple shows every night, it is a sell-out most nights.

The basic ticket includes a glass of champagne but you can also book the Moulin Rouge dinner-show for a perfect night out in Paris.

13- Spoil yourself with a Hotel with Eiffel Tower Views

Imagine waking up to a view of the Eiffel Tower every morning during your visit to Paris?  Well, it is possible to do just that as there are numerous hotels in Paris with fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower.

Some of the best Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower views include the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Shangri-La Hotel , or Hotel Plaza Athenée but there are many more. Because there is nothing like an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower to say you’re in the City of Lights…

14- Enjoy a Traditional French Breakfast

During your trip to Paris, you’ll no doubt enjoy at least a few typical French breakfasts. Unlike most parts of the world, a typical French breakfast is a fairly light meal consisting of bread, a pastry like a croissant or pain au chocolat, jam, yogurt or cheese, and of course, orange juice, coffee, or tea.

15- Explore the City by Bike

While on foot would have to be the best way to explore Paris, for those wanting to give their feet a rest, why not hire a bike and explore the city. Paris by bike is great as there are plenty of bike paths and bike lanes around the city.

There are some great cycling routes designed to show you the best landmarks around the city as well as a range of places where you can rent a bike. Alternatively, you can always join one of the organized bike tours that cover Paris’ highlights.

16- Search the City for the Best View of the Eiffel Tower

On top of every tourist’s list is to ascend the Eiffel Tower – but did you know that the best way to really appreciate this iconic monument is from afar?

Some of the places with the best Eiffel Tower views , include Trocadéro , Pont Alexandre III, Champ de Mars, and Rue Saint-Dominique . From these places, you’ll get some great photographs of the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.

17-Find Paris’ most Beautiful Art Nouveau Architecture

For lovers of art nouveau architecture , you’ll find some gorgeous examples in Paris. The art nouveau movement was popular in Paris from about 1895 to 1914 and left many beautiful buildings in the city. Today you can spot the style in various metro stations, department stores, and apartment buildings.

For some gorgeous examples of art nouveau architecture in Paris check out Paris 16 with many buildings designed by the architect Héctor Guimard. Also, there is the Immeuble Lavirotte (Paris 7), Castel Béranguer (Paris 16), Restaurant Maxim’s (Paris 8), or the Synagogue of Rue Pavée (Paris 4).

18- Lunch at Le Train Bleu, the Most Romantic Classic Restaurant

Considered to be one of the best restaurants in all of Paris, Le Train Bleu located at Gare de Lyon is the perfect place for a romantic lunch.

The food here is incredible, and the service is impeccable, not to mention the elaborately decorated interior, rivaling many of the churches and palaces throughout the city.

This is a very popular restaurant and to avoid disappointment, it’s highly recommended to book in advance.

19- Try the Colorful Cakes of Paris

It’s no secret that you’ll find some of the best desserts in Paris from the famous tartes au citron, classic pastries as well as traditional cakes.

Some of the must-try Parisian cakes – the cakes born and perfected in Paris – include Saint-Honoré , Paris-Brest, financiers, Opéra, Baba-Au-Rhum, and many more.

20- Learn about the Impressionism at Orsay Museum

For people with an interest in Impressionist artwork, then a visit to the Orsay Museum is a must. This gorgeous museum was once a railway station and now has the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork in the world.

At the Orsay Museum, you’ll find artwork by painters such as Monet, Degas, Renoir, Seurat, Gauguin, and Van Gogh from the period 1848 to 1914.

21- Choose your favorite Ice-Cream at Berthillon

For the very best ice cream in all of Paris, head to Berthillon. Dating back to 1954, Berthillon makes over 70 different flavors of sorbets and ice cream, including pink grapefruit, salted caramel, candied Ardèche chestnuts, gingerbread, and licorice.

There are many sellers of Berthillon ice-creams in Paris.  However, the original address in Paris, with the very best selection of flavors, is the store at 29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île .  It’s easy to spot as you’ll no doubt see the long line of people outside.

22- Take a Day Trip to Versailles

If you can bear to leave the city center, a day trip to Versailles is well worth it. Just half an hour by train from Paris, Versailles is a royal castle located on the Paris outskirts. This World Heritage castle was once the official royal residence for more than 100 years until the French Revolution in 1789.

At Versailles, visitors can visit the Palace of Versailles inside as well as explore the magnificent manicured Versailles Gardens beautifully decorated with fountains and other water games. Also, be sure to visit the nearby le Petit Trianon, designed by the order of King Louis XV for his long-term mistress Madame de Pompadour, or L’Hameau de la Reine , which was once the quarters of Queen Marie-Antionette.

To get the most out of Versailles and the Gardens, leave for Versailles as early as you can. This Versailles bundle with transfer, audio guide, and skip-the-line tickets is highly recommended as lines at Versailles are always very long. For a self-guided visit, there are different kinds of Versailles tickets to visit the Palace, Marie-Antoinette’s Estate, and garden shows.

23- See Paris City Lights from a Seine Boat Cruise

While Paris is just lovely during the day, when the city is lit up at night, it’s just magical.  The perfect way to see all the Paris city lights is on a night cruise along the Seine River .  As you cruise down the river, you’ll see all the city’s iconic landmarks and monuments aglow.

Sailing the Seine River is one of the best things to do in Paris and you will find different Seine River Cruises in Paris to choose from. You could even combine a river cruise with a few drinks or a dinner cruise for something even extra special.

24- Visit the Grand Opera of Paris (Palais Garnier)

For lovers of opera or (mostly) ballet, a show at the Palais Garnier (also known as Opera Garnier Paris or Paris Opera) is a must.  Considered to be one of the most distinguished opera houses in the world, this 1979 seat opera house was built for Paris Opera from 1861 to 1875 at the request of Emperor Napoleon III.

Even if you’re can’t see a show, a tour of the Palais Garnier is a great way to admire its grand exterior and exquisite interiors as well as learning about its fascinating history and visiting the phantom of the opera private box seat (only available at night tours ).

25- Visit Basilica of Saint-Denis, the Burial Place of the Kings of France

One of the most famous religious buildings in all of France is the Basilica of Saint-Denis . This Basilica has great historical and architectural importance as it’s the first Gothic church ever built and is also the burial place of the Kings and Queens of France.

The best way to explore the impressive gothic cathedral is by a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide where you’ll learn all about this historical site. Although it is possible to also do a self-guided tour.

26- Indulge in a Typical Thick Chocolat Chaud

You cannot leave Paris without indulging in a thick chocolat chaud . Basically, chocolat chaud is a super thick and rich hot chocolate. Some of the best chocolat chaud served in Paris can be found at Angelina , Chocolaterie Jacques Genin , Maison du Chocolat , and Jean-Paul Hevin .

Angelina Paris (226 Rue de Rivoli, in Paris 1) usually sees the crowds. However, few people know that there’s an Angelina with zero crowds inside the Louvre Museum, not far from the Apartments of Napoleon iii.

27- Explore the Luxembourg Gardens

A lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris is the Luxembourg Gardens . The Luxembourg Gardens are the perfect place to relax and explore, particularly if you happen to be visiting during spring and summer when all the flowers are in bloom.  Be sure to stop by the Médicis Fountain , one of the prettiest places in the gardens as well as in Paris itself.

Also, for families visiting Luxembourg Gardens, you could even arrange a self-guided treasure hunt for the kids (but also great for adults alone) to learn more about this pretty place and its first owner, Queen Marie de Médicis.

28- Walk along Canal Saint-Martin

Wander along Canal Saint-Martin , a small waterway crossed by metallic bridges and lined with lovely little boutique shops and cafes. This neighborhood – world-famous thanks to the film Amélie Poulain – is a popular area for the locals,  where you’ll find coffee shops, vintage shops, and trendy bars perfect for an afternoon apéritif.

Canal Saint-Martin is the perfect place if you’re wanting to explore one of the less touristy areas of Paris.

29- Learn about the History of Paris at Musée Carnavalet

The best place to learn about Paris’s history from its origins to the present day is at the Musée Carnavalet . Located in the historic Marais district, the museum is housed across two mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries.

With its expansive collections, including medieval and Gallo-Roman archeological collections, relics of the French Revolution , paintings, sculptures, furniture, and items of art, this is easily one of the best free museums in Paris .

After four years of renovation works, the Musée de Carnavalet re-opened its doors in May 2021.

30- Walk on the Rails Following La Petite Ceinture

For visitors who love to explore hidden gems not found in tourist guides, then walking along the rails at La Petite Ceinture is one to add to your to-do list.  Once a 32 km railroad line that circled Paris, today you can explore the area where you’ll find abandoned train stations and railroads.

Constructed from 1852 to 1869, La Petite Ceinture’s decline started with the construction of the Parisian Metro and eventually stopped operating in the 1970s.  Today the area is converted into several green spaces and is an interesting, offbeat place to explore.

31 – Enjoy a Picnic at the Foot of the Eiffel Tower

One of the most unique things to do in Paris is to have a picnic on the grass at the foot of the Eiffel Tower at Champ de Mars . This is particularly a great thing to do in the warmer months during spring and summer when on any given day you will find lots of locals doing just that.

Head to a nearby supermarket and buy a range of local delights such as a freshly baked baguette, cheese, chocolate, and of course, French wine.  Then relax and enjoy a few hours relaxing with your friends and family while basking in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower.

32- Sail your own Electric Boat along the Canal de l’Ourcq

If you’re looking for more unique things to do in Paris, head down to Canal de l’Ourcq and sail your own electric boat. This is such a fun way to not only relax with family and friends but also to see the city sights along the canal.

Marin d’Eau Douce is the company that proposes these electric boats and they are moored at Canal de la Villette, the starting point of your crazy boat tour. There is no license or permit required to hire these electric boats, and you can hire them from a few hours to an entire day.

33- Pay your Respects at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery , with its 44 hectares and 70,000 burial plots, is the largest cemetery in Paris today.  Père Lachaise Cemetery is visited by around 3.5 million visitors each year mostly because it is the final resting place of France’s most prominent people.

The cemetery is a must-do in Paris during fall , when it is especially gorgeous with the autumn colors.

Some of the most popular visited tombs here include Oscar Wilde , Abélard and Héloïse , Edith Piaf , Chopin , and Jim Morrison. Still, we recommend wandering around this beautiful cemetery with no particular direction.

34- Create your Own Parisian Perfume

Have you ever wanted to make your own perfume?   Well, in Paris, you can. There is a range of perfume workshops on offer in Paris where you can design your very own personal fragrance. While you’re concocting your scent, you’ll also learn about the history of perfume.

Most perfume workshops last an hour or two, and in the end, you’ll get to take home your very own custom-made blend.

35- Play Pétanque with the Locals

A popular game among the locals in Paris is pétanque. Pétanque is a game like boules and is mostly played during the summer months.

The game of pétanque doesn’t discriminate, and across Paris, you’ll find young and old players, men and women, professionals and amateurs. Basically, people from all walks of life love playing this game.

Places, where you will usually find locals playing pétanque, include Les Arènes de Lutèce , Place Dauphine, the banks of Canal de La Villette, Park Buttes Chaumont (outside, on the top of the park), and along Canal of Saint-Martin.

36- Look for the 100 Villages of Paris

Paris is the city of the Haussmannian buildings and boulevards, but it is also the city of a hundred villages: flowery alleys, country villas, bucolic dead ends are a total change of scenery, and the joy of the curious walkers.

In the heart of the city of stone, try to venture off the beaten path, and you may find a Paris stuck in time, exotic and out of the ordinary. These micro-neighborhoods such as  Butte Bergeyre ,  Mouzaïa , or  the Butte aux Cailles  are all wonderful places – far from the urban rush – waiting to be discovered.

37- Learn about French Wines at a Wine Tasting Session

If you love wine and are eager to sample some of the best French wines, then add a wine-tasting session to your list of things to do in Paris. In Paris, you’ll find a range of bars that offer wine-tasting sessions as well as guided tours to the nearby French wine regions .

A popular place for wine tasting is Les Caves Du Louvre , a beautiful and historic place that was the Royal Wine Cellar of King Louis XV. Les Caves du Louvre proposes visitors an interactive visit and cool wine tastings.

38- Enjoy some Cheese Tasting in Paris

Be sure to sample as much cheese as you can while in Paris!  With over a thousand different types of cheese in France and over 250 fromageries (cheese shops) in Paris, there is plenty of cheese to eat to try.

For cheese tasting in Paris, you can either do it yourself by heading to your local market or nearest fromagerie to purchase a range of cheese or join a cheese-tasting workshop.  Better yet, join a combined cheese and wine-tasting session in a typical cheese cellar, and you will feel closer to Heaven.

39- Laugh as you Learn How to Become a Typical Parisian

A great way to learn how to become a Parisian is by seeing Olivier Giraud’s fun one-man show How to Become Parisian in One Hour. In just an hour, Olivier provides a hilarious introduction to everything you need to know to understand Parisian people.

If you are wondering what to do in Paris after dinner, this one-man show is a great idea. The show is entirely in English, and by the reviews , it is easy to understand why this is the most popular one-man show in Paris for visitors and locals. After the show, you’ll be well on your way to being a local.

40- Dine in a Traditional Parisian Bistro

During your visit to Paris, you need to at least once dine at a traditional Parisian bistro .

A typical Parisian bistro is a small casual restaurant serving affordable French food .  A meal at a traditional Parisian bistro here is the perfect way to not only enjoy French cuisine but also to sample French culture too.

41- Aperó Time from a Rooftop Bar

French apéritifs – a couple of drinks with friends, usually after work and before dinner – is one of the fun, unique experiences in Paris.

When the weather is warm, just before sunset, make your way to one of the many rooftop bars in Paris . On arrival, order yourself an aperó and then watch the sunset across the city. 

A rooftop bar is also the perfect place to enjoy a fabulous meal while watching the city come alight with an array of colorful lights.

42- Experience ‘Immersive Art’ at Atelier des Lumières

Digital art galleries are opening all around the world, and in Paris, you can experience immersive art at Atelier des Lumières .

Unlike regular art galleries, with the use of 140 video projectors and a spatialized sound system, visitors to Atelier des Lumières are encouraged to become part of the art exhibits by physically walking inside it or interacting with it.

43- Explore the Underground Catacombs of Paris

In the 18th  century, the cemeteries within the boundaries of Paris were cleared, and bones moved into a labyrinth of tunnels under the streets of Paris.

These tunnels are known as the Catacombs of Paris , and now visitors can explore some of these underground galleries, which are said to be the final resting place of around six million Parisians.

Visiting tunnels and tunnels decorated by skulls can become monotonous after a while, plus the lines to enter are always super long. To get the most out of this Paris underground experience and avoid the lines, we highly recommend joining a Paris Catacombs guided tour with skip-the-line access and access to restricted areas.

44- Enjoy 360-degree Views of Paris from the Top of the Arc de Triomphe

For one of the best views of Paris , climb the 284 stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe .  In every direction, you’ll get marvelous views of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

To the east, you’ll see down the famous Champs-Elysees to the Louvre with the hills of Montmartre in the background, while in the southeast, you’ll have a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower.

45- Eat Yummy Crêpes in the Best Crêperies in Paris

One of the best things to eat in Paris is crêpes!  Whether you prefer sweet or savory or want to sit down and eat them with a knife and fork or roll them up and eat on the go – the crêpes in Paris are some of the best you’ll ever eat.

Originally from Brittany, Parisians did not take long to adopt crêpes, and crêpes are today one of the most popular things to eat in Paris. While you can get crêpes on pretty much every street corner in Paris, it’s good to have some suggestions for the very best crêperies in Paris .

46- See Paris’ Cherry Blossoms

If you time your visit to Paris in Spring , in the first few weeks of April, you’ll be just in time for the cherry blossom season.  This is such a stunning time to visit Paris as many of the city’s parks and gardens become covered in a splash of pink.

Some of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Paris include the Jardin des Plantes , the Tuileries Gardens , around the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Gardens, and around Notre Dame. 

47- Visit one of the French Food Festivals

As you can see from our list of top 50 things to do in Paris so far, Paris is a foodie’s heaven!  A great way to try all these wonderful delights is at one of the many French food festivals held throughout the year in Paris.

No matter what month of the year you’re visiting Paris, there is sure to be a food festival ongoing.  Some of the most popular food festivals in Paris include Omnivore, Bouche à Bouche, Salon du Chocolat, Street Food International Festival, and Taste of Paris.

48- Visit the Picturesque Towns Near Paris

If you want to escape the city for a day, there are plenty of gorgeous small towns near Paris to explore.  The city can get busy, particularly during the weekends, so a day trip to a nearby town is one of the best things to do in Paris to break up your visit as well as explore a different side of France.

Some of the nearby picturesque towns worth visiting include Provins, Fontainebleau, Auvers-Sur-Oise, Marly-le-Roi, and Bougival . Most of them are very easy to reach by public transportation.

49- Take a Day Trip to Giverny to Admire Monet’s Gardens

Monet’s House and Gardens is one of the best day trips from Paris , and a must-visit for Monet’s art lovers. Monet’s Gardens are located about an hour from Paris, in the picturesque village of Giverny. During this day trip, you’ll no doubt recognize several scenes from many of Monet’s famous paintings.

Transportation to Giverny is not straight forward so a good option for exploring Monet’s house and gardens is to join a small group guided tour .  During these tours, you’ll learn more about Monet while exploring the village and visiting his grave, house, and gardens.

50- Buy a Box of Macarons for your Friends before Leaving Paris

Did you even go to Paris if you didn’t eat at least one macaron?  But don’t keep these Paris delights all to yourself; before leaving be sure to buy a box of macarons for your friends at home. They will no doubt be indebted to you forever! Some of the best places to buy macarons from in Paris include Pierre Hermé and Ladurée .

So there you have it, the list of the 50 best things to do in Paris! Now all you need to do is decide which things you will do on your trip to Paris (but we suggest doing them all!).

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am 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 & my best tips learn more.

31 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whether sunshine is sparkling on the café terraces of Boulevard Saint-Germain, or melancholy mists of the Seine River are shrouding Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris has a way of romancing visitors. The love affair might begin with a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, then continue with strolls along the wide tree-lined avenues and in lavish formal gardens.

The city is seductively beautiful. Each neighborhood ( quartier ) reveals its unique personality. The Latin Quarter is a small cluster of pedestrian streets and narrow medieval alleyways where bookshops vie for space with university students' cafés and eateries. The fashionable Champs-Élysées buzzes with energy. Outside the city center, Montmartre still feels like a country village and flaunts its bohemian past.

After seeing the museums and monuments, you will want to seek out the small surprises, like family-run bistros with handwritten menus; cobblestone lanes full of quaint shops; secluded squares adorned with flowing fountains; and elegant tea salons, where dainty jewel-like desserts beckon from glass-covered pastry cases.

In every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, Paris casts a spell of enchantment. One visit may inspire a lifelong passion.

Discover what makes the City of Light so captivating and learn about the best places to explore with our list of the top tourist attractions in Paris.

See also: Where to Stay in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower

2. musée du louvre, 3. avenue des champs-élysées, 4. musée d'orsay, 5. palais garnier, opéra national de paris, 6. cathédrale notre-dame de paris, 7. place de la concorde, 8. arc de triomphe, 9. hôtel de la marine, 10. jardin des tuileries, 11. seine river cruises, 12. musical concerts at sainte-chapelle, 13. bustling boulevards and legendary cafés, 14. jardin du luxembourg, 15. sacré-coeur and quartier montmartre, 16. panthéon, 17. place des vosges, 18. musée rodin, 19. place vendôme, 20. centre pompidou, 21. hôtel national des invalides, 22. domaine national du palais-royal, 23. place de la bastille, 24. place du châtelet and tour saint-jacques, 25. la conciergerie, 26. fondation louis vuitton, 27. parc de la villette, 28. paris plages, 29. cimetière du père lachaise, 30. parc des buttes-chaumont, 31. grande arche de la défense, where to stay in paris for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to paris, best time to visit paris, france.

The Eiffel Tower (la Tour Eiffel) ranks high on the list of places to visit in France and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the world. So it's hard to believe that the structure was originally dismissed as a monstrosity. The innovative metal structure shocked Victorian-era audiences when it was unveiled by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exhibition of 1889 .

Whether loved or hated, the Eiffel Tower has always impressed. Reaching a height of 324 meters, the tower is comprised of 18,000 sturdy iron sections held together by 2.5 million rivets. Although no longer the world's tallest building, the Eiffel Tower has achieved the status of an icon.

For first-time visitors, seeing the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival at the esplanade, the sight of the four massive pillars that support this 10,100-ton monument leaves many awestruck.

Author's Tip : Purchase your tickets to the Eiffel Tower in advance online. You first choose a specific date and during the online process, you will reserve a specific time slot for the visit. (You must arrive on time.) Tickets sell out during high season (July and August), so you should purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible.

When you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, you will first walk through the esplanade gardens. Then you will look for the correct queue (which will be labeled "Visitors with tickets"). The recently renovated gardens feature leafy trees and pedestrian pathways with close-up views of the Iron Lady.

To arrive at the Eiffel Tower's 1st floor (at 57 meters) requires an elevator ride or a walk up the 360 steps. This level has public restrooms, a gift shop, a cafeteria, a brasserie restaurant, and an open-air terrace space for admiring the views.

The 2nd floor (at 125 meters) of the Eiffel Tower is reached from the 1st floor by a staircase of 344 more steps or an elevator ride. This level has similar amenities as the 1st floor, except the viewing platforms offer a perspective onto more of the Paris monuments (such as the Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur).

A highlight of the 2nd floor, the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne delivers exceptional haute cuisine in a dreamy setting. The restaurant's dining rooms feature expansive windows, which provide a peak of the Eiffel Tower's structural beams and glimpses of Paris cityscapes. You'll also find a buffet-style cafeteria and the Pierre Hermé macaron boutique.

To arrive at the top floor (276 meters in elevation) requires an exhilarating elevator ride from the 2nd floor. The staircases only go up to the 2nd floor, so climbing up to the top is not an option.

Visiting the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most thrilling things to do in Paris , but it's not for the faint of heart. When you walk out onto the compact viewing platform at this level, you are overwhelmed by the far-reaching views and strong gusts of wind. Up this high, it feels like another world, and you can no longer hear the noise of street traffic below.

You definitely will want to spend some time taking photos of the Eiffel Tower. From either the Jardins du Trocadéro (a short walk across the Seine River) or the Parc du Champ de Mars (the lawns in front of the tower), there is just the right distance for picture-perfect photo-ops.

Address: La Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris (Métro: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Iéna, or Passy station)

The Louvre is the most prestigious of Paris' museums and the crème de la crème of the city's cultural attractions. Besides its exceptional art collection, the building has a regal past: The Louvre was formerly the residential palace of France's kings.

Today, the Musée du Louvre displays thousands of artworks, many of which are considered masterpieces, from antiquities to European paintings of the 15th to 19th centuries.

It is impossible to see it all in one visit, but you can focus on a particular gallery, such as classical sculpture, Italian Renaissance art, or 17th-century French paintings, or take a self-guided tour to cover the Louvre Museum's highlights.

Of course, you will want to get a look at the Mona Lisa or La Gioconda (or La Joconde in French) painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503-1505. Many tourists breeze through the museum just to glance at this one piece, but there are other must-see works of art to admire even if time is limited.

Other masterpieces of the Louvre include the ancient Vénus de Milo sculpture; the monumental Victoire de Samothrace of the Hellenistic period; the immense Wedding Feast at Cana painting by Veronese (1563); Sandro Botticelli's Venus and the Three Graces fresco; and Liberty Leading the People (1831) by Eugène Delacroix, depicting the Parisian uprising of July 1830.

To get the most out of a visit to the Louvre, join a guided tour. The museum offers tours in multiple languages. These focus on the highlights and provide information on the palace.

The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Tour is another option that also takes you straight to the museum's most famous artworks, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa . On this three-hour tour, a guide (who is an art historian) provides in-depth commentary about the masterpieces.

Author's Tips : Most visitors enter the museum in the courtyard of the palace at the Pyramid du Louvre , the glass pyramid designed by Ieoh Ming Pei in 1917. This entrance almost always has long lines. The wait is especially long without a timed entrance ticket. (See tips below for alternative entrances to the museum.)

Avoid the lines of the Pyramid entrance by going to one of the lesser-known entrances. If you already have a Louvre museum ticket or a Paris Museum Pass, head to the Carrousel entrance (99 Rue de Rivoli) where you likely can walk right in without waiting in line. You may save some time at this entrance if you haven't reserved a specific time slot for admission.

Purchase a museum pass : If you plan to visit multiple museums, you can save money and time by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass . The savings depends on how many museums you visit. The advantage is that you don't have to purchase a ticket at each museum. However, you still need to reserve a specific time slot (free of charge) to visit the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and Château de Versailles (otherwise you may have to wait in line).

If you have not already purchased a ticket or Paris Museum Pass, you may use the Porte des Lions entrance on the 4 Quai François Mitterrand.

Address: Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Brimming with fancy boutiques and dining terraces, the Champs-Élysées epitomizes the fashionable panache of Paris.

You'd never guess that the most monumental boulevard in Paris used to be a desolate swamp. The marshland was converted into an avenue by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre in the 17th century. Two centuries later, the city planner Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann added the grey stone Mansard-roofed buildings that give the boulevard its classic Parisian look.

The Champs-Élysées is divided into two parts with the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées as its intersection.

The lower part of the Champs-Élysées, bordering the Place de la Concorde , includes a spacious park, the Jardins des Champs-Élysées , and the Petit Palais fine arts museum. The upper part, extending to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined by luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and theaters. This bustling area draws many tourists and is a gathering place for Parisians.

The Champs-Élysées is famous for its prestigious establishments, such as Maison Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), a pâtisserie boutique and tea salon that offers exquisite French pastries (macarons are the house specialty), and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (62 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), Louis-Vuitton (101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), and Cartier (154 Avenue des Champs-Élysées).

For fine dining , the top choices are the legendary brasserie Fouquet's (99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées) and the swanky gastronomic restaurant L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile (133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), which has one Michelin star.

Although the Champs-Élysées has an image of refinement, there are many affordable places that cater to tourists and students on a budget, such as Starbucks, Quick, Burger King, and McDonald's.

Address: Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris (Métro: Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station to visit the Jardins des Champs-Élysées and Petit Palais, Franklin d. Roosevelt station for Ladurée, George V station for the main shopping area).

You haven't seen the best of French art until you visit the Musée d'Orsay . The Musée du Louvre may hold the most masterpieces of European painting, but the Musée d'Orsay focuses on works by celebrated French artists including Monet, Renoir, and Degas.

If you love Impressionist art , this is the place to go. The Musée d'Orsay displays a splendid collection of 19th- and 20th-century art (created from 1848 to 1914).

Although the museum's inventory begins with 19th-century Realist paintings and landscape paintings, the highlight of the museum is the Impressionism collection. Also on display are Post-Impressionist works by artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh, and bohemian artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Some of the museum's famous paintings include Claude Monet's The Magpie , Gare Saint-Lazare, Poppy Field , and Luncheon on the Grass ; Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait and Starry Night ; and Renoir's Dance at Moulin de la Galette, which depicts a festive party scene in Montmartre.

You may rent an audioguide to take a self-guided tour. The commentary (available in English and French) covers over 300 works.

The museum also has a bookstore/gift shop, two casual cafés, and a fine-dining restaurant, which is worth the splurge. Formerly the Hôtel d'Orsay (a luxury hotel within the original Gare d'Orsay) and listed as a Monument Historique , the Musée d'Orsay Restaurant features gilded ceilings and sparkling chandeliers.

On the square in front of the museum, there is a kiosk that sells sandwiches and falafel.

