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Things to do in Paris

things to do in Paris

Paris Neighborhoods, Travel Tips, Attractions & More

The City of Lights. Paris. It is arguably known to the world as the romance capital, the city of love. Everywhere you look, everywhere you are in the city, it screams romance, as if it was built from the ground up solely for lovers.

There is more to Paris than romance, however. One of the top culturally developed cities in the world, it is one of the leading cities in fashion, cuisine, film, photography, and art. Unsurprisingly, it’s not just lovers that flock to it – artist, chefs, filmmakers, fashion designers, and students gather in this city to immerse themselves in its amazing scenes.

Whether you’re going on your honeymoon or you’re looking to be a great artist, Paris is the place to be and there a lot of great places to stay in the city that are similar to Hotel Jules . See below all the info you need about Paris neighborhoods and things to do in the city!

Season Suitcase Essentials

Winter suitcase essentials

City Logistics – Getting Around the City

Getting in, around, and out of the city is a breeze!

Paris, first of all, is served by three airports – Charles de Gaulle International Airport , Orly International Airport , and Aéroport de Beauvais Tillé , all of which are then served by commuter trains and buses to take visitors into the city.

Secondly, it is well connected to the rest of Europe by train . High speed and normal trains come and go through six different train stations – Gare du Nord, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare de Bercy, Gare St Lazare , and Gare Montparnasse . If you choose to travel by rail, simply find out what train station it’s arriving in and figure out your logistics from there.

Other options include traveling by car or hopping on buses like Eurolines, Megabus, and the luxurious IDBUS that also take you straight into the city from other European cities.

Getting around the city is even easier. Just like in many metropolitans, Paris has a great reliable underground Metropolitan railway called the Métro. It has 16 lines that service stations all over the city all day from 5 am to 12:30 am. There are a good number of rental shops that rent out bicycles , scooters , and motorbikes as well, especially for those who would like to be mobile and fast. Just make sure if you choose one of these options that you’re used to going around a city this way, as Paris is a very busy place. Additionally, there are taxis available but these are not a very good option in the daytime when the streets are busy.

The most ideal way to get around Paris is on foot . In fact, if you’re in no hurry and you’re not lugging behind heavy bags, it should be your only mode of travel. Everybody walks in Paris – Parisians, seasoned travellers, and even first time tourists. Walking is almost a religion there. Why? Well, first is because Paris is so small a city you can cross it from one end to the other within a few hours on foot. Second and most importantly, it’s the best way to really see, immerse in, and experience the city, especially at dusk just as it’s starting to light up.

And since walking is the best way to see Paris, summer is the best time to visit . Parisian winters are cold while springs and autumns are usually wet but summers are normally comfortably warm so you can walk at your leisure without getting too tired or too hot.

paris indie travel guide

Where to Stay in Paris?

Yes, accommodations can be expensive in the City of Lights and if you’re looking to stay at a fancy place during your stay, you practically have unlimited options. High-end hotels like Le Meurice and luxurious boutiques located on either side of the Seine offer amazing double rooms from €130 and up. Another option to consider if you’re looking to push the boat out is an exclusive French Chateau , 20 minutes from CDG and le Bourget airport and 40 minutes from central Paris. It’s stunning and ideal for special occasions.

If you’re on a budget, don’t despair. There are also a lot of great places to stay at in the city without you having to break the bank and sacrificing comfort. Mid-range options include Mama’s Shelter Paris Hotel , Hôtel Novotel Paris Bercy , Hotel du Champ Mars , Bonne Nuit Paris , and Hotel de la Mare . These offer rooms from €100 and up.

Last but definitely not the least is your cheapest option – the often charming and very comfortable hostels and budget hotels in the city like Absolute Budget, St. Christopher’s Inn Canal Hostel, Oops! Hostel, and Hôtel de la Herse d’Or , which sell rooms for as low as €30 per night.

Top Things to Do

As one of the greatest cultural destinations in the world, Paris pretty much caters to everyone, whatever they are interested in. Not only does it have gorgeous romantic spots, it also has amazing architecture, fantastic art, beautiful gardens, a contemporary fashion scene, and great culinary hotspots. You can literally spend two weeks in this city and it still wouldn’t be enough time.

If it is your first time visiting the city, however, you’d probably want to stick to the essentials, which include:

  • Eiffel Tower . One of Paris’ most significant contribution to architecture as well as its most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower is even more stunning lit up at night. Go up to the top to see sweeping views of the city or sit down, relax, and enjoy the scene from Champ de Mars.
  • Versailles . The Château de Versailles, 20 kilometers away from the city itself, was once the center of political power of the French monarchy. This means that it’s an icon of grandeur and splendor. With beautiful grounds, stunning halls, and magnificent décor, Versailles is a must see, especially when visiting Paris for the first time.
  • Arc de Triomphe. This famous landmark, which stands at the western end of the city’s most famous street, Champs-Élysées , is a memorial for those who fought and died in the French Revolution as well as the Napoleonic Wars.
  • Jardin de Luxembourg. Perhaps Paris’ most famous garden, this caters most to children with its merry-go-round, pony and boat rides, a playground, and the Marionette du Luxembourg, a classic French puppet theater.
  • The Louvre , Musée d’Orsay , and other museums. As a major hub when it comes to art and culture, you shouldn’t miss this city’s numerous museums, starting of course with its most famous one, The Louvre.
  • Resting places. Because many famous people had lived and are buried in Paris and because the city’s resting places are reverently and hauntingly beautiful, places like the Catacombs , the Pantheon (final resting place for Marie Curie, Voltaire, and Victor Hugo), and the Père-Lachaise Cemetery (final resting place for Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison) are also great stops during your visit.
  • Churches in Paris like Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré Coeur , and Sainte Chapelle are impressive and exquisite inside and out so make sure to spend some time breathing these in.
  • Other architectural marvels like the Grand Arche de la Défense and Opera Garnier are also great stops during your explorations.

See here: More awesome things to do in France .

paris indie travel guide

What’s New

The banks of the Seine ( Les Berges de Seine ), which are UNESCO World Heritage riverbanks, have undergone major changes. The right bank is now more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly with its newly incorporated bicycle paths and walkways while the left bank is completely car-free and dotted with restaurants, bars, a bazaar, and floating gardens.

Free Stuff in Paris

There’s no denying that Paris is an expensive city but that doesn’t mean you have to splurge during your stay. If you know where to look, you’ll still find the city equally enjoyable sans the spending.

  • A great way to know the city and it’s history is by going on one of Sanderman’s New Europe free walking tours , which runs for 3.5 hours. They offer these tours everyday from 11 am to 1 pm.
  • Every first Sunday of the month , many of Paris’ best museums, including the Louvre, offer free admissions to people of all ages.
  • The city lights, the famous landmarks, and the lovely water reflections are the main attractions for walking along the banks of the Seine at night . Best of all, it won’t cost you a single cent.
  • Around Place de la Concorde are many street entertainers and performers. Enjoy a couple of hours watching the free entertainment and just watching the rest of the city go by.
  • Galeries Lafayette , a famous department store in the city, play host to free 30-minute fashion shows on the 7th floor every Friday at 3 pm. It’s a great and inexpensive way for fashion lovers and aspiring designers to soak up the city’s fashion scene.

Explore Paris Neighborhoods

Despite its size, there’s a lot to see in Paris and it may prove daunting especially if it’s your first time there. It’s important therefore to do your research and get to know the best of the city’s 20 districts, which they call arrondissements , so you can figure out where best to go during your limited time there.

  • 1 st Arrondissement . The Tuileries, the romantic lovelocks at Pont des Arts, the Louvre, and the fashionable Rue de Rivoli are all located in this district.
  • 2 nd Arrondissement . Textile shops and cafes line this smallest district in Paris.
  • The Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissement). An affluent neighborhood in Paris, the Marais is an area of contrasts – luxury shops intermix with secondhand shops and high-class restaurants stand side-by-side casual local haunts.
  • Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement). It’s in this charming district with it’s old-world feel where many students from universities usually hangout.
  • Saint Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement). Home to Descartes resting place, this neighborhood used to be the center of the existentialist movement in Paris and was the popular haunt of many Parisian intellectuals.
  • 7 th Arrondissement . This classic-looking district is home to the Eiffel Tower, Napoléon ‘s final resting place, the left bank of the Seine, and Musée d’Orsay.
  • 8 th Arrondissement . Marvel at the lavish expensive houses in the city’s most affluent neighborhood.
  • Oberkampf (11th Arrondissement). Perhaps the city’s most engaging district, this arrondissement is a popular area for night life.

paris indie travel guide

Paris Shopping Trips

shopping nyc

Paris is right up there with Milan, London, and New York when it comes to fashion. Not only is it one of the most fashionable cities in the world, but also many of the biggest names in the industry either started or are based here. This means that Paris is also one of the biggest shopping cities in the world. Everything from thrift and vintage to high-end and contemporary can be found here so it’s basically a paradise for fashionistas and shopaholics.

If you came to Paris to splurge on brand names and high-end couture, make a beeline for Louvre-Tuileries and Faubourg Saint-Honore, Le Bon Marché, Champs-Elysées (where you can also find the more affordable brands), and Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés where you can find the best names in fashion.

For bargain shoppers, spend your money wisely in one of Paris’ flea markets. Both Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, Marche Rétro d’Oberkampf, and Marché St Pierre feature antiques, second-hand retro clothing, and vintage goods that you can purchase for a steal!

And remember to stop by Galeries Lafayette , a famous department store and one of the largest in the world, during your shopping excursion.

Foodies – Where to Eat & Drink

Parisians have an exquisite taste in cuisine and the city is brimming with places that serve amazing food – from snacks and sweets to main courses to drinks – therefore it’s hard to sum up a list of the best restaurants in the city. While there will be a good number of great places that might not make it to our humble list, we can tell you for certain that those that did come highly recommended.

  • If seafood’s your best friend, then the cozy Huitrerie Regis in Saint Germain des Prés is your best bet. They serve fresh and wonderful oysters, clams, sea urchins, and prawns here at affordable prices.
  • Les Tablettes offers delicious contemporary French cuisine for those who have a bigger food budget during their stay.
  • Le Bistrot Paul Bert offers retro French bistro ambience with their amazing affordable menu that include steak tartare and marinated herring.
  • For a traditional French bistro experience that include amazing and reasonably-priced food, A la Biche au Bois is c’est magnifique.
  • If you are looking for a fusion-type meal, then you definitely must try one of Le Baratin ‘s dishes of French, Spanish, African, and South American origins.
  • The cozy Breizh Café , with its artisanal ciders, great menu, and amazing dessert crêpes, have outstanding reviews from locals and travellers alike.
  • African cuisine is not easy to come by so when you’re in Paris, you must try the delicious African-French fusion cuisine at Le Palanka.
  • Try authentic Vietnamese dishes like the pho or the bo bun from Cyclo .
  • Brave the long lines at Ladurée because you simply cannot leave Paris without having to taste possibly the best French macarons in the world.
  • Your Parisian holiday isn’t complete without having crêpes, the best ones of which you can get from Crêperie Josselin .
  • Chocolate shops are ample in the city so you will most likely find yourself drooling in one. Michel Chaudun , with its collection of chocolate sculptures, is a great stop in your chocolatey hunt.
  • For the best chocolat chaud (hot chocolate), stop by Angelina. They offer the most amazing variations of this popular winter drink.
  • Grab a cup of coffee or even just a sample with a slice of Austrian cake from Cafés Verlet.
  • Stop by for an afternoon break at Cafe des deux Moulins where Amélie Poulain, the quirky main character from the movie Amélie, worked as a waitress.
  • La Caféothèque (The Coffee Library) is your best option if you’re a purist. Here they serve the finest coffee from small plantations.

paris indie travel guide

Late Night – Nightlife in Paris

Parisians love to cap the night with drinks so it’s guaranteed that you will never run out of bars to go to after hours in the city. Perhaps the best of the best of these include Café Charbon , a household name, Le Connétable , where you can enjoy your ale with good music, Le Tambour , where they serve andouillette all day and all night, Le 138 , a shabby-chic decorated bar, and Le Bonnie and Clyde , which is open until 6 am.

paris indie travel guide

Lovers Spots

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do while visiting the City of Love, it’s to explore its most romantic spots. It doesn’t even matter what your current status is, whether you’re unattached, in a relationship, married, newly single or your only attachment is to your tenga geo or a similar gadget, you must stop by one of the city’s most romantic spots and soak up the romance of it all. You never know, you might get inspired to do something spicey, romance-wise (like having a threesome with a wm doll !)

  • The art piece aptly named the “I Love You” Wall ( Le Mur des Je T’Aime) in Square des Abbesses is a simply adorable romantic spot that displays “I love you” in 250 different languages.
  • The lovelocks at the Pont Des Arts Bridge make for unique displays of affection as well as great photo opportunities. If you’re with your loved one, you can buy a lock from a nearby vendor, write both your names on it, and seal your love by attaching the lock to the bridge and throwing away the key.
  • Go for a nice romantic walk down the banks of the Seine at dusk, with the best views of the lit Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame sparkling against the dusky blue sky.
  • Admire the sweeping views of Paris at sunset or at night at the top of the Eiffel Tower while sipping champagne.
  • Enjoy a lovely and exotic gypsy-themed dinner at the Dame du Canton where you can pair up traditional French dishes with fantastic live gypsy jazz.

paris indie travel guide

Paris Special Events

Parties never really end in Paris, it seems. There are many different events that take place here all year round, which is to be expected since the city and its locals have a long-standing love affair with arts and culture. Some of the biggest events that the city plays host to include:

  • The Fashion Week , which happen twice a year in March and October
  • Fête de la Musique , the city’s biggest free music festival
  • Solidays, a 3-day music festival dedicated to the fight against AIDS
  • Bastille Day, a French national holiday in July that celebrates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution
  • Rendez-vous au Jardin , a city-wide open house to many of the city’s gardens
  • Le Nouvel an Chinois , the Chinese New Year celebrations held in February
  • Tour de France , the world-famous cycling race
  • Cinema en Plein Air , a digital or analogue outdoor cinema
  • Salon International de l’Agriculture , a farming festival where you can sample the best agricultural products from the region
  • and Rock en Seine , a music festival that draws in pop and rock stars from all over the world.

Best Day Trips Outside the City

The list of attractions within the city limits is basically endless but it’s highly recommended that you explore some of the best attractions outside the city as well. Not only are they a slight change in pace, they will also give you a chance to experience country life in France.

The town of Auvers-sur-Oise , for example, was a haven to famous artists like Manet, Renoir, and Van Gogh (who actually spent his last remaining days there) and is a great place to visit for artists and history buffs alike. Then there’s Fontainebleau , home to the 16th century Chateau de Fontainebleau, Napoleon’s residence; a great retreat for those who want to avoid the crowd at Versailles. Lastly, there’s Reims where you can enjoy exquisite champagne as well as explore the Gothic cathedral that witnessed the crowning of many French kings in history.

For a city that’s only 40 square miles in land area, Paris is surprisingly full attractions. The things you can do and the places you can see here are limitless and you’ll probably need to spend a lifetime exploring the entire city. Of course, unless you’re planning on spending the rest of your life there – a very attractive prospect to many of us, that wouldn’t be possible. So before you go, do your research and plan out your visit. Or better yet, you can be more spontaneous and just go wherever your senses lead you to.

If you have any additional tips or suggestions to make a holiday in Paris even more fun and exciting, we’d love to hear from you.

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La Fleche D'Or 102 bis rue de Bagnolet 75020 Paris Want to see a cool indie rock or electro gig but a little strapped for cash? La Fleche D'Or puts on all manner of brilliant touring bands and local acts, usually for free entry (although drinks are pricey). ( www.flechedor.fr/ )

La Maroquinerie 23, Rue Boyer, 75020 Paris 500 capacity venue. You'll catch bands like Stereo Total and Liars here. Also hosts the What The Funk club night. (www.lamaroquinerie.fr )

Nouveau Casino 109, rue Oberkampf, Paris Concert hall that puts on everything from electro to hardcore punk. The likes of The Fiery Furnaces and 65 Days Of Static have played here. (www.nouveaucasino.net )

Le Bataclan 50 Boulevard Voltaire, Paris Legendary 19th century theatre and concert venue, that's seen everyone from Edith Piaf to Mogwai. 1500 capacity. (www.le-bataclan.com )

Point Ephemère 200 quai de Valmy, Paris Former cargo warehouse turned underground art centre, run by art collective Usines Ephemères. Catch an exhibition or a debate during the day, and cutting edge sounds in the evening. ( www.pointephemere.org )

La Guinguette Pirate Port de la Gare, Paris. Metro: Quai de la Gare or Bibliotheque Party to ska, garage and gypsy music aboard this atmospheric pirate barge. The likes of Animal Collective and Okkervil River have played here. (www.guinguettepirate.com)

La Feline 6, rue Victor Letalle 75020 Paris. Metro: Menilmontant Paris's answer to London's Dirty Water Club - a garage rock hangout that hosts live shows alongside northern soul, ska, mod, ye ye and rock'n'roll club nights. (www.myspace.com/lafelinebar)

Le Triptyque 142 rue Montmartre New bands and live electronica feature at this hip dancehall. (www.letriptyque.com) Le Vieux Léon 18, rue de La Grande Truanderie 75001 Paris In their own words: "Bistrot avec petite scéne pour musique live." Indie, folk, jazz and acoustic. (www.myspace.com/levieuxleon) La Cigale 120 boulevard de Rochechouart 75019 Former vaudeville house turned concert venue. You'll catch bands like The Shins and Feist here. (www.lacigale.fr)

L'espace B 16 rue Barbanègre, 75019 Paris. Métro: Corentin Cariou Bar/venue with good indie gigs. Leisure Society played there. (J)

Le Scopitone 5 Avenue De L'Opera Cheap concerts (mostly sponsored by the French website www.blogotheque.net ) , club events, expensive beer. (E) (www.scopitoneclub.com)

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Paris for the Indie Traveler

Traveling to Paris?