Address: Musée d'Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing 75007 Paris (Métro: Musée d'Orsay, Assemblée Nationale, or Solférino station)

Commissioned by Napoleon III in 1860, the Palais Garnier Opera House was designed by Charles Garnier in an exuberant Baroque style. Garnier worked tirelessly on the project for over a decade, from 1862 to 1875. Today, this show-stopping landmark is a symbol of Napoleon's Imperial regime.

Upon entering the building, you are dazzled by the lavish 11,000-square-meter interior. Much of the building's space is dedicated to the main foyer with its fabulous Grand Escalier , marble entrance staircase, adorned by ornate gilded lamps, and the Salon du Glacier , a sumptuous Belle Époque hall decorated with mirrors, Corinthian columns painted gold, colorful mosaics, and music-themed ceiling paintings.

The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has an intimate feel, although it can accommodate 2,105 people in its plush velvet seats. Gilded balconies, an enormous crystal chandelier, and a Chagall ceiling painting add to the theater's marvelousness, creating the perfect dramatic backdrop for ballet, opera, and music performances.

The Opéra Garnier hosts a prestigious calendar of events in addition to galas. Attending a performance is one of the most exciting things to do in Paris at night. It's a wonderful way to see the building's interior while enjoying a glamorous evening. Another option is to visit (entry ticket required) on a self-guided tour or take a guided tour during the daytime.

Connoisseurs of fine dining will be delighted to discover CoCo, a chic restaurant within the Opera House (entrance is at 1 Place Jacques Rouché) that serves contemporary French cuisine prepared from seasonal ingredients. CoCo offers lunch and dinner daily, as well as weekend brunch (every Saturday and Sunday) featuring musical entertainment. The garden terrace is open Tuesday through Saturday during summertime. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Palais Garnier, Place de l'Opéra, 8 Rue Scribe (at Auber) 75009 Paris (Métro: Opéra, Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette or Havre-Caumartin station)

Despite the damage done by the 2019 fire, it is still worth seeing the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This awe-inspiring medieval monument stands at the heart of Paris on the Île-de-la-Cité, an island in the Seine River. To get here from the Latin Quarter , simply cross the Petit Pont bridge.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris was founded in 1163 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction took more than 150 years. The cathedral was first created in the Early Gothic style, while later additions (the west front and the nave) show the transition to High Gothic style.

Note: A large fire in April of 2019 caused considerable damage to the cathedral: The medieval roof and the 19th-century spire collapsed. However, the monument was partly saved thanks to the work of hundreds of firefighters.

A project to repair the structure is underway. The city plans to rebuild the cathedral and restore it to its previous state. Restoration work is ongoing.

Currently, the interior of the cathedral (including the towers) and the space immediately in front of the cathedral (on the Parvis Notre-Dame) are closed to the public. A few steps away from the cathedral's facade, a section of the Parvis Notre-Dame (square) is now used for educational exhibits about the cathedral.

The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral anticipates reopening in December 2024. A project to redesign the landscaping around the cathedral is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Until the reopening, the Notre-Dame de Paris congregation will celebrate Mass at the Eglise Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois (2 Place du Louvre) in the 1st arrondissement.

Address: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

The Place de la Concorde stands at the heart of Paris both literally and figuratively. The square was created in 1772 by the architect of King Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the Place de la Concorde was the scene of state-ordered executions , including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, among other victims of the guillotine. The square was also part of Napoleon's triumphal route.

One of the largest and most central squares in the city, the Place de la Concorde offers a sensational perspective of the city's landmarks. In one direction, you can admire the Arc de Triomphe and in the other, the Louvre, while the Eiffel Tower can be seen in the distance.

Two ornately decorated fountains and an Egyptian obelisk are found in the middle of the square. However, it's a bit of a hassle to get up close because you have to walk through heavy traffic. The Place de la Concorde is one of the busiest intersections in Paris.

Tip for Pedestrians : You will notice cars circulating the square at high speeds. French drivers don't always pay attention to pedestrians. Make sure to get out of the way of oncoming cars!

During summertime , the Place de la Concorde adopts a fairground ambiance, with a Ferris wheel gracing the square from June through August. The neighboring Jardin des Tuileries also has amusement park rides and fairground treats during summertime.

To arrive at the Place de la Concorde, walk from the Louvre through the Jardin des Tuileries or the Rue de Rivoli, or follow the Quai des Tuileries along the Seine River. Alternatively, you may take the Métro to Concorde station.

Nothing says capital city grandeur quite like a triumphal arch. Paris' Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French armies of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon I commissioned the building of this mighty structure in 1806 but did not live to see its completion in 1836.

The monument was modeled after the Arch of Titus in Rome. The massive 50-meter-high arch features bas-reliefs with larger-than-life-size figures, which depict the departure, victories, and glorious return of the French armies.

Particularly noteworthy is the bas-relief by François Rude on the Champs-Elysées-facing side: Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 , also known as La Marseillaise , illustrating the troops led by the winged spirit of Liberty. On the inner surface of the arch are the names of more than 660 generals and over a hundred battles.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, presiding over a circular intersection (the Place de l'Étoile).

From the top of the monument, a viewing terrace affords a panoramic outlook onto the 12 avenues that radiate from the Place de l'Étoile, including the route from the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It's also possible to see all the way to La Défense, the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower.

At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , dedicated in 1921 as a memorial to an anonymous soldier (symbol of the many other unknown soldiers who valiantly died for their country during World War One without ever receiving recognition).

The Flame of Remembrance was ignited at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11th, 1923, and since that date has not ever been extinguished. Every evening at 6:30pm , a ritual takes place to rekindle the memorial flame at the tomb.

Throughout the year, events to honor national holidays are held at the Arc de Triomphe, including the November 11th (anniversary of the Armistice of 1918) ceremony commemorating those who perished in the war; the May 8th Fête de la Victoire (Victory Day) celebrating the end of WWII, and the liberation from Nazi occupation; as well as festivities for July 14th (Bastille Day).

Admission requires an entrance ticket. You may reserve a ticket in advance online. Free admission is included with the Paris Museum Pass (no reservations required). Guided tours are available.

For visitors with reduced mobility and young children, there is an elevator to reach the viewing terrace. Otherwise, you must take the stairs (284 steps).

Address: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris (Métro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Kléber or Argentine station)

A fascinating glimpse of ancien régime (old regime) splendor awaits you at the Hôtel de la Marine . During the reign of Louis XV, this Neoclassical palace housed the apartments of the Intendants du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne (the King's Furniture Storage Intendants). The intendant had an important job: procuring and maintaining the furnishings for the king's elaborate palaces.

The Hôtel de la Marine opened to the public in 2021 after several years of painstaking restoration work. This monument is one of the newest tourist attractions in Paris.

You enter the Hôtel de la Marine through a cobblestone courtyard off the Place de la Concorde. Then walk up the massive marble staircase and into the reception rooms, where you feel like you have stepped back in time. The interior decor has been restored to a state of perfect preservation.

Adorned with gilded moldings and crystal chandeliers, the Salons d'Honneur salons resemble the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles . Other rooms in the Intendant's Apartments reveal the refinement of the Age of Enlightenment.

During this period, aristocratic residences were lavishly decorated with exquisite furnishings, wallpaper, curtains, and paintings. You'll also see precious antiques such as a desk created by Jean-Henri Riesener , a renowned 18th-century cabinetmaker.

The dining room of the Intendant's Apartments, with its floral-patterned porcelain dinnerware, appears ready to welcome guests. On the guided tour, you will learn that the host placed servings of sugar (a precious commodity at the time) on the table to show off his wealth, along with bread, oysters, and bowls of fresh apricots, grapes, figs, and apples.

Be sure to step out onto the Hôtel de la Marine's Loggia , a colonnaded balcony that overlooks the Place de la Concorde. From this privileged spot, you can admire views of the Eiffel Tower, the gold-domed Hôtel National des Invalides, and the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.

Historical Notes : The Hôtel de la Marine is found on the Place de la Concorde, the square created in 1748 to display an equestrian statue of Louis XV and originally called Place Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the statue of the king was removed and the Crown jewels were stolen from the Hôtel de la Marine. In 1795, the square was renamed the "Place de la Concorde."

Treat yourself to some time relaxing and wandering the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. After visiting the Hôtel de la Marine, the Place de la Concorde, or the Louvre Museum, you should spend some time wandering the nearby Jardin des Tuileries. This French formal garden was designed by celebrated landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century.

Today the garden offers an escape from the hustle and bustle in central Paris, but the ambiance was not always so idyllic. This garden is the site of the Palais des Tuileries where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were essentially imprisoned during the French Revolution. The palace was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century; all that remains is the gorgeous garden.

The leafy grounds feature perfectly manicured trees, statues, and pathways. You can relax on the wooden park benches or on individual green chairs which may be moved around. Find the spot that appeals to you and lounge there for a bit, while listening to birds chirp. You'll see locals having a picnic lunch or reading a book in the sunshine.

For snacks and quick meals, head to La Terrasse de Pomone , a kiosk where you can order crepes and sandwiches to-go or for dining at the outdoor tables; the Petit Plisson kiosk that sells quiches and sandwiches for dining at shaded tables; or Petit Farmers , a purveyor of artisanal ice cream.

The park's two café-restaurants, Le Pavillon des Tuileries and the Café des Marronniers offer casual meals in a tranquil setting beneath the leafy chestnut trees.

Tips : Check the opening hours of the café-restaurants and food kiosks as the hours change during different seasons. You will only find the Petit Farmers ice cream truck & stand at the Jardin des Tuileries from April through October.

Soak up the scenery of Paris on a Seine River cruise. You'll have a chance to see the sights from a different perspective. The Seine River bridges, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum look stunning from the viewpoint of a riverboat.

While a daytime cruise allows you to appreciate the glory of the monuments brightened by sunshine, the most romantic experience is an evening cruise. After sunset, the city's landmarks are illuminated, which creates a special effect, and somehow the city seems more magical.

For a cruise that includes dinner, try the Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches. This luxurious riverboat cruise departs at the Pont de l'Alma (a short walk from the Eiffel Tower) and treats you to a romantic four-course meal. If you prefer a more casual boat ride, a good choice is the Seine River Direct Access Guided Cruise by Vedettes de Paris which includes commentary from a knowledgeable guide and breakfast or lunch.

Gourmands will be tempted by the Ducasse sur Seine restaurant boat, which departs from Port Debilly. This dining cruise offers a haute cuisine experience. Options include a lunch (two, three, or four-course meal) or dinner (four or five-course meal). Menus focus on contemporary-style French dishes prepared from seasonal ingredients.

Sainte-Chapelle is considered a rare jewel among medieval houses of worship and is certainly one of the most exquisite churches in Paris . The ravishing 13th-century chapel is tucked away on the Île-de-la-Cité , just a few blocks (about a 10-minute walk) from the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

This masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture was built from 1242 to 1248 for King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house the precious relics he had acquired from the Byzantine Emperor. The altar displays a relic of the Crown of Thorns.

An expanse of 13th-century stained-glass windows sets this chapel apart from any other church in the world. The windows' beauty and brilliance are best appreciated on a sunny day and in the morning. If possible, try to schedule your visit accordingly.

The chapel's over 1,000 stained-glass windows (covering 600 square meters) depict scenes from the bible, both Old Testament and New Testament stories. The colors and light symbolize divinity and the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Only used for church services on rare occasions, Sainte-Chapelle is open to the public as a museum (entrance tickets are required). For an additional fee, audioguides (available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese) provide one hour of commentary to help visitors appreciate the art, architecture, and history of Sainte-Chapelle.

To truly experience the serene ambiance of Sainte-Chapelle, attend one of the classical music concerts held here. In the iridescent glow of the sanctuary, performances of Baroque chamber music, sacred music, or Vivaldi string quartets have a sublime quality. A regular program of concerts is held at Sainte-Chapelle year-round, with events scheduled several times a week.

Sainte-Chapelle is located in the Palais de la Cité. To find the chapel, enter the iron gate of the Palais de Justice and walk through the inner courtyard.

Another attraction nearby is La Conciergerie (tourists may purchase combined entry tickets), the prison where Marie-Antoinette was detained during the French Revolution.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Châtelet station)

A visit to the City of Light is not complete without spending time on the sidewalk terrace or bustling interior of a famous café. It's the ultimate Parisian people-watching scene and a chance to imagine the historic rendezvous that occurred here.

To discover the legendary Paris cafés, the best place to start is the Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement. This broad tree-lined boulevard features an enticing array of storefronts: designer fashion boutiques, prestigious cafés, and old-fashioned brasseries.

The most celebrated cafés are the Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés), which was the meeting place of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and Les Deux Magots (6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés), once the haunt of poets, authors, and artists, including Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.

Across from Les Deux Magots is the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés , one of the most important churches in Paris .

At both Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, you will get the classic Parisian café experience, complete with waiters wearing bow ties. Although the waiters have a reputation for their brusque service, their formality adds to the authentic ambiance.

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés area also has excellent pâtisserie boutiques, boulangeries, and chocolate shops such as the Ladurée tea salon (21 Rue Bonaparte), the Maison Le Roux Chocolatier & Caramélier (1 Rue de Bourbon le Château), and Debauve & Gallais (30 Rue des Saints-Pères), a boutique founded in 1779 that supplied Marie-Antoinette with chocolates.

Join the Paris Sweet Tooth Stroll small-group tour to sample the neighborhood's finest sweet treats.

The brasseries of Boulevard du Montparnasse were also frequented by artists and writers during the early 20th century. Le Dôme in Montparnasse is a Paris institution (108 Boulevard du Montparnasse) that has attracted luminaries including Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Picasso. In its glittering Art Deco dining room, the restaurant serves exceptional seafood.

Another atmospheric French brasserie with a mythical past, La Coupole (102 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has, since the 1920s, been visited by artists such as André Derain, Fernand Léger, Man Ray, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall as well as the novelist Albert Camus and the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

La Rotonde Montparnasse (105 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has been a gathering place for painters and writers since 1911 and still attracts cinematographers and artists today.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is the best-known park in Paris after the Tuileries. The 25-hectare park features a formal French garden, similar to the Jardin des Tuileries, as well as an English garden with shady groves of overgrown trees.

On a nice day, it's fun to grab a baguette sandwich at a nearby bakery and then find a chair in front of the garden's duck pond. This is the Paris version of going to the beach when the weather is pleasant. You'll notice many local residents taking a lunch break or simply soaking up some sunshine at the park. It's an especially popular spot among students of the Latin Quarter.

You can also visit a rose garden, apiary, Orangerie (orangery), and greenhouses filled with exotic orchids, as well as an orchard where heirloom varieties of apples flourish.

Artistic treasures are found throughout the gardens, such as the picturesque 17th-century Fontaine Médicis , a fountain basin nestled under trees opposite the east front of the Palais du Luxembourg , which today is used by the French state as the seat of the Senate.

Steps away from the Fontaine Médicis is La Terrasse de Madame , a little café-restaurant in a charming setting. You may dine at outdoor tables beneath the leafy chestnut trees. The menu includes coffee and croissants for breakfast and bistro meals for lunch, such as steak, Croque Monsieur (sandwiches), quiche, grilled fish, charcuterie, and salads. Also on the menu are traditional French desserts like profiteroles and crème brûlée .

Children love the playground, which features swings, slides, a sandpit, a games area, and pony rides. A favorite activity for the youngest visitors at the Jardin du Luxembourg is steering miniature sailboats around in the octagonal pool (the boats can be hired at a kiosk by the pond).

For French-speaking kids, watching a puppet show at the Théâtre des Marionnettes is not to be missed. The Théâtre des Marionnettes is a modern venue, in the southwest area of the park near the tennis courts, that accommodates an audience of up to 275 children and adults (which makes it the largest puppet theater in France).

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, Rue de Vaugirard/Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg or Odéon station)

Sitting at the highest point in Paris like an ornamental decoration, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre has a special aura. Its alabaster facade blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and from far away, it looks like a wedding cake (which is its nickname).

If you walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica from the Métro station, you must walk up the Esplanade, a staircase of over 200 steps, to arrive at the Basilica.

Inside the Basilica, the striking mosaic of Christ with a flaming heart gives the sanctuary an emotional and spiritual intensity, fitting for a church that was created as a symbol of hope after the Franco-Prussian War. In keeping with the somber ambiance, the Basilica's sanctuary is quite dark except for a plethora of flickering candles.

The atmosphere outside the church is quite a contrast, with Parisian joie de vivre in full swing. Locals like to hang out on the grass lawns of the Esplanade while listening to street musicians. You'll see tourists taking selfies, couples embracing, and kids playing on the grass. Below the Esplanade is an old-fashioned carousel, adding to the sense of festivity.

You can spend time on the terrace in front of the Basilica admiring the views of Paris or climb (300 steps) up to the Basilica's Dome for an even higher perspective with unobstructed panoramas. Admission to the Dome requires an entrance fee, but you may visit the Basilica free of charge .

After visiting the Sacré-Coeur, be sure to explore the enchanting neighborhood of Montmartre . This medieval country village (once considered outside of the city) has been incorporated into the city of Paris as the 18th arrondissement.

Montmartre exudes old-fashioned charm along with an avant-garde edge. Winding cobblestone streets and pedestrian staircases lead to small locally owned boutiques and restaurants, art galleries that evoke the quarter's bohemian past, and quiet squares filled with outdoor cafés .

During the Belle Époque, the village of Montmartre began to attract artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas. The bohemian creative spirit of Montmartre is still found here, especially around the Place du Tertre and the Carré Roland Dorgelès .

Montmartre has several excellent art museums, where you can admire the creations of artists who resided here in the late 19th and early 20th century (the Belle Époque). During that era, the quarter was famous for its cabarets and artists' studios.

The Musée de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot) occupies a historic house where Auguste Renoir, Raoul Dufy, Suzanne Valadon, and other artists once lived and worked. Tucked away within the museum's gardens, you'll find the Café Renoir , which features outdoor seating in the delightful space where Renoir painted several masterpieces.

If you are intrigued by Surrealist art, be sure to visit the Dalí Paris museum (11 Rue Poulbot). This innovative museum displays more than 300 works created by Salvador Dalí. The exhibits are presented in a way that reveals the symbols and motifs used in his artworks.

Address: Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, 35 Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre, 75018 Paris (Métro: Abbesses)

The Panthéon is the national mausoleum of France's greatest citizens. You get a sense of the important heritage just by glancing at this grand monument. The colonnaded facade and enormous dome were modeled after the ancient Pantheon in Rome.

The architecture of the Panthéon marks a clear break from the fanciful Rococo style of the Louis XV era and instead presents a simpler and more somber Neoclassical style. The inscription on the Panthéon's facade reads " Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante " (" To the Great Men Recognized by Their Country ").

Many famous men (75 in total) are buried here, including philosophers Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and René Descartes; and the writers Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, and André Malraux. Although the monument was originally dedicated exclusively to France's male citizens, this has changed recently.

Since 1995, several of France's most esteemed female citizens have been buried in the Panthéon including the physicist Marie Curie, a two-time winner of the Nobel Prize. Five other women are buried at the Panthéon. In November 2021, Josephine Baker (the famous Black American expatriate dancer and singer) became the sixth woman to receive the honor of being inducted into the Panthéon.

When you step inside the Neoclassical sanctuary, you will be awed by the spacious domed interior, the floor-to-ceiling paintings that depict scenes of Christian saints, and the enormous sculpture that celebrates French Revolution deputies ( La Convention Nationale ).

Beneath the monumental rotunda is an unusual centerpiece: a science experiment rather than a work of art. Foucault's pendulum , created by French physicist Léon Foucault, was installed in 1851 to demonstrate his theory that the Earth rotates. The brass pendulum hangs from the dome on a steel wire and constantly oscillates in a circular trajectory.

To find the famous citizen's monuments and tombs, you will need a map (available on-site). The underground crypt is arranged in a geometric fashion, but it is easy to get lost.

Entrance to the Panthéon requires an admission fee, unless you have a Paris Museum Pass and except for the first Sunday of every month from November through March.

From April through September (for an additional entrance fee), you may ascend to the Panthéon's dome, where a colonnaded balcony provides a sensational view of the city's landmarks. You can see the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre.

Address: Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg station)

In the charming Marais district, the Place des Vosges is Paris' oldest public square. With its uniform red-brick architecture, this elegant square provided a model for other squares such as Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde.

The Place des Vosges was constructed between 1605 and 1612 (called Place Royale at the time) for King Henri IV. The buildings originally housed aristocratic residences.

The Place Royale offered a splendid setting for festive occasions in the 17th century, such as tournaments, state receptions, and court weddings. It was also a favorite spot for duels, in spite of Cardinal Richelieu's ban on dueling. The celebrated courtesan of Louis XIII's reign lived at number 11, and the future Madame de Sévigné was born in 1626 at number 1 on the square.

Victor Hugo rented an apartment at number 6 on the Place Royale between 1832 and 1848. Today this apartment is a museum, the Maison de Victor Hugo (6 Place des Vosges) which is devoted to educating visitors about the life and work of Victor Hugo.

The Place des Vosges is at the heart of Le Marais, a medieval quarter with narrow cobblestone streets, grand Renaissance palaces, and hôtels particuliers (mansions) of the 16th and 17th centuries. Several of these stately old buildings have been converted into museums.

A fascinating glimpse of France's history awaits you at the Musée des Archives Nationales (Museum of the National Archives) in the 17th-century Hôtel de Soubise (60 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois). The museum presents historical exhibits including the Edict of Nantes, French Revolution objects, Marie-Antoinette's last testament, and a letter written to Napoleon.

The most important museum of the quarter is the Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris. This recently renovated museum illustrates the history of Paris from antiquity through the French Revolution and the Belle Époque until the present day.

In the Hôtel Salé (a 17th-century aristocratic mansion), the Musée National Picasso-Paris (5 Rue de Thorigny) wows you with its incredibly extensive collection (over 5,000 pieces) of Picasso's artwork, including some of his most iconic masterpieces.

More than just an open-air museum filled with historic monuments, Le Marais has become a trendy quarter full of fashion boutiques, cute cafés, and unique shops. Spend some time wandering the Rue de Sévigné and its cross street, the Rue des Francs Bourgeois . This area brims with youthful energy and is a fun place to visit for a stroll or a coffee break.

Another interesting fact about Le Marais is that it has a significant Jewish community. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme (71 Rue du Temple) presents the 2,000-year history of France's Jewish communities, along with educational programs about Jewish culture and exhibitions of artwork by Jewish artists such as Chagall and Modigliani.

Nearby, the Jardin Anne Frank offers the tranquility of a secluded garden. This quiet, leafy green space features benches, shady trees, and an orchard. One of the chestnut trees in the garden was grafted from a tree that Anne Frank could see from the window of the annex where she lived in Amsterdam.

For those in search of a refined Parisian experience, the Mariage Frères (30 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg) is the place to go. This tea salon serves its aromatic tea with savory and sweet delicacies in a French colonial-style dining room; its adjoining shop sells a wide selection of scented teas in distinctive tins.

Many tourists wait in line to try the authentic falafel at L'As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers), considered one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Paris. This area has several kosher restaurants and kosher bakeries.

Tip : Keep in mind that L'As du Fallafel and other Jewish-owned shops in the Marais are closed on Shabbat (Friday evening and Saturday during the daytime).

Address: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris (Métro: Saint-Paul or Bastille station)

The Musée Rodin is a hidden gem in the posh 7th arrondissement. This peaceful haven of refinement occupies the Hôtel Biron , an 18th-century mansion where sculptor Auguste Rodin lived and worked for many years. The property includes a seven-acre Sculpture Garden that blooms with flowers throughout the year.

In 1908, Auguste Rodin began to rent several rooms on the ground floor of the Hôtel Biron to use as an atelier. Rodin later took over the entire Hôtel Biron, which became his place of residence for the rest of his life. In 1916, Rodin donated his artworks and collection of antiquities to the French state, and the museum was established soon thereafter.

The Musée Rodin displays a remarkable assortment of Rodin's sculptures, as well as the works of Camille Claudel. Rodin masterpieces presented in the Hôtel Biron include Danaïd , an expressive marble sculpture depicting a mythological character (created in 1890); The Age of Bronze (created in 1877); The Cathedral , a stone sculpture of two intertwined hands (created in 1908); and The Kiss , one of Rodin's most sensual works (created around 1882).

Several monumental Rodin sculptures preside over various corners of the Sculpture Garden. The Thinker , Rodin's most iconic work of art , sits on a pedestal overlooking the perfectly manicured formal garden. The expressive Monument to Balzac stands in a shady spot beneath leafy trees, while a bronze statue of Adam is sheltered behind dense shrubbery.

Adding to the romance of the garden are the park benches and the café-restaurant, L'Augustine , where you may relax on an outdoor terrace. The café-restaurant also has a casual indoor dining space. Here you can savor a classic French meal, complete with dessert supplied by the renowned Maison Lenôtre pâtisserie.

This graceful 17th-century square was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart , one of the leading architects of Le Grand Siècle (during the reign of Louis XIV). Originally, the square was called Place Louis le Grand and was intended to house royal establishments.

The charm of the Place Vendôme is that it has retained the consistency of the overall design, which combines regal ostentation with civic simplicity. Following careful restoration in the early '90s, it has been restored in all its splendor.

The square is known for its upscale jewelry boutiques including Boucheron, Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier. Another luxury establishment here is the Ritz Hotel , which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.

Coco Chanel made the Ritz Paris her home for 34 years; she decorated her suite in her signature style with velvet-upholstered sofas, lacquered furniture, and gilded mirrors. The Ritz Paris still has a suite named after Coco Chanel that exemplifies her vision of Parisian chic.

At the center of the Place Vendôme stands a landmark of historic importance, the Colonne de la Grande Armée (replacing a statue of Louis XIV that was removed in 1792). Built between 1806 and 1810, the 42-meter-high column is dedicated to Napoleon and his Grande Armée (army) who fought heroically and victoriously in the Battle of Austerlitz (in December 1805).

The column's facade is crafted from bronze plaques embossed with 108 spiraling bas-relief friezes (similar to Trajan's Column in Rome), which tell the story of the glorious events that took place during Napoleon's campaign of 1805.

Address: Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris (Métro: Tuileries or Opéra station)

In the charming Le Marais quarter, the Centre Pompidou is a cultural center devoted to modern art. The building itself features shocking modern architecture, sometimes described as an "inside out" design because the architectural details of staircases and elevators appear on the exterior.

The main attraction of the Centre Pompidou is the Musée National d'Art Moderne (National Museum of Modern Art), which displays iconic works of art chosen from an extensive collection of over 100,000 pieces. The collection focuses on contemporary art created from 1905 to the present.

The collection covers all the movements of modern art, beginning with the Post-Impressionist "Fauves" and "Les Nabis" movements (André Derain, Raoul Dufy, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, and Marc Chagall) and continuing with the famous movement of Cubism (Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, and Robert Delaunay).

Each room highlights a specific time period or artistic movements such as Expressionism, Constructivism (Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian), Surrealism (Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, René Magritte, and André Masson), Abstract Expressionism (Mark Rothko, Nicolas de Staël, Hans Hartung, and Serge Poliakoff), Informal Art (Jean Dubuffet), New Realism, and Pop Art (Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg).

Several masterpieces of the collection are not to be missed : Avec l'Arc Noir by Wassily Kandinsky, Manège de Cochons by Robert Delaunay, Portrait de la Journaliste Sylvia von Harden by Otto Dix, The Frame by Frida Kahlo, Les Mariés de la Tour Eiffel by Marc Chagall, La Blouse Roumaine by Henri Matisse, New York City by Piet Mondrian, and Les Loisirs-Hommage à Louis David by Fernand Léger.

The center has two bookstores, a casual café, and a boutique that sells gift items inspired by contemporary art.