It’s been labelled the most beautiful, romantic, fashionable, cultural, artistic, delicious, and expensive city in the world. Where do you start? For a city that’s been stereotyped so much over time, it really is about throwing yourself right in, being willing to walk (a lot!), and being open to everything from the mundane baguette shopping each morning, to discovering a new perspective to the Louvre, to getting into a secret dinner or wine cave. That’s the best way to experience a city like this, and to let it change something inside of you forever.

Paris Seasons

paris indie travel guide

Mild and moderately wet, Paris’ yearly average temperature is just under 55F (12 C), going below 32F (0C) in winter and over 85F (30C) in the summer.

  • Spring  (Mar- May) is when Paris is beautifully colourful and alive, but expensive and crowded.
  • Summer (Jun-Aug) is when locals leave the city for visitors, encouraging festivals, events, and a hike in prices.
  • Fall (Sept- Nov) is when prices dip, locals return to business, but outdoor activities draw to a close as the nights turn dark and cold.
  • Winter (Dec- Feb) is perpetually rainy and cold with short days, but it’s also a magical time as Paris lights up beautifully for the festivities and prices remain low.

Accommodation in Paris

Where to stay in Paris really depends on your budget and interests. The city is divided into arrondissements that spiral outwards, numbered 1 through 20, 1 being the richest and oldest and 20 being the cheapest and newest. This also means most attractions, monuments, museums, etc. are in the center, and a bohemian melting pot of new age culture at the fringes. Paris is just full of accommodation options from the bare-boned to the ultra luxe. For the indie traveler, there are a host of budget options depending on your budget and the kind of experience you want.

  • Hostels – The cheapest option (as low as 17 Euros), hostels are a great pick if you’re all about sharing space and staying out for most of the day. Pick from dorms or private rooms, but chip in at the communal kitchens. You get to meet some cool fellow backpackers and travelers, swap travel stories and recommendations, enjoy cultural exchanges, but it also means you have to put up with the not so cool ones as well.
  • Boutique hotels – Pricier than hostels, (start at 45 Euros) but you get to enjoy the luxuries of a hotel without the big prices or frills. Some of them are even housed in quaint century buildings. (Visit Boutique Hotels in Paris  and My Boutique Hotel)
  • Apartments – More appropriate for long stays, rentals are usually priced by the week or month. You end up making great savings, enjoy a large space with all the amenities, and get a real sense of feeling like a local with Parisian neighbours, bakers, and grocers to interact with.

Getting around

paris indie travel guide

Paris is surprisingly easy for an outsider to get around. There are options to suit every budget. All you have to do is read this and you’re set!

  • The Metro network is very well connected, and you’re never more than a couple of blocks away from a station. Detailed route maps all over the station help you find your train/direction very easily. Pick from a single ticket (valid for one journey), Carnet (booklet of 10 tickets), Day ticket (unlimited rides for a day), Carte Visite (Valid for 1, 2, 3, 5 days for different zones) and the Pass Navigo Decouverte (unlimited 7 day validity card, can be recharged) Depending on how long you’re staying, I’d recommend the Pass Navigo Decouverte for long stays, and the Carnet for shorter stays.
  • The RER are faster trains with fewer stops that go further outside of the city. Great for going to places like the CDG Airport amd Disneyland. Ticket Mobilis, Carte Paris Visite, and Pass Navigo Decouverte are valid on the RER depending on the zone fares paid.
  • The bus service that runs from 5:30am to midnight is a brilliantly scenic way to see Paris, especially for making unscheduled stops on the way since you can hop on and off. There’s also a night bus called the Noctilien that is a must- do, cheaper version to a bus tour.
  • Find detailed information on the Metro, RER and the Bus on Parisbytrain and on the RATP site.
  • Batobus is a slow paced way to get around that still oozes a certain old world charm. Since the Seine pretty much runs through the centre of Paris, the river is a great way to get across the city without traffic. With 8 stops along its length, the boat timings and frequencies change with the season. There are a wide range of passes available for 1, 2, 5 days and a year. Try and do at least a day, to get a riverway perspective on the city.
  • Velibs truly make Paris a cyclist’s city. With bikes available on rent at docking stations across the city, all you have to do is get a card, and once you swipe it, the bike is released. With the first 30 minutes free, an additional 15 minutes if the docking station is full, it’s a quick, cheap, and energy efficient way to get around. (If you can cycle, know your way around and can handle Parisian traffic, that is.)
  • Taxis in Paris are slightly expensive, but the drivers are always polite, the ride always comfortable, just beware of rush hour traffic though. The starting charge is 2.40Euro and the minimum taxi fare is 6.40, after which each km costs from 0.96 to 1.47 depending on the zone and time of day.

Itineraries and budgets

paris indie travel guide

Paris is undoubtedly expensive, but you can make your budget do more with a few smart decisions.

  • The Paris Museum Pass is a great idea if you are planning to visit a whole lot of museums in a short span of time. The pass, available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days, turns out cheaper than paying the entry price at each museum and also saves you from standing in long queues at most museums.
  • The Paris Pass , however; isn’t such a great idea for an indie traveler because it’s more of a sightseeing package with museums, attractions, bus tours, guidebooks, and more thrown in. You end up just “doing” the major sights on a tight schedule as opposed to actually taking it all in and spending more time wherever you want to.
  • While planning out your itinerary, it’s important to find out which days museums and other attractions are shut or which days they’re free. The free days usually mean long lines, and you need to get there really early or not at all. Keep a back-up of where you can go if something doesn’t work out, be realistic about the number of things you can do in a day, remember, while it’s great to walk around Paris, you can get sidetracked very often, so even if places you want to visit are really close to each other, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can visit them all in a day.
  • Food in Paris can seem gourmet even if it’s the cheapest.  Pop into a bakery and grab a baguette and some cold cuts for a quick snack or lunch. Stand at the cafe counter and have your coffee for cheaper than you would at a table.

Paris attractions

paris indie travel guide

  • Museums that house some of the most celebrated alongside some of the most secret begin with the grand Louvre (skip the crowd around the Mona Lisa, just turn your back and admire the gigantic yet detailed Wedding at Cana instead), Musee d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musee Rodin, Musée National du Moyen Âge (Thermes & Hotel de Cluny), Sainte-Chapelle, Panthéon to only name a few.
  • Monuments range from the iconic Eiffel tower (especially at night when it’s illuminated and twinkling every hour), the Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel de Ville, Bastille Column, Arc de Triomphe, and so many more.
  • Parks and Gardens like the Park André Citroën, Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Monceau, Square Willette (in front of Sacre-Coeur), and Jardin des Plantes, and Parc des Buttes Chaumont are a must visit. Buy some cuts and baguettes from a neighboring Boulangerie and have a picnic.
  • Cemeteries in Paris are popular attractions too, what with world famous celebrities like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison buried at the Pere Lachaise, Edgar Degas and Francois Truffaut at the Montmartre Cemetery, and Jean Paul Sartre and Andre Citroen at the Montparnasse Cemetery.
  • Homes and workspaces of great contributors are veritable monuments as well. Crawl through Maison de Balzac, Maison de Victor Hugo, and Musee Curie. Alternately, you could attend a book reading or just sit and read at Shakespeare & Co. or attend a free seminar at the College de France.
  • Learn cooking from the best at one of Paris’ gourmet schools where you can even do a one day course. Check out Le Cordon Bleuhere  and also check out Le Notre and La Cuisine .
  • Day trips from Paris are worth the distance to ogle at the opulent Chateau de Versailles, or if there’s a kid somewhere within you, Euro Disney’s the way to go.

Things to do for free in Paris

paris indie travel guide

For a city with some of the most decadent experiences on offer, not all of them cost a small fortune.  In fact, so many of them are absolutely free. These are just the top picks.

  • Free festival celebrations from the hundreds of Christmas Markets to Paris Plage- a faux beach created at the peak of summer, the Harvest Festival of Montmartre or even Pari Roller, a weekly event when Paris gets taken over by roller skaters.
  • Free performances by street musicians, dancers, and entertainers at Place de la Concorde and Champs Elysees. Also not to be missed are the free concerts held at churches and free dance floors like the one at Quai Saint Bernard. Browse for listings in a current issue of Pariscope from a newsstand or visit the Tourist Information Center .
  • Free tours are offered by the locals through Discoverwalks , Sandman’s , Paris Greeters , and Meet the Parisians at Work . (where you can see a butcher, baker, candle, or even perfume maker in action)

Wandering around Paris

paris indie travel guide

The best way to see the city is by walking and sometimes letting yourself get lost. Interesting routes and other offbeat things covered here.

  • Place du Tertre , a square near the Sacre Coeur Basilica has a great ambience scattered with artists making portraits among other souvenir art pieces to sell.
  • Walk along the Seine , crisscrossing over the 40 beautiful bridges like the 400 year old Pont Neuf and the newer steel Simone de Beauvoir. Lock your love on a padlock with your names scrawled on them on the Pont des Arts (to ensure you’ll return to Paris) and check out the lovely old booksellers and souvenirs along both banks of the river.
  • The Marais is a lively, young, hip, and bohemian area with lots to be discovered down every street. Dearest to our hearts is the oldest square in Paris – Place des Vosges, with its manicured bushes, stone structures, and gorgeous galleries. Another one we loved was Village Saint Paul, a lovely Jewish village that’s right in the heart of Paris! Some curious stores, with antiques, strange museums, and other shops and friendly people made us trawl the area in great detail.

Eating and drinking in Paris

paris indie travel guide

Like Hemingway said, Paris is a moveable feast. So make sure you get to sink your teeth into some of the most gluttony-inducing foods in the world.

  • Croissants – Quintessentially Parisian, the Croissant or the Pain au Chocolat are puff pastries, with butter or bits of chocolate hidden in them. Best enjoyed as breakfast with a coffee as you sit at any cafe watching the world go by.
  • Crepes – Of all the street foods in Paris, this is the original. Stalls on the roads, with friendly cooks who whip up a variety of ultra thin pancakes with Nutella, Cream, Berries, Fromage, Jambon (Ham) and a host of other equally delicious options. Bite into a piping hot one as you stroll down the street at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Macarons – Sophisticated, complicated and delicately airy cookies sandwiched with a bit of cream, macarons were invented at the la-di-da tea house Laduree. But they’re well worth the pretty penny at Pierre Hermes, where you’ll find variations to the classics raspberry and chocolate to foie gras and olive flavors as well.
  • Frites – Batons of deep fried potatoes, these are the original French fries and are served as an accompaniment to almost every meal –  from steaks to lamb to chicken – you’ll have them coming out of your ears by the time you’re done with about 4 meals in Paris.
  • The restaurant at the Musee d’Orsay has mediocre food but a great art nouveau ambience (for a very reasonable price).
  • Any of the casual restaurants along the young and lively Rue de la Huchette
  • For fabulous pizzas visit Le Tribeca on Rue Cler, fabulous burgers and location check out Au Bouquet Saint Paul, Tex-Mex at Indiana at the Bastille, and traditional French cuisine at Chez Janou, a very old establishment a short walk from Place des Vosges.
  • Wine Caves, or Cave a Manger, is one of the latest trends to hit Parisian streets. Wine shops, most of them old and established, double up as restaurants offering some bespoke culinary experiences, most of which are very difficult to book. Take your pick from these .
  • Drinking in Paris is best explored through wine. Wine tastings abound, and most cafes serve a house pitcher that’s usually really good and really cheap.  Buying wine at the grocers and taking it to go is a good idea as well. Absinthe is also served widely, as well as some great beers. Check out l’Academie de la Biere at Port Royal.
  • Read our Paris Indie Travel Guide
  • Check out flights to Paris
  • Find a hostel in Paris
  • Read Round the World Trip for Foodies
  • Read Best Festivals and Events in Europe
  • Read The World’s Best Cities for Viewing Art Nouveau Art and Architecture
  • Read Eat Your Way Around Paris

paris indie travel guide

All photos courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission.

Mini Guide: 5 Spots to Check Out in Paris

Paris is overflowing with good wine bars, but there is also a growing number of local spots where you can drink a good craft beer. Many alternative cultural spaces are popping up far from the city’s well-known museums and historic concert halls. In short, Paris is ready to unveil a vibrant and eclectic cultural scene to anyone willing to venture beyond the tourist hubs. An indie music shop, a venue for young artists, a former office building converted into a cultural center—discover a Paris beyond the clichés with this selection of five spots pulled from our free city guide, Indie Guides Paris !

Arts Factory: An illustration gallery in Paris

What would art and design in Paris be without the labor of love that Arts Factory has been carrying out for the last twenty years? After establishing a gallery near Montmartre and organizing art shows all throughout Paris with their “nomadic gallery”, Effi Mild and Laurent Zorzin decided to invest in a new space in the Bastille neighborhood. Inspired by both Andy Warhol’s Factory, and by Joy Division’s label, Factory Records (hence the name), the owners have kept the same spirit of making art accessible to everyone. From the crude drawings of oddball Daniel Johnston to the turn of the century world of Blexbolex, Arts Factory puts on display the best of contemporary graphic design. The work in the gallery is always at an affordable price, a far cry from typical gallery practices. So here’s to another twenty years!

27 rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris +33622853586 http://www.artsfactory.net Open Monday through Saturday from 12:30pm to 7:30pm

Ground Zero:  Everyone’s favorite indie record shop

Who better to sell records than a musician himself? Created by one of the members of the Parisian band HushPuppies, Ground Zero quickly asserted itself as THE record shop for independent music. You’ll find plenty of pop references in the store, along with folk, rock, new wave, electro, and used records… there’s also a selection of vintage furniture for sale, since Ground Zero is now located inside the secondhand shop Nationale 7. They relocated to the 9th district in late 2014, contributing to making this neighborhood a dream location for music lovers, thanks to its proximity to La Fabrique des Balades Sonores (see related section) and Walrus (a cafe and record shop at 37 ter rue de Dunkerque).

114 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75009 Paris http://www.groundzero.fr Open Monday from 2pm to 7:30pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30am to 7:30pm

La Loge: Black box for young creators

77 rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris http://www.lalogeparis.fr Opening hours: see their program

Le 6B:  Culture factory

You have to have a really good argument to convince a Parisian to go beyond the city limits. Looking somewhat like a squat, and with 7000 square meters of space dedicated to creativity, the 6B, in Saint-Denis, has quickly become a classic for alternative Parisian night life. During the day, 150 artists, including painters, playwrights, musicians, etc., give free reign to their imaginations in the many workshops of this former office building on the outskirts of Paris. On evenings and weekends, the 6B comes to life with art shows and inventive parties, most notably the ones organized by the collective Soukmachines. During the summer, the doors of this atypical place open even wider for La Fabrique à Rêves (Dream Factory) festival, when outdoor art events take place until the end of the night. Most events are free, and the festival lasts for several weeks! Since the space is mostly open to the public during special events, make sure to check out their Facebook page for info on what’s coming up.

6/10 quai de Seine, 93200 Saint-Denis +33142432334 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Le-6B/150797278285457 Opening hours: see their program

LA Pointe du Grouin: Brittany power

8 rue de Belzunce, 75011 Paris http://www.lapointedugrouin.com Open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to midnight

Discover more alternative and cultural spots in Paris with our free city guide Indie Guides Paris . Photos: courtesy of the places mentioned & Philippe Mariana

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Fathom's 24 Best Indie Travel Guides

paris indie travel guide

Photo by Victoria DeLeone

Before the Internet existed and websites like Fathom were even possible, travel writers Verlag Karl Baedeker, Eugene Fodor, and Arthur Frommer revolutionized the way travelers explored the globe. The modern guidebook was born, and planning a trip became a whole lot easier.

Fast-forward to today. The companies these pioneers inspired have become the standard bearers in the mass-market guidebook space. And while everyone at Fathom has a favorite mainstream travel guide, our hearts and loyalties are with the smaller, charming independents. (They speak our language, after all.)

We're pleased to announce the latest in our 24 Best series : The heavily researched and exhaustively debated list of the 24 Best Indie Travel Guides . These best-in-show volumes are written with passion and are the ones we rely on for in-depth research and inspiration. They're the ones we are happy to make space for in our carry-ons. Have a look. You'll like what you see.

ABOUT FATHOM LISTS

Fathom has three missions: To help you indulge your love of travel, whether you're on the road or staying home. To narrow down endless options (hotels, sites, destinations) to those that are special. And to find the best travel stories. These guidebooks help us deliver all of the above, through their insight, intelligence, adventures, and great writing.

And not 10 or 25 or 100? You'll see 24 a lot around Fathom. For a few reasons: We want to deliver a balanced but concise mix of options, and twenty sometimes isn't enough. And mainly because it's our lucky number.

paris indie travel guide

Herb Lester Associates

What we love: Handsome, retro-inspired city guide maps designed around incredibly endearing themes like "It's Nice to be Alone in Paris" and "How to Find Old New York." The thoughtfully curated selections touch on old and new sites, appealing to tourists and locals alike. They're super affordable and nice keepsakes after a memorable trip.

Cities: Major players like London, Paris, and New York, as well as smaller spots like Austin, New Orleans, and Portland. See full list .

Price:  From £4 Where to buy:   herblester.com

paris indie travel guide

All-You-Can-Eat Press

What we love: Explore New York City's culinary culture through local food obsessions like diners, doughnuts, and oysters. The indie travel maps pinpoint the city's best, give a thorough history, and make great gifts for the gastronomically inclined traveler. Their most recent release is a Paris croissant map.

Cities: New York and Paris.

Price: $8 Where to buy: allyoucaneatpress.com

paris indie travel guide

Stylist's Guide to NYC

What we love: A beautiful and curious compendium of Australian stylist and designer Sibella Court’s favorite New York City haunts. From haberdashery and hardware to the city’s best flower markets and non-traditional merchants. Find more of her global pics on Instagram under the hashtag #thestylistsguidetotheglobe.