For a special dining experience, head to the Centre Pompidou's restaurant on the museum's top floor. Restaurant Georges features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular panoramic views of the Paris cityscape. Tables on the terrace look out directly onto the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.

Address: Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris (Métro: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet or Rambuteau station)

Louis XIV founded the Hôtel Royal des Invalides in the late 17th century as a home for disabled soldiers. The building was constructed between 1671 and 1676 under the direction of the architect Libéral Bruant and centered on the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which was later redesigned by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1706.

Today, the Hôtel National des Invalides still has a hospital (Institution Nationale des Invalides) that provides medical care for disabled veterans.

The monument also includes several tourist attractions: three museums and two historic churches. You could easily spend hours here, and luckily the site has excellent amenities: a café-restaurant, the Angelina tearoom (famous for its hot chocolate and pastries) in a tree-shaded courtyard, and a bookstore/gift shop.

Founded in 1794, the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum) presents a large collection of military equipment and uniforms, weapons, prints, and armor from various historical periods. The museum covers the military history of France from the 13th century (the Crusades) to the 17th century. There are also paintings of Napoleon and well-known generals, as well as maps that depict the French campaigns.

The Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération honors the soldiers who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War, from 1940 to 1945. This museum also educates visitors about the deportation of Jews from France, the Resistance, and life in France during the war.

The military strategy of the 17th century comes to life at the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (Museum of Relief Maps). The museum displays 97 detailed (1 to 600 scale) relief maps of France's fortified towns (citadels) and fortresses that date from 1668 to 1871. Louis XIV's Minister of War (and later ministers) used the maps for military planning purposes.

A gold-domed Neoclassical church, the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides was built in 1677 as a royal chapel for Louis XIV but is most famous for being the site of Napoleon's Tomb , installed here in 1861 by the orders of King Louis-Philippe. The imperial tomb stands beneath a magnificent cupola, which was painted by Charles de la Fosse.

Designed for veterans to worship, the Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides (constructed around 1676) connects with the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides. This chapel was built in keeping with the etiquette of the 17th century and has a separate entrance from the Eglise du Dôme. The Eglise Saint-Louis des Invalides still serves as the cathedral for the French army.

Address: Hôtel National des Invalides, Esplanade des Invalides, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris

Just steps away from the Louvre Museum, you will find a welcome retreat amid the bustle of Paris' 1st arrondissement. Visiting this secluded spot feels like a secret getaway, even though it's right in the center of the city.

The Palais-Royal was created as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, during the reign of Louis XIII. Richelieu later bequeathed the palace to the royal family, and it became the childhood home of Louis XIV.

Exemplifying classical French architecture, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is made up of 60 pavilions surrounding a courtyard and a garden, the Jardin du Palais-Royal . This peaceful enclosed space has the feeling of being its own little village within the city.

After wandering the busy streets of Paris, you will be delighted by the lush tree-shaded grounds. You might be surprised to see that the courtyard features a contemporary sculpture installation, a striking contrast to the historic architecture.

The buildings are connected by a colonnaded pathway and arcaded galleries (verandas) filled with high-end boutiques . There are fancy cafés with pleasant outdoor terraces and two gastronomic restaurants: the haute-cuisine Palais Royal Restaurant (two Michelin stars); and Le Grand Véfour in an 18th-century dining room featuring ornate " art décoratif " design motifs.

The Palais-Royal area has two theaters: the Théâtre du Palais-Royal (38 Rue de Montpensier), which dates back to 1783 and continues to present theater performances in French; and La Comédie-Française (1 Place Colette), a theater known as the " La Maison de Molière " because it has staged so many of the famous playwright's works. The Comédie-Française was inaugurated in 1790 and is still in use during its theater season.

A lovely place for a stroll, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is open every day, free of charge. The Centre des Monuments Nationaux offers guided group tours.

Address: Domaine National du Palais-Royal, 8 Rue Montpensier, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Now, only the name of this square is a reminder that the notorious state prison known as the Bastille, the much-hated symbol of absolutist power, once stood here. After the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, the prison was completely demolished.

In the center of Place de la Bastille is the 51-meter-high Colonne de Juillet , topped by a graceful gilded figure of Liberty ( Génie de la Liberté ). The monument commemorates the July Revolution of 1830, which overthrew King Charles X and brought Louis-Philippe d'Orléans to power.

Four Gallic cocks and a lion relief on the base of the column symbolize the free people of France. A spiral staircase of 283 steps inside the column leads to a viewing platform.

On the site of the Bastille prison is the new Opera House, the Opéra Bastille , inaugurated by President Mitterrand on July 13, 1989. This immense modern theater has seating for 2,745 people. Both the view of the stage from the auditorium and the acoustics are superb.

The Opéra Bastille presents a calendar of events that includes opera and ballet performances by the Opéra National de Paris and the Corps de Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris.

For a memorable evening in Paris, attend one of the performances at the Opéra Bastille and then dine in the Bastille area. This trendy neighborhood is brimming with quirky boutiques, hip clothing shops, stylish restaurants, and happening cafés.

Address: Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris (Métro: Bastille)

The Place du Châtelet stands at the very center of Paris in the 1st arrondissement, overlooking the Seine River. The Pont au Change (bridge) provides access from the Île de la Cité to the Place du Châtelet.

Tip : It's just a short walk from Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie on the Île-de-la-Cité to the Place du Châtelet, so it would make sense to visit these tourist attractions at the same time.

Two theaters grace the Place du Châtelet. The opulent Second Empire Théâtre du Châtelet (1 Place du Châtelet) presents a wide variety of music concerts, as well as dance and theater performances. A listed Monument Historique where Sarah Bernhardt once directed shows, the Théâtre de la Ville (2 Place du Châtelet) stages a diverse program of dance, music, and theater performances.

The area around Place du Châtelet is also worth exploring. Continue towards the Rue de Rivoli, past the Boulevard de Sébastopol, and wander through the small park to find the Tour Saint-Jacques . The 16th-century Flamboyant Gothic clock tower is all that remains of the Eglise Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (the patron saint of butchers), the town's old parish church.

The Saint-Jacques Tower is also famous as the place where Blaise Pascal conducted one of his barometric experiments, which showed the effect of altitude on the height of a column of mercury.

Never mind the inviting name, this imposing medieval fortress was an infamous place of detention and a courthouse (from 1793 to 1795) during the French Revolution. Here, prisoners including Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre were kept in dank cells while awaiting their fate.

The Conciergerie is a remnant of the Palais de la Cité , the royal residence of France's kings in the 13th and 14th centuries until the royal residence was moved to the Louvre. During the Restoration (return of the Bourbon monarchs to the throne), the Conciergerie was no longer used as a prison and Marie-Antoinette's cell was converted into a commemorative chapel.

Today, the Conciergerie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public as a museum. It's possible to purchase a combined entry ticket for the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. Admission to the Conciergerie is included with a Paris Museum Pass.

During your visit, you will have a chance to walk through the Prisoners' Corridor which includes a replica of French Revolution-era prison cells. An evocative exhibit, the Salle des Noms lists the names of more than 4,000 people who were put on trial by the Revolutionary Tribunal and includes their biographies.

Of course, you must visit the expiatory chapel of Marie-Antoinette (the commemorative chapel). Look for the motif of tears painted on the walls.

Other highlights of the visit include the Salle des Gardes which exhibits artifacts from the bloody Reign of Terror, including a guillotine blade, prison regulations, and a copy of Marie-Antoinette's last letter.

The Salle des Gens d'Armes is a 14th-century vaulted Gothic hall of awesome proportions. In this forbidding room, the condemned prisoners were handed over to the executioner.

For an exceptional view of the building's Neo-Gothic facade, stand on the opposite side of the Seine River on the Quai de la Mégisserie. From this distance, with its three round towers and the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), the fortress resembles a fairy-tale castle rather than a penitentiary.

Address: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

Formerly royal hunting grounds, the Bois de Boulogne is now home to a surprising modern landmark. Opened in 2014, the Fondation Louis Vuitton was commissioned by Bernard Arnault, chairman of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy corporation.

Acclaimed American architect Frank Gehry designed the striking building, using 3,600 glass panels and more steel than the amount in the Eiffel Tower. The museum features 3,500 square meters of exhibition space with 11 different galleries illuminated by natural light.

In keeping with the museum's modern theme, the permanent collection focuses entirely on 20th-century and 21st-century art organized into four different categories: Expressionism, Contemplative Art, Pop Art, and Music & Sound.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton offers a year-round calendar of events and temporary exhibits. Cultural events and music performances are presented in a 1,000-seat auditorium.

Not to be missed are the four outdoor terraces on the rooftop, which afford sweeping views of the Bois de Boulogne, La Défense district, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. You may also shop at the bookstore and enjoy a snack or meal at Le Frank Restaurant .

A tourist attraction in itself, the 850-hectare Bois de Boulogne has walking paths, gardens, bicycle rentals, picnic areas, and a lake for boating. Three upscale restaurants, including La Grande Cascade , the Auberge du Bonheur , and the three Michelin-starred restaurant Le Pré Catelan , offer traditional French fine dining. At the park's hippodrome used for horse races, La Brasserie Paris Longchamp serves casual sit-down meals.

Within the Bois de Boulogne is the Parc de Bagatelle with picnic tables, a snack bar, and a rose garden. The 18th-century Château de Bagatelle is open on Sundays and for temporary exhibitions. The Orangery of the Parc de Bagatelle hosts a Chopin Festival every year from mid-June until mid-July.

Address: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris (Métro: Pont de Neuilly or Avenue Foch)

Covering 55 hectares, the Parc de La Villette is the largest landscaped green space in Paris. The park is brimming with attractions, including children's playgrounds and the Cité de la Music .

The park is also home to 400-seat La Géode IMAX theater; the Zénith Paris - La Villette concert hall; the Philharmonie de Paris performance venue; and Le Trabendo , which stages rock, rap, and hip-hop music concerts.

During summertime, Parisians (and a few tourists) enjoy attending cultural events at the Parc de La Villette. For several days at the end of May, the Villette Sonique festival draws huge crowds to outdoor music concerts. Other festivals include Jazz à La Villette held from late August through early September and an outdoor film festival ( Cinéma en Plein Air ), which takes place in the park from mid-July to mid-August.

The park features a variety of themed gardens with walking paths, footbridges, and bright red architectural "follies" designed by Bernard Tschumi. The area around the Canal de l'Ourcq is embellished with ponds and fountains.

Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris (Métro: Porte de la Villette)

Planning to visit Paris during summertime? Be sure to pack your swimsuit! Even though the city is far from the sea, you can still find "beaches" for sunbathing.

From early July through late August, the Seine River becomes a beach destination. The riverbanks along the Quai de Seine and Quai de Loire are transformed into little resorts, complete with lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, and palm trees. Recreational opportunities include table football, tai chi, and petanque.

Other summertime recreational opportunities (in July and August) include swimming at the Bassin de La Villette , which has three swimming pools with lifeguards, and sports activities at the Jardins du Trocadéro .

Outside of central Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement is the city's most famous and most visited cemetery. This 44-hectare space is the final resting place of many famous men and women, including Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison.

Some of the tombs and graves of the most admired personalities attract a cult following, with flowers and tributes left by visitors on a daily basis.

Address: Cimetière du Père Lachaise, 21 Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris (Métro: Père Lachaise or Philippe Auguste station)

Locals escape to this peaceful oasis when they need a break from urban life. Among Parisians, this park is a favorite place to go for picnics and basking in the sunshine on warm days.

The 25-hectare park has the feeling of an untamed pastoral landscape, in contrast to the typical Parisian formal French gardens, with their orderly rows of flowerbeds and pollarded trees.

This romantic English-style garden features caves, waterfalls, and an artificial lake. Large shady trees and spacious grassy areas invite visitors to pull out a blanket and relax. Some areas of the park offer panoramic city views.

The convivial Rosa Bonheur café serves Mediterranean cuisine on an outdoor terrace. Rosa Bonheur is also known for its musical entertainment and evening dances.

For a gourmet lunch or brunch, Le Pavillon du Lac delights you with its lake views and garden patio. Le Pavillon du Lac is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays.

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris

The Grande Arche de la Défense is found in a business district at the end of Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle. This area just outside the city limits of Paris is named La Défense, which recalls the bitter resistance by French forces in this area during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

Designed by Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, the Grande Arche makes a striking impression. This huge 110-meter-high rectangular triumphal arch is faced with glass and granite.

The monument was inaugurated in 1989 on the bicentenary of the French Revolution, and the contemporary structure symbolizes France's national value of fraternity. The arch was originally called " La Grande Arche de la Fraternité ".

Address: La Grande Arche, 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92040 Paris (Métro: La Défense)

Deciding where to stay in Paris depends on your taste in hotels and travel preferences.

An abundance of quaint small hotels are scattered throughout the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements, which is also known as the Rive Gauche (Left Bank). Tourists appreciate this area for its central location, excellent restaurants, and lively sidewalk cafés.

The Marais quarter (4th arrondissement) on the Right Bank rivals the Left Bank for old-world charm and trendy ambiance. This neighborhood is filled with magnificent historic palaces and mansions, while enticing boutiques, cozy restaurants, cafés, and tea salons line the quarter's cobblestone streets.

Many luxury hotels are found on the boulevards near the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, in an area of the 8th arrondissement known as the Triangle d'Or (Golden Triangle) because of its designer fashion boutiques and upscale gourmet restaurants.

Montmartre is farther from most tourist attractions but has a special atmosphere thanks to its bohemian heritage, excellent art museums, and atmospheric pedestrian alleyways. Some of the hotels in this hilltop neighborhood offer sweeping city views.

Here are some highly-rated hotels in these areas of Paris:

Luxury Hotels:

• In the fashionable 8th arrondissement near the Jardins des Champs-Élysées is the five-star Le Bristol Paris . This legendary hotel epitomizes Parisian elegance with sumptuous guest rooms featuring Louis XV or Louis XVI furnishings and tailor-made bed linens. Guests enjoy the courtyard garden, spa, rooftop swimming pool, tea time at Café Antonia, and fine dining at the hotel's Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant or Michelin-starred brasserie.
• La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa is another ultra-luxurious accommodation in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs-Élysées. The five-star hotel occupies a palatial 19th-century mansion decorated in a classical style, yet has the intimate ambiance of a private home. Guests appreciate the top-notch amenities: spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and two gourmet restaurants including a dining room with two Michelin stars.
• Art Deco interiors create an inviting feel at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in the 8th arrondissement. This opulent five-star hotel occupies a landmark building that dates to 1928 and has been beautifully maintained. Guests are pampered by the hotel's amenities: an upscale spa, swimming pool, and three fine-dining options including a vegetarian restaurant. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant, Le Cinq, boasts three Michelin stars.
• The Hôtel Plaza Athénée graces the tree-lined Avenue Montaigne, a prestigious boulevard lined with haute couture boutiques. Housed in a stately Haussmann-style building near the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, this five-star hotel features plush guest rooms with Art Deco furnishings. Amenities include the Dior Spa, and three dining options, including a garden courtyard restaurant and La Galerie, a salon that serves afternoon tea.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the Latin Quarter steps away from the Panthéon, the impeccably maintained Hôtel Résidence Henri IV exudes old-fashioned Parisian charm with its traditional interior decor and balconies overlooking the street. The spacious guest rooms have flat-screen televisions and updated bathrooms; the apartments have kitchenettes. This four-star hotel has a hammam and offers spa treatments. The breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes artisanal and organic products.
• The Relais Christine has a quiet and cozy ambiance, which makes it feel like a family home. This five-star hotel in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood is surrounded by cafés, bistros, and restaurants. The tastefully adorned guest rooms feature garden, courtyard, or street views and Nespresso coffee machines. Amenities include an upscale spa, fitness center, breakfast for an additional charge, and room service.
• Near the legendary Boulevard Saint-Germain cafés and a short walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg, the boutique three-star Hôtel Left Bank Saint Germain des Prés occupies an 18th-century building on an ancient street where Molière had a residence. The hotel's suite has a living room with windows that look out onto Notre-Dame Cathedral. A continental breakfast with croissants, café au lait, and fresh-squeezed orange juice is available.
• The charming Relais Médicis is tucked away on a quiet street near the Luxembourg Gardens. This four-star hotel is a welcome retreat from the busy streets of the Saint-Germain neighborhood. The guest rooms blend old-fashioned French country decor with modern amenities. Breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes yogurt, cheese, fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea, and croissants from a neighborhood bakery.
• Montmartre is considered Paris' most enchanting neighborhood, although it is a Métro ride to the main tourist attractions. A few steps away from the Métro station in the heart of the quarter's narrow, winding streets is Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre . This four-star hotel has quaint guest rooms with vintage-inspired decor. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet (generous for the price) that includes croissants, yogurt, charcuterie, cheese, and fruit.

Budget Hotels:

• The Legend Hotel by Elegancia is conveniently located in the Montparnasse district of the 6th arrondissement (Rive Gauche) and about a 10-minute walk to the Luxembourg Gardens. This cozy three-star boutique hotel has chic contemporary-style rooms. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, buffet or continental breakfast (for an additional charge), and concierge services.
• In the Latin Quarter (Rive Gauche) near the Panthéon, the family-run Hôtel Diana has stylish modern rooms with renovated bathrooms and courtyard or city views. Considering the central location and 24-hour front reception desk, this hotel provides excellent value for the price. A continental-style breakfast buffet is available for a small charge.

Paris Sightseeing Overview:

• For first-time visitors, the Paris Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a good choice. You can decide which monuments you would like to see, such as the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, and the Musée d'Orsay. The tour provides commentary while you're on the bus and includes an entrance ticket to the Arc de Triomphe as well as a short Seine River Cruise.

Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour:

• The Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour covers the city's highlights by cruising down the Seine River. This self-guided tour allows you to stop at eight different places on the Seine River over a one-day or two-day period. You will have a chance to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Musee d'Orsay, the legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafés, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, and the Hôtel National des Invalides.

Visit the Normandy Battlefields:

• History buffs will want to see the famous World War II battlefields, about a three-hour drive from Paris. One recommended day trip is the Normandy D-Day Beaches Tour . Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, tourists will see the Omaha and Juno Beaches, and the American Cemetery. The tour also includes a visit to the Arromanches harbor.

Must-See Sights Outside of Paris :

• Another popular outing from Paris is the Versailles and Giverny Day Trip . This full-day excursion explores the vibrant gardens of Giverny, which Monet depicted in many paintings, and the Château de Versailles, Louis XIV's extravagant palace. The tour includes a gourmet lunch at the Moulin de Fourges riverside restaurant, which is housed in an 18th-century mill inspired by Marie-Antoinette's hamlet at Versailles.

Many seasoned travelers say the best months to visit Paris are in the spring (April, May, June), the summer (especially June and the first half of July), and early autumn (September and October) . As a general rule, this is also the best time to visit France.

April is in the off-season , and hotel prices are reduced. The drawback is that the weather is capricious and can be quite chilly or rainy . Average low temperatures are mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit. With some luck, the weather could be refreshingly crisp and sunny. Average highs are low-60 degrees. On the upside, April offers the chance to experience the magic of early spring. Trees begin to bud their first leaves in the parks and lining the avenues. Daffodils and tulips bloom in the gardens.

In May , the weather is still fickle , with a mix of sunny days and chilly or rainy days. The temperature averages range from high 60 degrees to low 50 degrees Fahrenheit. By early May, trees, burgeoning vegetation, and colorful flowers enliven the leafy grounds of the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Champs-Élysées, Jardin des Plantes, Parc Monceau, Bois de Boulogne, and the Buttes-Chaumont. On warm days, café terraces come back to life.

June is a delightful time to visit Paris because of the balmy weather and long days . Daytime temperatures are comfortable, with high temperature averages in the low 70 degrees. Thanks to Paris' northern latitude, the sun sets at almost 10pm in June. It seems that the entire city is out and about to celebrate the beginning of summer. The sidewalk café scene bustles and there is a sense of joie de vivre in the air.

The first two weeks of July are the most exciting time to visit Paris, with Parisians' anticipation of vacation just around the corner. Plus, the weather starts to feel like summer. The entire month of July is a great time to visit because of warm days with average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

July and August are the hottest months of the year in Paris. August also has average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, travelers should keep in mind that many shops and restaurants close in August when Parisians leave for summer holidays after the Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) on July 14th.

September is a marvelous time to visit Paris because the weather is still pleasant , yet it is in the off-season , so hotels are more affordable, and tourist attractions are less crowded. Similar to the springtime, September promises a mix of weather, with some sunny days and some rain. The average high temperatures are low-70 degrees Fahrenheit and average low temperatures are mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another good time to visit is October which is in the off-season . October weather can be chilly. The daytime high-temperature averages start to dip into the 60s Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 48 degrees.

Tips for What to Wear : For a Paris vacation in April, May, September, or October, travelers should pack layers and bring sweaters, a jacket, raincoat, boots, and an umbrella. In June and July, the weather is warm enough for summer dresses and short-sleeve shirts. Packing requirements during the late fall and winter months (November through March) include heavy coats, scarves, wool hats, gloves, warm socks, and boots.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Easy Paris Day Trips: There are many wonderful places to visit within easy reach from Paris . Just outside the Paris metropolitan area is a tranquil rural landscape that is rich in cultural treasures: lovely little villages, historic castles, splendid churches, and interesting medieval towns. A must-see destination is the Château de Versailles , the 17th-century palace of Louis XIV (the "Sun King").

For those who prefer cities to the countryside, several worthwhile destinations are just a one- to two-hour train ride away: the elegant and cultured city of Lille (one hour by TGV train) with its distinct Flemish character, the delightful town of Amiens (about one hour and 30 minutes by train), and Lyon (two hours by TGV train) known as the gastronomic heart of France.

Adored by tourists for its perfectly preserved medieval ambiance, picturesque canals, and enticing chocolate shops, atmospheric Bruges (two hours 30 minutes by train) is simple to visit even though the train crosses the border into Belgium.

Historic Sites in Normandy: The scenic Normandy region wows visitors with its natural beauty and fascinating history. Along its dramatic coastline are the Landing Beaches of World War Two, and nearby are military cemeteries and memorial museums. One of the top attractions of France and Normandy's most visited site is Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO-listed medieval pilgrimage site with a sublime 12th-century abbey church. Tourists will also enjoy discovering the historic town of Rouen , with its marvelous cathedral, handsome half-timbered houses, and abundance of Gothic churches.

Gorgeous Castles and Pastoral Landscapes: The fairy-tale Loire Valley landscape is home to the most magnificent Renaissance châteaux in France. With a lush natural environment of woodlands and rivers, this enchanting region is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The naturally beautiful region of Brittany boasts a wild, rugged coastline, with many idyllic fishing villages and an unspoiled countryside with medieval castles. The Burgundy region is dotted with historic towns such as Dijon , quaint villages, ancient abbeys, and Romanesque churches.

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Paris Bucket List: 62 Best Things to do in Paris, France

Looking for the best things to do in Paris? Here is the complete Paris bucket list that has everything you shouldn’t miss for an amazing trip to the French capital.

Paris is an incredibly beautiful city with lots of things to do and see. And if you’re visiting Paris for the first time , it can be a bit challenging to decide which things to do in Paris and which ones to leave out since it’s impossible to see everything in one visit.

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So to help you narrow down a few things and not miss out on the fun experiences, I’m putting together the ultimate bucket list for Paris from the must-see places in Paris, unique things to do in Paris to even things you might have never heard of you.

From climbing the Eiffel tower, cruising on the Seine, and taking a stroll in the Paris pretty streets to many other exciting activities to do in Paris, here is the complete Paris bucket list.

Whether you’re spending one day in Paris , a weekend , or 3 days in Paris , you’ll find something that suits you.

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 .

Paris Bucket List: Best Things to do In Paris, France

Whether you’re looking for where to go in Paris or seasonal Paris activities, here is a comprehensive list of all the fun things to do and see in Paris!

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without climbing the Eiffel Tower and that’s why it comes first on my list of the best things to do in Paris.

The experience of climbing the most famous landmark in France is surreal but the incredible views of the city you get from the top of the Tower are even more awe-inspiring.

However, since it’s one of the most visited attractions in Paris, you can expect long queues and the best way to beat them is by purchasing this skip the line ticket in advance to the second floor or this one to the summit for an even more incredible experience.

Psst… For an even fun and educated experience of the Eiffel Tower, join this Eiffel Tower g u i d e d tour with a highly knowledgeable and friendly tour guide.

2. Cruise the Seine

Cruising the seine is one of the fun things to do in Paris as it opens up a whole new dimension of views of the famous Parisian landmarks .

An afternoon Seine cruise is ok but to even have an absolute wonder, opt for this amazing dinner cruise where you’ll enjoy the illuminating lights from famous buildings while watching the Eiffel Tower shimmer at the top of the hour.

3. Take in the city views from Arc de Triomphe

If you think the Eiffel Tower offers the best views of Paris , you’ll be in for a real treat when you go to the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe.

From here, you’ll be able to see the Eiffel Tower, the entire Champs-Élysées stretch, and how the 12 roads diverge from the arc creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Psst… Don’t forget to buy this skip-the-line arc de Triomphe ticket to avoid the long queues but if you prefer going with a professional, then this tour is what I highly recommend joining.

Related post: Facts about the Arc de Triomphe

4. Watch a Sunset over the Eiffel Tower from The Seine

There is no better place to see the sun setting with a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower than at the banks of the Seine.

Imagine the magical hour plus a magical monument! It’s the perfect Eiffel Tower photo spot and that’s a jackpot right there my friend!

If you’re an early bird person, you can just substitute this for a sunrise! You can check out my favorite Paris sunrise spots to know where to go.

5. Picnic at one of the many parks in Paris

Looking for another Paris bucket list idea that involves enjoying the beautiful parks of Paris? Then try going for a picnic.

Picnics in Paris are a given so it would be a shame not to go on one while in the city of love. I wrote a post about planning a Parisian Picnic to guide you if you don’t know where to start.

6. Go window shopping at Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées is one of the most beautiful and famous avenues in Paris and the whole world at large and it’s such a fun experience just to take a stroll along it.

Notice I said, “window shop”? Yes, because it has world-renowned brand names which makes the stores extremely extensive! But even if you buy nothing from there, strolling the Champs-Élysées is one of the cool things to do in Paris.

7. Admire Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral might have been under flames but it doesn’t take away its prestigious place in Paris.

You can still walk around it and admire the beautiful exterior architecture as we await its grand re-opening in a few years to come.

8. Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacré-Cœur is one of the most beautiful basilicas in Paris perched on a hill in Montmartre. Take a stroll inside to admire the amazing architecture while embarking on a religious journey.

After that, climb to the top of the dome to take in the most incredible views of Paris. One other interesting element at this Basilica that some people always miss is the crypt, but now that you know better, be sure to add it to your Paris bucket list.

You can learn more about it by reading my post on the fun facts about Sacre Coeur .

9. See the most famous art painting in the Louvre museum

Louvre Museum is not only the largest art museum in Paris and the world but it also houses the most famous painting — the Mona Lisa.

And it’s not just the Mona Lisa painting, there are so many other paintings to see in the Louvre , so take your time and take in all that you can.

But since the Louvre is the most visited attraction in Paris, you can expect long queues, and the best way to skip the long lines is by purchasing this skip-the-line ticket in advance .

And if you want to learn more about the museum and know where to go and what to see since it’s easy to get lost in this mega museum, I recommend taking a highly recommended tour with professional tour guides like this one .

Besides the Louvre, you can also check out these free museums in Paris that are worth visiting.

Related Post: Fun facts about the Louvre museum

10. Watch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge

One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to watch a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge.

There is nothing more fun to do at night than watching talented dancers dance their bodies off as you wind down the evening with a glass of champagne.