Cities : New York

More on Fathom: Sibella Court's Sydney Debrief

Price: $18 Where to buy: amazon.com

paris indie travel guide

Bonjour City Maps

What we love: Creator Marin Montagut hit the nail on the head with his whimsical series of field guides featuring hand-painted drawings and a charming selection of unconventional and rare spots. Each map folds to the size of a passport and is easily stowed in a carry-on or large pocket.

Cities: London, New York, and Paris.

Price:  €12 Where to buy:  Offline in NYC at Bookmarc and John Derian and in Paris at Colette and Merci.

paris indie travel guide

What we love: The original indie travel guide? Maybe not, but they certainly were one of the first in our collection. The finely honed aesthetic is one you can count on time and time again. It's nice to know that no matter what city you're traveling to, Wallpaper will have dug deep and found the most sophisticated and well-designed options around.

Cities: All major cities. See full list .

Price: $10 Where to buy: amazon.com

paris indie travel guide

Quiet Travel Guides

What we love: It's hard to imagine a quiet side to four of the world's busiest cities, but Siobhan Wall accomplishes just that. From mellow museums to low-key cafes, she uncovers the peaceful and relaxing amid the hurried and harried.

Cities: Amsterdam, London, New York, and Paris.

Price: $20 Where to buy: anthropologie.com

paris indie travel guide

Wildsam Field Guides

What we love: A quality paperback stuffed with interviews, essays, local favorites, back-flap maps, and travel miscellany to guide you to a genuine experience and full understanding of your destination.

Cities: Austin, Nashville, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Detroit. ( Brooklyn  and  Charleston are coming soon.)

More on Fathom: Wildsam Field Guide in San Francisco

Price: $18 Where to buy: wildsam.com

paris indie travel guide

The Hunt Guides

What we love: Full-bleed imagery and neighborhood favorites occupy the packed pages of these visually appealing handbooks. Easy 48-hour itineraries hug the front covers of each guide.

Cities: Austin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and  Paris (next release) .

Price:  $11 Where to buy: amazon.com

paris indie travel guide

Deck of Secrets

What we love: We spent time with Deck of Secrets founder Michelle Matthews in Melbourne last summer and saw firsthand what incredible taste she has. Her themed decks (bars, restaurants, culture) contain 52 cards that have descriptions and information on one side and maps on the reverse. Draw a random hand, and let chance decide your itinerary.

Cities: Melbourne and Istanbul. (Milan is coming soon.)

Price:  AU$10 Where to buy: waymore.com.au

paris indie travel guide

Knopf MapGuides

What we love:  They may not be indie, but Fathom founder Pavia Rosati has a soft spot for the series. The small guides consist of neighborhood-at-a-glance foldout maps with listings for key sites and eateries. They make figuring out a big city a breeze.

Cities: From Amsterdam to Washington, D.C. and almost everywhere inbetween.  See full list .

paris indie travel guide

Uncommon Guide Books

What we love: Uncommon solves the problem that most guidebooks present (generic, boring, dry information and photos that don't really speak to the reader) by presenting a beautiful, edgy collection of literary pieces and itineraries written by locals in the know. Four sections — Relate, Review, Recreate, and Reroute — include intimate images, photos, and hand-drawn maps.

Cities: Stockholm, Malta, Dubai, and London (coming in June).

Price: From €25-€35 Where to buy: uncommonguidebooks.com

paris indie travel guide

Love Travel Guides

What we love: You can literally feel the love pouring out from the pages of these fabric-covered guides, like a caring friend is showing you around India. That friend is British expat Fiona Caulfield, who divides her recommendations into categories like Musts, Adventurous, Wildly Adventurous, Delicious, and Gorgeous; includes maps, quotes, and first-person anecdotes; and envelops them in pretty matching pouches.

More on Fathom: Luxury Vagabonding in Goa

Cities: Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

Price:  From $30 Where to buy:   amazon.com

paris indie travel guide

Luxe City Guides

What we love: The widely recognizable accordian booklets tucked into many a jetsetter's fancy handbag are tightly packed with sassy, matter-of-fact tips and authoratative recommendations on what's hot and what's definitely not in various international locales. Their motto pretty much sums it up — "stylish, brutally frank, and sometimes, frankly, brutal."

Cities: Heavy on Asian destinations (from Hanoi to Tokyo to Ho Chi Minh) along with the big cities in Western Europe, Americas, Pacific, and Middle East. See full list .

Price: $12 Where to buy:   shop.luxecityguides.com

paris indie travel guide

Xenophobe's Guides

What we love:  Funny, insightful, bite-size factoids and trivia about the people and characteristics that make a destination unique. Yes, they are filled with sweeping generalizations about the way people talk, express themselves, and feel, but the peculiarities come across as offbeat charm and help travelers get into the spirit of a place.

Cities: 30 cultures and counting, including the Americans, the Danes, the Estonians, the Kiwis, and the Russians.

More on Fathom: What the Hell is "Hygge"?

Price: $8 Where to buy: amazon.com

paris indie travel guide

Citix60 City Guides

What we love: A compilation of 60 cool hangouts (landmarks, art spaces, markets, cafes, bars) selected by 60 creatives around town (architects, designers, musicians).

Cities: Design heavy hitters like Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, London, New York, and Tokyo.

Price: $10 Where to buy: victionary.com

paris indie travel guide

Analogue Guides

What we love: Full color pictures let you get a feel for where you're going before you get there, and the color-coding-by-'hood makes it easy to pinpoint nearby options.

Cities:  Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, New York, and Paris.

paris indie travel guide

Gogo City Guides

What we love: A list of "hangouts" from a coolhunter in each neighborhood and companion apps help you pretend you're a local. The minimalist design and multi-scale maps get you where you want to go. Best yet, twice-a-year updates mean you're always going to the hottest things right now.

Cities: London and Paris.

Price:  €9 Where to buy:   gogocityguides.com

paris indie travel guide

ZigZag City Guides

What we love:  Adorable city guides for kids come as a set of cards that teach travel etiquette, keywords and phrases, and cultural differences.

Cities: San Francisco, London, Rome, Paris, and New York.

Price: $24 Where to buy: zigzagcityguides.bigcartel.com

paris indie travel guide

Rapha City Cycling Guides

What we love: The pages brim with in-depth neighborhood info, invaluable tips on getting around by bike, and gorgeous illustrations, but it's really the front and back flaps that we dig. The front orients neighborhoods into a city-wide map and details a day-long itinerary by bike. The back offers weather stats (all-important to two-wheeled travelers), as well as other pertinent information. These guides are small but mighty.

Cities:  Amsterdam, Antwerp & Ghent, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Milan, and Paris.

Price: $5 per booklet, $12 for three. Available at:   rapha.cc

paris indie travel guide

The Cognoscenti's Guide to Florence

What we love: A spirited pocket guide navigating readers through the old streets of Florence in search of the most distinctive shops — both legendary and little known. Besides colorful back stories and photos for each, there are eight walking tours as well as clear explanations for the city's famously confusing address system and sporadic store hours.

Cities: Florence.

Price: $16 Where to buy:   papress.com

paris indie travel guide

City Secrets

What we love: Elegant monochromatic guides filled with tips from the most cultured locals. If skipping the tourist spots in favor of secluded churches, hidden gardens, and free tours at dawn sounds like a dream come true or if you want to experience the classic sights with a more artistic and academic sensibility, these guides are for you.

Cities:  Florence & Venice, London, New York, Paris, and Rome.

Price: $19.95 Where to buy: amazon.com

paris indie travel guide

A Literary Guide for Travellers

What we love: Regions of the world are expressed through the literary giants who left their marks (and words) on the places — Cervantes, Shakespeare, Milton, Dickens, Twain. Trace the footsteps of poets who have lived, written in, or been inspired by various landscapes and cultures.

Cities:  Florence & Tuscany, the French Riviera, Sicily, and Tangier.

Price: $19 Where to buy: amazon.com

paris indie travel guide

The Fashion Guides

What we love: Shopping, beautifying, and dining tips compiled with testimonies from fashion "editrixes, AAA-stylists, and CFDA-approved designers" who, as we all know, have incredibly discerning taste. Especially when it comes to late-night haunts, vintage shops, and naturopath facialists. Little hardcover books are filled with watercolor illos and wrapped in nice textiles, making them a tactile pleasure to carry around.

Cities:  Harlem, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Paris.

Price: $14–$17 Where to buy: amazon.com and mcnallyjackson.com

paris indie travel guide

Guided: London (By Cereal Magazine)

What we love: Gorgeous photo essays and discerning lists of places presented with the same stylish and subdued design as their quarterly magazines.

Cities: London

Price: £8 Where to buy: readcereal.com

We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.

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What’s New in 2022

In Paris, Grand Openings and Gourmet Meals Await

Big spaces and boldface names lead a stylish comeback for the City of Light. “We’re looking at a lovely year,” one chef says.

paris indie travel guide

By Seth Sherwood

The future is looking bright for the award-winning chef Thibault Sombardier.

Last year, under financial pressure from successive coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions on hospitality businesses, the owners of Antoine restaurant on the Right Bank — where Mr. Sombardier had won a Michelin star for his inventive seafood dishes — decided to sell the decade-old establishment, which had regaled everyone from French politicians to tennis star Serena Williams.

But on an afternoon in April, Mr. Sombardier struck a remarkably positive tone about the current Paris dining scene and his latest project, a chic Left Bank bistro called Les Parisiens.

“People are keen to discover the latest spots,” he said. “Things are going well in Paris. The crowds are out. I’m optimistic.”

“We’re looking at a lovely year,” he said.

It is a sentiment that one hears more frequently in Paris these days. Masks are off (except in hospitals and retirement homes), and proof of vaccination is no longer required in restaurants, bars, museums, concert venues and public transportation. (Updated information on coronavirus measures can be found on the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau website .) Pressing between the weekend crowds in the Marais or Saint Germain-des-Près neighborhoods, you might almost believe that it was 2019 again.

New retail temples and art à go-go

The most long-awaited Paris project has been the rebirth of Samaritaine , a classic belle epoque department store perched along the Seine. Owned by the global luxury group LVMH (whose chief executive, Bernard Arnault, is France’s richest man), the 19th-century landmark closed in 2005 to address structural issues and wound up sitting idle for the better part of 16 years.

Unveiled in June of last year, the multibuilding, multilevel new version is a cathedral of consumption, encased in Art Nouveau and Art Deco detailing. If the idea of exploring the building’s more than a dozen restaurants, a 5-star hotel ( Cheval Blanc ; doubles in May from around 1,450 euros, or about $1,500), a spa, a perfume atelier, a VIP lounge and scores of shops selling around 700 brands sounds too intimidating on your own, consider a 90-minute guided tour (15 euros).

Not to be outdone, France’s second-richest man, François Pinault, last year opened his own magisterial establishment in a historical icon. Housed in the centuries-old circular building that was once Paris’s stock exchange, his new museum, known as the Bourse de Commerce-Collection Pinault (14 euros admission), was renovated by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando and contains works from Mr. Pinault’s vast holdings in contemporary art, including Sigmar Polke canvases, Dan Flavin lighting tubes and Urs Fischer sculpture.

The fashion mogul Agnes B. took a different tack, choosing a white modern building in Paris’s unfancy 13th Arrondissement to display her own extensive art collection, which runs the gamut from photographs by Man Ray to subway-style graffiti by Futura. Known as La Fab (7 euros admission), the space is currently showing “L’Enfance dans La Collection Agnes B.” (till June 30), a look at childhood through paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures and installations.

Old favorites, real and virtual

Paris’s two marquee museums, the Musée du Louvre (17 euros admission) and the Musée d’Orsay (14 euros), are very much open.

Among the special exhibitions are “Yves Saint Laurent at the Louvre,” showcasing some of the French fashion designer’s most exquisite creations (through Sept. 19) at the former royal palace, and “Pharaoh of the Two Lands,” dedicated to the 8th-century B.C. Nubian-Egyptian empire of King Piankhy (through July 25). Across the Seine at the Musée d’Orsay, “Gaudì” (through July 17) offers a wide-ranging retrospective of the Spanish architect though artworks, furniture and more.

And while Notre Dame cathedral remains closed for reconstruction in the wake of a 2019 fire , a virtual-reality recreation in the La Defense neighborhood offers an alternative chance to visit the iconic medieval Gothic structure. Known as “ Eternelle Notre-Dame ,” the 45-minute “tour” (from 20.99 euros per ticket) immerses visitors in fully digitized renderings of the cathedral from the Middle Ages up to the present.

Haute cuisine and gourmet street food

On the dining front, the loftiest new experience might be Les Ombres restaurant atop the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, which combines the skills of France’s biggest name in architecture and the nation’s most famous restaurateur. Conceived by Jean Nouvel and now run by the Alain Ducasse team, the avant-garde, glass-roofed dining room serves up a 110-euro dinner menu of French classics (including white asparagus, foie gras and duck breast) amid the shifting natural light and shadows that Nouvel’s design accentuates. But the main attraction is the view of the Eiffel Tower.

Mr. Ducasse and other Paris culinary stars have also been busy creating new spots that attempt to elevate street food, fast-food and desserts. To assemble an affordable Paris-wide meal, try the signature item (15 euros) at Yannick Alléno’s upscale grill ( Burger Père et Fils par Alléno ) and a superloaded croque monsieur (8.50 euros) at one of the new Croq’Michel outlets from “Top Chef” judge Michel Sarran. For dessert, you can hit the Bastille district for sorbet and more (6.50 euros) from Mr. Ducasse’s first ice-cream shop ( La Glace Alain Ducasse ) and an oven-fresh choux (2 euros) from Tapisserie pastry shop, the latest neighborhood offering from Septime chef Bertrand Grébaut.

Luxury lodgings and cinematic stays

Big things are also afoot in the world of lodging, and not just the gargantuan new 32-story, 957-room Pullman Montparnasse (doubles in June from around 280 euros) or the 10,700-square-foot penthouse atop the 76-room Bulgari Hotel Paris (1,700 euros) along fashionable Avenue Georges V.

Hotel Paradiso (from 170 euros), owned by the MK2 movie-theater chain, was conceived with input from local creatives — including the street artist J.R., the musician-director Woodkid, and the coffeehouse developer Marc Grossman. The property, near Place de la Nation, features 36 rooms equipped with video screens, high-tech projectors and a library of films. Additional entertainment awaits on the rooftop bar and in the private karaoke room.

Petite Paris: Indie, intimate and international

To find Paris’s smaller new gems, follow the scent of roasting vegetables and foreign culinary accents. In Bastille, you might just find yourself at a candlelit table, loaded with African-influenced pescatarian delights, at Persil . The menu from the chef Kumpi Lo may feature Mikaté (Congolese fried dough balls of shredded cod with violet purée; 22 euros) and a lush sweet-potato gratin with truffle butter, Cheddar and tofu (19 euros).

Or you might end up in the dark confines of Stéréo wine bar, near Pigalle. Though not strictly vegetarian, the menu will win over carnivores with meatless morsels — roasted carrots with coconut curry (10 euros); grilled pumpkin with honey, tahini, hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds (10 euros) — cooked up by the Bangladeshi chef Swaran Joshi.

And if you can’t afford a round-the-world airline ticket, book one of the 31 colorful, ethno-chic rooms at Babel , whose lobby and restaurant in Belleville feel like a combination of a Rajasthan tent camp and a Moroccan tea salon (nightly rates in June around 135 euros). After a meal of Middle Eastern hummus (6 euros), Aleppo terrine (lamb, dried apricots, spices; 12 euros) and Croatian wine, you might reasonably ask: Am I getting frequent-flier miles for this?

“The Tower of Babel brought together all the nationalities of the world,” said the manager Johan Diony on a recent afternoon. “This is what we are trying to do here at the hotel.”

paris indie travel guide

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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Paris Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 1, 2024

A gargoyle in the foreground on an old building in Paris during a pink sunset over the city’s skyline

Paris. Poets, artists, playwrights, writers, journalists, and more have all written about their love of this city. It’s a place that exudes culture, sophistication, class, and style. Like the millions before me, I fell in love with this city the first time I visited.

Settled by Gallic tribes around the 3rd century BCE, the region was conquered by the Romans a couple of centuries later, turning it into a prosperous settlement. By 508, Paris was made the capital of the Merovingian dynasty. The city was sacked by Vikings in 845 but recovered to repel further Viking incursions. By the 12th century, Paris was the economic and cultural hub of all of France.

Today, Paris is one of the few iconic cities in the world that truly lives up to its hype. I’ve spent years visiting the city, have organized tours here, and even lived here for a bit. It is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. As Hemingway said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” He wasn’t wrong.

As iconic as it is, Paris is also gigantic, with thousands of years of history and a plethora of things to see and do, from world-class museums to Disneyland Paris . It would take a lifetime to explore it all. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can see the highlights over just a few days.

This travel guide to Paris can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to the City of Light!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Paris

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Paris

A view overlooking Paris with the famous Eiffel Tower in the distance

1. Scale the Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 World Fair, the 300-meter tower is an engineering feat that was originally hated by locals. They called it “the metal asparagus” and hoped it would be torn down. Now, it’s the most famous symbol of the city and every local will tell you they love it. It’s a beautiful building. If you’re going to go up to the top, get there early to avoid the lines. Tickets range from 16-26 EUR but I strongly suggest paying for direct access via an elevator that takes you to the top. It’s worth spending the money on as the line can take upwards of an hour on busy days. You can also get joint Eiffel Tower and river cruise tickets which help you save if you plan on doing both activities. Post-COVID, I would get your tickets in advance because the crowds and lines for tickets are really long.