Psst… A cabaret show sells out pretty fast, so be sure to book your spot here in advance to make sure that you don’t miss out on the fun.

11. Take a day trip to Paris Disneyland

Disneyland Paris ! A place where all our childhood dreams come to life!! It’s truly one of the most fun places to visit in Paris!

So while in Paris, get a day and go on a day trip to Disneyland and immerse yourself in all the fun that comes with this amusement park.

However, plan and buy your one-day Disneyland ticket and if you’re all about being spontaneous, just opt for this ticket instead that lets you go any time you feel like.

Before your trip, make sure that you know these Disneyland Paris tips for a fun trip and if you plan to dine at one of the fancy restaurants at Disneyland Paris , make sure that you make a reservation in advance.

Related Post: How to get from CDG airport to Disneyland Paris

12. Enjoy impressionist paintings in Musee d’Orsay

If you love art, paintings, and museums, then visiting Musee d’Orsay should be on your bucket list for Paris.

The museum houses mainly French art and the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world by famous painters making it a great stop for people who love Impressionism.

Even if you’re not an art lover, you’ll still love this museum due to its impressive and grand architecture.

The only thing you need to remember is to buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance to beat the queues. But if you want to learn more about the museum, then you can opt for this tour instead .

Not sure what to see there? Here is a list of the most famous Orsay museum paintings plus these Van Gogh paintings .

13. Admire the city from Montparnasse Tower

Paris is no short of viewpoints and Montparnasse is one of the prettiest.

It might have been regarded as one of the ugliest buildings in Paris since it doesn’t look like other traditional Parisian architecture but you can never be mad at the incredible views of the Eiffel Tower it gives.

Psst… Grab your skip-the-line ticket here before you go to beat the crowds.

14. See thousands of skulls at Catacombs

If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Paris, then visiting the Catacombs is one of them.

It’s kind of a dark place to go with thousands of human skulls and bones buried under Paris but it’s also interesting to learn more about the place too.

You can visit on your own by buying this skip-the-line ticket but I recommend booking this highly recommended tour as there is a section of the Catacombs that can only be visited if you’re with a tour guide.

15. Indulge yourself in French pastries

Paris and France at large are known for having some of the most delicious pastries and it’d be a big mistake to visit and not taste some.

There are so many pastries in Paris that it can be hard to choose which ones to try first but I got you covered with my list of the must-try desserts in Paris.

You can go pastry tasting on your own from bakery to bakery since they’re so many in the city but if you want something organized for you, then I recommend taking this pastry tour .

16. East some Street food In Paris

Paris surprisingly has lots of street foods to indulge in! From the famous crêpes, marron Chaud (roasted chestnuts), and Jambon-Beurre (baguette ham sandwich), there are plenty of street foods in Paris to try!

You can do this on your own but if you want to try some of the best in the city, then I recommend going on this Paris food tour .

I went on this tour and I am not exaggerating when I say I had my best croissant on this tour. We also tasted various foods like Jambon-Beurre, different types of cheese, Croque-monsieur, charcuterie, wine, macarons, and unique desserts made by a local bakery.

The tour guide was also knowledgeable and the entire tour was a great basis to taste and learn about French foods.

17. Walk into the footsteps of kings at Versailles palace

Versailles Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces near Paris that you shouldn’t miss while in the city of love.

The architecture, the beautiful gardens, the sculptures, the waterfalls, the waterfall shows, and not forgetting the immense amount of history make Versailles Palace one of the best places to visit in Paris.

Feel like royalty by strolling through the King’s Grand Apartments, and seeing the magnificent Hall of Mirrors; it truly never gets any better than this.

On top of taking a day trip to this beautiful palace, you can also explore some of the cute cities near Paris .

Psst… You should buy this skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid the lines or better yet take this guided tour to learn everything you need to know about this beautiful palace.

Not sure how to get to this magnificent palace? Here is a detailed guide on how to get from Paris to Versailles Palace .

18. Marvel at the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle

Paris might have many beautiful chapels but Sainte-Chapelle gotta be the most impressive in my opinion.

I mean it’s not every day that the interior of a building is covered in stained glass windows that dazzle in different colors and shapes which makes this royal chapel incredibly beautiful.

To visit, you can buy this independent Sainte-Chapelle ticket or you can buy this ticket to have access to both Conciergerie And Sainte-Chapelle.

Or better yet book this guided tour to learn more about this gothic gem.

19. Watch an opera show at Palais Garnier

One of the other top things to do in Paris is to watch an Opera Show at Palais Garnier. Even if you’re not into watching shows, a visit to the Opera is an absolute must.

You can stroll inside and admire its architecture, the famous double staircase leading to the foyers, and the various floors of the theatre. Take your time admiring the grand foyer and take in all the shimmers it comes with.

You can buy this ticket and go for a self-guided tour but if you want to see it with the knowledge of an expert, then I recommend going for this guided tour .

You can learn more about this place by reading my article on interesting facts about Palais Garnier .

20. Explore Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is the most beautiful bridge in Paris in my opinion!

This monumental bridge connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower and is not short of views of the Seine River with a background of the Eiffel Tower.

So soak in all its views by taking a stroll along this magnificent bridge.

21. Explore the charming district of Montmartre

Located on a hill, Montmartre is a charming, vibrant, and artistic district of Paris that brings out all the feels!

From street stalls that serve hot crepes, various pretty restaurants, and several street artists, Montmartre is one of those places in Paris not to miss.

You don’t even have to have a real agenda, just a stroll in this Parisian neighborhood will be perfect but if want to plan your visit in advance, here are some of the best things to do in Montmartre .

22. Visit Centre Pompidou

Paris never runs out of exciting places to showcase and Centre Pompidou is one of them. The Centre houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne (National Museum of modern art) which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe.

On top of art pieces, Centre Pompidou also showcases a rare inside-out kind of architecture which you’ll likely find nowhere and if you go to its observation deck, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the city.

Psst… You’ll need this ticket to get access to the museum and the observation deck

23. Watch the Eiffel Tower shimmer At Night

Another thing that should be on your Paris bucket list is watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at the top of the hour at night for 5 minutes. It is a magnificent sight that you shouldn’t miss.

It’s completely free, so all you have to do is to find a perfect spot to see it – and if you find a nice spot near the Seine, that will be even better as you’ll see the sparkles on the surface of the water which is a magical sight.

24. Learn to bake Macarons

Macarons are some of the most delicious pastries in Paris and learning to bake them will give you bragging rights when you go back to your country.

And if it’s not to brag, at least make those delicacies when you want to have a French treat at home or if you just want to make them for your family.

If this is your gem, then I recommend signing up for this macaron baking class with a professional Parisian chef and you’ll have so much fun doing it.

However, if you’d rather buy a pack instead of making them, then you can check out my list of places to buy the best Macarons in Paris .

25. Learn about different plants and flowers at Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is honestly one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. It not only has beautiful flowers and plants but they go ahead and label them which makes it easy for plant lovers to know which ones are which.

It’s also a huge park with various sections that will make you feel like you’re not in Paris anymore but rather a charming small village with well-marked pathways.

And if you love animals, Jardin des Plantes has a zoo where you can go and get an up-close look at some of the famous and rare wild animals – now that’s an all-inclusive park if you ask me.

26. Take in incredible views of Paris from a rooftop bar

Want to have a drink with a view? Then head to one of Paris’ rooftop bars . This is a great way to wind your sightseeing day while hanging out with friends or immersing yourself in the local scene.

Some of the rooftop bars you can check out include; 43 Cocktail Bar , Terrass” Hôtel Bar, and Khayma Rooftop Bar .

27. Say I love you in hundreds of languages at the “I love you” wall

It wouldn’t be called a city of love without a 40 square meters (430 sq ft), 612 blue titled wall that screams I love you from the hill of Montmartre.

So if you’re traveling with your loved one and looking for romantic things to do in Paris , check out the I Love You wall , a wall that has “I love you” written 311 times in 250 languages from popular ones like French to the rare ones like Bambara from Mali.

It might seem like a basic thing but it’s so much fun trying to figure out which language is which or even trying to pronounce them – so don’t skip it but rather add it to your Paris bucket list already.

Related post: 16 Reasons Why Paris is Called the City of Love

28. Sleep at a Paris hotel with Eiffel Tower views

I can’t think of anything more exciting than waking up to magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower! Imagine walking up to the balcony or opening your hotel window and the Eiffel Tower is right there saying Bonjour ! Nothing can beat such an experience.

However, not all Parisian hotels offer views of the Eiffel Tower but even those that offer them, you’ll need to book way in advance to be able to get a room with a view as they get booked out fast.

So if you’re wondering which hotels you can stay at for amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, then go to Hôtel Balzac (a 5-star hotel in the 8th arrondissement), Le Metropolitan Hotel (a 4-star hotel in the 16th), or Les Jardins d’Eiffel (a 3-star hotel in the 7th).

These are just a few of the hotels but for a complete list, check out my previous post with a review of the best hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views to help you choose your perfect home away from home in the city of love.

However, if you prefer to have that homey feel while exploring the city of love, then you can opt to stay at one of these Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower views or these luxury Paris vacation rental apartments that will help you fully immerse yourself in Parisian life.

29. Visit Jardin du Luxembourg

Luxembourg Gardens is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Paris you should check out, especially if you visit in summer when the fountain is running creating an even more beautiful sight.

You can just go there for a stroll or to even chill while reading a book but if you prefer, you can spend some time at the Luxembourg Museum.

Be sure to check out my complete guide to visiting the Luxembourg Gardens to know what to expect.

30. Go shopping at Galeries Lafayette

If you love shopping (actually even if you don’t), you can’t miss shopping at Galeries Lafayette, a world-renowned department store in Paris .

You can find almost everything you can think of here and if you don’t feel like buying anything, window shopping is possible as you admire the place.

And if that wasn’t enough, Galeries Lafayette has a rooftop terrace that is open to the public to take in amazing views of the city! Now that’s an activity that deserves to be on your Paris bucket list.

31. Watch a Beautiful Paris sunrise

While sunsets are beautiful, sunrises are equally beautiful in Paris! I know it’s a struggle to wake up early in the morning, especially during the months when the sun rises super early but the outcome is so worth it!

There are so many places to go to enjoy a sunrise in Paris but some of my favorites include; the Trocadero Square, the banks of the Seine River, the Notre Dame area, Pont Alexandre III and so many others.

You can check out my complete list of where to enjoy a Paris sunrise to know exactly where to go.

32. Explore the Covered Passage of Paris

One of the non-touristy things to do in Paris is to explore the covered passages of Paris. From the 2nd arrondissement to the 9th, there are many covered passages dotted around the city that are worth checking out.

What makes these covered passages of Paris stunning are their stained-glass roofs, mosaic floors, and the chic shops that sell anything from textiles, antiques, and clothes to furniture!

My favorite is Passage du Grand-Cerf but others like Galerie Vivienne , Passage Verdeau , Passage des Princes , and Passage des Panoramas are equally interesting too!

33. Photograph the Eiffel Tower From different Spots

This might seem like a cliche but photographing the Eiffel Tower is one of the best things to do in Paris.

While you can photograph it up close at Champs de Mars, there is nothing more rewarding than trying to look for other spots to get the perfect shots of the Iron Lady.

Some of the best places to photograph the Eiffel Tower include; the Trocadero Square which is a no-brainer, Rue De L’Université , Passerelle Debilly , Pont De Bir Hakeim, and many others. You can find my full list here .

34. Pay your respects at Père Lachaise Cemetery

A cemetery may not be the first thing on anyone’s Paris bucket list but you’ll be surprised by Père Lachaise Cemetery. This cemetery is the largest in Paris and it sits on 44 hectares of land!

Besides its size, what makes this cemetery popular is the fact that it is the final resting place for several famous people including but not limited to Edith Piaf , Eugène Delacroix , France Clidat , Peter Abelard , and the famous rock star Jim Morrison whose grave is one of the most visited.

What makes this cemetery even more interesting is that ever since they stopped cutting down trees and taking care of it (of course they do the bare minimum to keep it walkable) as a way of letting nature prevail, you can find lots of birds even more than in some of the reserved forests and national parks! Some even consider it a bird-watching haven!

35. Explore the Prettiest Streets of Paris

Paris is an all-around beauty with every street and corner presenting something beautiful worth stopping for!

And while it may have over 6,000 streets, some Parisian streets need extra attention! So, as you explore Paris, be sure to check out some of its prettiest streets!

From Rue De L’Abreuvoir , Rue Cler , and Rue Norvins , to Rue Cremieux , there are so many streets that truly bring out the wow factor!

36. Dine at a restaurant with an Eiffel Tower view

It’s no surprise that anyone would want to look at the Eiffel Tower every chance they get!

And while you can do that in most places, nothing beats dining while enjoying the views of the Eiffel Tower!

Besides the views, these restaurants serve mouth-watering dishes that will make your experience even more enjoyable! 

Some of the restaurants with Eiffel Tower views you can dine at include; Les Ombres , L’oiseau Blanc , Maison Blanche , and so many others.

Related Post: Best Restaurants in the Latin Quarter

37. Explore place de la Concorde

One of the best places to see in Paris is Place de la Concorde. It is one of the largest squares in Paris and one that carries a lot of history! 

Located near the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre along the Champs-Élysées, this square might now look beautiful with its 2 fountains and a Luxor Obelisk, but back in the day, it was an execution place!

In fact, it’s where Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI were publically executed! With this in mind, there is no doubt that a stroll in one of the historical squares of the French capital deserves to be on your Paris bucket list! 

38. Taste some of the weird French food

French cuisine is one of the best in the world! But even with that title, the French eat some weird foods that most tourists or nations frown over!

But the fact remains that the best way to truly understand a place’s culture is by indulging in its food! 

So, the next you go to a restaurant in Paris, instead of asking for the usual burger, try some weird French foods like escargots, (snails), Couilles De Mouton (Mutton Testicles), or even Ris De Veau (Calf’s Pancreas/ Sweetbreat)! You may find some truly weird but others might just surprise you in a good way! 

39. Pick up a Parisian souvenir

Photos create lasting memories, but souvenirs ensure that you take a piece of that place with you back home! 

If your trip to Paris is sadly coming to an end, there is no better way to immortalize your trip than taking a Parisian souvenir ! 

There are plenty of options to choose from like the Eiffel Tower statue ( cheesy but cool), a pack of macarons, French chocolates, or anything that will remind you of the beauty of Paris.

40. Bike along the Banks of the Seine

One of the coolest things to do in Paris is biking along the Seine! Locals love it and the freedom it gives as you enjoy the cool breeze is everything!

Just rent a bike from the many bike rental shops and you’ll be in for a real treat!

41. Chill at Canal Saint-Martin

If you want to try out one of the non-touristy things in Paris or even go where the locals chill, then Canal Saint-Martin is the perfect spot!

It is a great spot to chill with a couple of friends either for drinks or some quick bites. Remember to take away your trash and not drop anything in the canal.

Canal Saint-Martin is also a good place to people-watch if you have one of those weird hobbies like me!

42. Ride a Scooter

If Emily in Paris taught us anything, it’s that you have to do Paris the right way and do all the fun things you can lay your hands on to truly feel like a Parisian.

And one of the Paris experiences you can’t miss out on is riding a scooter! Rent a scooter from a rental shop and ride away in the city of love!

43. Visit Napoleon’s Final Resting Place At Les Invalides

For a walk through France’s history, a visit to Les Invalides is a must do in Paris! Explore the military museum of the Army of France and learn about France’s army history.

The Invalides also houses the tomb of the infamous Napoleon which I believe is worth a visit to see the final resting place of a man who played a huge role in shaping the history of France.

You can visit on your own but to get a deeper insight and learn about the history that unraveled during those times from a knowledgeable person, I’d recommend booking this Les Invalides guided tour .

44. Admire The Works Of Picasso At Musée Picasso

If you love art, then you should add Musée Picasso to your list of things to do in Paris!

Picasso was and is still a household name when it comes to art and by visiting this museum, you get a chance to see over 5,000 of his spectacular paintings! 

Located in Hôtel Salé in the Marais district in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, Musée Picasso is one of the best places in Paris to visit.

Just grab this entry ticket before you go to avoid wasting time in queues! 

45. Pick Up An Antique At A Paris Flea Market

Where are all the antique lovers? You may not fancy shopping at Galeries Lafayette but picking up an antique at the various flea markets will satisfy your soul!

You can head to Paris Saint Ouen Flea Market , Paris Porte De Vanves Flea Market , Brocante De La Place D’Aligre At Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and many others.

Just be sure to go either early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the crowds. You can even opt for this Saint Ouen guided tour to get insider tips and easily navigate the biggest flea market in Paris.

46. Go Underground And Explore The Sewers Of Paris

One of the unusual sights to see in Paris is no doubt its sewers! The Paris Sewer Museum gives visitors a rare chance to learn about the history of the Paris sewers from the day they were constructed to the modern-day structure.

If you can brave up for the stink, you might just enjoy seeing how Paris takes care of its sewerage as you discover its 2,100 kilometers (1,300 miles) stretch beneath the streets of Paris.

47. Pay Your Respects At The Pet Cemetery

If you love pets or you just want to get a chance to see a pet cemetery, Paris has you covered!

Located in Asnieres-Sur Seine, a Parisian suburb in the northwest, this pet cemetery is the oldest public pet cemetery in the world. It is a final resting place for all kinds of pets from dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and many more.

The graves are quite interesting to look at and there are some famous pets to look out for while exploring including the famous Rin Tin Tin , a former international dog star in Hollywood, and other dogs who belonged to famous French artists like Marguerite Durand, Alexandre Dumas, Michel Houellebecq, etc.

48. Discover The Uniqueness Of Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont

While there are many beautiful parks in Paris , nothing comes close to the beauty of Butte-Chaumont!

With unique features like a cave, waterfalls, a bridge, lakes, and an expansive area of greenery, this place truly deserves to be on anyone’s Paris bucket list!

Besides that, it also offers stunning views of the city if you climb to the top of the Temple de la Sibylle which is the most famous feature of the park.

You can pack a picnic and enjoy the greenery and the beautiful landscape on a sunny day in Paris.

49. Take A Day Trip To Mont Saint-Michel

While the French capital is beautiful, some places near Paris are worth discovering and one that comes to everyone’s mind is Mont Saint-Michel !

Located in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island that looks like a castle on an island from afar, but an up-close look will uncover the beauty of this historical monument.

Just around 4 hours from Paris, it can either be treated as a day trip or as a weekend getaway from Paris if you want to fully enjoy the beauty this place offers! 

How sure how to get there? You can read my post on how to plan a day trip from Paris to Mont Saint Michel .

50 Be Mesmerized By The Sinking House Of Montmartre

Located right next to Sacre Coeur, this colorful building gives the illusion that it is sinking! 

But in reality, it’s not actually sinking but just a camera trick! Regardless, it’s still fun to look at and take photos of!

51. Take Instagram Worth Photos At Le Consult

Located in a bustling neighborhood on rue Norvins, Le Consulat is one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris !

Though it’s a restaurant that serves delicious meals, most people go there for photos due to its colorful and chic design.

However, if you plan to have a meal on top of taking some cool photos, just make sure that you arrive early as the tables book out fast! 

52. Take A Parisian Food Tour

Besides trying out some French weird dishes to fully immerse yourself in the Parisian culture, I recommend going on a food tour!

You can opt for this Marais walking food tour which allows you to taste some French pastries, wine, and cheese, or this Montmartre food tour which also includes wine tasting and a selection of French ham and sausages.

53. Go Wine Tasting

Have you ever been to Paris without tasting some wine? Certainly not!! Paris and France, in general, pride themselves on having some of the best wines in the world, and going on a wine-tasting tour is one of the fun things to do in Paris.

There are so many wine-tasting tours in Paris but I recommend opting for this one to not only taste wine from various French regions but also learn new techniques on how to properly taste it.

But if you want to feel like royalty while savoring the wine, then this wine-tasting tour held in an 18th-century wine cellar is the perfect option.

54. Take A Day Trip To The Champagne Region

If you prefer tasting wine in a vineyard instead of a bar or a city cellar, then taking a day trip to the Champagne region is one of the fun things to do in Paris!

Besides tasting wine, you’ll visit some famous champagne houses including Moët & Chandon, and learn about the entire wine-making process!

You can visit on your own or book this organized tour where you’ll taste champagne, visit 3 champagne houses, and visit other landmarks in Reim.

55. Admire The Columns At Palais Royal

If you love taking fun Instagram photos, then head to Palais Royal!

The courtyard is covered in black and white columns which have become a sensation for many Instagrammers! 

56. Visit Madeleine church

While Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur are the most famous churches in Paris , Madeleine is one church that is underrated in my opinion!

It’s beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside too! The neoclassical façade on the exterior resembles a Greek temple while the interior is out of this world.

Admire the beautiful bronze door at the entrance, its beautiful nave, the beautifully painted ceilings, and all the little details that were perfectly made to add to its beauty.

So, as you create your Parisian bucket list, add Madeleine church to it! 

57. Enjoy Paris At Night

Paris may be beautiful during the day but it becomes even more romantic at night!

With the city’s landmarks lighting up, the tower sparkling and the night vibes in full swing, Paris at night is a must-have experience! 

Some of the cool things to do in Paris at night include; watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, taking a Seine cruise, taking a stroll along the banks of the Seine, watching a cabaret show, and many others.

Seasonal Things to Do in Paris

Though these can’t be done all year round, if you find yourself in the city during one of these periods, be sure to participate in these activities in Paris.

58. Chase Cherry Blossoms

If you’re visiting Paris in spring , one of the things you shouldn’t miss out on is chasing cherry blossoms. During this time; usually from March to April , Paris becomes an even more beautiful city covered in pink flowers.

There are so many places to see cherry blossoms in Paris but some you have to visit include the Champs de Mars to capture photos of the Eiffel Tower with the blooming flowers, Trocadero gardens , Jardin des Plantes , Mail De Bièvre which is not known by many but so worth it, and my personal favorite which is the Square at Rue Cepre in the 15th Arrondissement.

Psst… As you plan to travel to Paris at this time of the year, be sure to check out this post to know exactly what to wear in Paris in spring .

59. Enjoy the Christmas Cheer in Paris

Paris at Christmas becomes one beautiful place all dazzling in lights in most of the famous streets.

The atmosphere is filled with Christmas vibes, Christmas markets start popping up and department stores go all out when it comes to putting on creative scenes in their windows! Christmas is the perfect time to be in Paris!

There are so many things to do in Paris in December including visiting the Christmas markets, chasing Parisian Christmas lights , trying out skiing, or even indulging in Christmas-themed pastries!

Some of the must-visit places during Christmas time in Paris include; Galeries Lafayette  and  Printemps Haussmann  for the best window displays, Les Tuileries and La Défense for the Christmas markets, Bercy village , and Place Vendôme for beautiful Christmas lights and decorations.

60. Relax on a Paris Plages

If you’re in Paris in the summer , one of the cool things to do is relax on Paris plages! 

The city may not have permanent beaches to cool off from the summer heat but during summer, the city creates temporary beaches for those who can’t go to the beaches near Paris !

This Parisian experience is completely free so just grab your bikini, beach towel, and a couple of drinks and hit the beaches on the banks of the Seine!

61. Chase Fall Foliage

Paris in fall turns into a rare beauty with orange and yellow-hued trees taking on the city!

If you’re a fall lover like me, you’ll love seeking out fall foliage around the city! Some of the places you can go to admire the fall colors include; Tuileries Gardens , Luxembourg Gardens , Buttes-Chaumont ,  Place des Vosges , around the Seine River , and Bois de Boulogne if you prefer a walk in a forest!

So, whether you’re visiting in September, October , or November , chasing fall foliage is one of the must-have experiences in Paris!

62. Shop Till You Drop During the Sales Period

If you ever wanted to shop in Paris but the high prices always put you off, you may want to visit during January and February or June and July to take advantage of either the winter or summer sales! 

During this time of the year, most stores, yes even the fancy ones offer huge discounts that you should take advantage of!

All you have to look out for is the word “Soldes” which means that that store is running discounts which usually range between 20% up to 50%.

Final Thoughts on the best things to Do in Paris

It’s honestly hard to fit all the things to do in Paris in one post but I hope that this bucket list for Paris gave you an idea of the must-have experiences in Paris.

How many items have you ticked off your Paris bucket list so far? Have you done all the 62 so far or you’re yet to start? Whichever number you’re at, don’t worry, you’ll still have a great time when you visit the city of love.

And of course, this list will keep growing with time but if you already participated in an activity that you think should be on this Paris bucket list, just leave it in the comments below and I will add it!

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

• Big mistakes to avoid while traveling in Paris
• Skip the lines tickets for popular Paris attractions
• Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views
• What to pack for Paris
• What to wear in Paris in summer
• Fun facts about Paris
• Best Quotes about Paris
• Books About Paris You’ll Enjoy Reading

Was this post on the Paris bucket list helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

Sharing is caring!

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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Your essential guide to sightseeing in Paris

Sightseeing in Paris? From the Louvre and Eiffel Tower to the lesser-known Buttes-Chaumont, here’s our ultimate city guide

Eiffel Tower – tick. Louvre – tick. Notre Dame – tick. We’re sure you’ve got the most famous of Paris sights and attractions right at the top of your holiday hit list. But what else should you try to squeeze into your packed Parisian itinerary? There’s almost too much to see and do in the French capital, let’s be honest, so we’re here to give you some guidance. From a charming mecca for bibliophiles to a stunning off-the-beaten-track park near Belleville, trust us: you’ll never get bored in the City of Light. This is our ultimate guide to sightseeing in Paris. So here we go, strap in, and get ready to say bonjour to these incredible sights. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris RECOMMENDED: The best tours in Paris

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here . 

An email you’ll actually love

Sightseeing in Paris

1.  Eiffel Tower

Imagine the gaping hole in the Parisian skyline (and our hearts) if all 18,000 metal parts of Gustave Eiffel’s jaw-dropping monument had been taken down at the end of the 1889 World Fair as originally planned. Thankfully, this elegant Parisian icon is still standing and poised for selfie opportunities galore. You can ascend to different levels of the 300-metre structure – though bear in mind the very utmost part is closed at certain times of the year. When it's open though, there's a cosy salon up there to gaze at the whole of Paris from. Be sure to check the tower from afar in the evening too, when for ten minutes on-the-hour 20,000 flashbulbs light the tower. Come on, we know it looks a bit like a pylon, but you can't really do Paris without it. You just can't.

2.  Arc de Triomphe

• Attractions

Sure, it's older and shorter than the Eiffel, but what's wrong with old and short things? Number two on your must-see-in-Paris list has to be the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a regal reminder of a time when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled the roost, proudly standing its ground as the roar of traffic whirs around its stone buttresses. In the Arc’s museum, you can learn about its 200-year-old history through interactive screens before jetting up to the roof, where gorgeous views of the city await. You're pretty close to some good shopping streets when done, too. Again, it's the Arc de Triomphe people. That's as Paris as Paris gets, save the Eiffel, of course. 

3.  Château de Versailles

• Things to do
• Paris et sa banlieue

Despite its location on the fringes of Paris, it would be sacrilege to overlook Versailles, one of the most lavish buildings on the face of the earth. Making a full day of it is essential – wander through the ornate state apartments, marvel at the pink marble palaces tucked away from the pomp of the court, and check out Marie-Antoinette’s digs: a deliciously twee and saccharine chocolate box of a house located on a fairy-tale farm. Outside the château gates the Académie du Spectacle Equestre run elaborate shows of tightly choreographed theatrics on horseback which is well worth your time too. I mean, this place. Look at the size of it, the width. Such a gaff. The garden too. It's quite the way to spend a day in the capital.

4.  Galeries Lafayette

• Department stores
• Chaussée-d'Antin

Few cities are as synonymous with style, flair and fashion as Paris. And if you are in Paris to pick up designer duds, make a beeline for the Galeries Lafayette, a sprawling shopping mecca where you can lose hours to retail therapy. Come for Dior and fine wine, and stay for the drop-dead gorgeous domed roof, which looks particularly exquisite at Christmas when there’s a tree laden with fairy lights underneath it. Xmas shopping is never chicer than it is here. When you've filled your bags, fill your stomach too, there are great food options. Just as you'd expect in prime France. Like Petrossain Caviar, and La Cave at Lafayette Gourmet (wine galore). 

5.  Sacré-Coeur

• price 1 of 4

While the mosaics inside the beautiful 19th-century (1877 if you want the pub quiz knowledge) basilica are très jolies , the real reason you’ve scaled the hill (or taken the funicular – if you’re over 80 or feeling lazy) is to take in the sweeping vistas of the city. Go in while you're there though, obviously. Also, when done gazing at the view – the cobbled, bistro-lined streets behind Sacré-Coeur are well worth exploring. Just try to sideline the keyring-shaking touts. The entire area is oozing history, so why not walk around the area? Actually, a fact for you, it was once considered among the most rebellious neighbourhoods.

6.  Les Catacombes

• Walks and tours
• Denfert-Rochereau
• price 2 of 4

Deep beneath the Parisian streets lie the neatly stacked bones of around six million people. It took them a whole 12 years to move all their bones. Quite the shift. As the sign outside reads (in French) ‘Here lies the Empire of Death.’ Which, you know, could be considered dramatique. But yes, it makes for a pretty unnerving experience, walking through this corridor of stacked skulls. You can tour a section of the 3,000km (1,864-mile) tunnel network – just make sure you wrap up warm, the temperature in the tunnels is a cool 14°C. You'll be chilled to the bone otherwise. 

7.  The Louvre

• Art and design
• price 3 of 4

Yes, it’s the home of the Mona Lisa (you might have to wait until the crowds disperse to get an eyeful of Leonardo’s gal and that enigmatic smile), and it's way smaller than you'd think, so you're likely to get a selfie of a selfie with the painting. No bother though, there are some 35,000 works of art and artefacts to explore at the Louvre, so get your walking shoes on and start exploring. Whatever you do, don’t try to do it all – that would take days on end. Pick a few rooms you like the sound of, and spend time properly savouring the treasures inside. Aimlessly wandering the corridors will leave you too tired for anything. Choose the bits that sound good, and you'll absolutely louvre it!

8.  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

• Parks and gardens
• Buttes-Chaumont

If you’re looking for somewhere a little wilder and more free-form than the neatly-trimmed bushes and gravelly paths of most Parisian parks, head to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Winding walkways, serene temples and roaring waterfalls make this a paradise for the curious explorer. As the city’s fifth-biggest park, there’s no shortage of stuff to see and do – and while you’re here, you’d be silly not to indulge in the park’s fabulous on-site food and drinks.

9.  Moulin Rouge

If it’s glitz and glam you’re after, dig out your sparkliest glad rags and sashay over to the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Drinks will be flowing freely, the costumes flamboyant and – naturellement – there’ll be more high kicks than you can shake a feather boa at. But don’t think you can just rock up and catch one of the Moulin’s spectacularly successful shows – book ahead (like, months ahead) to avoid disappointment. Go full Francais with a glass of champagne, you deserve it. Even if it's just for getting a spot at the show. If you want to be a real Moulin Rouge head, do the can-can there, it's where the modern can-can comes from. It was originally a seductive dance though, so watch who you do it to!

10.  Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

• Ile de la Cité

If you know the Hunchback, you know the cathedral. After Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’, Disney’s plucky ’90s movie brought the wonderfully foreboding Gothic architecture of the historic icon (built between 1163 and 1345) to a whole new generation. Even after the inferno that tore through the roof in April 2019, which millions watched unfold on screens worldwide, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame still stands majestic on the Île de la Cité. On your next visit, look up at its timeless façade and imagine its future – just how will they rebuild this sacred beast? Visiting it now is also a sad but unique experience. "I saw it when it was being rebuilt" you'll say to the grandkids one day.  For the pub quizzers among you,  Notre-Dame de Paris means ' Our Lady of Paris'. Nice right?   

11.  Montparnasse Tower

The Eiffel Tower is such an essential part of the Parisian skyline – would you really want a panorama of the city without it? Well, that’s where Tour Montparnasse comes in handy. The Montparnasse is 209-metre block of glass and steel with, crucially, a fabulous viewing platform at the top. Within seconds of stepping into the lift you’ll be lapping up those city views – with the Eiffel Tower certainly included.

12.  Jardin des Tuileries

• 1er arrondissement

A gentle stroll through the vast gravelled paths in these gardens beside the Louvre makes for the perfect antidote to a day of tourist jostling – whether on a chilly winter’s day with a coffee or in the blazing summer sunshine when you can grab an ice cream and admire the perfectly coiffed hedges. If you want more art, somehow, there's a handful of modern sculptures, including bronzes by Laurens, Moore, Ernst, Giacometti, and Dubuffet's Le Bel Costumé.

13.  Musée de l’Orangerie

What with the crowds, the queues and the painfully slow map navigation, sightseeing in Paris can be stress-inducing stuff – but at least you can find some respite among the mellow hues of Monet’s ‘Nymphéas’  (water lilies) paintings, which wrap around two white oval-shaped rooms of the Orangerie. It's worth it, you know it is. When else are you going to go there? There's also  Modigliani, Rousseau, Matisse, Picasso and Derain around the place, so you know, yeah, you basically need to go don't you? 

14.  Canal Saint-Martin

• Canal Saint-Martin

While you might not necessarily know it, you may well have already seen or heard about the Canal Saint-Martin. Loads of Amélie was filmed here. Édith Piaf sang about it a lot. Sisley’s got his famous ‘View of the Canal Saint-Martin’ in the Orsay. And it’s easy to see why the canal is such a muse: the place is teeming with quirky establishments and peculiar personalities. It’s perfect for a chilled late-afternoon stroll – not least because there are fewer better Paris experiences than grabbing a bière or bite to eat and sitting down at the water’s edge. Très heureux , indeed.

15.  Musée d’Orsay

• 7e arrondissement

Here you’ll find Delacroix, Corot, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, Gauguin, Monet, Cézanne and van Gogh – and that’s to name just a few of the huge names within the Musée d’Orsay. The third most esteemed gallery (after the Louvre and Pompidou) in an art-mad city, before the Orsay opened in 1986 as a collection specialising in art produced between 1848 and 1914 it was actually a train station. These days, it’s also perfectly placed for a romantique post-exhibition stroll down the Seine.

16.  Palais Garnier

• Music venues

Opera fans are in safe hands in the lavish surroundings of this 2,000-strong auditorium. Arrive early to marvel at the false ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964 and  saunter down that grand staircase like you’re royalty. Opulent and grandiose, this place will transport you back to the days of 19th-century  Haute société – and that’s all before you even sit down to enjoy its stellar programme of opera, ballet and theatre. Don't like opera? Who cares, you're in Paris. Dust off the suit and pretend! 

17.  Centre Pompidou

• 4e arrondissement

Its playful nursery school colours, exposed pipes and exterior escalators make the Centre Pompidou – designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers – one of the best-known sights in Paris. If modern art’s your bag, you’re in for a treat, because this place holds more of it than anywhere else in Europe. Name the artist and there's something here, you know, assuming they're good and modern. Certain parts are free entry. 

18.  Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

• Père-Lachaise

Like much Parisian architecture, Père-Lachaise cemetery is incredibly photogenic. Winding cobbled pathways lead you between leafy trees and ornate headstones. It's dead nice. Tourists flock here because of the famous names buried here – Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Proust, Balzac – but it’s a pretty place to wander in its own right. In fact, we've made a  handy guide  to help plot your route through the cemetery. It's a strangely fun time, cruising among the dead.

19.  Shopping on the Champs-Élysées

In 1969, hoary French crooner Joe Dassin released ‘Les Champs-Elysées’, a perfect slice of cheesy French chanson whose lyrics go, ‘in the sunshine, in the rain, in the dark or in the day, all you need’s on the Champs-Elysées’. The song captured the avenue’s status at the time as one of the most fashionable streets in Paris. Today it remains as such, with big-name brands like Levi’s, Hugo Boss and, er, Marks & Spencer all headquartered here. Come armed with cash and plenty of it. Of course, you can pop over to that triumphant arc at the top. Hell of a roundabout, that. 

20.  Shakespeare & Company

• Quartier latin

While the original Shakespeare & Co was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway and other famed 1930s bohemians, the new shop (which opened in 1951 on the Left Bank) has a cherished reputation of its own. Here you’ll find tome-lined passageways and irresistibly enchanting alcoves – this is a place that has inspired writers, readers and bibliophiles for decades. Our advice? Bring a spare suitcase. You’ll almost certainly find yourself hauling home half a bibliothèque’s worth of literary goodies.

Looking for somewhere amazing to stay?

The best Airbnbs in Paris

Paris is a beautiful city steeped in history and glamour, but boy is it pricey. Looking to do this city on the cheap? Renting a perfectly located, très chic Airbnb is one way to enjoy the French capital without breaking the bank.

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30 Best Things to Do in Paris, According to Locals

From fromageries to private pontoon rides on the Seine, here's how to explore the City of Light.

David Henderson/Getty Images

After a decade in France , I still find myself wandering through Paris and thinking, "Wow, I can’t believe I live here." The City of Light is full of all the best clichés: Parisians cycling with bread in their bike basket, brass bands serenading crowds on stone bridges over the Seine, picnickers drinking Champagne and eating cheese on blankets in front of the Eiffel Tower. 

The capital city's mélange of modern and medieval architecture, stunning symmetrical gardens, and vibrant café terraces add to its romantic allure — and that's all part of what makes Paris a city designed for strolling. Whether you want to visit major landmarks like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe or are looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences, we’ve polled local cookbook authors, hotel concierges, and tour guides to build a list of the 30 best things to do in Paris.

Related: T+L’s Paris Travel Guide

Sample cheese at a fromagerie.

Westend61/Getty Images

“When you're in Paris, you absolutely have to pay a visit to one of the city's fromageries (cheese shops) — and there are so many wonderful ones to choose from,” says Emily Monaco , a journalist and cheese expert who leads Paris by Mouth food tours. A few of her favorites: La Laiterie de Paris , the first in town to produce its own cheese, and Fromagerie Quatrehomme , whose house specialties include a smoked Charolais chèvre aged in Nikka Whisky.

Have lunch at Les Enfants du Marché.

Weekend brunch is becoming more popular in Paris (the line at Holybelly never seems to dwindle), but I prefer snagging a seat at the counter of Les Enfants du Marché , in the back of the covered Marché des Enfants Rouge in the Marais neighborhood . The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so arrive just before it opens at noon so you won’t have to wait too long. Plan to linger over natural wine and a mix of market-fresh plates as the music slowly shifts, turning the venue into a bit more of a party as the day goes on.

Go gourmet at La Grande Epicérie.

Attached to the first Parisian department store, Le Bon Marché , the ground floor La Grande Epicérie is an upscale version of the city’s covered markets and food halls. Peruse the stands of fruits and vegetables or shop the curated selection of artisanal products. I’ll often stop here for freshly shucked oysters and a glass of white wine when I need a break from shopping next door.

Indulge in pastries.

Dave Stamboulis Travel Photography/Getty Images

“The city’s boulevards are brimming with enticing pastries that run the gamut, from exquisite luxury creations housed in palace hotels, like Francois Perret’s strawberry fraisier at Ritz Paris , to the equally delicious yet humble vanilla choux à la crème at Mamiche boulangerie,” says Frank Barron , author of "Sweet Paris: Seasonal Recipes from an American Baker in France."

Visit Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.

Lucas Schifres/Getty Images

Dedicate an entire weekend day to strolling the stands and stalls of vintage designer jewelry, clothing, furniture, records, and books at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Considered the largest flea market in the world, there are more than 2,000 boutiques here, and they're scattered across more than a dozen individual markets. This is a place that requires more than a map, so consider a personalized tour with a guide like Alexandra Weinress of The Seen , who can help you navigate this sprawling sea of second-hand vendors.

Celebrate couture at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images

Located in the same private mansion that Yves Saint Laurent called his atelier and headquarters for nearly 30 years, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is as much a monument to the legendary designer as an insider look at the couture house and its many collections. Retrospective displays and thematic exhibitions are constantly rotating, and once a month, the conservation workshop — which contains sketches, diagrams of runway shows, and runway pieces and accessories — opens to the public.

Picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

In the summer, the Buttes-Chaumont Park is as popular a picnic destination as Paris Plages along the banks of the Seine. Even Emily and Alfie spread out a blanket on one of the grassy hills here during a scene in Emily in Paris .

Cruise the canals.

One of the best ways to tour Paris is from the water, especially cruising along canals through the heart of the city past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. “It's a different way of seeing the city, and at night it's even more magical,” says Pierre Cortin, head bartender at Hotel Fouquet’s Paris . Join a themed or hour-long trip along the Canal Saint-Martin or Seine, or book a private pontoon boat , where you can curate the playlist and bring your own selection of wine and snacks.

Catch a DJ set at Rooftop Molitor.

Geraldine Martens/Rooftop Molitor

Emily also spent a day poolside at nautical-themed Molitor , and the beach club vibe seen in the show is recreated in summer on the rooftop. Head up for lunch or dinner throughout the week or catch a DJ set or concert in the late afternoon on the weekends.

Sip French spirits at Le Syndicat.

Courtesy of Le Syndicat

A gem on the somewhat seedy rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, speakeasy-style bar Le Syndicat champions French spirits in its playful cocktail concoctions that have earned it a permanent place on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. Guest bartenders take the reins here, and the soundtrack is heavy on hip-hop.

Explore Musée Picasso Paris.

Thierry Chesnot/Getty Images

One of the standouts in the Marais, the Musée Picasso Paris is the perfect place to take a break from shopping or the summer heat. Housed in the 17th-century Hôtel Salé, the old mansion is as impressive as its collection of nearly 5,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artist Pablo Picasso.

Shop perfume at Officine Universelle Buly.

Part apothecary, part café, Officine Universelle Buly’s wood-paneled boutique in the Haut-Marais takes you back centuries in history, to when the Rudier Foundry once created art for Rodin. Glass cases display the French beauty and skincare brand’s gorgeous bottles of perfume and lotion. If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back from Paris, the shop will even emboss or engrave initials on its lip balm cases and combs.

Eat crêpes at Breizh Café.

Courtesy of Breizh Café

The closest you’ll get to authentic Breton crêpes in Paris, the wood-paneled Breizh Café is a landmark in Le Marais — and a great place to pause from museums and shopping if you don’t want to linger over a long lunch. Take your pick of savory buckwheat crêpes and galettes topped with comté cheese and ham or go for something sweet like salted caramel and Chantilly cream.

Have a drink at Bar Hemingway.

Bernhard Winkelmann/Bar Hemmingway

Before officially moving to Paris, I visited Bar Hemingway every time I came to town. Serving some of the best cocktails in the city, the cigar lounge-style space lined with Hemingway memorabilia is still a go-to when friends visit and on special occasions. Be sure to arrive as the bar opens (or even before) since it doesn’t take reservations.

Stroll in Musée National Gustave Moreau.

Raphaël GAILLARDE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

“The symbolist painter turned his childhood neoclassical townhouse into a museum several years before his death in 1898. The best part is that what visitors see today is almost precisely as he left it when he passed. You’ll find enough paintings, watercolors, and sketches to keep you occupied — but with far fewer tourists to elbow your way through,” says Lindsey Tramuta , author of "The New Paris" and "The New Parisienne."

See a Cabaret show.

BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images

Paris has a history of cabaret culture, some of the most famous being Le Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse . While the cancan never gets old, something just as French and risqué that’s lesser known is Madame Arthur , a drag cabaret and club in Pigalle where Serge Gainsbourg first played.

Visit Lafayette Anticipations.

Courtesy of Lafayette Anticipations

“When clients ask for an artsy place nearby, we answer Lafayette Anticipations , in the heart of the Marais, where you’ll find a mix of contemporary art, design, and fashion. They have a nice little café-restaurant, Mātēr, where you can get a bite or drinks after exhibitions or film screenings,” suggests the guest experience team at SO/ Paris .

Marvel at the beauty of Galerie Vivienne.

MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images

Galerie Vivienne is one of the most impressive covered arcades in the city, with restaurant and café patios spilling out on the natural light-illuminated mosaic floor. Browse a mix of boutiques, wine shops, and old bookstores here, or take a seat at a tea house or traditional bistro.

Have a seat at Café de Flore.

Live your own version of "Midnight in Paris" by sipping coffee in the old stomping grounds of the Lost Generation. Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montparnasse are dotted with Art Deco cafés once frequented by Hemingway and Picasso. One of the most fashionable is Café de Flore — you can’t beat the people watching from its outdoor terrace on the Boulevard Saint-Germain.

Enjoy Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac.

Apaydin A/Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

“I love the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , which has an incredible collection of primitive art from different civilizations, a panoramic terrasse with a menu created by Alain Ducasse, and cocktails by Margot Lecarpentier, the owner of Combat in Belleville,” says Timothée Prangee, co-owner and founder of farm-to-glass cocktail bar Little Red Door in the Marais.

Walk the grounds of Père Lachaise.

StockByM/Getty Images

The infamous inhabitants and their ornate burial plots aren’t the only reason to visit the Père Lachaise cemetery — although it’s like a Hollywood Walk of Fame, with Gothic graves and Haussmannian burial chambers belonging to everyone from French poet Apollinaire to Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf. Blanketed in gardens and sculptures, Paris’s largest cemetery is as much a park as it is a monument to French culture.

Linger in Marché Saint-Germain.

Fotofantastika/Getty Images

“In a neighborhood that can feel so touristy, the Marché Saint-Germain is a hidden gem that you could walk right past. Don’t miss the superb coffee shop Le Café du Clown from the team behind Clown Bar , and before you leave the market, pick up a bottle of wine from the attached wine shop Bacchus et Ariane,” suggests Catherine Down , a Paris-based, James Beard Award-nominated food and travel writer and culinary tour guide.

Visit Belleville.

From the hillside Parc de Belleville and its 350-foot-high viewpoint, you’ll have some of the best panoramas of the Eiffel Tower, Centre Pompidou , and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Once one of the city’s largest water reservoirs, the area is home to everything from the Place des Fêtes flea market to the “quartier chinois,” with Asian grocery stores and restaurants lining the rue de Belleville. My go-to is Lao Siam , but I also love the more traditional French fare at nearby Le Baratin.

Stroll in La Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection.

Marina113/Getty Images

Japanese architect Tadao Ando modernized the Bourse de Commerce , whose history dates back to the 13th century and has served as everything from a convent to Catherine de Medici’s palace before being transformed into the contemporary art museum it is today. In addition to the collection of work François Pinault has curated over the past 50 years, the Bourse de Commerce hosts exhibitions designed specifically for its light-filled rotunda.

Peruse the shelves at Shakespeare and Company.

Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images

After checking Notre-Dame off your list, cross the Seine and peruse the titles on the leaning antique bookshelves of English bookstore Shakespeare and Company , which was once the meeting ground for the expat literary set in Paris. The café next door is also a great spot to sit and admire the adjacent cathedral while sipping the bookshop’s signature coffee blend.

Stroll along the Seine.

spooh/Getty Images

Paris’s history stems from its landmark river, whose pedestrianized banks are bordered by gardens and museums like the Jean Nouvel-designed Institut du Monde Arabe . Brass bands and street musicians often perform along bridges like Pont des Arts, and bouquinistes (second-hand booksellers) set up stalls along walls overlooking the river. Two other bridges that are favorites of Victoire de Taillac, co-founder of Officine Universelle Buly : Pont Marie and Pont des Tournelles. Along the banks, you’ll also find floating bars, restaurants, and clubs housed in barges docked along the Seine, some of the most popular being Les Maquereaux and Rosa Bonheur .

Visit Canal Saint-Martin.

jacquesvandinteren/Getty Images

The cast-iron footbridges along the Canal Saint-Martin have made this backdrop one of the more iconic ones in Paris, yet it still feels less busy than other shopping and dining destinations like the Marais. Spend the afternoon browsing the collection at concept store Centre Commercial or design bookshop Artazart before sitting down for apéro on the terrace of Chez Prune or for oysters at Sur Mer .

Enjoy the facade of the Palais-Royal.

S. Greg Panosian/Getty Images

Across from the Louvre, Palais-Royal and its art installation of black-and-white-striped columns are a photo favorite. Grab a matcha latte from Café Kitsuné or ramen takeaway from the nearby rue Saint-Anne and post up on one of the benches in the courtyard gardens.

Shop for designer vintage goods.

Friends often ask for good vintage shops in Paris, and one of the best is Thanx God I'm a V.I.P. , off the Canal Saint-Martin. The shop stocks a mix of pieces from major designers and brands like Chanel and Hermès, plus a selection of reasonably priced vintage accessories like hats, scarves, and purses.

Visit concept shop Archive 18-20.

“Located in the trendy neighborhood of Le Marais, Archive 18-20 is more than a simple concept store — it’s a real Parisian hub where you’ll find an art gallery, book store, restaurant, and fashion all under the same roof,” says Stefan Viard, General Manager of SO/ in Europe.

Related Articles

Top Things to Do in Paris, France

Places to visit in paris.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Opéra / Bourse
• 8th Arr. - Élysée
• 1st Arr. - Louvre
• 17th Arr. - Gobelins
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Eiffel Tower

2. Musée d'Orsay

3. Louvre Museum

4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

5. Luxembourg Gardens

6. Arc de Triomphe

7. Palais Garnier

8. Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre

9. Seine River

10. Sainte-Chapelle

11. Pont Alexandre III

12. Le Marais

13. Montmartre

14. Musée de l’Orangerie

15. Musée Rodin

16. Place des Vosges

17. Jardin des Tuileries

18. Musee Marmottan Monet

19. Saint Germain des Pres Quarter

20. Père-Lachaise Cemetery

21. Musee de l’Armee des Invalides

22. Quartier Latin

23. Champs-Elysees

24. Musée des Arts Forains

25. Musee Nissim de Camondo

26. Île de la Cité

27. Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral

28. Petit Palais

29. Ile Saint-Louis

30. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

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Home » Europe » France » Paris

20 BEST Places to Visit in Paris (2024 • Famous Sites Guide)

Paris aka the City of Light. It is known as a destination for lovers, for revolutionaries, for artists, and for tourists. There are so many incredible places to visit in Paris – it can be hard to know where to start!

Wherever you choose to visit in Paris, be sure to start your morning off at a French bakery. If it is one thing the French have got right: fresh, delectable bread that will make you go  oui, je t’aime Paris ! It’s a city that feels distinctly French, and yet, a world away from the rest of France.

There are the classic places to visit in Paris like the Louvre, and the Seine River but there are hidden surprises in the cobblestone streets too. Paris calls to be explored by foot and demands your attention like no other city.

Travelling to such an iconic city can feel impossible – how can I possibly see  everything?

Fear not! We have put together the ULTIMATE guide to the best places to visit in Paris! From the quirky to the budget friendly, we have covered the city from top to tail. Let your planning to the culture capital of the world begin with these top 20 places to visit in Paris .

Need a Place Quick? This is The Best Neighborhood in Paris:

These are the best places to visit in paris, faq on the best places to visit in paris, final thoughts on places to visit in paris.

Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

Montmartre is one of the most romantic districts in Paris. Situated on a large hill overlooking the city, Montmartre is a labyrinth of cobbled streets that are lined with cafes, bistros and bars.

• Catch a risqué cabaret performance at the Moulin Rouge.
• Delve deep into the history of Montmartre and some of its most famous residents at the Musee de Montmartre.
• Feast on incredible French far at Le Basilic.

Let’s do it! This is the list of where to go in Paris to truly experience the city you’ve seen in the movies. From food to architecture to art to hidden gems, it’s all in here. Be sure to check out where to stay in Paris so that you’re all set up with a base from which to guzzle your fancy wine!

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#1 – Catacombs – THE Best Place to Visit in Paris!

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• Spooky history
• Exciting and grizzly experience

Why it’s awesome: Deep below Paris’s busy streets lies a rather gruesome sight. Established in the late 1700s in order to reduce overflowing graveyards and cemeteries, the catacombs now contain the remains of more than six million people. Under the cover of night, many human remains were moved from city cemeteries and dropped down a mine-shaft opening where they were then arranged in a grizzly manner. Think skulls lining the walls, and bones making up oddly decorative corner pieces.

Even the graveyards have got to be extra in Paris. 😉

Forgotten for many years, the catacombs became something of a novelty for 19th-century Parisian seeking to distract themselves from their Imperial conquests at the time. Ok, you got me, they probably just thought the catacombs were cool and morbid like we do. The tunnels were once used by people in the French Resistance during the Second World War – although the Nazis also created a base within the catacombs too…

What to do there: Descend underground into the gloomy old tunnels under the thriving city streets of Paris. Let your eyes adjust to the dimness as you walk through the old subterranean passageways and chambers. When you reach the underground cemetery it’s hard not to feel a shiver down your spine. This is a badass place to explore while backpacking Paris .

Stare death in the face as you see the remains of hundreds and thousands of deceased locals. Shudder as you view enormous piles of bones placed on top of each other to form entire walls of dead people. Did someone order an existential crisis on their vacation?

#2 – Notre Dame Cathedral – An Incredible Free Place to Visit in Paris

• Striking architectural gem
• Long and interesting history

Why it’s awesome: Yes, this site is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. It is busy and chaotic with estimates of 12 million to 13 million visitors annually. But, this towering cathedral is an epic experience. It has stood the test of time and its gargoyles have watched over Paris for over 700 years. It’s also free to enter which helps you keep to your Paris budget .

The architecture is visually striking, but it’s the energy of the place that makes it worth going to. It was an active place of worship with church music that has been rumoured to have converted many to the Catholic faith. And of course, it was the inspiration for the famous Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is one thing to read about such a classic icon – it is something else altogether to see it in the flesh.

In 2019, a fire broke out during some restoration works. As of 2021, it’s no longer a place of active worship and you cannot visit the crypts or towers. However, you can still visit the site itself and admire the architecture. I think it’s a unique experience to witness such an emblem of France during its restoration and know that you’ve seen a little bit of history in the (re)making.

What to do there: Take a couple of photos of the awesome architecture. Keep an eye out for the cheeky gargoyles at the top – originally they were designed as rain spouts but now are simply characters to watch over Paris.

You can admire the celestial feeling inspired by the stained glass panels. I got lost staring at the intricate West Facade. Can you imagine carving hundreds of figures by hand?

There are also beautiful grounds and parks nearby that you can stop to rest in once you have finished taking in the majesty of the cathedral itself. People watching is always a great thing to do at top tourist attractions – all walks of life are inspired to come by and witness something spectacular!

#3 – Eiffel Tower – Most Iconic Places to Visit in Paris

• Terrific city views
• Iconic landmark

Why it’s awesome: No list of the best places to visit in Paris would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Eiffel Tower. One of Gustave Eiffel’s most well-known masterpieces, the soaring tower is built from wrought iron and dates back to the late 1880s.

One of the world’s most-visited attractions is hardly a hidden gem in Paris . This French icon is recognisable across the globe.

It’s one of those monuments that you can read about in books and see in the movies and still nothing quite prepares you for the real thing.

What to do there: Marvel at the iconic tower from a distance and snap plenty of pictures of one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. Take a guided tour of the observation platforms and soak up amazing views of the city. The landmark becomes that much more alive when a local guide gives you some history.

If you are feeling energetic you can take the staircase, although many people opt to save their legs and ascend the tower by elevator.