2. Tour the Palace of Versailles

Visiting the famed 17th-century palace requires a whole day (don’t skip Marie Antoinette’s home or the spacious gardens that are located here). Originally, a hunting lodge, Louis XIV built this opulent palace to get the nobles out of Paris so they wouldn’t plan any coups. It was expanded over the years and filled with tons of allegorical statues and symbols reminding people that the power of the state rested with the king! The palace gets super crowded so try to go during the weekday, though summer weekends are the best time to visit the gardens, as the fountains are set to music then. Admission to the palace is 18 EUR and admission to the entire complex (including the gardens) is 27 EUR. For a more in-depth experience, this Versailles tour is led by a local expert guide and includes round-trip transportation from Paris at a time that avoids most of the crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds (which I highly recommend), skip-the-line tickets are available for 55 EUR. Since upwards of 10,000 people visit per day, skipping the line will save you a ton of time. The wait to get tickets can last hours.

3. Explore the Louvre

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, with thousands of square feet of space and millions of artifacts and works of art (including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo). To see it all, you need at least two full days, but you can do the highlights in a full afternoon (especially if you take the Louvre Highlights Tour , which includes skip-the-line entry). Admission costs 17 EUR, while timed skip-the-line tickets are an additional 17 EUR. Due to capacity restrictions, you MUST get your ticket in advance. They sell out these days so if you don’t get your ticket in advance, you run the risk of showing up and being denied entrance.

Moreover go on Wednesday night when the museum is open until 11pm. There’s hardly anyone there after 7pm.

4. Wander the Latin Quarter

A historic area near Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter is filled with tiny, winding streets that turn at weird angles to open into little cafe-lined squares. I love wandering around here; it always feels like you’re stepping back a few hundred years in history. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs here too. If you’d like to learn more about the area, this in-depth walking tour meanders through the Latin Quarter and includes skip-the-line tickets to the incredible Sainte-Chapelle, my favorite church in the city (read more below!). The tour is a perfect way to connect with a local guide who can share their insider tips and help you make the most of your visit.

5. Visit Sainte-Chapelle

This is my favorite church in Paris. Built in 1238 by Saint Louis, it was meant to house holy relics he found during the Crusades as well as serve as the Royal Chapel. I find this tiny Gothic chapel to be far more beautiful than the nearby Notre Dame. The (mostly) original interior décor is exquisite, including some of the few remaining examples of original stained glass in France. It’s absolutely beautiful. Entry costs 11.50 EUR and is likely to sell out so book your ticket in advance . Ticket holders skip the line too!

Other Things to See and Do in Paris

1. go museum hopping.

Paris has hundreds of museums worth seeing. Make sure to check out the Musee D’Orsay for great impressionist work, the amazing Rodin Museum, Holocaust Museum (one of the best in the world), Musee D’Orangerie (more impressionist work), and the interesting sewer museum. A Paris Museum Pass is the most affordable way to see them all as it provides access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. It’s a must if you’re going to see at least 3 museums while in the city. Get it, save money, and (importantly) get to skip all the long lines that plague the city these days.

2. Stroll down the Champs Elysees

This is one of the most famous streets in the world and stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. It’s lined with expensive shops and restaurants and is always busy, but it’s a great place to club hop at night or shop during the day. Come in the very early morning to see the place utterly deserted. It makes for great photos. You can also take a guided tour if you want to learn more about the street and its history.

3. Visit the Panthéon

Located in the Latin Quarter, this Neoclassical building was originally built as a church but was turned into a state burial site for France’s heroes, including Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Louis Braille, and Voltaire. Admission is 11.50 EUR . Like everything else, you’ll want to buy a ticket in advance to avoid the lines.

4. Relax in Jardin Du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) is the largest public park in Paris, covering 56 acres. The garden, which was first created in 1612, contains over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, all scattered throughout the grounds. The park was neglected for years until the French Revolution, after which Jean Chalgrin (the architect of the Arc de Triomphe) set about restoring and expanding the park. In the morning, you’ll see lots of runners exercising here. At lunch on a nice day, join park-goers in having a picnic.

5. Admire the view from Montmartre

Home to starving artists for over a century (since the Belle Époque in the 19th century), the neighborhood of Montmartre offers a stunning view of Paris, arty cafés and bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits (Vignes du Clos Montmartre). It’s one of the hipper parts of Paris, even if it has lost some of its old grandeur. It’s great for those wanting to visit the hangout spots of folks like Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. The iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica sits at the top of the hill. Climb the steps or sit on the sloping lawn and admire the views at dusk. Entrance to the basilica is free.

If you want to learn more about this iconic neighborhood, guided walking tours are the best way to do so (there’s a lot of history in this area and all the signs are in French) and include a visit to the basilica.

6. Visit Notre Dame

Paris’s Gothic masterpiece was constructed between 1163-1334. Climb from the north tower to the south to appreciate the masonry and get a close-up view of the Gallery of Chimeras, the fantastic birds and beasts gazing over the balustrade. The outside facade has been cleaned up in recent years, but the inside has a bit of that old Gothic grimy charm. To climb the tower, it costs 10 EUR. NOTE: Notre Dame is currently closed due to the 2019 fire.

7. Stand under the Arc De Triomphe

This monument stands in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle and is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Inaugurated in 1836, the arch is dedicated to those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. For 13 EUR, visitors can climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc for stunning panoramic views and information about the city’s history. I think it’s one of the best views – and photo spots – in the city.

8. Celebrate Bastille Day

Every July 14th, a series of spectacular events in Paris celebrates the infamous storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. The Bastille was a medieval armory and fortress and represented royal authority in Paris. Its capture was one of the biggest milestones of the Revolution. These days, there’s a huge televised parade and a never-ending fireworks display (head to Champ de Mars or the Jardins du Trocadéro for the best views of it all).

9. Experience the Cinema en Plein Air

Every July and August, Paris rolls out an inflatable screen in the Parc de la Villete for this major outdoor cinema event in the 9th arrondissement. It’s hugely popular with locals who tend to bring food and wine! It’s free to attend too.

10. Visit Maison du Victor Hugo

This beautiful apartment dates to 1605. Its most famous resident was the writer Victor Hugo (author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame ), who moved here when he was 30. His old apartment is now a museum dedicated to his life and writing. The museum is quite small, but Hugo lovers (like me) will find it very interesting. Each room is designed to showcase a specific period in his life, from his childhood to his death. Admission is free.

11. Climb through the Paris Catacombs

Underneath the city of Paris, you’ll find a honeycomb of tunnels, originally constructed as mining tunnels. The French resistance used these tunnels during World War II and rave parties flourished there during the 90s. Within this maze of tunnels lie the famous Catacombs of Paris, an ossuary containing the remains of over 6 million Parisians. This burial site was created in the 18th century due to public health concerns about overflowing cemeteries. It’s one of the freakiest and coolest sites in Paris. This walking tour with a local historian includes skip-the-line access (lines can regularly stretch around the block), while last-minute tickets cost 14 EUR, when available (they are often sold out, however).

12. Listen to Paris’ famous jazz music

Whether you prefer modern clubs or classic jazz joints, you shouldn’t leave Paris without tasting the music that attracted some of the best musicians and artists to the city. There is an especially abundant amount of good jazz clubs in the city. Le Duc des Lombards, which opened in 1984, is one of the most famous jazz clubs in the city. Harry’s Bar also has a lot of great music there too.

13. Take a walking tour

There are dozens upon dozens of companies covering all aspects of life in Paris, and it can be hard to make sense of all those endless Viator and TripAdvisor listings. Some are free, like New Europe’s tour, and go around the center of Paris, giving a historical overview of the city. Walks offer amazing in-depth tours starting from about 55 EUR. You’ll get specialized guides and skip the lines to big attractions, like the Louvre. I wrote a whole guide to the best walking tours in Paris!

14. Walk amongst the tombstones

The Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is Paris’ largest and most famous cemetery. In fact, it’s the most visited cemetery in the world and a peaceful, hauntingly beautiful area worth exploring. Look closely to spot the famous graves (Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde are all buried here.) The cemetery was built in 1804 but locals considered the cemetery too far from the city. For that reason, Père Lachaise only had 13 graves its first year, however, administrators devised a plan to transfer the remains of Jean de La Fontaine and Molière, two of Paris’s most famous artists, to Père Lachaise. After that, everyone wanted to be buried here! You can read more about the cemetery here .

If you want, take a guided tour of the cemetery . You’ll learn a ton and won’t miss out on the most popular (and interesting) tombs. There’s no signs here so, without a tour, you won’t really learn much.

15. Visit the Mémorial de la Shoah

Despite having an excellent exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Mémorial de la Shoah never draws a lot of people. It’s a real shame, as there is a lot of in-depth information and a great collection here. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, and this is one of the best and most detailed in the world. I highly recommend it. Admission is free.

16. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Parisian cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city, sampling the best eats Paris has to offer, all while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Food tours range from 89-109 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Paris Travel Costs

The Louvre pyramid lit up at night in Paris, France

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm ranges from 40-75 EUR per night, depending on location and how popular the hostel is. Double private rooms start at 97 EUR per night, but are more often in the range of 155-200 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Expect prices to be on the higher end during the summer travel season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start around 120 EUR per night for a room with a double bed. You’ll get normal basic hotel amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea maker, and occasionally free breakfast. For a more mid-range three-star hotel, expect to pay at least 150-180 EUR per night. Expect prices to rise in the summer.

On Airbnb, the private rooms start at 65 EUR, while full apartments start at 150 EUR per night (but usually cost at least double that if you don’t book early). Prices will be double this in the summer.

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re real adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails) or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

If you’re on a budget, pick up some ingredients at the local market and have a picnic in one of the city’s many parks. Creating your own meal costs around 7-10 EUR and is a fun way to take in the city as you relax.

Pre-made sandwiches from the city’s takeaway shops, crepes, or fast food generally cost between 6-12 EUR (a combo meal at McDonald’s is around 10 EUR). If you want to eat at a restaurant (the French are known for their culinary skills, after all!), try doing a “prix-fixe” meal. It’s a set menu that offers you a deal on a 2-3 course meal for about 22-35 EUR for lunch.

A cheap meal at a casual restaurant costs around 15-18 EUR, while you should expect to pay between 30-50 EUR for dinner at a nice restaurant including wine. Try to avoid the tourist areas, where prices are around about 10-30% higher.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR, a glass of wine is 4-6 EUR, and cocktails are around 10-13 EUR. A cappuccino/latte is around 4 EUR while bottled water is 2 EUR.

Some of my favorite places to eat in the city are Bouillon Pigalle, Café Marlette Martyrs, Père & Fils, Bong, Crêperie des Arts, Le Dit Vin, Five Tea Or’normes, Florence Kahn, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, Juveniles, Clamato, Wine Therapy, and La Recyclerie, Septime La Cave, Le Barav, and L’Assiette.

For an in-depth list of tons of restaurants and bars, check out my guidebook to Paris , which goes in-depth into the city!

If you’re cooking for yourself, expect to pay about 50-60 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Paris Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Paris, my suggested budget is about 70 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking your own meals and having picnics, taking public transit to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing most cheap or free activities like free walking tours and free museums.

A mid-range budget of about 150 EUR per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for most of your meals at cheap fast food places, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like going up the Eiffel Tower and visiting the Louvre.

For a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take more taxis, drink more, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Paris Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Since Paris is expensive to visit, it’s important to find ways to save money. Luckily, there are A LOT of ways to save money while still experiencing the city’s beauty, charm, and cuisine. If you want to lower your costs, here are some high-impact ways to save money in Paris:

  • Buy a metro card – Paris has over 300 subway stations, so it’s easy to get around the city using public transportation. A day pass is 13.20 EUR while a 10-ticket pass or “carnet” costs 16.90 EUR (both of these are much cheaper than paying the 1.90 EUR for an individual ticket). The day pass, called ParisVisite, also provides discounts to some major Parisian landmarks.
  • Have a picnic – With so many beautiful parks and outdoor gardens, it would be hard not to take advantage of picnicking. Eating in Paris is cheap when you do your own shopping. Buy some bread, cheese, and meat at the local shops and have an outdoor picnic. It’s fun and costs a fraction of what a meal in a restaurant would.
  • Get the Paris Museum Pass – This prepaid card provides access to over 70 museums and monuments around Paris. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. This is perfect for the museum hopper. Since most people visit lots of museums in the city, you’re pretty much guaranteed to save money.
  • Get the Paris Pass – This is a super-sized version of the Paris Museum Pass and is for people who want to do heavy sightseeing in a short period of time. You can purchase a two-day pass for 109 EUR, a three-day pass for 129 EUR, a four-day pass for 149 EUR, or a six-day pass for 169 EUR. It includes a TON of sights (75+ attractions), the ability to skip lines, and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour (in addition to everything in the Paris Museum Pass). You can order your pass here .
  • See museums for free – All national museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. If you happen to hit this day, be aware of potentially large crowds and long lines.
  • Dine out during lunch – Food in Paris is not cheap. It costs you an arm and a leg to eat here, but during lunch, many restaurants offer a pre-fixe menu for 10-20 EUR. It’s the same food you would buy for dinner but at half the cost. When I eat out in Paris, I do so during lunch so I can still eat amazing French food without it eating my entire wallet!
  • Cook your meals – The best way to save money on the road is to cook your own meals. Many hostels, campsites, and guest houses have kitchens. No kitchen? Pack your own container and silverware and make some sandwiches and salads on the go.
  • Stay with a local – I highly recommend trying to find a host on Couchsurfing (or similar apps) so that you can get a kitchen, a place to stay, and a local friend to show you around. The community here is very active and friendly!
  • Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a great overview of Paris, take a free walking tour with New Europe Tours. These 2-3 hour tours will give you a good overview of the city, help you get your bearings, and give you someone to ask for cheap eats and things to do! Just don’t forget to tip your guide at the end!
  • Remember that water is free – When you order water at a restaurant, make sure you ask for tap water. They’ll try to provide bottled water and charge you for it, but tap water is free and safe to drink.
  • Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe. There are water filling stations throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has lots of awesome hostels and budget hotels. Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Paris:

  • St. Christopher’s Canal
  • Les Piaules
  • Generator Hostel
  • St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord
  • Hôtel Thérèse

For more hostel suggestions be sure to check out my list of the best hostels in Paris.

How to Get Around Paris

A quiet street and old apartment buildings in Paris, France

Public transportation – The Paris public transport system is one of the world’s most comprehensive and efficient. Every other block has a metro (subway) stop. A single-use metro/bus ticket costs 1.90 EUR (2 EUR if you buy it on the bus).

A “carnet” of 10 single-use tickets costs 16.90 EUR. You can get a one-day to five-day pass (a ParisVisite) for all modes of public transportation (bus, metro, trams, and suburban trains called the RER) for between 13.20-42.20 EUR. It also gives you discounts to some major Parisian landmarks. You can buy tickets at any metro station.

( Note: There are cheaper day passes available if you are under 26, as well as discounted prices on weekends and holidays, but they are only explained on the French website. If you can speak passable French and are under 26, you can ask for those reduced fares instead.)

The RER is an above-ground train that has five lines serving Paris and Ile-de-France. It works exactly like the metro and uses the same tickets, although you’ll have to use your ticket in the automatic barriers on your way out of the station as well (unlike the metro). If you have a connecting journey with the metro, you can use the same ticket.

There are 64 bus lines in Paris’s metro network. If you already have your single-use metro/bus ticket, it costs 1.90 EUR. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy a ticket on the bus for 2 EUR. Your ParisVisite pass also works on the bus.

There are four tram lines in Paris that navigate the city’s perimeter. They work on the same ticketing system as the metro, RER, and bus.

The airport RoissyBus to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) costs 12 EUR each way. The bus to Paris-Orly (ORY) costs between 9.50-12.10 EUR depending on which bus you take/where you are going in Paris.

Bike-sharing – Velib’ is Paris’s public bike-sharing program. A single trip is 3 EUR, while a one-day pass is 5 EUR and a 3-day pass is 20 EUR. If you’d like to take out an electric bike, a one-day pass is 10 EUR.

E-scooters – Electric scooters have quickly become a popular way to get around in Paris. There are a few different companies, including Lime and Tier, but most cost around the same price: around 1 EUR to unlock the scooter, .15-.20 EUR per minute thereafter.

Taxi – Taxis in the city are expensive (rides cost a minimum of 7.10 EUR regardless of where you are going). With the metro running late into the night, there’s little reason to take them. Avoid them if you can.

Uber – Uber is available in Paris but, again, it’s largely unnecessary as the public transportation is so great.

When to Go to Paris

Summer is the most popular (and most expensive) time to visit Paris. Average daily summer temperatures are in the low 20°Cs (high 70°Fs). While the weather is great, that also means the crowds are huge and wait times for major attractions are long. This is the most crowded time of year. (And, keep in mind, most French people leave during August for vacation.) If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance.

I think the best time to visit is May-early June and September-October. During these times, there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the weather is still sunny and warm. Temperatures are often around 20-23°C (68-73°F) making this a good season to stroll around outside without tons of layers on or the sweltering sun beating down on you.

Winter can be dark and chilly, but while the weather may not be perfect, Paris is particularly beautiful in the winter. It’s also the best time to find cheap airfare and hotel deals. Although Paris is never free from tourists, it does get less crowded at this time of year. This can be a great time to visit if you plan on spending most of your time in museums and historic sites. It’s also the rainiest during this time. Expect daily highs around 7°C (44°F).

How to Stay Safe in Paris

Paris is very safe, and the risk of violent crime is very low. That said, as in all major cities, petty theft and pickpocketing are pretty rife here, especially on crowded public transportation and in busy tourist areas. Avoid flashing your valuables and always keep your possessions secure and out of reach.

There’s a lot of tourist scams here, especially one involving people getting you to sign a petition and then demanding money. Simply avoid anyone urging you to sign a petition by politely declining their offer.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions occur (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I’d google solo female travel blogs as they can best give advice for Paris. To be extra safe, avoid walking around at night by yourself in certain neighborhoods, including Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, and Les Halles.

Generally, your biggest issues in Paris will be tourist scams and petty theft.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Paris Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
  • Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of France.

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to Paris

While I have a lot of free tips on Paris, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, maps, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc.), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Paris that I got from living and running tours here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.

Paris Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

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  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

Guía turística de Paris

Paris, capital of France , is one of the most important and influential cities in the world. In terms of tourism, Paris is the second most visited city in Europe after London. In this travel guide, you’ll find out about the city’s top attractions , as well as useful travel advice on how to get to Paris and how to save money whilst traveling .

Paris Travel Guide

  • General Information
  • Top Attractions
  • Getting to Paris
  • Money-saving tips
  • Where to Eat
  • Where to stay in Paris
  • 2-Day Paris Itinerary

Why Visit Paris?

The capital of France seems to have been designed specifically for the enjoyment of its visitors . Its streets, squares , buildings, gardens , and monuments  beckon tourists to return, and indeed, many do.

Some of the most memorable things to do in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower , the Arc de Triomphe , and Notre Dame Cathedral . During the evening, experiencing one of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret shows,   strolling through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods , like Montmartre , or climbing the  Montparnasse Tower is a must.

It's always a good time to visit Paris. Depending on where you fly from, you can either make the most of the low-cost airlines flying into the city from other European cities or take one of its direct flights from further away destinations. If you have children, why not surprise them with a trip to Disneyland ?

How to Organize Your Trip?

Before traveling to this unique city, we suggest reading a little about its history and discovering useful information  about Paris, which will certainly help you organise your stay. 

Once you find out about the top attractions in Paris , the must-see museums , the best areas to stay,  and the typical French cuisine , all you’ll have to do is pack your suitcase and prepare to discover one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Need Accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend you visit our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments  with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination. 

  • Hotels in Paris - Find the best deals online

top activities

Seine River Cruise Drift down the Seine River on a sightseeing riverboat during the day or at night—an unforgettable experience that offers unparalleled views of Paris .

Moulin Rouge Official Tickets Experience the glamour of Moulin Rouge with tickets to the spectacular Féerie show . Enjoy French champagne and dazzling performances at this world-class venue.

Tour of the Palace of Versailles Discover Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s most famous palace on this half-day trip from Paris.

Opera Garnier Ticket By booking a ticket to the Opera Garnier in Paris , visitors will explore the interior of this beautiful Neo-Baroque building at their leisure– a must-see!

Free Walking Tour of Paris Immerse yourself in "The City of Lights" with  a guided tour around the French Capital , discovering the Louvre, the Seine and Notre Dame. What's more, it's free!

Seine River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower + Lunch Get ready for a Seine River cruise that starts right at the Eiffel Tower , enjoy delicious French cuisine, and see Paris from an unbeatable vantage point.

Montmartre Free Walking Tour Take a free tour through the narrow streets of the most cultural and artistic of Paris' districts , where Picasso and Van Gogh sought out inspiration.

Mont Saint Michel Day Trip Visit Mont Saint Michel : a UNESCO World Heritage site, place of pilgrimage and one of France’s most popular and emblematic landmarks.

Louvre Museum Guided Tour Explore the most-visited museum in the world  and find out about its greatest artworks with a professional English-speaking guide.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine Admire the remarkable monuments of Paris lit up while you savor a gourmet dinner on a panoramic Seine cruise  – an unforgettable experience!

Eiffel Tower Tickets and Seine Cruise With priority access , climb directly to the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks and admire breath-taking views over Paris and then enjoy a relaxing cruise.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus, Big Bus A Paris Big Bus tour is one of the most comfortable & enjoyable ways to explore the city. Discover the city hopping off & back on at any of its stops .

Arc de Triomphe Ticket Visit one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris with the official-price ticket to the Arc de Triomphe . You'll have access to the viewpoint and exhibition !

Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket Be enthralled by an unforgettable show and book your Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket. You'll experience Paris' most famous and glamorous cabarets.

Paris Catacombs Ticket Discover the underground galleries around one of the most disturbing cemeteries in the French capital with this Paris Catacombs Tour.

Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train Tour the halls of France's most famous palace with this Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train. The guide will also show you around the impressive gardens.

Paris City Tour, Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower Admire Paris’ most famous landmarks during a panoramic city bus tour, a one-hour scenic cruise along the Seine and skip the line access to the Eiffel Tower.

Ticket to the Musée d'Orsay Manet, Renoir, Monet... Buying a ticket to the Musée d'Orsay will give you the chance to see some of the most famous impressionist paintings in the world.

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip Visit three of the Loire Valley’s most-famous castles: Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chambord and experience life during the Renaissance.

Day Trip to Bruges Bruges is the most visited city in Belgium and one of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe . Discover the city on a walking tour and on a canal cruise.

Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip Immerse yourself in the history of the Second World War, visiting key battle locations and memorials on this day trip to the D-Day Beaches of Normandy .

Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor Entrance This entrance to the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower gives you access to one of the best viewpoints in Paris. You'll get spectacular views of the City of Light .

Louvre & Eiffel Tower Tour This full tour of Paris includes a cruise on the Seine , a skip-the-line entry to the Louvre Museum and a climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Lunch at Madame Brasserie, The Eiffel Tower's Restaurant At this  lunch at Madame Brasserie you'll enjoy an exquisite menu in the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower , with Paris at your feet!  

Montparnasse Tower Ticket Want an incredible 360º view of Paris?  View the French capital from the top of Montparnasse Tower, 200 metres from the ground and right in the city centre.

Private Tour of Paris By booking our private walking tour of Paris, a professional guide will be exclusively at the service of you and your friends or family.

Ticket for the Ballon de Paris Generali With your  ticket to the Ballon de Paris Generali , you'll enjoy the best views of the French capital from a tethered balloon anchored in the André Citroën Park

Paris Pantheon Ticket Discover the fascinating Paris Pantheon, the final resting place of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas and other distinguished French citizens.

Eiffel Tower Climb There's a reason the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world : climb up more than 700 stairs to enjoy unforgettable views of Paris!

Versailles Bike Day Tour Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles , the main residence of the French Royal Family from 1682 until 1789, on a full day-tour by bike!

Night Bike Tour Spend an unforgettable evening contemplating the beautifully lit landmarks of Paris on this 4.5-hour bike tour , including a boat cruise along the River Seine.

Notre Dame Guided Tour Discover what happened in the Notre Dame fire, explore the interior of its "little sister" and tour the Ile de la Cité, the oldest part of Paris.

Tootbus Sustainable Bus Tour During this sightseeing tour of Paris , you can enjoy the city's iconic landmarks on board the eco-friendly Tootbus . Hop on or off whenever you want!

Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket Learn about Notre Dame and venture underneath the church to explore the remains of the Île de la Cité with this Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket !

Centre Pompidou Tickets These Centre Pompidou Tickets mean you'll see one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art in the world .

Grevin Museum Paris Ticket At the Grevin Museum in Paris, you will find wax figures of Kylian Mbappe, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Paul Gaultier and other famous celebrities.

Aura Invalides Ticket Looking for a unique experience in Paris ? With your Aura Invalides ticket , you'll enjoy a journey of light and sound beneath the iconic Invalides Dome !

Paris Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat Sail along the Seine River on board a Batobus , Paris’ hop-on hop-off boat, and disembark and embark as many times as you wish for 24 or 48 hours .

Basilica of Saint-Denis Ticket Discover the first example of Gothic architecture in the world: explore the magnificent Medieval Basilica of Saint Denis  located just outside of Paris.

Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour On this Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour , you'll learn about the city's countless squares and alleyways that have witnessed murder, plagues and war!

L'Orangerie Museum Ticket With this ticket to the L'Orangerie Museum you'll admire an impressive collection of impressionist paintings, including some of Monet's best-known works .

Saint German des Prés Classical Music Concert Enjoy the best classical music with a concert in the church of Saint Germain des Prés , located in the heart of the historic centre of Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Ticket Visit two of the most beautiful monuments in Paris on the same day and  save money with this ticket to the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie .

Paris Segway Tour Ever been on a Segway? Spend a fun-filled two hours discovering the City of Lights on a two-wheeled electric vehicle with a guide.

Classical Music Concert in Paris: La Madeleine Enjoy a classical music concert in one of the most famous churches in Paris : La Madeleine! Choose between any of the concerts on our programme list.

Emily in Paris Free Tour On this  free tour of Emily in Paris ,   we'll see some spots where this popular Netflix show was filmed, such as Gabriel's restaurant and the   Offices of Savoir .

Le Marais Free Tour Do you want to discover Medieval Paris ? For this, take this free tour of Le Marais , one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the French capital .

Stade de France Tour This Stade de France tour takes you to Saint-Denis, where you can find this icon of sport which has played host to World Cup finals in both Football and Rugby.

Access  the Eiffel Tower and admire breathtaking views over Paris . You'll be able to go up to the 2nd floor and take in the immense beauty of this city!

Disneyland Day Trip Discover the magical world of Disneyland Paris on this day trip from Paris! The tour includes return transportation and entry to 1 or 2 of the parks .

Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass The Go City Paris Pass gives you access to more than 70 Paris attractions, including Versailles , the Louvre Museum , a cruise on the Seine , and the Eiffel Tower .

Paris Open-Top Big Bus Night Tour On this open-top Big Bus night tour of Paris , you'll have a spectacular view of the City of Light. You'll see the city's most iconic monuments lit up!

Lunch Cruise on the Seine Enjoy a delectable 3-course meal and admire the panoramic views of Paris from the Seine. The perfect way to discover this romantic city.

Paris Duck Boat Tour Explore Paris in a unique way on our duck boat/bus tour ! You'll discover  Paris's iconic landmarks both on land and in the water . An absolute must!

Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny Tour Giverny is a picturesque village located one hour away from Paris. Visit Claude Monet’s house and beautiful garden and dive into the Impressionism movement.

Conciergerie Ticket A royal medieval palace turned into a prison during the French Revolution : discover the history of the Conciergerie during your visit!

Sacred Heart Basilica Guided Tour Discover one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris , located in Montmartre, with this Sacred-Heart Basilica Guided Tour. An architectural work of art awaits!

Paris Bike Tour Spend a fun-filled day cycling through the French capital and discover the City of Lights’ most emblematic landmarks on this bike tour of Paris .

In this perfume workshop in Paris , we'll teach you how to make your own Eau de Toilette following the techniques of Fragonard experts.

Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner Enjoy a delicious experience at one of the most popular places in the French capital with this Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner, near the Opera Garnier.

Chapelle Expiatoire Ticket Dedicated to Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, the  Chapelle Expiatoire is an incredible place to visit when in Paris. Discover these locations!

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour Take our fantastic tour of Pere Lachaise Cemetary, the resting place for many notable figures from the past, such as Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf.

Chateau de Vincennes Ticket Discover the fascinating history of  Château de Vincennes , one of France's magnificent medieval treasures , when you buy this ticket.

Paris Layover Tour Take advantage of your airport wait to explore the City of Love with this Paris Layover Tour. Discover the most famous locations around the French capital.

Paris Gourmet Bus Tour Sample the local cuisine and visit the must-see sights of the city of lights with this Paris Gourmet Bus Tour. Explore the French capital on a luxurious bus.

Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour Find about the Parisian art of living with this Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour. You'll enter a traditional wine cellar to learn how to taste the best French wines.

Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour On this guided tour you'll walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh . We'll visit Auvers-Sur-Oise to discover the place where the painter spent his final year . 

Paris Tour for Families Our family tour of Paris is the perfect way to explore the essential landmarks of French capital if you have young children.

UNESCO Headquarters Guided Tour Discover the history of the United Nations agency with this UNESCO Headquarters guided tour . Explore its conference rooms, courtyards, gardens and corridors!

Dinner at Madame Brasserie, the Eiffel Tower's Restaurant This dinner at Madame Brasserie provides for an unforgettable evening  as you see  Paris illuminated from the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower .

Enjoy a night on the town in the city of lights , allowing yourself to be carried along by the rhythm of the music, and the shots, of course!

Traditional French Bakery Tour Do you know the boulangeries of Paris ? In this visit to a typical French bakery , we'll discover one of these places that characterise the capital.

Fontainebleau Forest Hiking Tour Venture into the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest on this 8-mile hike . You'll discover the unique biodiversity of one of the largest forests in France!

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Ticket With this ticket to the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , you'll visit one of the most outstanding anthropological collections in Paris!

Montmartre: Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt On this Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt in Montmartre , you'll solve puzzles on an app that'll take you on a walking tour through the bohemian district of Paris!

Bel Canto Dinner + Opera Show Looking for different plans in Paris ? At this dinner with an opera show at Bel Canto  you'll be treated to a delicious  menu while enjoying  opera performances!

Paradis Latin Dinner and Cabaret Let the glamour of the  French CanCan  seduce you as you enjoy  Paradis Latin , a   grand cabaret  in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris .

Quartmaster's Apartments Hôtel de la Marine Ticket With this ticket to the Hôtel de la Marine , you'll visit a spectacular  18th-century palace located in the central Place de la Concorde in Paris

Paris Vintage Sidecar Tour Explore Paris' top attractions in a fun retro motorcycle & sidecar tour , experiencing the City of Light in a truly captivating way.

Musée de l'Armée Ticket With this ticket to the Musée de l'Armée or the Army Museum , you'll visit the exhibition  Hôtel National de des Invalides , an architectural jewel in Paris.

Marie Antoinette Pass The  Marie-Antoinette Pass will give you access to 4 symbolic monuments in Paris connected to the French monarchy's past. Plus you'll save money!

​ Come and discover the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum before it opens to the public , for an exclusive guided 1 hour and 15 minutes tour.

Macaron Workshop at Galeries Lafayette Do you love baking? Join this macaron-making workshop at Galeries Lafayette and learn how to make these sweets in Paris' most famous department store!

Paris Pedicab Tours This bike cab tour of Paris will take you around the French capital aboard an environmentally friendly means of transport, the greenest way to discover Paris !

Eiffel Tower Professional Photoshoot Capture lasting memories in Paris with a private photo shoot against the iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop. Let us preserve your special moments in this iconic spot.

Belleville Neighborhood Food Tour If you like trying local products , this food tour through the Belleville neighborhood is for you! We'll sample  Parisian specialities  and see significant sites!

Paradox Museum Ticket Looking for something different to do in Paris? With this ticket to the Paradox Museum , your mind will be blown by incredible optical illusions .

How to Become a Parisian in 1 Hour Show Ticket With this  ticket to the show How to Become a Parisian in an Hour? you'll enjoy a  monologue performed by the  comedian Olivier Giraud .

Giverny Monet + Shopping Day Trip Leave Paris behind on this day trip to Giverny and visit the  Monet House & Gardens . Learn about impressionist paintings and shop at the  McArthurGlen outlet !

Rodin Museum Ticket With this  ticket to the Rodin Museum in Paris , you can see  The Thinker , The Kiss  and other iconic sculptures in  Hôtel Biron and its  beautiful gardens .

Saint-Louis en l'Île Classical Music Concert Immerse yourself in the world of classical music at the enchanting Saint-Louis en l'Île church in Paris , nestled on the picturesque island of Saint-Louis .

2 Day Trip to Normandy, Saint Malo & Mont Saint Michel Set off on a 2-day tour and discover the magnificent landscapes of Normandy  including the region's must-sees like Saint-Malo and the iconic  Mont Saint Michel .

3 Day Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint Michel & Loire Valley Discover the highlights of Normandy like Mont Saint Michel and the Loire Valley including its famous Châteaux on a three-day trip from Paris.

2 Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel & the Loire Valley Castles Travel back in time to the Middle Ages and Renaissance period on a 2-day trip to Mont Saint Michel and visit the impressive Loire Valley Castles .

Paris Helicopter Tour Flying over Paris is a unique way to discover the French capital. Unforgettable views of Versailles, the Bois de Boulogne and the Eiffel Tower from a helicopter

Paris Christmas Bike Tour Merry Christmas! Or as the French would say, Joyeux Noël! Explore the city of light during the most special time of year with this Paris Christmas bike tour .

Christmas Bus Tour in Paris On our Christmas Bus Tour in Paris , you'll discover how the City of Light decks the halls for the most magical time of the year.

Classical Music Concert at Saint-Sulpice Don't miss this classical music concert at the Church of Saint-Sulpice . Listen to an incredible repertoire in one of the most outstanding temples in Paris!

Roland Garros Stadium Tour On this guided tour of the Roland Garros stadium, you'll be able to take look inside this iconic site where so many tennis champions have made history .

Galeries Lafayette Guided Tour On this guided tour, you'll visit  Paris' most famous department store ,  Galeries Lafayette , outside of its opening hours. It dates back to 1912!

Paris Citroën DS Tour Do you want to discover the French capital differently ? On this Paris tour in a  Citroën DS,  we'll discover the city of lights in a vintage vehicle .

The most complete guide of Paris

This guide gives you an overview of what to see and do in Paris during your stay . It also provides historical background, and other useful information, as well as  our opinion, advice, and suggestions on how to make the most of your holidays in Paris .

The information provided in this guide was updated in  October 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

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

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

paris indie travel guide

  • Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best nightlife.

  • Best Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

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

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

Top 5 Can’t Miss

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

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Cheval blanc.

Courtesy of Cheval Blanc Paris

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

Le Grand Mazarin

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

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

Cour des Vosges

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

Saint James Paris

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

Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

Visit a museum.

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

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

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

Eat your way through Paris’ oldest food market.

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

Tour the city’s covered passages. 

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

Hit the major landmarks.

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

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

Learn the art of French savoir faire from local tastemakers.