If you are feeling fancy, or perhaps want to impress a special someone, you can also sip a glass of bubbly in the decadent champagne bar at the top of the tower as you appreciate beautiful vistas.

#4 – Sainte-Chapelle – A Gothic Gem to See in Paris

• Relatively under-visited attraction
• Stunning stained glass
• Peaceful place
• Religious vibe

Why it’s awesome: Located on Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle was built to contain important Christian relics. Close to the historic homes of former French Kings, the spectacular Church dates back to the 1200s. Built on the orders of King Louis IX, it is a fine example of Gothic architecture.

Surprisingly, the church sees relatively few visitors compared with other major Parisian attractions. As well as being a treat for the eyes, the church has a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a great place to beat the crowds.

There is something a little chilling about stained glass windows in a silent church. The light streams in, and just for a moment, there is a feeling of something Divine. What is all the more incredible, is that these were handcrafted by artisans and have withstood the test of time – and German bombs.

What to do there: While the exteriors might seem fairly ordinary, you are sure to be impressed by the fantastic ornamental designs inside the church. Enormous stained glass windows immediately catch the eye, casting bright and colourful light throughout the building.

The windows depict interesting religious scenes and stories. Admire the large sculptures of the 12 apostles that stand halfway up the walls. Feel a sense of being puny as you stand beneath the high arched ceilings. Take a seat on a pew to soak up the lavish surroundings and to enjoy a few moments of peaceful contemplation.

#5 – Louvre – An Amazing Places in Paris to Visit!

• Home of the Mona Lisa
• Large collection of art and artefacts

Why it’s awesome: Sitting on the banks of the River Seine, The Louvre is the biggest art museum in the world and another no-brainer of Paris’s must-visit sites. It houses more than 450,000 objects from various points in time, ranging from prehistoric times to the present day, as well as some 35,000 pieces of art. One of the most-visited art museums on the planet, the museum is contained within an opulent former palace.

What to do there: Allow plenty of time to fully appreciate the many marvels and treasures housed within The Louvre (like, a whole day). One of the museum’s most-celebrated pieces is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci but other major artists with works in the museum include Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Giovanni Bellini, and Johan Vermeer. See a huge assortment of antiques and artefacts from around the world and just generally have a super cultural and jampacked day added to your itinerary for Paris.

For all of the art enthusiasts, we recommend booking an audio tour, so you’ll find out all of the details behind each of the artworks and their creators.

With a Paris City Pass , you can experience the best of Paris at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#6 – Buttes-Chaumont Park – A Beautiful Outdoor Place to Visit in Paris

• No charge (perfect for you broke backpackers)
• Quirky atmosphere
• Nature in the heart of the city
• Good people watching

Why it’s awesome: Buttes-Chaumont Park is Paris’s fifth-biggest park and a free place to visit. Long stretches of pathways and roads wind through the green park with a historic temple sitting high atop a cliff overlooking the shimmering man-made lake.

With almost 50 species of plants and an abundance of wildlife, the pretty park is a fantastic place to escape the busy city streets. Green spaces are something that is sorely lacking in many cities, and it is great to be able to relax in the ones that are preserved.

What to do there: Plan to spend at least a couple of hours enjoying the scenic park and relish being outdoors and away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy a lot of the artificial nature structures designed to give a wonderful sense of tranquillity and awes.

There is plenty of space for kids to run and play as well making it the perfect place to go in Paris with kids (other than Disneyland, of course).

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

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Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

#7 – Champs-Élysées – A Great Place in Paris if You Love to Shop!

• Famous Parisian street
• Luxury shopping
• Lively atmosphere
• Lots of cute cafes

Why it’s awesome: The Champs-Élysées is famous for being one of the most exclusive shopping streets on the planet. The elegant and wide street runs for 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles) between the Place Charles de Gaulle and the Place de la Concorde.

Numerous luxurious stores line the busy street, and there are also plentiful cafes and theatres. Originally designed in the 1600s, it has been a major Parisian thoroughfare for many years. the road sees much activity all throughout the year, and various celebrations, parades, and events take place along the famous road.

What to do there: Even if you do not plan on buying anything, the elegant Champs-Elysees is a terrific place to daydream and indulge in a little window shopping in Paris. The shopfronts and detailed displays are attractive and the energetic vibe is invigorating. Even for budget backpackers in Paris, it’s still a really cool place to visit.

When it’s time to take a break, rest your feet in one of the charming cafes and enjoy a traditional French pastry and drink. In the evening, the street’s theatres burst into life. You can make friends with penniless artisans while a $20 000 handbag watches you from the window.

#8 – Sacre Coeur – An Important Religious Places to See in Paris

• Revered religious site
• Beautiful architecture
• Great city views
• Top place for photography

Why it’s awesome: Officially named the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Sacre-Coeur is a spectacular Catholic church. Today, the church remembers all those who perished during World Wars. Among Paris’s most-visited attractions, the church is located at the top of Montmartre, which is the city’s highest point.

Still used as an active place of worship, the church boasts interesting statues and sculptures, graceful domes, and a handsome portico. Built from local stone and surrounded by a peaceful garden, the church is a serene sanctuary with interiors as impressive as the exterior and fantastic views of the city.

What to do there: You will surely have noticed the attractive Sacre-Coeur from a distance, as it sits high above the rest of the city. Once you are closer to the magnificent religious building it is easy to admire the many fine details. See the gardens, admire the architecture, stroll the interior and gaze upon the mosaic: this is yet another example of Paris’s exquisite landmarks.

You can attend a church service, or simply wander the grounds. People watching is always a favourite of mine to do at any tourist-filled location. We come from all walks of life and yet we all want to see the big building on the highest hill in the city.

#9 – Palace of Versailles – A Royally Opulant Place in Paris

• Stunning building
• Lots of incredible artwork and décor
• Historical importance
• Royal associations

Why it’s awesome: The Palace of Versailles is located just outside the heart of Paris. It was the main royal home for a number of years until the beginning of the French Revolution. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring many splendid details both inside and out. Although all of its lavish interiors were destroyed after the revolution, most rooms have now been restored to their former glory.

What to do there: Marvel at the splendid golden gate and impressive facades and wander through the beautiful gardens, which are complete with fountains, statues, wide walkways, and many attractive flowers. Be dazzled inside the mighty Hall of Mirrors, standing in the place where the famous Treaty of Versailles was signed. With more than 350 gleaming mirrors the hall is certainly an impressive sight.

Peek inside Marie Antoinette’s former bedroom and see the Gothic architecture, combined with baroque influences, of the amazing Grand Chapel. Stroll alongside the Grand Canal or perhaps enjoy a ride in a gondola or soak up the views from a rowing boat. See where royalty used to entertain guests in the Ballroom Grove, be enchanted by the Musical Fountain, and appreciate the palace’s huge collection of important artwork.

I actually did go on a tour of Versailles, but thanks to my shocking sense of place and direction, ended up quite lost within the ground and had to be escorted out by security at closing time! These grounds are BIG!

#10 – La Pagode / The Pagoda Paris – An Unknown (but awesome) Place to See in Paris!

• Unusual attraction
• Blend of cultures
• Beautiful art and architecture
• Off Paris’s beaten track

Why it’s awesome: Combining chic Parisian Style with exotic Chinese features, the Pagoda Paris presents a captivating blend of east meets west. Despite being one of Paris’s most fascinating buildings, the Pagoda is a relatively unknown place.

Originally built as a hotel, it later served as the home of many fine Asian and Chinese artworks and antiques. From the outside, it looks exactly like a Chinese Pagoda, while inside there are gorgeous themed rooms that are filled with a plethora of striking objects.

What to do there: You would be forgiven for thinking that you had somehow been transported across the oceans to Asia when you feast your eyes on the unusual Pagoda. Admire the striking building from outside, taking time to appreciate the finer details.

Inside, the lavish rooms have elaborate panels, with lots of colour and ornate designs adding to the aesthetic value. See the rich and opulent collection of antiques and be amazed that such a treasure exists right in the heart of Paris.

#11 – Wall of Love – Great Place to Visit in Paris for Couples!

• Romantic atmosphere
• Beautiful scenery

Why it’s awesome: Located in Montmartre, the Wall of Love covers 40 square meters (430.5 square feet). It was designed in the year 2000 and has been a popular place for lovers ever since. It has more than 600 enamelled tiles that say “I love you”, and the wall features 250 languages, including some that are rare.

There’s also no charge to admire the heartfelt Wall of Love. So, not only is it a beautiful place to see in Paris, but also a free one.

What to do there: Visit the Wall of Love with your sweetheart and enjoy telling each other your feelings in an array of global languages. If you ever wanted to tell your beloved that you love them in Navajo, Esperanto, and numerous other tongues, this is your place to do it.

Pose for selfies in front of the attractive wall as a reminder of your romantic trip to the City of Light.

After you have finished looking at the wall, take a stroll hand-in-hand with your sweet through the surrounding garden square. It’s certainly difficult not to feel enamoured at this lovely spot.

#12 – 59 Rivoli – Artisitic Place to Visit in Paris!

• Great place for creative souls
• Former illegal squat
• Cultural attraction
• Home to lots of cool art

Why it’s awesome: Once home to a bank, 59 Rivoli was left deserted. Eventually, however, a group of artists moved into the property, living there and using it as an illegal squat. The aim of the artists was to show how a large space could be put to good artistic use and as living quarters.

In 2006 the squatters were evicted and the building was cleaned and renovated. Now it is a legal site for artists, with numerous workshops and studios and there are some 20 permanent artists as well as temporary creatives. There is no charge to visit what is now one of Paris’s most interesting artistic and cultural places.

There is something inspiring about the display of wilderness and quirkiness. It feels like Paris summed up in a building.

What to do there: Learn more about the building’s past and the visions of the determined artists who once illegally occupied the site. Discover how the local government worked with the artists to create a legal place for artists to live, work, and display a range of eye-catching pieces. Admire the interesting artworks, some of which tell interesting tales. Speak with the artists in residence, admire art, and perhaps pick up a signature piece for your own home.

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#13 – Les Invalides – One of Paris’s Coolest Historical Sites!

• Military associations
• Striking architecture
• Interesting museum
• Beautiful grounds

Why it’s awesome: Les Invalides is a large collection of buildings that were originally constructed as a military hospital and retirement home. The site was developed in the 1600s on the orders of the French king.

A number of impressive buildings surround a sweeping courtyard, and there are many interesting designs and architectural features including a glorious church and an ornate vault that houses many significant tombs. Although one of Paris’s popular tourist attractions, the site is also still used as a retirement centre for veterans.

What to do there: Cross the impressive bridge that leads to the site, admiring the beauty as you approach. See the ornate dome-topped chapel, which is the tallest in Paris, and admire the elegant buildings of Les Invalides: the church, the tombs (including Napoleon’s), and the Army Museum.  There is an onsite cafe where you can relax, or alternatively, you can enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawns.

#14 – La Promenade Plantée – A Beautiful Park to Visit in Paris

• Peaceful natural spot
• Lovely city vistas
• Great use of public space
• Enjoy being outdoors

Why it’s awesome: Created in 1998, La Promenade Plantée is very similar to the famous Highline in New York. The attractive city park makes use of an old abandoned railway track and has sections at street level, above the busy roads, and underground. There are walking and cycling tracks through lush greenery and pretty flowers.

Younger visitors are not forgotten with the excellent play areas. Additionally, there are sections dedicated to rest and relaxation and exercise and fitness.

What to do there: Follow the pedestrianised walkway for the full length of La Promenade Plantée, which takes around one hour to complete. Alternatively, explore under pedal power and cycle along the track. Listen to the delightful singing of birds as you admire the colourful flowers and inhale the delicious scents.

The lush greenery is definitely a world apart from the busy city streets below; it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and spend some time in nature and unwind in a peaceful setting.

#15 – Centre Pompidou – A Unique Place to Visit in Paris

• Eye-catching modern art
• Incredible architecture
• Street performers
• Sweet picnic spot

Why it’s awesome: The Centre Pompidou is most celebrated for being the home of Europe’s biggest modern art museum. The site also has an extensive public library and a music and acoustic research centre. Named after a former French president, the centre sees millions of visitors each year.

Designed to be like a mini town within a city, the centre has unusual architectural designs; most major structural and mechanical elements are outside of the building. There are many interesting art exhibitions inside, with a variety of permanent and temporary displays.

What to do there: Gaze at the unusual building from the outside and be enchanted by an array of street performers in Place Georges Pompidou, located in front of the museum.

Watch as mime artists, musicians, jugglers, acrobats, and skateboarders entertain the crowds, and see artists and caricaturists at work. Take time to view the extensive collection of contemporary art inside the building, some of which contains interesting messages and representations

#16 – Belleville – Underrated Place to See in Paris

• Lesser-visited neighbourhood in Paris
• Bohemian and edgy atmosphere
• Interesting street art
• Great shopping and dining

Why it’s awesome: The Parisian neighbourhood of Belleville doesn’t often feature on many travellers itineraries. However, the area has a gritty and edgy vibe that makes it different to other parts of the city and is one of Paris’s coolest places to visit.

Once a working-class neighbourhood, Belleville used to be an independent area. It attracted large immigrant communities. As a result, today the area is a multi-ethnic and colourful place. Several famous Parisians came from the area and a number of movies have shot scenes there too.

Paris is not just home to pipe smoking, cafe dwelling, existentialist philosophers. Paris is the home of revolutionaries, workers, artists, immigrants, and even bankers and billionaires. This is the place to visit in Paris for a taste of it’s grittier side.

What to do there: Have an alternative Paris adventure and spend several hours wandering through Belleville. Soak up the Bohemian vibe and join locals for a relaxed picnic in the park. Satisfy your appetite in global restaurants, where you’ll find cuisine such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Moroccan, Algerian, Italian, Indian, and Jewish.

See an abundance of graffiti and street art, call into artists’ workshops and galleries, peruse small book shops, and see local mosques from the outside. As nighttime approaches, you’ll find a good selection of bars where you can sip cocktails, wine, and cheap beer. You might even find a great hostel in the area if you’d like to make Belleville your base for a while.

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#17 – Père Lachaise Cemetery – A Quiet Place to See in Paris

• Striking funerary architecture
• Tranquil atmosphere
• Lots of nature
• Final resting place of several famous figures

Why it’s awesome: Père Lachaise Cemetery is the biggest cemetery in the French Capital and is also the world’s most-visited cemetery. The beautiful garden cemetery has several war memorials and graves of famous people. Peaceful and relaxed, the cemetery combines nature and stunning architecture. Open since the early 1800s, the cemetery is the final resting place for more than one million people.

What to do there: Stroll along the shaded pathways, taking time to admire the striking funerary architecture and enjoy being in nature. Pay your respects to the deceased and see the graves of famous people like Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frederic Chopin, and Jim Morrison from The Doors. Remember those who gave their lives at the war memorials and sit for a while in quiet contemplation in the serene setting.

#18 – Rue des Martyrs – A Must-See Place in Paris for Foodies!

• Lively community
• Ethnic diversity
• Plentiful eating options
• Unusual stores

Why it’s awesome: Stretching for around 0.8 kilometres (half a mile), the enticing Rue des Martyrs has around 200 small and independent businesses. With a real community feeling, quirky stores and charming restaurants and cafes, it’s a place in Paris to feel at home and like a friend.

The street also has a long history; local lore says that France’s patron saint was beheaded here, and there are many tales of ghostly activity.

What to do there: Wander along the timeless street, pausing to peek inside the diverse stores that line the sloping and narrow road. From watch-mender and bookshops to fashion boutiques, discount stores, grocers, and others, you’ll find a huge array of goods to tempt you.

It is also a must-visit place in Paris for foodies with a large amount of cute cafes, traditional bakeries, and excellent restaurants.

Purchase things like craft beers, homemade jams, French olive oil, local wines, macaroons, delicatessen meats and cheeses, and deliciously sweet cakes in the specialty stores. It’s definitely a great place to stock up on picnic supplies and for anyone staying in self-catering accommodation.

#19 – Latin Quarter – Cool Place to Visit in Paris with Friends!

• Roman history
• Major landmarks and museums

Why it’s awesome: Home to the prestigious Sorbonne University, Paris’s vibrant Latin Quarter has a youthful atmosphere and an array of interesting things to see and do. the area has a long Roman history, having been conquered by Roman soldiers who established an ancient city. The area is known today for its numerous book shops and affordable cafes.

The atmosphere is arty, historic, and bohemian, with narrow cobblestone streets and remnants from the medieval era adding to the attractiveness. There are several museums and major landmarks throughout the area, along with pretty parks, historic churches, and a vibrant food market. This is one of Paris’s top places to go for anyone seeking an alternative vibe.

What to do there: Discover the many charms of the enticing Latin Quarter and experience a blend between the medieval world and modern life. Featuring many of Paris’s architectural landmarks as well as museums, markets, local life, and churches, it’s easily an area of Paris you could get lost or even find a homestay in to feel like a local in for a few days.

There are also a number of hostels and places to stay in the Latin Quarter and it’s definitely a popular place in Paris to dedicate some time to.

#20 – Moulin Rouge – A Great Place to Visit in Paris for Nightlife

• World-famous entertainment venue
• Sultry, chic, sexy, and hypnotic Parisian air
• Home of the can-can dance
• Flamboyant and extravagant cabaret

Why it’s awesome: Originally established in the late 1880s, the Moulin Rouge has become something of an icon for Parisian sophistication, sex appeal, and seduction. The building is famous for its red windmill on its rooftop. Once a playground for affluent and elite socialites, it is now a popular tourist spot in Paris.

Numerous well-known dancers have graced the theatre’s stages over the years and it was where the can-can dance was born.

If the French accent does it for you, you may even get lucky when you visit the Moulin Rouge. There’s just something about dancing and glistening lights at night that puts us in the mood!

What to do there: Ogle the scintillating costumes and be wowed by the dance moves and performances during a fun night at the world-famous Moulin Rouge.

Get into the party spirit as you watch a can-can dance in its home theatre and be transported to a magical and whimsical world.

Get insured for your trip to Paris!

In between chowing down on your tenth croissant of the morning and mispronouncing everything else on the menu, you might find yourself roped into a wild adventure. The French can be very (sexy) persuasive and the next thing you know you’re exploring the catacombs!

Luckily, if you do get stuck in some kind of bind, you can fall back on travel insurance! Here at the Broke Backpacker, we trust World Nomads to cover our asses on all our sketchy adventures.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Paris

What is the most visited place in Paris?

It will come as no surprise that the Eiffel Tower is the most visited place in Paris.

What should you not miss in Paris?

The Catacombs are the coolest attraction in the city of Paris. Don’t miss this!

What is the nicest place to visit in Paris?

The area around the Louvre is quaint and charming and full of nice restaurants. I would say this is the nicest part of Paris for tourists.

Is Paris expensive?

Paris is one of the most expensive European cities to visit, but you can do it cheaply. Check out our guide on prices in Paris for more info.

Well, it must be high about time you got packing for Paris! There certainly is a lot to see.

This list covers a lot of the top places to visit in Paris but it still only scratches the surface. Once you start digging deeper, you’re going to unearth so much more.

There’s a reason Paris remains a cultural icon despite the lingering smell of pee in some areas. Every place you go in Paris is going to feel you with a little sense of wonder. This is a 2000-year-old city that lives and breathes life to this day! Every secret alley, cafe tucked away, and rooftop view is going to be a new experience. Plus, you can never get enough of their damn fine bread.

So enjoy Paris and all its top sites. When you’re ready, continue on to the rest of France. And then, after that, I hear backpacking Europe is pretty dope… Avast, travellers! It’s time to explore the best places to visit in Paris.

Mathilde Magnier

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Top Paris Attractions

• See & Do
• Top Attractions

Top 10 Paris Attractions

Planning your first visit to Paris?   If so, start with these top 10 attractions and legendary sightseeing destinations.  

These are the historical, cultural, and famous places everyone associates with Paris - the top sites to see in Paris for many visitors.

Don't feel you need to see all of them in one visit, especially you are here for just a few days. 

Several of these top Paris attractions, such as the soaring Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous Seine River, the monumental Arc de Triomphe, and even the gleaming white Sacre Coeur set high on a hilltop, are part of the Paris skyline and easy to spot from many places in the city, whether or not you actually visit.

Consider a quick day trip to one of the famous destinations just beyond the city, such as the Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

But also take time to stroll through an iconic neighborhood such as the Latin Quarter or Montmartre.  Relax in the beautiful Luxembourg Garden.  Take sunset cruise along the Seine.

Spend a few moments admiring Notre Dame Cathedral.   Right now, you can now view only the exterior due to the tragic 2019 fire.  But thanks to the massive restoration underway, part of the magnificent cathedral may be open to the public by 2024. 

And plan a visit to at least one of the most famous Paris museums  and experience their masterpieces in person.  See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre, Van Gogh's Starry Night at the Orsay, or cutting-edge contemporary art at Pompidou . 

Finally, save some time to see other less famous and even "hidden" attractions in Paris, even if it means skipping some of the places on this page.  You can always visit on your next trip to Paris, and meanwhile, you'll have a variety of wonderful memories.

Because as Ernest Hemingway famously said, " . . . wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

Top photo:  Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris's Montmartre neighborhood, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

1.  Eiffel Tower ( Tour Eiffel ) - The Number 1 Attraction in Paris

Soaring high above the Paris landscape, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris - and gives you spectacular city views from three levels.  For many visitors, going to the highest level of the Eiffel Tower tops their "essential sites to see in Paris, France" list, and for good reason.

Popular Ways to Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Eiffel Tower Entry TIcket with Optional Summit Access - Skip the ticket line & use a faster "groups only" security line
• Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets - Skip the ticket line
• Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator - Enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner while enjoying views of the Paris skyline

Although you view see the famous landmark from many points in the city, nothing beats the thrill of going up to the observation platforms and watching Paris landmarks get smaller and smaller below you.

To capture a lifetime memory of your visit, book a professional photoshoot in front of the iconic monument.

Just want to view this famous Paris attraction?  A Seine River cruise or a guided bike tour of the city gives you the perfect way to see it plus lots of other famous monuments and museums located on the riverside.

More to Enjoy:  Restaurants and a champagne bar, a seasonal ice skating rink during some years, fascinating views through the transparent floor on the 1st level.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Crowds at the Eiffel Tower can be massive and waiting in line to get tickets can take up to 4 hours or more during peak months - get a skip-the-line priority entrance ticket:

More Ways to See the Eiffel Tower

2.  louvre museum ( musée du louvre ) - the most visited museum in the world.

The enormous Louvre Museum receives over 10 million visitors a year, making it the world's most visited museum and a top Paris attraction.

Much of this popularity stems from the Louvre's three famous masterworks, Leonardo di Vinci's Mona Lisa and two famous Greek statues, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samot hrace (also known as the Winged Nike - yes, the inspiration for the popular athletic shoe brand!)

Popular Ways to Visit the Louvre

• Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Tickets - Most popular choice 
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - Small group tour
• Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket - Ticket only; no tour

But the Louvre offers you so much more to see, including a magnificent Egyptian collection complete with mummies, gallery after gallery of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, and dazzling rooms of exquisite furniture, tapestries, and ornamental objects.

Outside, 20th century glass pyramids by I M Pei and a reflecting pool contrast with the ornate Renaissance architecture of the former royal palace.

Book a Louvre Museum guided tour with skip-the-line entrance:

More to Enjoy:  At basement level, you can view excavations of the original 12th century fortress that once stood in the Louvre's Paris location.

• See popular Louvre guided tours and skip-the-line tickets from Get Your Guide
• Find out what to expect on a guided tour of the Louvre

3.  Versailles Palace - The Most Visited Royal Palace in France

With more than 700 rooms, Versailles Palace is one of the largest in the world.   Famous for its royal occupants  from King Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, the glittering Hall of Mirrors, lavishly decorated rooms, and priceless art, Versailles Palace gives you an unforgettable glimpse of royal life when you visit. 

You can easily spend much or all of a day here.

More to Enjoy:   Magnificent gardens filled with statues, fountains, flowers, tree allées , and walking paths. 

• Top things to see & do at the Palace of Versailles
• Best guided walking and bike tours of Versailles from Paris
• How to get to Versailles from Paris: 6 options
• Where to stay near Versailles Palace

Paris Discovery Tip:  Versailles attracts huge numbers of visitors - in fact, the enormous chateau is the most-visited palace in France and one of the most famous in Europe.

Slow security check lines before you enter mean a 2-4 hour wait in line during most months of the year.  Although  skip-the-line tickets won't save you from every delay (you still have to go through security, although those lines ususally move quickly), they can certainly speed up your entry. 

But here's our "insiders" tip and strong recommendation:   Choose a guided tour if you want to save time and if your budget allows it.  Why?  Guided tours get to access a separate, much faster security line.

Choose one of these excellent guided tours and avoid the long wait in lines:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Half-Day Tour & Hotel Transfer  - Experience the lavish palace and gardens enjoyed by French kings and queens, including Marie Antoinette as an expert guide shows you the famous Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, King's Bedroom, and more.  Find out more 
• Versailles by Train Escorted Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Tickets - A guide meets you at a designated spot in Paris, escorts you on the RER train to Versailles, and takes you through the guided tour direct entrance to avoid the lines.   After lunch (on your own, or add on a gourmet 3-course lunch with wine when you book), you'll visit the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's personal domain and her quaint country "village."  After your tour, you'll take the direct train back to Paris. 
• Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles with Lunch - You'll travel with a guide in an air-conditioned luxury coach from Paris to Versailles, where you'll quickly pass through the guided tour security.  In addition to giving you a tour of Versailles Palace and its most important rooms, your guide will also take you through the Grand and Petit Trianon, the two smaller castles the French royalty usually prefered to spend their time.  You'll have a wonderful lunch at an onsite restaurant, and will have plenty of time to stroll through the magnificent gardens.

Want to risk Versailles without a skip the line ticket?   For example, if you plan to come after most people have entered - for example, mid-afternoon - lines usually move much faster. 

In that case, you can save money by getting the Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket, which comes with an audio guide.  "Full access" means you also get entrance to Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon palace and her "Hamlet" village, which are worth seeing.  

But if you're really short on time, you can save about 3 dollars with a Palace and Gardens-Only ticket.

Find more spectacular day trips from Paris

4.  Latin Quarter ( Quartier Latin )

To experience an older Paris, spend some time discovering the charms of the Latin Quarter.

First settled by Romans in the 1st century, this famous Left Bank neighborhood has long attracted bohemians, scholars, and political protest.  Look closely, and you'll see traces of medieval Paris in the narrow, winding streets and older buildings.

Have a drink at the brasseries along Boulevard Saint Germain where Hemingway, Sartre, and Camus hung out during the 1920s, visit the tombs of French heroes and intellectuals at the Pantheon, and gaze at the timeless beauty of Lady and the Unicorn tapestries at the Cluny Museum.

More to Enjoy:  Explore the narrow winding side streets filled with old bookstores, tiny bistros, and quirky boutiques.   Visit the beautiful old churches filled with artistic treasures, including Saint Julien le Pauvre, dating back to the Middle Ages.  Go back even farther in time and visit a 1st century Roman arena, one of the Latin Quarter's "hidden treasures."

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you love huge crowds, avoid pedestrian-only Rue de la Huchette.

Find fun ways to explore the Latin Quarter

5.  Seine River - Beaches, Cruises, & More

The Seine River flows through central Paris, defining the city's Right Bank to the north and the Left Bank on the south.  Île de la Cité, one of two small islands in the middle, is the historic heart of Paris with world-famous medieval masterpieces, hidden parks, and lovely 17th century enclaves.