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

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

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

Best Shopping 

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

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

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

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

Shakespeare and Company

John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images

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

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

Vintage Shops

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

Pharmacie Citypharma

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

Jon Hicks/Getty Images

Chambre Noire

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

Cafe La Perle

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

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

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

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

Best Restaurants 

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

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

Breizh Cafe

Courtesy of Breizh Cafe

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

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

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

Le Cheval d’Or 

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

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

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

L’Avant Comptoir de La Terre

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

Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

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

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

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

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

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

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

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

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

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42 best things to do in Paris right now

By Rosalyn Wikeley and Antonia Bentel

Panoramic of Eiffel tower and city of Paris

For a city swarming in oh-la-la clichés, curating an itinerary that doesn’t feel too Emily in Paris is always a challenge. While there is of course an abundance of off-beat, insider spots to fluff your feathers into, as if doing so will immediately morph you into a bona fide bobo (bourgeois bohemian) Parisian and lift you into some cultured, more discerning league, missing the hot ticket attractions that, let’s face it, are the very essence of the City of Lights would be une erreur. We’re not suggesting you swing a selfie stick to the Eiffel Tower but rather gorge on this city’s world-leading cavalcade of museums, monuments and age-old markets. They sit as splendidly on an itinerary alongside those lesser-known spots – the hammams, the pocket-sized vineyards, the concept stores – as they do amid the city’s Haussmann maze.

So once you’ve checked into one of the best hotels in the French capital and have configured your trip around the city’s best restaurants (who wouldn’t), why not flesh out your plans with our editors’ curation of the 42 best things to do in Paris.

Parc de Buttes Chaumont

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy Paris — there is plenty to experience for those travelling on a budget. You can find refuge from the buzzing streets with walks down the Promenade Plantée or stroll through the bustling organic farmer's market on Boulevard Raspail and even window shop at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Even a few museums and galleries, including the excellent Carnavalet and Petit Palais, are free to visit.

How many days should I spend in Paris?

We recommend spending three to five days in Paris to give yourself time to soak in everything this  beautiful city has to offer. From cycling down the Seine and learning to make a pastry at La Cuisine Paris to dancing at the city’s oldest jazz club, Le Bal Blomet, keep reading for the best things to do in Paris.

Fete De La Musique Paris

What are the best things to do in Paris at night?

There's a reason why Paris is known as the City of Light. Yes, it was initially because it was one of the first in  Europe to install street lamps, but now it has more to do with how its iconic landmarks beautifully sparkle at night. One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to catch metro line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Passy station for the most magical panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles at the beginning of every hour for five minutes, until the last show at 11pm, so time your journey perfectly (tip: sit on the right side for the best views). You can also book a dinner cruise along the Seine River. For a more cultural experience, the Musée d'Orsay is open late on Thursdays, and the Louvre is open late on Fridays – when the queues are far shorter and most famous artworks less crowded. There's also plenty of entertainment, from the vibrant  bar scene to glamorous shows at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse cabarets.

The best thing to do in Paris

Père Lachaise Cemetery paris

1. Walk amongst the dead at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

One might believe the suggestion to stroll through the world’s most visited and celebrated cemetery to be morbid – and how mistaken they would be! Nestled in the depths of eastern Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery serves as the final resting ground for some of the world’s most beloved artists, politicians, and writers, including Edith Piaf, Balzac, and Oscar Wilde. Even the late Jim Morrison of The Doors has been laid to rest here, with his crypt serving as a point of pilgrimage for dedicated fans. Make your way through the cobbled pathways dotted with intricate and ornate gravestones and take in the solemn, calm atmosphere.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

Cdric Grolet patisserie

2. Taste the magical creations of Cédric Grolet

When it comes to celebrity pâtissiers in Paris , one superstar outshines all the others. Cédric Grolet has a style so unique and a technique so precise that it’s hard to know if his creations are works of art or culinary magic. He’s most famous for his hyper-realistic fruits, glossy red apples and blush-pink peaches, which are anything other than what they first appear. Each is a masterclass in pâtissierie, a lacquered chocolate skin breaking to reveal an apple and cinnamon mousse or tangy peach compote, the recipe changing with the seasons. Pick them up from his small boutique at the Meurice, but expect long lines unless you get there early.

Address: La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet, 6 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris Website : cedric-grolet.com

Le Bal Blomet

3. Dance at the city’s oldest jazz club

Paris has moved to the rhythms of jazz for just short of a century thanks to legendary clubs like Le Bal Blomet, which opened in 1924 in the neighbourhood of Montparnasse. Founded by Jean Rézard de Wouves, a politician-turned-musician from Martinique, it quickly became the place to dance to  Caribbean  sounds in the roaring Twenties. Ernest Hemingway, Joséphone Baker, Joan Miró and Simone de Beauvoir are just some of the famous names to have graced the dancefloor. After being threatened with closure in 2011, it went through an extensive restoration and played a leading role in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix show  The Eddy , in which a jazz club owner struggles to keep his business afloat.

Address: 33 rue Blomet 75015 Paris Website: balblomet.fr

Versailles

4. Visit Versailles

OK, it’s a little outside Paris, but RER B from St Michel will soon whizz you there. Versailles packs all the palatial oomph one could hope for, with its famous Hall of Mirrors (where the Treaty of Versailles was signed), Italianate gardens and abundance of gilded, excess-driven rooms that put France on the road to revolution. Once you’ve absorbed all the elaborate sconces, chandeliers and muralled panelling, head to The Grand Trianon (Louis XIV and his mistress’ pink marbled escape within the palace walls) and the Petit Trianon (gifted to Marie Antonette by Louis XVI) for more condensed, though no less opulent scenes. A wander around Marie Antoinette’s commissioned ‘peasant village’ shines a light on just how out of touch the King and Queen were with their subjects in 18th-century France. Beyond Versailles golden gates, pull up a wicker chair at Au Petite Marquis for snails lathered in garlic and charcuterie boards.

Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France Website: chateauversailles.fr

Delacroix painting in The church of Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement paris

5. Admire famous paintings hidden in the city’s churches

When it comes to seeing art, Paris can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least: visitors are confronted with a dizzying 130 museums to choose from. But sometimes famous artworks can crop up in unexpected places. Eugène Delacroix’s painting  ‘La Pietà’  hangs in a corner of the church of Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement, just a few steps from the Picasso Museum. In the 7th arrondissement, the church of Saint François-Xavier displays a  16th century ‘Last Supper’ by Venetian painter Tintoretto , and Rubens’s  ‘The Disciples of Emmaüs’  was recently returned to the church of Saint-Eustache after a restoration.

Address: Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement - 68 rue de Turenne 75003; Saint François-Xavier - 12 Place du Président Mithouard 75007; Saint-Eustache - 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache 75001 Websites: saintdenys.net ; sfx-paris.fr ; saint-eustache.org

Seine river

6. Cycle along the Seine

In the past few years, ambitious urbanism plans have made cycling in Paris easier and safer, and a growing number of Parisians are choosing to get around on two wheels. One of the most beautiful cycling routes runs along the banks of the Seine, which were pedestrianised in 2017 and are now lined with cafés, playgrounds and sun loungers. Rent a Vélib’ (Paris city  bike ) for the day and start by the Pont de Sully. Head west on Voie Georges Pompidou and take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights past the Île Saint Louis, Notre Dame and the Hôtel de Ville.

Address: Voie Georges Pompidou, Paris Website: velib-metropole.fr

Le March aux Puces de SaintOuen

7. Visit Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

They come with wide smiles, empty bags flung over their arms waiting to be filled with various treasures from the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market, just outside the city’s northern limit. This is where London  antiques dealers, collectors and those simply keen for a bargain come to scour the relics of bygone eras. And it’s not all brass chandeliers and gilt mirrors, Saint-Ouen is a warren for all whims, from mid-century tables and vintage Chanel to psychedelic prints from the seventies. It would require weeks, even months perhaps, to browse each and every stall and stand in 14 different areas of alleyways and warehouses here – it’s vast. It’s best to attack it from Porte de Clignancourt (line 4 on the metro) – easy access to the market’s artery road, rue des Rosiers. With opening times from 10am-6pm on weekends and 11am-5pm on Mondays (excluding August), this is a weekend reverie for magpies and photography buffs. Those spurred on by the thrill of a bargain should also check out the Puces de Vanves, to the south of the city, where trestle tables overflow with bric-a-brac, glassware and china

Address: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt Transport: Metro: Porte de Clignancourt

Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Pantin

8. Check out Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

If you’re a little Louvre’d out but still have an appetite for some serious art, head to Austrian gallerist, Thaddaeus Ropac’s namesake gallery in Pantin, a stone’s throw from Hermés and Chanel. The white-on-white walls of this former copperware factory are adorned with a remarkable collection of works from artists such as Georg Baselitz and Robert Rauschenberg. The building’s sense of endless minimalism serves as the ultimate canvas for knock-out installations and greatly contrasts the wonky, sprawling antiquity of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Address: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais, 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris Website: ropac.net

Promenade Plantée paris

9. Be at one with nature on the Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée is a magnificent stretch of greenery, perched high above the melee of motos and pedestrians that make up Parisian street life. Opened in 1988, this raised park was the direct inspiration for  New York’s Highline . Sometimes called La Coulée Verte (the name is a veritable debate amongst Parisians), this five-kilometre walkway is one of Paris’ most underrated outdoor spaces. Running from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, the pathway is a refuge from the buzzing boulevards below, in both rain and shine. The Promenade is also perfect for one’s inner voyeur: certain raised platforms provide excellent  views into the sprawling Haussmannian apartments that flank the Promenade.

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

10. Spend an afternoon at Archive 18-20 Le Marais

More taste-maker hub than concept store, Archive 18-20 in trendy Le Marais houses art, fashion, books and a cool restaurant under one vast, glass roof. Industrial pipes track above a beautifully curated scene of normcore coats, cult home décor trinkets orderly spread across vast tables and a small, minimalist café that half of Paris fashion week is known to descend upon.

Address: Comptoir 18-20, 20 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris Website: archive1820.com

Palais Royal courtyard in Paris France

11. Explore the old and the new at the Palais-Royal

Perhaps there is nothing more Parisian than spending an afternoon at the Palais-Royal. The park (once home to the French royal family) is a delightful mélange of the new and the old. The Colonnes de Buren, a permanent, interactive art exhibition installed in the 1980s and set in the courtyard of the old palace, allows visitors to walk amid and climb atop of the columns (and snap a few Insta-worthy pictures, too). To the left of the Colonnes are the plane tree-lined paths and manicured royal rose gardens, which grant park-goers the opportunity to spend a moment amongst perfectly executed natural beauty. Bring a book and sit in one of the green reclining chairs scattered around the park. For a pick-me-up, head to the Chichi Café Kitsuné for a crisp cookie and foamy cappuccino.

Address: 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France Website: en.parisinfo.com

Muse de la Vie Romantique

12. Go back in time at the Musée de la Vie Romantique

This lovely, quirky museum can be found at the end of a charming, cobbled lane burrowed into the underbelly of Montmartre. The former home of the painter Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique allows visitors to imagine themselves as guests at one of Paris’ most well-regarded literary and art salons. The museum’s permanent collection features works and artefacts from notable attendees of these salons, such as painter Delacroix, composers Liszt and Chopin, and writer George Sand, who lived with Scheffer in this picturesque pink Parisian villa. After making your way through the enchanting, dainty interior, take a moment to rest in the courtyard tearoom, surrounded by a magnificent array of wildflowers.

Address: Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr

Canal Saint Martin Paris

13. Go for a walk along Canal St Martin

Paris’ original hipster neighbourhood , Canal St Martin is stitched together by a series of cast-iron footbridges crossing the canal and thrums with independent cafés that slip effortlessly into bar mode, come 6pm. Chez Prune is one of them. Pull up a chair here for fuss-free cheeseboards and wine, and a sense of the neighbourhood’s trendy, understated character (world’s away from the croissant-poodle Parisian clichés laid on for tourists in more central arrondissements). Once considered a no-go zone, this stretch that straddles the 10th and 11th arrondissement is now ablaze with small galleries, quirky plant stores and concept stores such as Centre Commercial. Drop your bags at Luke Edward Hall’s eccentric Parisian guesthouse, Hotel les deux Gares, then head straight to Holybelly for an Aussie-Parisian hipster brunch.

Boulevard Raspail paris

14. Stroll through the organic farmer’s market on Boulevard Raspail

Hemingway once said that Paris is a moveable feast. If this is true, the organic farmer’s market on the Boulevard Raspail is ongoing proof, every Sunday, week after week. Piles of fresh produce, mouth-watering spits of roasting chickens, and beautifully laid out displays of cheeses surround you as you move from stall to stall, enticing you to not only look but also taste. Certain vendors are more than happy to share their bounty with you, so it is worth dusting off your best French skills to ask for a nibble or two before you buy (just make sure to say merci beaucoup ).

Address: Boulevard Raspail, Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Montparnasse

Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris France

15. Channel your inner fashionista at Foundation Louis Vuitton

An impressive glass structure designed by eminent Canadian architect, Frank Gehry, Fondation Louis Vuitton seems to float, cloud-like, above the Bois de Boulogne. Visitors and Parisians are lured to the outer stretches of the 16th arrondissement with the museum’s knock-out modern and contemporary art exhibitions (such as Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat). The privately-owned Fondation curates only two of these annually (tickets get swiped up quickly), while keeping an eyebrow-raising permanent collection – Ellsworth Kelly and Bertrand Lavier’s works, and the like. True to LVMH form, the ground floor restaurant, Le Frank, puts your classic, often clinical museum eatery to shame, with its swishy menu and extraordinary, light-filled architectural structure crowned by suspended ‘fish lamps.’

Address: Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75016 Paris Website: fondationlouisvuitton.fr

42 best things to do in Paris right now according to the experts

16. Pick up something special at La Boutique de Cara

There are consignment stores then there are consignment stores . This is the latter, a moth-free, beautifully curated boutique off Rue de Turenne in the Marais, which remains one of Paris’ best-kept secrets. Rails strain with a mix of classic and more avant-garde pieces from across the decades: Chanel jackets , Celine dresses and Chloé shirts, and below them, vintage Gucci boots and Bally pumps that have walked Paris’ ‘Bobo’ neighbourhoods. These are clothes that tell stories and promise less damage to your wallet and your fast-fashion conscience. It’s worth noting that cash offers can sometimes bag a bargain and that the immaculately dressed shop assistants will not mince their words if you ask their opinion on that Burberry hat or Dior sunglasses .

Address: La Boutique de Cara, 80 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France Website: @laboutiquedecara

La Samaritaine

17. Splurge at Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS

Following 16 years of slumber, landmark department store La Samaritaine has once again opened its Art Deco Doors to chic choppers, with its spruced-up historic innards worth coming for alone. Beloved by nearly all Parisians, La Samaritaine’s spicy 900 million dollar makeover by LVMH caused quite a stir in the city, lifting the store into a decidedly more luxurious league. The French luxury goods group’s first Parisian hotel, Cheval Blanc Paris , is connected to the building, peering out over the Seine and funnelling its guests into La Samaritaine via secret doors. True to LVMH form, both the Art Deco and Art Nouveau sections of the building are dotted with avant-garde art installations and luxury fashion, jewellery and homeware brands worthy of their central, Seine-hugging spot.

Address: Samaritaine, 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris Website: dfs.com

Montmartre Vineyard  the last Winery in Paris

18. Visit Montmartre’s vineyards and taste Parisian wine

Montmartre’s maze of cobbled streets hides surprises at every turn. One of them is this small vineyard that remains a little-known attraction, perhaps because it’s not usually open to the public. Owned by the city of Paris, the Clos Montmartre was created in 1933 and comes to life every second weekend of October when the Fête des Vendanges (the Grape Harvest Festival) sees the streets below the Sacré-Coeur packed with stall after stall run by winemakers and artisanal producers from around the country. Enter the festival near Place du Tertre to pick up a souvenir glass and a splash of the Clos’ own wine before tasting your way from Alacse to Burgundy, fuelling up on saucisson or snails along the way. A tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting can also be booked on the website of the Museum of Montmartre, which sits around the corner and is also worth a visit.

Address: rue des Saules, 75018 Paris Website: museedemontmartre.fr

Grand Mosque of Paris

19. Relax with a hammam at the Mosque

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with particularly strong Moroccan and Tunisian communities, and Paris is home to several elegant hammams where Parisians like to retreat for a little pamper session. La Grande Mosquée, one of the country’s biggest mosques built in 1926, houses a hammam (open to women only) as well as a café and a  restaurant . A steam bath in its colourful alcoves, followed by a gommage (scrub) and a massage is the perfect way to unwind. Afterwards, head to the leafy courtyard for a cup of mint tea and freshly made baklava.

Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris Website: la-mosquee.com

Musée Carnavalet Formal garden in paris

20. Dive into Parisian history at the Musée Carnavalet

After years of renovation, the ​​Musée Carnavalet finally reopened to much acclaim in 2021. It’s truly the Parisians’ museum, dedicated entirely to the history of the city from its Roman origins right the way through to the Belle Epoque and World War II. The permanent collections hold an astonishing array of artworks and artefacts: a slipper supposedly belonging to Marie-Antoinette, ancient iron-work street signs, and paintings depicting the violent end of the Paris Commune. The timeline is easy to follow as you move from room to room, only the extensive coverage of the Revolution a little heavy for those not wishing to become au fait with the day-by-day unfolding of the most tumultuous moment in French history. Perhaps most memorable of all is a full recreation of the Fouquet jewellery store, exactly as it stood in 1901, in all its Art Nouveau glory.

Address : 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris Website : carnavalet.paris.fr

Fete De La Musique Paris

21. Time your trip for the fête de la musique

Parisians mark their calendars months in advance for the fête de la musique, held each year on the 21st of June. Yet until you’ve experienced the festival in full swing, it’s hard to comprehend its scale. For one night, and only night only, the entire city turns into an open-air concert. Anyone with an instrument can play live in the street, the strains of a saxophone meeting drums and guitars. Restaurants bring in jazz quartets, and lindy hop sessions go down in the side streets. After parties run long into the night, bars blasting music from outdoor speakers. Where to start depends on what you’re looking for; once the night is underway, you can follow your ears (or the crowds). The Marais always has a reliable mix of classical corners and pumping street parties, with more formal stages set up in the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Website: fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr

Muse Picasso Paris

22. Marvel at Musée Picasso Paris

One of the main draws for those diving into Le Marais (Paris’ old Jewish quarter), along with life-changing falafel and cool boutiques, is Musée Picasso. Set in the perfectly Parisian Hôtel Salé, the museum’s symmetrical facade, sweeping Baroque staircase and zhuzhed-up 17th-century rooms are worth coming for alone. Having pre-ordered tickets online, with strict time slots, visitors are taken on a journey through Picasso’s artistic evolution, from his Cubist era, via his surreal works (among many) and through to his late paintings – doable within the hour and best combined with a light lunch on the museum’s rooftop café followed by a happy descent into Le Marais’ labyrinth of independent stores. The ever-changing series of exhibitions at this museum rarely fail to please, with most shining light on various facets of Picasso’s life and how these fed into his work.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris Website: museepicassoparis.fr

Louve Paris

23. Spend the afternoon at Musee du Louvre

The former royal palace, the Louvre remains the world’s most-visited museum, and perhaps the most overwhelming cultural escapade to embark on without some semblance of a plan. It would take months to tick off its 35,000 artworks and artefacts, so it’s worth considering how you’d like to navigate its warren of masterpieces – the famous works are a great place to start or the theme-based tours available on the Louvre’s website. Whether you’re admittedly just dropping in to shimmy your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, or are a bona fide art enthusiast beelining for its latest exhibition, the Louvre’s architectural skeletons (both the old and new sections) are a marvel to pace through.

Address: Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris Website: louvre.fr

Stohrer

24. Try some delicacies at Stohrer

Weaving through Rue Montorgueil’s abundance of stalls and freshly-baked whiffs is a bucket-list Parisian experience in itself – an artery street connecting the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, whose stretch of boulangeries, patisseries , fruit and vegetable shops, and increasingly, some high-end designer boutiques, are fleshed out every Thursday and Sunday by a lively food market that can only be described as a sensory assault. It’s also home to Stohrer – Paris’ oldest boulangerie, whose founder was the pastry chef to the former King of Poland and famously invented rum baba. Rows of macarons, fruit tarts and chocolate pastries are dialled up by the spectacular setting, where illustrated mirrors, chandeliers and a frescoed ceiling spin their occupants into a decadent, pre-Revolutionary Paris.

Address: Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris Website: stohrer.fr

La Bellevilloise

25. Become acquainted with Belleville

Flying blissfully under the radar for most city visitors, the arty, anti-establishment enclave of Belleville has its own distinct rhythms to central Paris and is well worth metro-ing northeast for. Its hilly streets (reminiscent of Montmartre, just without the tourist circus), are dotted with eye-popping galleries, unbuttoned cafés and bars that lure in punters with the promise of live jazz and affordable cocktails. Head to La Bellevilloise (filling the vast bones of a once workers cooperative) for their Sunday jazz brunch or The Dancing Goat on Avenue Gambetta for superlative coffee and paired back, but bobo Parisian interiors. For something more traditional but still nodding confidently to the district’s working-class roots, tuck into the menu at Le Baratin, having browsed the antique trinkets at Marché Place des Fêtes.

jardin du luxembourg

26. Escape the chaos in Jardin du Luxembourg

This neat, Italianate park, straddling Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter was commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612 and serves as a green exhale for Parisians living in the 6th arrondissement. It’s also prime picnic territory – on the benches alongside the pond or geometric wood, from which you can people watch or take in the mix of English, Italian and French landscaping. Don’t leave without checking out the Medici fountain or the pétanque talent on the courts, and children are usually treated to puppet shows, rides and remote control boats along the fountains.

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris Website: jardin.senat.fr

Palais Garnier Paris

27. Marvel at the pretty Palais Garnier

A bejewelled paean to Napoleon III’s architectural taste, Le Palais Garnier opera gazes proudly down its namesake avenue, its exterior festooned with pillars and busts. Those who’ve watched Phantom of the Opera will be familiar with the lobby’s sweeping marble Grand Staircase, as well as the lavish gilding, onyx balconies and blood-red theatre seats. You don’t have the be dressed up to the nines with a ticket to Tosca to behold Palais Garnier’s resplendent architectural beauty – you can simply take a self-guided tour or book onto one of the Phantom of the Opera specials (booking online is mandatory).

Address: Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris Website: operadeparis.fr

The SainteChapelle or “Holy Chapel” in Paris France

28. See the Sainte-Chapelle's glittery interiors

The first thing to know about this spectacular Ile de la Cité chapel, aside from its Gothic good looks and famous stained-glass windows, is to book a timed ticket slot in advance to avoid the queues. As you smugly breeze past the crowds to embark on your self-guided tour of Louis IX’s jewel box of a chapel, you’ll clock the surrounding splendour of the Palais de Justice. Louis IX commissioned the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle to house his religious treasures – the most famous being the Holy Crown. Too often, tourists flock to nearby Notre Dame and miss this world heritage site, with its mesmerising 15-foot high stained glass windows and ‘wall of light’ – a rose window formation whose luminosity belies a depiction of the end of our age.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris Website: sainte-chapelle.fr

29. Shop along Le Petit Ceinture

For a greener, lesser-known side to Paris, walk its ‘Little Belt’ – an abandoned 19th-century railway line that, unlike New York’s High Line, has a Secret Garden appeal to it. Romantically dishevelled, the tracks that once pulled a steam train around the city have succumbed to moss and wildflowers. A long walk through these overgrown stretches of obsolete track on the fringes of the city delivers on all the street art you could hope for, with soaring graffiti walls and a variety of untamed, (glorious in summer) blooms, (an official nature trail exists between the Porte d’Auteuil and the Gare de la Muette).

Merci

30. Explore a concept store

Le Marais may be the epicentre of Paris’ concept store scene, but Merci is one of the originals. You’ll be hard-pressed to scoot around this shop without picking up a stylish homeware item, cashmere scarf or dry flower bouquet. You’d think with so much existing under one roof –  fashion , art, design pieces, second-hand books – that a sort of happy chaos would unfold. Wrong. Sharp minimalism holds sway, with pieces presented on tables or rails with the precision of a Japanese potter. Stay for raspberry tart and coffee at the retro film-themed café, where screens flash up scenes from classics such as La Piscine and Les Enfants du Paradis.

Address: Merci, 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris Website: merci-merci.com

Les catacombes Paris

31. Meet the dead in Les Catacombes

Open to the public since 1809, Paris’ Catacombs are a spine-chilling visit. The story goes that in the 19th century, an abandoned quarry’s underground warren of tunnels was used to house the bones of corpses during a cemetery overcrowding crisis. These tunnels that weave and wiggle breath the city have near mythical status for its residents, where the Resistance gathered for clandestine meetings during the Second World War, and now where row upon row of skulls and various other bones of long-deceased Parisians decorate the walls, with mosaic-like effect. Ensure you bring a jumper – as the tunnels descend, skulls flicker in the light and your voice echoes, it begins to get a little cold…and spooky.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris Website: catacombes.paris.fr

Crazy Horse Paris

32. Be mesmerised at The Crazy Horse

Those at the pruder end of the cabaret scale may want to bypass the Crazy Horse for the Moulin Rouge. Here, it’s all nude performances, taking audiences on a titillating whistle-stop-tour of this city stalwart’s history. Expect surreal aerial routines, cleverly choreographed burlesque and all the traditional, foot-tapping cabaret numbers that lean into the roaring twenties theme.

Address: The Crazy Horse, 12 Av. George V, 75008 Paris Website: lecrazyhorseparis.com

Basilique du SacrCoeur de Montmartre  Place du Châtelet Paris

33. Be blown away by the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Crowning the highest hill in Paris’ bohemian Montmartre neighbourhood with its white domes, Sacré-Coeur has one of the most knock-out panoramic views over the city. Visitors can clamber up its famous white steps, with its dome bearing down on the capital, and enter quietly inside where a vast mosaic ceiling humbles those beneath it. Just behind the Sacré Coeur lies the Place du Tertre – a square filled with artists sketching portraits of tourists perched on rickety stools and buskers competing with one another for crowds.

Address: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris Website: sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Galerie Vivienne Paris

34. Window shop at Galerie Vivienne

Evocative of 19th-century Paris in all its gaslit, mosaic splendour, Galerie Vivienne is more opulent than your average shopping arcade. Designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy, this passage couverts just behind the Bibliothèque Richelieu and continues to draw in the well-heeled shopper with its high-end fashion boutiques, wine cellars (Legrand Filles & Fils), bookshops and time-warp cafés. It’s a great place to beeline for as soon as the Parisian sky moves through its shades of grey but fresh air is on the agenda. Don’t miss the upscale preloved fashion store, and La Marelle, and be sure to look up at the impressive glass and steel ceiling before you spill out into the Palais-Royal gardens.

Address: Galerie Vivienne, 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris Website: galerie-vivienne.com

A selection of Haute Couture dresses by SAINT LAURENT rive gauche de 1965 à 1997

35. Feel inspired at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Stepping into this 16th arrondissement mansion (YSL’s headquarters for almost 30 years), is like slipping into the elegant, effervescent world of this legendary fashion designer. A series of light-filled, beautifully-curated rooms filled with sketches, fashion and film showcase Saint Laurent’s creative process and capture the energy and excitement of the couture house during its meteoric ascent. Continually rotating exhibitions tap into the museum’s extensive archives, unearthing fresh YSL content for those returning (expect plenty of Le Smoking, and as-he-left-it touches that offer you a privileged glimpse into this sartorial genius’ life and work).

Address: Musée Yves Saint Laurent, 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris Website: museeyslparis.com

Deyrolle

36. Spot curiosities at Deyrolle

This eye-popping cabinet of natural history curios is legendary for its exotic, and eccentrically-curated taxidermy. Founded in 1831 by famed entomologist Emile Deyrolle, the Left Bank institution famously burnt down in 2008, though a subsequent extensive restoration programme brought it back to its original bell jar and wooden-cased splendour. Visitors can weave through its maze of taxidermy and natural history specimens, observing these creatures up close – from bears to rare butterflies and extinct mammals.

Address: Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris Website: deyrolle.com

Centre Pompidou

37. Wander through Centre Pomipdou

Love it or loathe it, Centre Pompidou’s ‘guts out’ exterior (industrial pipes, air ducts, structural steel n’ all) has become an icon of the city’s contemporary movement. Its opening in the 70s caused quite a stir, considered by many an architectural blemish on the capital’s Haussmann uniformity, with its architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers even placing the lifts and escalators on the building’s exterior. The effect on its innards, though, is quite spectacular, with vast, airy spaces serving as the perfect industrial canvas for contemporary works. The Musée National d’Art Moderne spans the top two levels (expect everything from Marcel Duchamp to Matisse); contemporary art from the 1960s onwards can be found on level 4; and the mezzanine’s Galerie d’Enfants is where to take the bored-looking sprogs for some interactive exhibitions (with free admission on the first Sunday of every month).

Address: Centre Pomipdou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris Website: centrepompidou.fr

38. Munch at Marché Des Enfants Rouges

Of all Le Marais’ cultural-foodie offerings, Marché Des Enfants remains one of the most authentic. Paris’ oldest market takes its name (the red children) from the red-clad orphans who once resided just beside it. Locals and tourists mingle under the vast green iron and glass ceiling, browsing the market’s bounty, pulling up chairs at one of the makeshift restaurants , or simply soaking in the energy.

Address: Marché Des Enfants Rouges, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Website: paris.fr

Musee Rodin

39. Amble around the magical Musée Rodin

Dotted around the gardens of this achingly handsome Parisian mansion, previously Hôtel Biron, are some of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, including, perhaps his most famous, The Thinker . Inside, the sculpture’s life and work are honoured (within resplendent 18th-century rooms, with their soaring ceilings and vast windows pulling in that soft Parisian light). This dances along the busts, drawings and sculptures, and visitors can get a sense of the aesthetically soothing setting within which Rodin worked and taught others. Meander through the garden, pausing to admire the Gates of Hell before settling into a tasty lunch at the museum’s new café, L’Augustine.

Address: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris Website: musee-rodin.fr

Views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower framed by the walls of Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris

40. Look over the rooftops from Institut du Monde Arabe

Designed by Jean Nouvel, Paris’ Institut du Monde Arabe in the 5th arrondissement may, at first glance, appear simply a cubic, contemporary structure. But look a little closer, and its exterior is crafted from hundreds of elaborate mashrabiyas – a clever interplay of new-meets-old. The institute is dedicated to celebrating and educating visitors on the Arab world, with an ever-changing raft of cultural events, workshops, performances and art exhibitions, and a 9th-floor café worth sticking around for… particularly for the views across the city rooftops.

Address: Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris Website: imarabe.org

Parc de Buttes Chaumont

41. Get lost in Parc Buttes-Chaumont

Yes, the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are postcard-pretty. But for something a little more off-grid and dishevelled (by Parisian standards), head to Parc Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. Far from the manicured beds and orderly topiary of the city’s inner parks, this vast, hilly patch of green lies on abandoned quarries, with grottos, waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a large artificial lake. The Temple de la Sibylle crowns the park atop a jagged, man-made cliff that surges from the curiously blue lake below, and there’s even a sliver of a vineyard hidden alongside it (Butte Bergeyre vineyard).

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 75019 Paris Website: paris.fr

Atelier of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at Musee Bourdelle

42. Uncover an underrated museum

Once the home and atelier of sculptor and Rodin pupil Antoine Bourdelle, this off-the-beaten-track museum peers into the Left Bank’s 20th-century soul. Compact and utterly charming, Musée Bourdelle showcases the sculptor’s work and creative process, with rooms left as they were all those years ago. Spot the students and artists quietly sketching Bourdelle’s larger sculptures in the airy hall or outside in the pocket-sized rose garden.

Address: Musée Bourdelle, 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris Website: bourdelle.paris.fr

Paris Travel Guide

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Long considered the paragon of style, Paris is perhaps the most glamorous city in Europe. It is at once deeply traditional – a village-like metropolis whose inhabitants continue to be notorious for their hauteur – and famously cosmopolitan.

What to do in Paris

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The city’s reputation as a magnet for writers, artists and dissidents lives on, and it remains at the forefront of Western intellectual, artistic and literary life. The most tangible and immediate pleasures of Paris are found in its street life and along the banks and bridges of the River Seine. Cafés, bars and restaurants line every street and boulevard, and the city’s compactness makes it possible to experience the individual feel of the different quartiers .

Paris street with view on the famous Eiffel Tower © Neirfy/Shutterstock

In terms of where to go in Paris, you can move easily, even on foot, from the calm, almost small-town atmosphere of Montmartre and parts of the Quartier Latin to the busy commercial centres of the Grands Boulevards and Opéra-Garnier or the aristocratic mansions of the Marais . The city’s lack of open space is redeemed by unexpected havens like the Mosque and the place des Vosges , and courtyards and gardens of grand houses like the Hôtel de Soubise . The gravelled paths and formal beauty of the Tuileries create the backdrop for the ultimate Parisian Sunday promenade, while the islands and quaysides of the Left and Right banks of the River Seine and the Quartier Latin’s two splendid parks, the Luxembourg and the Jardin des Plantes , make for a wonderful wander.

Paris’s architectural spirit resides in the elegant streets and boulevards begun in the nineteenth century under Baron Haussmann. The mansion blocks that line them are at once grand and perfectly human in scale, a triumph in city planning proved by the fact that so many remain residential to this day. Rising above these harmonious buildings are the more arrogant monuments that define the French capital. For centuries, an imposing classical style prevailed with great set pieces such as the Louvre , Panthéon and Arc de Triomphe , but the last hundred years or so has seen the architectural mould repeatedly broken in a succession of ambitious structures, the industrial chic of the Eiffel Tower and Pompidou Centre contrasting with the almost spiritual glasswork of the Louvre Pyramide and Institut du Monde Arabe . Paris is remarkable, too, for its museums – there are nearly 150 of them, ranging from giants of the art world such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Pompidou Centre to lesser-known gems such as the Picasso, Rodin and Jewish museums – and the diversity of entertainment, from cinema to jazz music, on offer.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for France, created by local experts

An active walking tour out of the way in France

14 days  / from 3922 USD

An active walking tour out of the way in France

Your trip starts with an in-depth introduction to France in Paris: several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life. Afterwards continue south to start a few days walking journey through Southern France before ending around Avignon.

Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

10 days  / from 2450 USD

Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

Start your tour in the coastal city of Marseille, exploring Cassis on the way. Around the Alpilles in Provence, you will be provided with detailed walking materials to explore the area on foot, from both Les Baux and St Remy. End your tour in famous Avignon.

Tasting Eastern France

12 days  / from 2995 USD

Tasting Eastern France

A delicious yet active journey through Eastern France. Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

10 days  / from 5668 USD

Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

It may seem familiar from afar, but close up the Eiffel Tower is still an excitingly improbable structure; an ascent to the top is an unforgettable experience. You can skip the line with priority access .

2. Wander around the Parc Rives de Seine or take a cruise on the Seine

Join the joggers and cyclists, have a picnic or just soak up the wonderful views on the Parc Rives de Seine, a scenic riverside loop that takes in both the Right and Left banks. Better still, enjoy a cruise on the river itself.

3. Marvel at Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle 's stunning stained-glass windows rank among the greatest achievements of French High Gothic.

4. See amazing art at the Museé Picasso

A fabulously restored Marais mansion is the setting for this unrivalled collection of Picasso's paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics. Book priority entrance to bypass the queues.