You can enjoy the Seine in many different ways.  Walk along the banks and admire the beautiful bridges.  Check out les bouquinistes , the river-side booksellers along both sides of the Seine.  Explore the Parc Rives de Seine, the riverside pedestrian-only promenade from Place de la Bastille to the Eiffel Tower.

Cruise up and down the river on a tour boat to see Paris's most beautiful historic buildings and bridges from a unique perspective.  Dine and dance on a river-side barge.  Cool off in a floating swimming pool.

Visit Les Berges, the recreational area along the river on the Left Bank - it especially comes alive in the summer.

More to Enjoy:   From mid-July to mid-August, Paris Plages transforms the Right Bank plus other parts of the city into a sandy beach.

Paris Discovery Tip:   From the Seine, cruise up through the 15th century Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l'Ourcq through the newly-trendy northeast part of the city.

Popular Seine River Cruises

Notre dame ( cathédrale notre-dame de paris ).

Built during the Middle Ages at the historic heart of Parison Île de la Cité , Notre Dame Cathedral embodies the splendors of Gothic architecture from its site overlooking the Seine River.

The devastating 2019 fire means you can no longer go inside to admire the hundreds of statues, sculptures, paintings, spectacular stained glass windows or climb up to the roof for closeup views of gorgoyles and sweeping city views. 

However, the ongoing repairs and restoration work is fascinating to see from the outside, plus you can also admire the high towers, flying buttresses, and other features from a safe distance.  

And there is good news:   The famous cathedral is now expected to partially reopen by December, 2024.

Best viewing location:  Left Bank of the Seine River.

6.  Montmartre and Sacré Coeur

Once a separate village, Montmartre has been part of Paris since 1860 but its winding lanes, many trees, and picturesque hillsides still make it seem like a place apart.

You can stroll past the neighborhood's many cafes and cabarets, and imagine the artists, musicians, and writers who made it their home 100+ years ago when rents were cheap.

The most famous sight is the gleaming white Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, built in Italian Byzantine style and visible from most points in Paris.

Tourists often pack the areas around Sacré Coeur and the Moulin Rouge theater in Pigalle - but miss the most interesting parts of the neighborhood where you can find small art museums and parks, pedestrian-only lanes, and a couple of old-fashioned windmills.

More to Enjoy:   Go inside Sacré Coeur to see the beautiful mosaics.

Paris Discovery Tip:  If you're visiting in October, come to the harvest festival in Montmartre's still-producing vineyard

Discover the hidden gems of Montmartre

7.  Musée d'Orsay

Occupying a former train station, Musée d'Orsay contains a magnificent collection of world-famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.  

Crowds pack the galleries holding the best-known masterpieces, especially those by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, whose Starry Night painting attracts the largest crowds of all.

More to Enjoy:  Sweeping views of Paris from the almost-hidden rooftop terrace.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you are visiting during the slow months of the winter, join a guided tour if you want to get a look at the most famous paintings unobstructed by massive crowds.

What to see & do at the Orsay Museum

8.  Arc de Triomphe

The massive Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable Paris attractions, commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon to honor his army's victories across Europe, although he was exiled and dead by the time of its completion 30 years later.

The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by a busy traffic rotary where 12 major streets, including the western end of Champs Élysées, converge.  Although you can easily see it at a distance, you'll get the best views and experience when you're close to it.

Best Time to View:   On the first Sunday (a.k.a. "car-free Sundays) of each month when Champs Élysées bans cars and becomes pedestrian-only.

More to Enjoy:   Get a  ticket and climb the stairs to the observation deck at the top for 360 degree views of Paris.  At the base of the monument, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame to honor the unidentified French soldiers killed in World Wars I and II.  You can see its daily re-lighting every evening at 6:30pm.  Elaborate statues and bas relief carvings depicting Napoleon's battles cover large portions of the monument.

Get your skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets now:

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are in Paris on Armistice Day (November 11), Bastille Day (July 14), or New Year's Eve (December 31), don't miss the parades and celebrations on Champs Élysées that start at the Arc.  The Paris Marathon in April also starts and ends at the Arc, and the Tour de France also ends there in July.

Find out more about visiting the Arc de Triomphe

9.  Pompidou Center ( Centre Pompidou )

In a city filled with traditional architecture, Pompidou Center's edgy design featuring exterior walls of brightly colored tubes and exposed mechanical systems brought howls of derision when it first opened.  Half a century later, the building's design by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers still stands out in the cityscape.

But inside (get a skip the line ticket before you go to save time), revolving exhibitions of top-notch contemporary paintings, sculptures, and video and sound installations account for the museum's immense popularity.

More to Enjoy:   A wonderful rooftop deck, reflecting pool, and restaurant overlooking the city

Paris Discovery Tip:  After your visit, walk around to the back of Centre Pompidou's right side to see Stravinsky Fountain, named after the composer and filled with 16 water-spraying moving sculptures that represent his music.  You can also see it if you look straight down from the rooftop deck.

Some bad news:  Centre Pompidou's structure needs critical major repairs that will require closing to the public, and the work is expected to take about 5 years.   Estimated closure currently is expected during summer or fall of 2025. 

So if you want to visit this unique and wonderful contemporary art museum, go now!!! 

Buy your Pompidou skip the line entrance ticket

10.  Luxembourg Garden ( Jardin du Luxembourg )

Towering chestnut trees, a tranquil pool where children (and teens and adults) float toy sailboats, and many benches for sitting among lush flowers and beautiful statues make Luxembourg Garden Paris's most popular park. 

And with 448 other city parks and 2 great forests to choose from, that's quite a distinction! 

Despite its number of visitors, Luxembourg Garden seldom seems crowded because its 60 acres are divided into many distinctive areas.  You can even play tennis here.

More to Enjoy:   A drink or lunch at the open-air cafe.

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are traveling with children, check out the pony rides and puppet theater.  If you're not, snag one of the green metal chairs next to the reflecting pool at the Medici Fountain and enjoy a few tranquil moments of total relaxation.

Where to Stay in Paris near Top Attractions

Wondering which neighborhood to choose as your "home base" for your Paris visit?  See our recommendations based on the attractions you want to visit.

More Top Paris Attractions to See & Explore

Rodin museum (musée rodin).

Perhaps the most romantic museum in Paris and a top attraction because of its lush sculpture garden, location in a spectacular 18th century rococo mansion, and, of course, the sensual sculpture of two lovers in "The Kiss, the Rodin Museum gives you the opportunity to view the breadth and depth of French sculptor Auguste Rodin's boundary-breaking path from naturalism to modernism.

Plan to spend more time than you might expect in the beautifully designed garden, where flowers bloom almost year-round, lime trees scent the air with their leaves, and masses of roses burst into a riot of color in May and June, with some continuing to bloom through fall.  

The garden is also where you'll see Rodin's most monumental and evocative creations:  "The Thinker," "Walking Man," "The Gates of Hell," to name only a few. 

More to enjoy:  The onsite cafe/restaurant.

Tickets:   Get your ticket in advance, or use your Paris Museum Pass for admission.

Monet's Garden at Giverny & Other Day Trips from Paris

In addition to the Palace of Versailles, Monet's famous water lily ponds and garden at Giverny, the medieval abby at Mont Saint-Michel, Disneyland Paris, Normandy D-Day beaches, special Champagne-tasting tours, and gorgeous castles and chateaux are just a few of the other top attractions you can see on day trips from Paris.

You can even leave Paris in the morning and spend the day enjoying famous sights in  London,  sampling delicious wines and food at a château surrounded by  vineyards  near the city of  Bordeaux , or cruising along the picturesque canals of  Bruges, Belgium  - and still return to Paris in time for a late dinner.

Find out more about the best day trips from Paris.

Paris Food Tours, Wine Tastings, & More Culinary Adventures

Want to combine enjoying Paris's food culture - without a doubt, one of the city's most popular attractions - while exploring an iconic neighborhood, cruising down the Seine River, learning how to make macarons, visiting a street market, or sampl ing wine and cheese? 

We highlight 15 of the best tours, cruises, and classes devoted to food and wine (and even one on Paris's thriving craft breweries).  Check them out!

Disneyland Paris

Whether you're a huge Disney fan yourself or traveling to Paris with kids who are, a visit to Disneyland Paris can be hard to resist, especially since it's only about a 45-minute train ride from the city and super-easy to reach. 

Especially if you have already visited Disneyland in the U.S., you may be wondering: "Is Disneyland Paris worth going to?"

Best ways to get to Disneyland Paris from Paris

Of course that's an individual decision, especially if you have a long list of things to do and you have only a few days here, but many people have visited Disneyland Paris would tell you, "Yes!"

The Paris parks are lot of fun and even though the amusement park attractions may seem familiar, there's a certain "je ne sais quoi" that's distinctly Parisian.  Plus, the on-site food is much better.  So think of it as a cultural experience - and go! 

Pro Tip:   To get the most from your Disneyland Paris experience, consider spending a night or two at one of the fun nearby hotels with free shuttles to the Parks.  Many offer lower rates than comparable Paris hotels - so your savings may cover your Disney tickets plus meals.

Book your Disneyland Paris tickets:

Almost-Hidden Covered Passages

With spectacular glass roofs, elaborate Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and even Art Deco decor , and luxury boutiques and cool cafes , Paris's 21 remaining late-18th and 19th-century covered passages give you a unique place to shop for artisan gifts, enjoy a casual meal, and soak up the historical details.

Each passage has its own personality, attractions, and ambiance - perfect for exploring on a rainy afternoon, or for discovering more about this fascinating layer of Paris urban history.

Find out more about the best covered passages remaining in Paris today

The Paris Skyline

Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame silhouetted against city rooftops and the sky make the Paris skyline one of the city's most memorable attractions.   But what are the best places to see it?

Some, such as the viewing platforms on the Eiffel Tower itself and the rooftop terrace at the Arc de Triomphe, will not surprise you.   But others fall squarely into the "insider secret" category - out-of-the-way places to view the Paris skyline that you may not discover on your own.

Find the best places to view the Paris skyline

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery ( Cimetière du Pere Lachaise ) in eastern Paris may not be quite as famous as the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe but its celebrity graves, haunting statues, and photo-worthy cobblestone lanes make it a top Paris attraction.

Part burial ground and part beautifully landscaped garden, this "City of the Dead" is also similar to an open-air museum, with funerary sculptures of every size and shape imaginable:  plump winged cherubs, macabre skulls flanked by what appear to be bat wings, scantily clad women sprawled across tombstones, disembodied heads of famous men.  

But if you're like most first-time visitors here, you may be most fascinated by the graves of famous people buried here. 

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris

Where to stay near top paris attractions.

First, check out our guide to where to stay on your first trip to Paris  to find the best neighborhoods and districts based on your interests and what you want to see and do.  We suggest hotels for each area at different price points:  luxury, mid-range, and budget.

To find even more hotels, use this handy  hotel map from Booking.com to find available accommodations near top attractions for your travel dates, see lowest rates, and make your reservations:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

Related Articles about Paris Attractions 

• Sainte Chapelle - See the famous medieval stained glass windows and enjoy candlelight concerts 
• Easy Day Trips from Paris - How to visit Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland, London, Bruges, & more places in just one day
• Why Visit Paris - Paris is always a good idea - but here are even more reasons to visit
• Your First Day in Paris - What to Do & See While Jet Lagged
• Skip the Line Tickets - Where to get them

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

Newest Articles & Latest Updates

• How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris
• Best Palace of Versailles Tours from Paris
• 101 Famous Graves in Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• Where to Find Paris's Best Covered Passages
• Best Paris Food Tours
• Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris

Book Your Paris Hotel

Eiffel Tower Hotels

• See the Eiffel Tower from your balcony

Arc de Triomphe Hotels

• Great hotels with bargain rates

New Hotels in Paris

• Experience the latest & greatest

Paris Hotels near the Louvre

• Where to stay near the famous palace museum

Central Paris Hotels

• Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions

Deals & Discounts

• How to save on your Paris hotel

Plan Your Paris Trip

• Why visit Paris?
• Best Paris guide books
• Find cheap flights to Paris
• Choose your Paris hotel  
• 7 Reasons why you need travel insurance
• Electric adapters and converters  
• Best ways to get Euros
• Check out 10 top Paris attractions
• How to skip the ticket lines
• Paris Museum Pass:  Should you get one?
• Which neighborhoods are best to stay in?
• What to do & see in each Paris district
• How to spend your first day in Paris

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Leo Neugebauer just won the NCAA decathlon title. What does that mean for Paris?

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How to buy tickets for the Olympic Games Paris 2024?

Tickets for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 are available for spectators around the world only on the official ticketing website. To buy tickets, click  here .

The Paris 2024 Hospitality program offers packages that include tickets for sporting events combined with exceptional services in the competition venues (boxes, lounges) or in the heart of the city (accommodation, transport options, gastronomy, tourist activities, etc.).

The Paris 2024 Hospitality program is delivered by the official Paris 2024 Hospitality provider, On Location.

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What is the official mascot of the Olympic Games Paris 2024?

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 mascot is Olympic Phryge. The mascot is based on the traditional small Phrygian hats for which they are shaped after.

The name and design were chosen as symbols of freedom and to represent allegorical figures of the French republic.

The Olympic Phryge is decked out in blue, white and red - the colours of France’s famed tricolour flag - with the golden Paris 2024 logo emblazoned across its chest.

When and where are the next Olympic Games?

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will take place in France from 26 July to 11 August.

What sports are in the Olympic Games Paris 2024?

• 3X3 Basketball
• Artistic Gymnastics
• Artistic Swimming
• Beach Volleyball
• Canoe Slalom
• Canoe Sprint
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• Marathon Swimming
• Modern Pentathlon
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Rugby Sevens
• Skateboarding
• Sport Climbing
• Table Tennis
• Weightlifting

Where to watch the Olympic Games Paris 2024?

In France, the 2024 Olympic Games will be broadcast by Warner Bros. Discovery (formerly Discovery Inc.) via Eurosport, with free-to-air coverage sub-licensed to the country's public broadcaster France Télévisions. For a detailed list of the Paris 2024 Media Rights Holders here .

How many athletes compete in the Olympic Games Paris 2024?

Around 10,500 athletes from 206 NOCs will compete.

How often are the modern Olympic Games held?

The summer edition of the Olympic Games is normally held every four years.

Where will the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games be held?

Los Angeles, USA, will host the next Olympic Games from 14 to 30 July 2028. Brisbane , Australia, will host the Games in 2032.

What is the difference between the Olympic Summer Games and the Olympic Winter Games?

The summer edition of the Olympic Games is a multi-sport event normally held once every four years usually in July or August.

The Olympic Winter Games are also held every four years in the winter months of the host location and the multi-sports competitions are practised on snow and ice.

Both Games are organised by the International Olympic Committee.

Which cities have hosted the Olympic Summer Games?

• 1896 Athens
• 1904 St. Louis
• 1908 London
• 1912 Stockholm
• 1920 Antwerp
• 1928 Amsterdam
• 1932 Los Angeles
• 1936 Berlin
• 1948 London
• 1952 Helsinki
• 1956 Melbourne
• 1968 Mexico City
• 1972 Munich
• 1976 Montreal
• 1980 Moscow
• 1984 Los Angeles
• 1992 Barcelona
• 1996 Atlanta
• 2000 Sydney
• 2004 Athens
• 2008 Beijing
• 2012 London
• 2016 Rio de Janeiro

What year did the Olympic Games start?

The inaugural Games took place in 1896 in Athen s, Greece.

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20 Best Culinary Experiences and Food Tours in Paris

By Lindsey Tramuta and Catherine Down

With a reputation so synonymous with food and wine, it’s no wonder Paris is a destination for all manner of gastronomic experiences. Want to bring home a piece of French heritage, or taste it all while you're here? You’ll find it all in quirky bottle shops, specialty coffee roasters, a subterranean winery, and even an English-language cooking school. Whether you’re angling for bottles of bubbly, cheeses and jams, or more one-of-a-kind pantry items, we have you covered. These are our picks for the best places to snack, sip, learn, and, then souvenir shop.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here.

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

La Cuisine Paris Arrow

Cooking classes and food tours at La Cuisine, a recreational English-language cooking school, sell out fast, so be sure to reserve in advance for the three-hour macaron-making class. Ours had just eight people—meaning there was lots of room to move about comfortably in the large classroom, which is well-equipped with professional cooking gear, plastic aprons, and a large dining room table. You'll mingle with enthusiastic home cooks, some of whom have tried (and failed) to make macarons before and others making their first attempt.

La Grande Epicerie de Paris Arrow

Le Bon Marché's flagship food emporium underwent massive renovations in recent years and is even more expansive than ever before, with nearly 3,000 square meters of retail space and some 25,000 products. It's a veritable food lover's food store; additionally, there are several spots to eat on-site, including in the massive wine cellar with more than 3,000 different wines. You'll spend hours browsing the artisanal goods, colorful produce, and more.

Ritz Paris Le Comptoir Arrow

If the culinary vision of Auguste Escoffier established the Ritz Paris as a dining institution more than 120 years ago, it’s the creative talent of François Perret, the hotel’s pastry chef since 2015, that has anchored its role as food destination today. That was clear from the chef's grand Tea Time menu and plated desserts at the hotel and now it's clear from Le Comptoir, the hotel's pastry shop helmed by Perret. The peach-colored shop features a long molded counter and brushed brass alcoves filled with giftable items, from candles to Champagne, a leather banquette for on-site snacking, as well as a striking series of curved Bohemian crystal light fixtures that nod to the chef’s signature treat: the madeleine. We advise you leave with a collection of Perret's signature Madeleines (keep in mind, he rolls out limited edition varieties at major holidays), the cake marbré, and one of the cake shakes (although perhaps it's best not to consume all of these at once).

Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet Arrow

Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet is the food hall associated with—and across the street from—Galeries Lafayette, the iconic Parisian department store. It's its own four-story temple that's completely dedicated to eating, drinking, and home goods. You can really do a number on your credit card statement at Petrossian's caviar restaurant or at Maison de la Truffe, which specializes in (what else?!) truffle-infused dishes, but your best bet is to head straight to the Alain Ducasse chocolaterie for a box of stellar bonbons or a hefty jar of homemade Nutella.

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

CNT Editors

Paname Brewing Company Arrow

Although Paname Brewing Company was started by Michael Kennedy of the expat bar The Moose, this microbrewery stands out thanks to its historic location: an old granary along the banks of the Bassin de la Villette. Be sure to sample the craft beers from Paname’s brewers—on a recent visit, there were as many of 11. There’s a pub menu of wacky pizzas, burgers, the standard cheese and charcuterie plates, and less expected options like shrimp curry.

Julhès Arrow

Julhès is a series of family-owned specialty food shops that have lined the rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement since 1996. With its multiple storefronts side by side, convivial family ownership, and lengthy history in the area, Julhès feels like the mayor of that stretch of street. The three associated shops along the same street are loosely divided into a boulangerie/patisserie/traiteur (bread, sweets, and cooked foods), an epicerie/fromagerie (cured meats, condiments, cheese, and booze), and a market selling international foods, antipasti, snacks, and (more) booze.

Les Caves du Louvre Arrow

Les Caves du Louvre, run by the team at Ô Chateau, a well-known Paris wine bar, is an underground wine-discovery center in the 18th-century wine cellars once used by King Louis XV’s sommelier. To visit is to tour five rooms to learn the basics of terroir, smelling, tasting, labeling, and bottling wine. Entry is 29 euros for a self-guided tour (done with the Les Caves du Louvre app) or 36 euros for a guided tour in English, tasting included. If you've purchased a Paris Pass sightseeing card, you can gain free admission for a guided tour and tasting of three basic wines.

Printemps du Goût Arrow

The focus in the gourmet food hall in the historic Printemps department store is French goods, which certainly will capture the attention of tourists and locals alike. You name it, you can find it on the 7th floor: small candied hazelnut producers from the Périgord region, artisanal jams, mustards, and other spreadables, teas, herbs, spices, and so much more. Head to the 8th and 9th floors to pick up specialty fresh foods or stay for a light snack or a full meal: here, you’ll find an outpost of Supernature, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant with terrace seating, Le Marché Dans le Ciel, a fresh produce market, pastries from Nina Métayer, and Perruche, a rooftop bar and restaurant with 360° views of the city.

TAKA & VERMO - Artisans Fromagers Arrow

Taka & Vermo prioritizes cheeses made with raw milk, cheeses made by traditional methods, and cheeses from artisanal producers, but it also offers some modern house creations, including a fresh goat’s cheese topped with yuzu confit and lime zest. An on-site cave for affinage (cheese ripening and aging) allows the cheesemongers to be more creative with their stock. Evening classes—including one about pairing sake and cheese—underscore the shop's commitment to pushing the envelope.

Terroirs d'Avenir Arrow

You’ll find products from Terroirs d’Avenir all over the city, often without knowing it, as the shop started as a food supplier to star chefs and restaurants. It's now branched out to offer the same quality products to customers at a butchery, poissonnerie, bakery, and grocery, a retail quartet perched along rue du Nil in the 2nd arrondissement. The butcher shop works exclusively with whole animals, and offers a range of game birds, specially cured dry-aged grass-fed steaks—hard to find in France—and rare poultry.

Maison du Whiskey Arrow

Maison du Whisky is a leader and standard bearer in importing and distributing whisky throughout France. There are two boutiques within Paris and two abroad; additionally, the company distributes to bars, hotels, and restaurants in France and throughout Europe. Inside, the shops look like the modern and more streamlined version of a wood-paneled library—you know, the kind where you’d retire after dinner for cigars and cards. Most people come to Paris to drink wine, but if you’re a whisky drinker with cash to spend, this is the place for you.

O/HP/E Arrow

O/HP/E is a silly name, but it also gets right to the heart of what's sold in this elegant little concept shop; that is, objects, homemade pâtisserie, and épicerie. In the housewares section, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of pretty paper goods, guide books, notebooks, coffee equipment, and modern decor. In the épicerie, stock up on hard-to-find honeys like carrot or coriander, English jams, and containers of O/HP/E’s house cookies. The café, meanwhile, serves homemade sweets, coffee from Terre de Café, P&T teas, Sassy ciders, and juices from Borderline.

Laurent Dubois Arrow

This is the flagship location for award-winning fromager and affineur Laurent Dubois, who has been awarded the rare honor of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), which distinguishes him as one of the best in his industry. The cheeses are displayed as beautifully and pristinely as jewels in a case. You'll find an exceptional selection of top-quality cheeses, many of them aged on-site by Dubois and his staff, plus dairy products like yogurt, butter, and crème fraîche.

Liquiderie Arrow

There’s a little something for every beverage drinker at La Liquiderie: obscure American and European beers, hard cider from small producers, natural and biodynamic wines, fancy British sodas made with fresh fruit, and bottled iced teas. Some of the most expensive items in the shop are imported bottles of beer from North America, the U.K., and Scandinavia—a rare treat for Parisians. There's also a good selection of French beers.

Belleville Brûlerie Arrow

Although you’ll find Belleville Brûlerie coffee beans served at specialty coffee shops all around town, this is the brand's only official outpost. A boutique done up in mahogany wood greets you upon entering. It’s well stocked with bags of the company’s coffee–made fresh in the glass-canopied roasting room at the back of the store– in addition to coffeemaking equipment and accessories. You can also order a coffee to enjoy on-site or to-go, sign up for a coffee-tasting workshop, or simply get schooled on specialty coffee from the roastery’s expert staff.

Maison Plisson Arrow

Plisson specializes in artisanal items that reduce waste, eschewing mass-market food (and indulging the growing expectation for transparent sourcing) for some 3,000 products, 80 percent of which are French. The fresh market highlights the talents of leading food artisans from France, from locally grown produce from Alexia Charraire of the Comptoir des Producteurs to specialty coffee served in the café from Parisian roaster Terres de Café. You’ll also find a selection of Roellinger spices exclusively sold here.

Marché des Enfants Rouges Arrow

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (it first opened in 1615), and is now a buzzing Marais hub for food sellers of all types. Stroll through the dense maze of stalls selling everything from North African grains to Italian deli specialties. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French dining experience, this market offers a relaxed and (mostly outdoors) convivial atmosphere (and a great place to stock up on snacks for your hotel room or Airbnb).

Federation Française de l'Aperitif (FFA) Arrow

FFA, a luxurious épicerie with reasonable prices, has dedicated itself to preserving and diversifying the French tradition of the apéritif—having a snack and drink before dinner to stimulate the appetite. It’s a great spot for a drink with friends, and for cheese and charcuterie boards that go above and beyond. You'll find all things apéro sourced directly directly from artisanal French producers: local craft beer, cured sausages, a handful of cheeses, and much more.

Confiture Parisienne Arrow

This Parisian jam brand rents out spaces to approximately 40 independent crafters and artisans in fashion, design, decoration, jewelry, and food. All the jams are made on-site in copper pots, in small quantities, glass-paneled lab visible to shoppers in the boutique and tea-salon. The brand’s smaller 100g jars won’t cost you more than seven euros each, which makes them an affordable treat for yourself or a space-saving gift to bring home for someone else. Plus, the jars can be customized directly at the boutique with names, monograms, and messages. They also host jam and pastry-making workshops, bookable on their website.

Café Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton Arrow

This pastry café and shop began as a yearlong pop-up tied to LV Dream, the Louis Vuitton installation at Pont Neuf; it has continued for a second year—and shows no signs of vanishing anytime soon. After the LV Dream exhibit, head to the chocolaterie with products crafted pastry chef Maxime Frédéric exclusively for the maison, or to the café where sweets and a savory lunch menu are available. The space is appointed with colorful throw pillows on banquettes and plenty of plants, but the views overlooking the Pont Neuf and the Seine is the major selling points. At the chocolaterie, expect decadent chocolate fare; at the café, pastries are served plated, and you'll find monogrammed éclairs and milky coffee drinks— naturally, LV makes an appearance in the latté art.

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10 best places to visit in France

May 14, 2024 • 10 min read

Admire the striking coastal scenery near Normandy's Étretat © Raphael Rivest / Shutterstock

Nicola is one of the writers on Lonely Planet's latest France guidebook . Here she shares ten incredible places to plan a French holiday.

So belle is France , that where on earth do you start when it comes to planning a trip to Europe’s unapologetically gourmet, cultural and artistic titan?

From vertiginous peaks and cut-throat valleys in the colossal French Alps and  Pyrenees  to sun-spangled blue vistas and chiseled cliffs along the country’s 4853km (3015 miles) of coastline, L’Hexagone (as the French call their hexagon-shaped land in western Europe) is bestowed with remarkable natural treasures. Pair this with a Herculean cache of human creations – ancient Roman towns, art-rich cities, a capital that is the last word in romance, and rural, jack-in-the-box hilltop villages – and you'd need years to really see it all.

To ensure a sweet taste of French art de vivre , move slowly between map pins – by train, bicycle or car in rural regions. Spend days, not hours, in each place and factor in ample time for mooching open-air markets, dégustation (tasting) with growers and endless lunch lazing.

Here are the 10 best places to do just that between sights and activities.

Best for a city break in spring

Elegant Paris , with its Haussmann boulevards and world-class art museums, is a heartthrob at any time of year: the city panorama from basilica-crowned Montmartre on a snowy winter day; cycling or playing the flaneur along the Seine or Canal St-Martin in fall;  Cimetière du Père Lachaise after the rain; Sainte-Chapelle ’s soul-piercing stained glass on a glorious summer afternoon…

But it is March and April’s iridescent, sun-dappled days that truly embody Paris’ unique energy and romance. Fresh goat cheese, creamy Saint-Marcellin and the tail-end of winter’s Mont d’Or appear in fromageries like Quatrehomme and Paroles de Fromagers (with cheese school and upcoming new cheese museum). Cherry blossoms paint Jardin des Tuileries , Jardin des Plantes and local secret Parc de Sceaux pink. Cafe terraces bloom, rooftop bars and restaurants (like vegetarian Créatures atop central department store Galeries Lafayette) emerge from hibernation. Paris’ festival calendar explodes.

Planning tip: Ditch the metro for blue-sky exploration along hundreds of miles of dedicated, two-way cycling lanes. Rent a public-sharing Vélib bike or a free-floating e-bike operated by Dott, Lime and Tier; download the appropriate app to locate, pay and unlock.

Read more:  11 things only the locals know in France (and now you do too)

2. Arcachon

Best for old-school seaside charm

Artists fell for the shimmering blues, grays and greens of northern France’s Côte d’Opale in the 19th century, and the Côte d’Azur ’s golden light in the 20th. Neither has lost its razzle-dazzle. But for retro chic, Arcachon on the Atlantic Coast is the masterpiece. A deep, golden-sand beach laces the seafront of this unpretentious seaside town, with four quarters named after the seasons and a shoal of tasty seafood restaurants serving locally farmed oysters. Reserve a table at Chez Pierre .

Lingering for several days? Pair bucket-and-spade beach days with a coastal two-wheel spin to Europe’s mightiest sand dune,  Dune du Pilat , and a boat trip across the bay to Cap Ferret, with a story-book lighthouse to clamber up, pine-scented beaches to surf and a traditional oyster-farming village to explore. If sea-kayaking rocks your boat, paddle with Arcachon Kayak Aventure to Île aux Oiseaux, a chameleon of a bird island that almost disappears at high tide.

3. Parc National de la Vanoise

Best for hiking and wildlife encounters

Fizzing with adrenaline and natural beauty, France’s oldest national park embraces 529 sq km (204 sq miles) of mountain peaks, glaciers and pastoral valleys in the French Alps . World-class ski resorts Val d’Isère and Tignes (both open late November to April) are household names, particularly among powder addicts and springtime skiers. But it’s the hundreds of miles of summertime hiking trails (including the mythical GR5 from Lake Geneva in Haute-Savoie to Nice on the Med) and wildlife-watching ops that pull the real punch.

Well-marked trails spaghetti beneath 107 mighty peaks above 3000m (9842ft), home to France’s largest colony of wild ibex. Don’t miss the dramatic day hike to Lac des Vaches (“Lake of Cows”), a lake at an altitude of 2318m (7605ft) that doubles as pasture for grazing cows in August when the lake completely dries. Other months, “walk on water” across a 210m-long (689ft) boardwalk of stone slabs traversing its moraine-fringed length.

Planning tip: Pick up park information and trail maps at the Maison du Parc in the small alpine village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise, a 1½-hour drive from Chambéry in Savoie.

4. The Loire Valley

Best for romantic château-hopping

Nowhere does châteaux like France. For first-timers, the château-strewn Loire Valley – an hour's hop by train from Paris to Tours – assures instant immersion. Roman oenophiles first planted vines on the banks of the River Loire (look for Sancerre, Chinon, St-Nicolas de Bourgeuil and Montlouis-sur-Loire on wine lists). Then French royalty had a ball in megalomaniacal pleasure palaces and weekend hunting retreats during the Renaissance: 440-room Château de Chambord , garden-graced Château de Villandry and  Chaumont-sur-Loire , and hopelessly romantic Château de Chenonceau must be seen to be believed.

Forget traipsing through endless fusty rooms filled with dated trappings. Château-hopping in this emblematic valley is about observing deer at dawn on Chambord’s colossal forested estate, watching foxhounds wolf down 100kg (220lbs) of meat in 10 seconds flat at Château de Cheverny , and feasting on five centuries of history at Gothic-to-Renaissance Château de Blois during a son-et-lumière (sound-and-light show). To bond with grassroots river life, navigate the Loire in a traditional  flat-bottomed toue and overnight in a bivouac camp on its riverbanks.

Planning tip: Château-hop by bike. Research cycling routes, bike rental, cyclist-friendly accommodations et al with Loire à Vélo . Join the dots between castles around Blois with Les Châteaux à Vélo cycling trails.

5. Bordeaux

Best wine region for tasting

Dégustation (tasting) is an essential part of daily life in France’s celebrated wine regions:  Burgundy , Bordeaux, Champagne , Alsace , the Loire and Rhône Valleys, Provence and Languedoc . But it’s the handsome wine city of Bordeaux – where English merchants rolled barrels of claret (red wine) from quayside to ship in the 15th century and winegrowers stunned the world with mind-blowing Médoc and St-Émilion reds three centuries on – that pairs top-drawer vintages with easily-accessible visits around ancestral estates.

Memorable stops on a tasting grand tour around Bordeaux include the “Guggenheim of wine”  La Cité du Vin ; a wine flight at the superlative  Bar à Vin inside Maison du Vin de Bordeaux; backstage cellar tours in town at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion  and out of town at Château Lynches-Bages (with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities designed by the architect son of Pei, creator of the Louvre glass pyramid).

Planning tip: Reserve cellar tours and lunch tables well in advance. In St-Émilion, dine among sun-soaked vines at Château Troplong-Mondot’s Les Belles Perdrix vineyard restaurant. In the Médoc,  Nomade is the wine lover’s gourmet secret.

6. Normandy

Best northern region for art fiends and foodies

From prehistoric cave art at Lascaux to the Louvre’s Mona Lisa , France’s illustrious art portfolio spans all eras and genres. In northern France, Normandy’s extraordinary light spawned impressionism. French painter Claude Monet painted and repainted Rouen’s masterpiece cathedral obsessively in the late 19th century; ditto for sunrise in UNESCO port town Le Havre and backyard water lilies on his flowery country estate in Giverny .

Admire impressionism’s many Norman subjects from all angles on an art lover’s pilgrimage. Set up your easel to capture Étretat ’s iconic white chalk cliffs on canvas. Wade across sand at low tide to visit Gothic abbey Mont St-Michel . Hop between art galleries in fashionable Honfleur and among oyster beds in the picture-postcard fishing village of St-Vaast-la-Hougue. Don’t miss Camembert: a visit to the village’s Ferme du Champ Secret – where rounds of buttery AOP Camembert cheese are still made with unpasteurized milk fresh from the farm’s herd of Normande cows – is unforgettable.

7. Côte d’Azur

Best for train travel (and winter sunshine)

When the urge hits to rattle past a cinematic mirage of vineyards, fruit orchards and indigo blue water, ride the rails aboard a slow train along the Côte d’Azur (“Azure Coast”). Beach-blessed stops on the coastal route along the Med between unsung Hyères and Italianate Menton (lemons galore!) include red-carpet Cannes , Picasso’s Antibes , ochre-hued fishing village Villefranche-sur-Mer , the seaside wedge of hilltop village Èze , and Monaco , the world's second-smallest country. Embrace lazy beach days, lively bar nights, sensational modern-art museums, historic gardens and open-air markets in spades.

The ultimate train journey south? A couchette in a sleeper aboard the revived Train Bleu (“Blue Train”) from Paris to Nice , beloved by 19th-century hivernants  (winter vacationers). From 1896 onwards they began arriving in the Riviera capital by train in search of warmth, sunshine and nourishing sea air.

Planning tip: Pair coastal train trips with an inland rail adventure: to the perfume-making town of Grasse , off-grid into Côte d’Azur backcountry on the Train des Merveilles (“Train of Marvels”), or back in time from Nice to Digne-les-Bains aboard the narrow-gauge Train des Pignes .

Read more:  The 8 most spectacular train journeys in France

8. Rocamadour

Best for a hilltop-village family adventure

The Luberon in Provence is renowned for its flush of hilltop villages (foodie Bonnieux, chateau-capped Lacoste, and the scenic hike from lavender-stitched Abbaye de Sénanque to eagle-nest Gordes are undeniably gorgeous). Yet moving west, it is the less fabled Lot where the tourist horde suddenly dissipates, and the natural grandeur and majesty of medieval villages take rightful center stage, strategically perched atop vertical crags and outcrops. 

Cliff-hanger Rocamadour, an ancient stop on the epic pilgrimage route from Rome to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, has the epicurean bonus of producing its own eponymous cheese. It's crafted on goat farms such as La Borie d’Imbert , which opens its doors to fromage curios and goat-loving kids. Pair with tree trampolining (yes, really) at Saute-Mouton and wild swimming from pebble beaches along the frisky Lot and Dordogne rivers for an assured, no-holds-barred family adventure.

Best for open-road escapes

Journeys are measured in hours, not miles, on Corsica – nicknamed Île de Beauté (“Island of Beauty”) for good reason. Golden beaches, turquoise coves and fire-red rocks color road trips here, punctuated with unhurried stops at time-forgotten hilltop villages and ancient churches, prehistoric relics, wineries and an overdose of foodie temptations.

With the exception of nose-to-tail August (when French holidaymakers also hit Corsica for their traditional summer break in the sun), there is no lovelier place to take your foot off the pedal and cruise through natural landscapes so beautiful you could weep. Narrow, serpentine coastal roads and torturously steep mountain roads infuse journeys with a heart-pounding dash of trepidation; and there’s bags of outdoor action (hiking, biking, sea kayaking) to let off steam. Bookworms take note, Corsican beaches (looking at you Bonifacio , uninhabited Lavezzi islands and Porto Vecchio) are sublime.

Planning tip: Add Corsican polyphony to your playlist to enjoy on the road: I Muvrini, Cantu U Populu Corsu and Voce di Corsica are classic artists.

10. Lorraine

Best for history geeks (and something different)

Few linger in Lorraine, the industrial underdog in northeastern France with ample contemporary allure. History buffs naturally gravitate to Verdun’s WWI battlefields and the well-marked Remembrance Circuit, a 25km (15-mile) driving and cycling route along the Somme River, where one of WWI’s bloodiest battles was fought in 1916. But there’s so much more to enthrall and thrill. See the striking Centre Pompidou in Metz , and  Nancy ’s wondrous art nouveau architecture and neoclassical central square, best soaked up over alfresco coffee or an early evening apéro (predinner drink). Take an after-dark guided tour of the straight-out-a-sci-fi-movie  Parc du Haut Fourneau U4 ironworks in Uckange and experience bucolic green escapes in the gloriously people-empty Hautes-Vosges mountains. Embrace the quiet and difference.

Keep planning your trip to France:

Choose the best time to go to France for your perfect vacation Check out these budget-friendly tips before you book Save our kid-friendly guide to France

This article was first published Jun 12, 2012 and updated May 14, 2024.

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The best hotels with a view in Paris

By Anna Prendergast

From its ubiquitous chimney pots to its iconic architectural design, the rooftops of Paris are as romantic as the city’s well-trodden streets. With views in every direction of monuments and museums such as the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and the Sacré-Coeur, plus a birds-eye view of some of Europe’s most stylish people, a room with a view is a worthy indulgence in this poetic city of lights, love, landmarks and la belle vie . Here are some of the loveliest hotels with views in Paris.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

First in: Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris Arrow

The 360-degree views from the  rooftop bar alone are a reason to book. On a clear day, you can see practically the entire city. If your faith in  Paris is flagging – which does happen but seldom lasts – a visit to the rooftop of  Hôtel Dame des Arts will restore it. When this reviewer described the stupendous panorama to a Paris-born-and-bred friend, she sighed and said simply: “ Oui . I sometimes think about leaving Paris, but the thing that prevents me is the rooftops.” Of the 109 rooms, the higher up you are, the better the views get – or rather the bigger they get. Ask for a room on the sixth, seventh or eighth floor, on the Rue Suger side, with a terrace.

There’s charm in all directions though,  à tous les étages . Style-wise, rooms are similarly got-up in a way that is at once spartan and spoiling, chic and subdued. (This applies even in the littlest rooms, which are indeed little). There are deft touches everywhere – the bedside tables with tops as rich and glossy as a crème caramel; the autumnal tones of the curtains; the contoured eau-de-nil tiles in the bathrooms; the ongoing juxtaposition of straight and curved lines that you find throughout the hotel. All very coherent and discreetly sensuous. Steve King

Le Meurice Arrow

Paris’ first ‘palace-status hotel’, Le Meurice is a gilded city spin on Versailles – an ornate refuge from the rue Rivoli crowds with a rich history that gives its grandiose neighbours, Le Crillon and the Ritz, a run for their money. The hotel’s splendid Haussmann façade looks out across the Tuileries gardens, with a sweeping panoramic view from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, and a bejewelled Louis XIV wall peacock inside. It’s the communal ground-floor spaces especially that ooze Imperial French splendour with impossibly high ceilings, original cornicing and mosaic floors – the perfect canvas for Philippe Starck’s fabulously jarring modernity (note his daughter, Ara Starck's Dalí-inspired sweeping ceiling art in the Restaurant Le Dalí and his transparent plastic chairs spread across the decadent Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse).

Le Meurice’s rooms and suites vary in size and grandeur – all echoing to some degree the 18th-century spirit governing the ground floor. We stayed in one of the sixth-floor suites , refurbished by young designers Margaux Lally and Luc Berger of Lally & Berger. They created a watered-down Versailles for more modern taste buds: duck-egg cupboards, faintly regal shutters, and Missoni-style chairs. A lofty level of tech is subtly woven into this picture: a brass touch lamp, soundproof French balcony doors, and a mini-bar cloaked in wood panelling. The rooms provide enough Parisian romance without frilly overkill. Roselyn Wikeley

Hotel du Sentier, 2nd arrondissement 

Despite opening just 10 months after the first lockdown in January 2021, this 30-room, six-floor stunner in the 2nd arrondissement was fully booked. Not with tourists – most foreigners were still forbidden – but with local Parisians looking to escape their own boxed-in bedrooms or to co-work with friends. (The hotel introduced a day-rate option during the pandemic that took off.) For first-time hotel owners and couple Charlotte and Samuel Castro, this meant they’d achieved their goal of becoming a sociable space that also feels like one’s own home – an astutely designed one at that. Many of the rooms feature custom-made, jewel-tone floor tiles in the bathrooms and exquisite windows that let in the most luminous afternoon light. Overhauling the property, which features an Egyptian facade dating back to 1798 that’s also a historic monument, wasn’t easy for architect Vincent Bestie. Challenges included framing, ledges, and the fact that the building also straddles a centuries-old covered arcade. But the 18-month effort paid off. While some rooms, like the top-floor suite with its wrought-iron spiral staircase leading to a private, plant adorned balcony, overlook the Passage du Caire where local garment workers can be seen rolling trollies of textiles during the day; front-facing rooms offer views of the hotel’s convivial Place du Caire, a pedestrian-only triangle that boasts benches and is surrounded by shops and cafés. 

The hotel’s ace location is not only walking distance to popular sites such as the Louvre, Opera Garnier, and the Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection, but also near some of Paris’s tastiest restaurants (see: Frenchie, La Poule au Pot, and Shabour). And for visitors who don’t feel like dining out, it’s an easy stroll to Rue de Montorgueil where ginger cookies from Stohrer and chocolate ‘orangettes’ from À la Mère de Famille, can be taken back to the room since many are outfitted with a small round bistro table and quintessentially-French rattan café chairs. What a noble concept: to feel like you’re dining outside in Paris while being inside in Paris at a space that feels like chez toi. By Sara Lieberman

Hotel Lutetia, 6th arrondissement

When Hotel Lutetia first threw open its doors in 1910, it was deemed very much ahead of the curve. A fusion of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, it was the first true luxury hotel on the Left Bank – and to this day it remains the only Palace Hotel to grace this side of town. Camus and Sartre came to ponder existentialism in its grand salons; Matisse and Picasso took up residence in the suites and Josephine Baker’s performances in the bar helped sweep Paris into the Jazz Age. In short, it perfectly captured the artistic zeitgeist of the time. And despite the fact that it has changed hands countless times over the decades, no overhaul of the hotel has been as extreme – or impressive – as the latest one. Overseen by The Set hotel group (of London’s Hotel Café Royal and the Conservatorium in Amsterdam ), a four-year overhaul stripped back layers of plaster to reveal original frescoes, opened up gloomy internal courtyards to flood the place with light and slashed the number of bedrooms to create a luxury so often absent in Parisian hotels: space.

 Downstairs, public areas shine in marble and brass; there’s a hushed spa with a pool actually big enough to swim in; and there are six restaurants and bars – the flagship, Brasserie Lutetia, is overseen by renowned chef Patrick Charvet. In the bedrooms, hand-blown Murano glass lamps light up tactile wooden panelling painted midnight blue, while baths are carved from two-ton slabs of Carrara marble (ceilings had to be reinforced to take the weight). And at the end of 2018, the final touch was unveiled; a handful of signature suites designed to pay homage to the hotel’s artistic spirit. Fitted out with artworks and antiques supplied by Paris’s most prestigious club of art dealers and collectors, the Carré Rive Gauche suite is more akin to a private museum (and it’s all for sale). The Francis Ford Coppola suite, meanwhile, is a utopia for film buffs. This is the star director's private home in the city, and he's filled it with stills, photographs and movie memorabilia from his own collection. His vintage Éclair camera sits on one cabinet, his original annotated copy of The Godfather on another. But the best bit is the terrace – hidden above a slither of retractable-glass roof – which has exactly the type of knockout cinematic views people come to Paris for. By Teddy Wolstenholme

Chouchou Hotel, 9th arrondissement

Some hotels clearly set out to be places in which to gather as much as to sleep. At the Opera district’s new Chouchou hotel, it’s possible to miss the entrance entirely, drawn instead into Le Marché, a food market which doubles as a venue for DJs, live music and stand-up. On this visit, the space is buzzing with young Parisians packed onto trestle tables, ordering cheese and charcuterie plates or oysters for a euro a go from mock stalls with striped awnings. This is the 19th hotel from the Elegancia group, the brand behind smart addresses such as the Left Bank’s floral-chic Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles and the sultry black Hotel Snob in Les Halles. But never has an outpost been so squarely aimed at locals as well as visitors.

This is Paris, though, so the 63 reasonably priced bedrooms remain eminently grown-up: in L’Arrache Coeur (The Heartsnatcher) suite, named after the Boris Vian novel, there are blue-panelled walls, a forest-green sofa against a bookshelf wall (lots of Vian) and jazz LPs for the Grundig vinyl player. Slightly smaller junior suites are named after classic French songs, such as the pastel-pink La Vie En Rose, with views across copper chimney pots to the Palais Garnier opera house. Downstairs, the continental breakfasts are unfussily satisfying, though it’s worth saving room to join the queue later at nearby patisserie Cédric Grolet, where the croissants are famous. This needn’t feel sacrilegious: Chouchou isn’t a place to be sequestered away from the city, but a place to be plugged into its rhythms. By Tabitha Joyce

Hotel Le Wallace, 15th arrondissement

Despite being within eyeshot of the Eiffel Tower and the gilded dome of Napoleon’s tomb, the 15th arrondissement in western Paris has always felt more like a neighbourhood than a destination per se. For the Wallace’s owners, Louis and Anouk Solanet, that was part of the charm when they gave a coolly retro makeover to a derelict building which locals might vaguely recall was once a low-cost hotel. Now, it feels like the heart of a quietly hip village, in an area of little boutiques and specialist food stores. The Solanets maintained the original structure but added several floors and a leafy terrace accessible from the third floor, with a Nordic bath, outdoor sauna and classic view of Parisian rooftops.

Among the 45 bedrooms, several on the first few floors have more of a motel vibe – small but comfortable, with windows looking onto an interior glass roof. The others, including the top-floor junior suite with a sizeable double balcony dotted with deckchairs and bedroom skylight, evoke the elegance of an Orient Express -style night car. Headboards and shelves are sleek, in lacquered and varnished wood, while brass reading lamps, fringed light fixtures and Kartell nightstands add to the retro vibe. Striped coral-and-white curtains lend a hint of Riviera colour, while the terrazzo floors and bathroom countertops are signatures of the interior designers, French-Italian duo Samantha Hauvette and Lucas Madani. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the glass-covered cocktail bar has a menu of local nibbles selected by the team at cult rotating-chef restaurant Fulgurances. By Lindsey Tramuta

Hôtel Adèle & Jules, 9th arrondissement

Adèle and Jules are two halves of a single charming hotel or, technically, two hotels in one block. Reserved romantics will appreciate its low-hype offering – 30 varied bedrooms in each of the buildings, a Taittinger-led honesty bar in Adèle and a superb welcome with a proper concierge service. This is combined with a tucked-away location in a newly but not aggressively trendified slice of the 9th, close to rue des Martyrs (food shopping), Grands Boulevards (nightlife) and the Gare du Nord. Designer Stéphane Poux's style is a deliberate mishmash of urbanity and generous homeliness, his eye travelling around ikat prints, Indian cotton quilts and witty, intriguing artworks. Club rooms have balconies big enough for prolonged nightcaps, a bathtub and twin basins. 

If you get a view – say of the landmark BNP Paribas building or Grand Rex cinema – the smaller deluxe rooms are charming too. Breakfast features eggs, sausages and mini viennoiseries, and between 4pm and 6pm there's a pick-me-up of Dammann Frères tea, cakes, pastries and fruit. This takes place in a cosy living/breakfast room lined with decent reading material: not just the usual glossies, but also shelves of Folio paperbacks. The no-restaurant issue is very much a non-issue, with local options including Abri , Vivant  and Richer . A sibling to long-time fashion-pack bolthole Hôtel Thérèse in the 1st and Hôtel Recamier in Saint-Germain, this civilised, chic four-star deserves to become a cult hero/heroine as well. By Sophie Dening

La Demeure Montaigne, 8th arrondissement

Best for: Chic whimsy 

It takes a certain level of confidence to arrive in Paris’s Golden Triangle, among the Chanel boutiques and urban palaces such as the Four Seasons and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. La Demeure Montaigne – a newcomer from the Frontenac Group that has three hotels nearby – does so with sly whimsy. There are feather-flower chandeliers, jungle wallpaper and ginkgo-patterned carpets throughout the 93-bedroom address. Soft jazz and the delicate scent of powder filters up from the subterranean spa – a future-forward draw, with its quartz-walled pool , hot baths, steam room and cabins with heated tables for massages using marine-based Thalgo products. Back upstairs, a Carrara marble hall leads to a stately billiards room that exudes cosy chic, with its fireplace, circular granite bar and Pop Art portrait of French philosopher Michel de Montaigne. 

The restaurant, L’Envolée (‘Flight’), is in a dramatic glass atrium, above which soars a bird mobile by sculptor François Lavrat – a sort of metaphorical challenge to chef Grégory Réjou, who sharpened his knives alongside Alain Sanderens at the nearby Plaza Athénée; for dessert try the candied clementine and poached pear with tonka-bean cream. For all the sense of a hush-hush retreat, there are landmark views – in apartment 605 and suite 608, king-sized beds face wrought-iron balconies with views of the Eiffel Tower. There’s a floral femininity to most rooms, with reliefs of birds and fauna, and TVs are discreetly positioned behind dressers or ornate wall mirrors – all of which suits the overriding feeling of discovering a hidden treasure. By Sara Lieberman

Marti Buckley

Sarah James

Jessica Puckett

Eleanor Aldridge

Hotel Grand Powers, 1st arrondissement

The Grand Powers, in the 1st arrondissement behind the Champs-Élysées, does have a certain grandeur – it’s been a hotel in Paris since 1920 and is a stalwart of the city’s scene. Thanks to the building’s corner spot, there are views of the Eiffel Tower just poking above the romantic rooftops from almost half of the rooms.. And there are balconies too, meaning that the bedrooms are lighter, as well as much bigger, than the majority of boutique hotel rooms in the city. Deep red clashes with pale pink; dark teal with spearmint cream; and gilded mirrors complement plush velvets and scrawling florals. 

A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, the Grand Powers feels cosy, and the staff are exceptionally helpful and delightfully jolly, while not being too much. At breakfast there are just-baked madeleines as well as eggs made to order – the boiled ones come shell-less in silver egg cups with Jenga-style soldiers. But there are also detox juices with beetroot and ginger and sushi -grade salmon in thick slices. This hotel provides quiet respite from the busy shopping district – so much so, you wouldn’t know the Arc de Triomphe was just a 10 minute stroll away. By Tabitha Joyce

Cour des Vosges, 4th arrondissement

On the oldest square in Paris with its Louis XIII architecture , blush-pink buildings and primped and preened gardens sits a heavy, nondescript door, wedged between a traditional brasserie and a new-age patisserie. This swings into the quiet, cobbled courtyard belonging to Cour des Vosges, a 17th-century mansion that’s a refuge for the cultured polymath with its evocative interiors, a subterranean Roman bath and views across the square. A fictional family art collection is rolled out across the four floors and all the rooms are different. One top-floor room has a bath with a glass-wall view, but it’s the first-floor rooms – traditionally where Parisian nobility would lay their heads – that are the real show-offs, with original wooden beams, terracotta floors covered in baby-blue rugs and clay-coloured, unpainted walls dressed in tapestries and modern art. In one, a steel spin on the four-poster is immense, swallowing most of the room and shutting out the neighbouring retro furniture with futuristic sliding doors. 

While there’s no restaurant, you’ll find Pâtisserie Brach on the ground floor – a tearoom peacocking feted patissier Yann Brys’ pastries . Breakfast is the headline performance when it comes to food, served in your room with a cavalcade of silverware, cold-pressed juices, pastries, yogurts and organic eggs – to which black truffle and caviar can be added. As for the crowd: elusive movers and shakers who wish to be left alone in the company of Voltaire and de Beauvoir, until another glass of Burgundy is called for. By Rosalyn Wikeley.  

Read the full Cour des Vosges hotel review.

Hôtel 9Confidentiel, 3rd arrondissement

Philippe Starck has done it again, and this time he’s brought a flirty Art Deco hotel to the lower Marais. With falafel-favourite Miznon just to the east and French fashion brands The Kooples, Maje and Sandro to the west, this petite mirror-glazed gem is a very affordable and comfortable hideaway with a funky feel to boot. There isn’t a traditional lobby here – blink and you’ll miss the entrance – but, nonetheless, it feels straight out of Twenties Paris, with its dusty-pink and yellow walls, diamond-shaped rugs and geometric-print cushions. 

Each of the 29 rooms is named after a mademoiselle of the time and has a picture-postcard view of Parisian rooftops and enormous fluffy beds – a welcome retreat for an evening of wine and steak frites. Nicolas de Soto (formerly of Experimental Cocktail Club) is behind the bar, and while the drinks are worth stopping by for, people might not spot it when walking past. Baskets of mini croissants are laid out for breakfast – but we’d suggest heading over to Parisian favourite Circus, on the Left Bank, for their fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls and frothy cappuccinos. By Katharine Sohn

Grand Pigalle Hotel, 9th arrondissement

With its creamy stone façade and slate-grey bar and restaurant, this freshly restored hotel is a real standout among its well-worn neighbours on a lively street in trendy SoPi (South Pigalle). It was conceived by the innovative Experimental Group – three childhood pals who founded the Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels and a flurry of Experimental Cocktail Clubs – as a 'Bed & Beverage' hotel. Here, the cocktail is gleefully celebrated, from the gold pineapple ornaments on the doors and the carpets patterned with Martini glasses right down to the bathrooms stocked with Cognac-scented products packaged in mini liquor bottles. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, the rooms are uncluttered, with vintage-style furniture, faux fireplaces, original pressed ceilings and colourful tiled bathrooms; mini-bars are well stocked with craft beers and pre-mixed Negronis for that one last nightcap.

Book a garret-style room under the eaves on the top floor for the consummate bohemian experience and sweeping views across Montmartre. There's no need to venture far for sustenance: the restaurant serves delicious bistro food (sea-bass carpaccio with yuzu ; Basque-inspired cheeseburgers with chorizo) and has an impressive wine menu (200 varieties and counting). The buffet breakfast is a riot of homemade breads, jams and cakes, laid out prettily on the zinc bar. By Lanie Goodman