5. Discover the Musée d'Orsay

France's greatest collection of Impressionist (and pre- and post-Impressionist) art is found at the Musée d'Orsay , housed in a beautiful converted railway station.

6. Check out cutting-edge modern art at the Centre Pompidou

The Pompidou 's radical "inside-out" architecture looks just as ground-breaking as it did when it first opened in the 1970s, and its modern art museum is a knockout.

7. Appreciate stunning sculptures at the Musée Rodin

Rodin's stirring sculptures are shown off to their best advantage in the sculptor's elegant eighteenth-century mansion and garden .

8. Love the Louvre

You could easily spend a whole day (and more) exploring the world-class Louvre 's collections, including famous Italian Renaissance paintings and ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.

9. Explore the Foundation Louis Vuitton

Frank Gehry's astonishing "cloud of glass" in the Bois de Boulogne holds an inspiring collection of contemporary art. Premium access will allow you to use a separate entrance and covers entrance to temporary exhibitions.

10. Take the train to Versailles

The ultimate French royal palace, awesome in its size and magnificence, and boasting exquisite gardens that are free to visit. Go by train for a stress-free trip.

11. Take a boat trip in Paris

Most tourists are keen, rightly, to take a boat trip on the Seine. One good option is the Batobus; otherwise Bateaux-Mouches is the best-known operator. Leaving from the Embarcadère du Pont de l’Alma on the Right Bank in the 8e, boats take you past the major Seine-side sights, such as Notre-Dame and the Louvre, complete with commentary. Night-time cruises use dazzling lights to illuminate the streetscapes – much more fun for people on board than passing pedestrians. The pricey lunch and dinner trips are best avoided. Bateaux-Mouches has many competitors, all much of a muchness, including Bateaux Parisiens , Vedettes de Paris and Bateaux-Vedettes du Pont-Neuf.

Another option, which takes you past less-visited sights, is to take a canal boat trip . Canauxrama offers a number of narrated cruises on the St-Martin, Ourcq and St-Denis canals, along with the Seine and the River Marne. Paris Canal is the company to offer cruises that ally the charm of Canal Saint Martin, and its locks, to the majesty of the major monuments on the Seine. With Paris Canal, you can Cruise Paris differently, from Musée d’Orsay to Bassin de la Villette.

Paris has an awesome emotional gravity: Parisians rarely want to escape, while most visitors find themselves yearning to return. Its power derives from the city’s rare beauty, of course, and its celebrated style and romanticism, but also from its unique history as the beating cultural heart of Europe over much of the last thousand years.

As such, the best places to visit in Paris range from grand monuments to exquisite, secretive little nooks and defined communities revolving around the local boulangerie and café. There are nearly 150 art galleries and museums on offer, brasseries and restaurants line the streets, and after dark, the city’s theatres, concert halls and churches host world-leading productions of theatre, dance, cinema and classical music.

Lying in its shallow river basin, Paris is still confined within its historic city limits and divided into twenty arrondissements, centred on the royal palace and museum of the Louvre , which spiral outwards in a clockwise direction. At its widest point, the city is only about 12km across – roughly two hours’ walk.

At the hub of the circle, in the middle of the River Seine, is the island from which all the rest grew: the Ile de la Cité , defined by its Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame .

On the north or Right Bank ( rive droite ) of the Seine, which is the more bustling and urban of the city’s two halves, the longest and grandest vista of the city runs west from the Louvre: this is La Voie Triomphale – comprising the Tuileries gardens, the glamorous avenue of the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe .

North of the Louvre is the commercial and financial quarter, where you can shop in the department stores on the broad Grands Boulevards, in the little boutiques of the glass-roofed passages, or in the giant, underground mall of Les Halles.

East of the Louvre, the elegant Marais and Bastille quarters are alive with trendy shops, cafés and bars. Further east, the Canal St-Martin and Ménilmontant are good places to go for cutting-edge bars and nightlife.

The south bank of the river, or Left Bank (rive gauche), is quieter and less commercial. The Quartier Latin is the traditional domain of the intelligentsia – from artists to students – along with St-Germain , which becomes progressively more chichi until it hits the grand district of ministries and museums that surrounds the Eiffel Tower . As you move south towards Montparnasse and the southern swathe of the Left Bank, however, high-rise flats start to alternate with charming bourgeois neighbourhoods.

Back on the Right Bank, many of the outer arrondissements were once outlying villages. Hilly Montmartre , with its rich artistic associations and bohemian population, is the most picturesque, but Belleville and Passy, have also retained village-like identities – working-class in the east, wealthy in the west.

Central Paris has lots of wonderful gardens, notably the Jardin du Luxembourg , but the best big parks are the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne, at the eastern and western edges of the city, respectively.

The region surrounding the capital, beyond the boulevard périphérique ring road, is known as the Ile-de-France. It’s dotted with cathedrals and châteaux. Nearby sights, such as the Gothic cathedral at St-Denis and the astonishing royal palace at Versailles , out in the suburbs, are easy to get to, while full day-trip destinations include the stunning cathedral town of Chartres and Monet’s lovely garden at Giverny .

An equally accessible outing from the capital, and practically a must-see if you are travelling with children, is that most un-French of French attractions, Disneyland Paris .

The entertainment nexus of Montparnasse , with its evocative literary and artistic associations, divides the well-heeled opinion-formers and powerbrokers of St-Germain and the 7e from the relatively anonymous populations to the south. The three arrondissements to the south of Montparnasse have suffered from large-scale housing developments, most notably along the riverfronts to both east and west, but villagey areas such as rue du Commerce in the 15e, Pernety in the 14e and the Buttes-aux-Cailles in the 13e are worth a foray. On the fringes of the city proper, hard up against the périphérique ring road, are three fantastic parks : André Citroën, Georges-Brassens and Montsouris.

Montparnasse

Like other Left Bank quartiers , Montparnasse trades on its association with the wild characters of the interwar artistic and literary boom. Many were habitués of the cafés Select , Coupole , Dôme , Rotonde and Closerie des Lilas . The cafés are all still going strong on boulevard du Montparnasse , while the glitterati have mostly ended up in the nearby Montparnasse cemetery . The quarter’s artistic traditions are maintained in a couple of fascinating art museums, while elsewhere you can ascend the Tour Montparnasse , Paris’s first and ugliest skyscraper, and descend into the bone-lined catacombs .Paris Guide - The 12e arrondissement

South of Bastille, the relatively unsung 12e arrondissement offers an authentic slice of Paris, with its neighbourhood shops and bars and traditional markets, such as the lively Marché d’Aligre . Among the area’s attractions are the Promenade Plantée , an ex-railway line turned into an elevated walkway running from Bastille to the green expanse of the Bois de Vincennes , and Bercy , once the largest wine market in the world, its handsome old warehouses now converted into cafés and shops.

A symbol of revolution since the toppling of the Bastille prison in the 1789, the Bastille quarter was a largely working-class district up until the construction of the new opera house in the 1980s. Since then, it has attracted artists, fashion folk and young people, who have brought with them stylish shops and an energetic nightlife, concentrated on rue de Lappe and rue de la Roquette.

The Beaubourg quartier centres on the Centre Pompidou , one of the city’s most popular and recognizable landmarks and one of the twentieth century’s most radical buildings. The area around the Centre Pompidou is home to more contemporary art. Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle created the colourful moving sculptures and fountains in the pool in front of Église St-Merri on place Igor Stravinsky . This squirting waterworks pays homage to Stravinsky – each fountain corresponds to one of his compositions ( The Firebird , The Rite of Spring and so on) – and shows scant respect for passers-by. To the north are numerous commercial art galleries , occupying the attractive old hôtels particuliers on pedestrianized rue Quincampoix , while to the west is the rather less alluring Les Halles underground shopping and leisure complex.

Centre Pompidou

The opening of the Centre Pompidou in 1977 gave rise to some violent reactions; since then, however, it has won over critics and public alike. Architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers freed up maximum space inside by placing all infrastructure outside: utility pipes and escalator tubes, all brightly colour-coded according to their function, climb around the exterior in crazy snakes-and-ladders fashion. The transparent escalator on the front of the building, giving access to the Musée National d’Art Moderne , affords superb views over the city. Aside from the hugely popular museum there are two cinemas, performance spaces, a library, the excellent Galerie des enfants on the first floor, which stages regular exhibitions and workshops, and the new, free Galerie de Photographies on the basement level, which organizes three exhibitions a year drawn from the centre’s archive of photographs.

Musée National d’Art Moderne

The superb Musée National d’Art Moderne presides over the fourth and fifth floors of the Centre Pompidou, with the fifth floor covering 1905 to roughly the years 1970–1980, while the fourth floor concentrates on contemporary art. Thanks to an astute acquisitions policy and some generous gifts, the collection is a near-complete visual essay on the history of twentieth-century art and is so large that only a fraction of the 50,000 works are on display at any one time. Since the opening of the museum’s sister site in Metz in 2010 and a new “pop-up” gallery in Málaga, Spain, many more of the museum’s holdings have been brought out of storage and put on display.

Fifth floor

On the fifth floor, Fauvism, Cubism, Dada, abstract art, Surrealism and abstract expressionism are all well represented. There’s a particularly rich collection of Matisses, ranging from early Fauvist works to his late masterpieces – a standout is his Tristesse du roi , a moving meditation on old age and memory. Other highlights include a number of Picasso’s and Braque’s early Cubist paintings and a substantial collection of Kandinskys, including his pioneering abstract works Avec l’arc noir and Composition à la tache rouge . A whole room is usually devoted to the characteristically colourful paintings of Robert and Sonia Delaunay, contrasting with the darker mood of more unsettling works on display by Surrealists Magritte, Dalí and Ernst.

Fourth floor

The fourth floor is given over to contemporary art , featuring installations, photography and video art, as well as displays of architectural models and contemporary design. Established French artists such as Annette Messager, Sophie Calle, Christian Boltanski, Daniel Buren and Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster often feature, alongside newer arrivals such as Anri Sala.

Atelier Brancusi

On the northern edge of the Pompidou Centre, down some steps off the sloping piazza, in a small separate building, is the Atelier Brancusi , the reconstructed home and studio of Constantin Brancusi. The sculptor bequeathed the contents of his workshop to the state on condition that the rooms be arranged exactly as he left them, and they provide a fascinating insight into how he lived and worked. Studios one and two are crowded with Brancusi’s trademark abstract bird and column shapes in highly polished brass and marble, while studios three and four comprise the artist’s private quarters.

Commonly referred to as the Beaux Quartiers , Paris’s well-manicured western arrondissements, the 16e and 17e, are mainly residential and have few specific sights, the chief exceptions being the Musée Marmottan , with its collection of late Monets, and Frank Gehry’s extraordinary new building, the Fondation Louis Vuitton contemporary art centre, set in the Bois de Boulogne. Bordering the area to the west is the Bois de Boulogne , with its trees, lakes, cycling trails and the beautiful floral displays of the Parc de Bagatelle. Further west still bristle the gleaming skyscrapers of the purpose-built commercial district of La Défense , dominated by the enormous Grande Arche.

One of the most scenic stretches of the river, between the Musée du Quai Branly and Musée d’Orsay, was recently made into an attractive promenade known as the Berges de Seine ; it's particularly appealing on weekends in the warmer months, where you can eat out on a sunny terrace, listen to occasional concerts, play a game of chess over a cup of coffee or simply relax in a deckchair and enjoy some of the best views the city has to offer. A busy programme of activities includes free exercise classes, tai chi and various workshops, while children (and grown-ups) can draw on a huge slate wall with chunky chalks, plus there’s a kids’ climbing wall and Velib’ bikes for all ages. Near the Pont de l’Alma are five small floating gardens , each on a different theme: one is an “orchard” planted with apple trees; another is planted with meadow grasses. Picnic tables and benches are dotted all along the promenade, and riverside restaurant-bars offer a good selection of food and drink. For more information, see paris.fr/berges .

Traditionally working class, with a history of radical and revolutionary activity, the gritty eastern districts of Paris, particularly the old villages of Belleville and Ménilmontant , are nowadays among the most diverse and vibrant parts of the city, home to sizeable ethnic populations, as well as students and artists, attracted by the low rents. The main visitor attraction in the area is the Père-Lachaise cemetery , final resting place of many well-known artists and writers. Visiting the modern Parc de Belleville will reveal the area’s other main asset – wonderful views of the city below. Another park well worth seeing is the fairy-tale-like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

Père-Lachaise cemetery

Père-Lachaise cemetery , final resting place of numerous notables, is an atmospheric, eerily beautiful haven, with little cobbled footpaths, terraced slopes and magnificent old trees which spread their branches over the tombs as though shading them from the outside world. The cemetery was opened in 1804, after an urgent stop had been put to further burials in the overflowing city cemeteries and churchyards. The civil authorities had Molière, La Fontaine, Abelard and Héloïse reburied here, and to be interred in Père-Lachaise quickly acquired cachet. A free map of the cemetery is available at all the entrances or you can buy a more detailed one at shops on boulevard de Ménilmontant. Among the most visited graves is that of Chopin (Division 11), often attended by Poles bearing red-and-white wreaths and flowers. Fans also flock to the grave of Jim Morrison (Division 6), lead singer of The Doors, who died in Paris at the age of 27, and to Oscar Wilde ’s tomb (Division 89), which is topped with a sculpture by Jacob Epstein of a mysterious Pharaonic winged messenger. You can also visit the graves of Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Corot, Balzac and Modigliani.

In Division 97 are the memorials to the victims of the Nazi concentration camps and executed Resistance fighters . Marking one of the bloodiest episodes in French history is the Mur des Fédérés (Division 76), the wall where the last troops of the Paris Commune were lined up and shot in the final days of the battle in 1871.

The Bassin de la Villette and the canals at the northeastern gate of the city were for generations the centre of a densely populated working-class district, whose main source of employment were the La Villette abattoirs and meat market. These have long gone, replaced by the huge complex of La Villette, a postmodern park of science, art and music.

The Villette complex stands at the junction of the Ourcq and St-Denis canals . The first was built by Napoleon to bring fresh water into the city; the second is an extension of the Canal St-Martin built as a short cut to the great western loop of the Seine around Paris. The canals have undergone extensive renovation, and derelict sections of the quais have been made more appealing to cyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians. A major new arts centre, Le 104 , has also helped to regenerate the area.

In terms of climate spring is deservedly the classic and best time to visit Paris, with bright days balanced by rain showers.

Paris in high summer is usually hot and can be uncomfortably humid, especially between mid-July and the end of August, when many Parisians flee south, leaving the city to the tourists.

In autumn things can be pleasingly mild and gratifyingly uncrowded (except during the autumn fashion show and trade-fair season, when hotels fill up early), but on overcast days – all too common – it can feel very melancholy.

Winter can be harsh, with icy winds cutting down the boulevards and snow not uncommon; the winter sunlight, on the other hand, is the city’s most flattering light.

Paris has an extraordinarily vibrant festival schedule; just a few are listed here. For details of the following and more, check at tourist offices or parisinfo.com .

  • Festival de Films des Femmes - Held at the Maison des Arts in Créteil, just southeast of Paris (M° Créteil-Préfecture).
  • Festival Jazz à St Germain - Big names and new talent from around the world, performing in all manner of venues, in late May.
  • Festival Chopin - Chopin recitals by candlelight or on weekend afternoons from mid-June to mid-July in the lovely setting of the Bois de Boulogne’s Orangerie.
  • Fête de la Musique - Free concerts and street performers all over Paris to coincide with the summer solstice (June 21).
  • Gay Pride - Held on the last Sat of June.
  • Bastille Day - July 14 is celebrated with official pomp in parades of tanks down the Champs-Élysées, followed by firework displays; the evening before there is dancing on the place de la Bastille.
  • Paris Quartier d’Été - A programme of free music, theatre and cinema events around the city from mid-July to mid-Aug.
  • Tour de France - The race finishes along the Champs-Élysées on the third or fourth Sun of July.
  • Festival du Cinéma en Plein Air - Free films in the Parc de la Villette from end July to end Aug.
  • Rock en Seine - Three-day music festival in late Aug in a lovely Seine-side park on the western edge of the city.
  • Festival d’Automne - Major festival of contemporary theatre, music, dance and avant-garde arts, held from Sept to Dec in around 25 city venues.
  • Nuit Blanche - In early Oct, the “sleepless night” persuades Parisians to stay up all night for a stunning programme of arts events and parties.
  • Festival les Inrocks - International indie rock – in all its forms, from folk to electronica – with big names playing a range of venues in early Nov.

Even outside the Michelin-starred temples to high cuisine, of which the city has many, a huge number of Parisian restaurants remain defiantly traditional, offering classic cuisine bourgeoise based on well-sauced meat dishes, or regional French cuisines.

You can find a tremendous variety of foods, from Senegalese to Vietnamese, however, while the so-called bistronomy movement sees accomplished chefs rejecting over-fussy concoctions in favour of more experimental cuisine, focusing on fresh flavours – and even, shockingly, giving a starring role to vegetables – usually served in less elaborate settings and at lower prices.

Where to eat

Luxurious, hushed restaurants decked with crystal and white linen; noisy, elbow-to-elbow bench-and-trestle-table joints; intimate bistros with specials on the blackboard; grand seafood brasseries with splendid, historic interiors; artfully distressed boho cafés – Paris has them all.

And today, many of the city’s most talked about restaurants are the relatively relaxed so-called neo-bistros, where the focus is very much on creative food, not on traditional service or old-school decor, while a new breed of hipster coffee houses, akin to those you’d find in east London or Brooklyn, has cropped up to serve the needs of caffeine heads not satisfied with the city’s characteristically bitter brews.

Eating out in restaurants tends to be expensive, with three-course evening meals rarely costing less than €45. Lunchtime set menus (known as menus or formules ) can still cost as little as €15, however. The big boulevard cafés and brasseries, especially those in more touristy areas, can be significantly more expensive than those a little further removed.

Reservations

For the more upmarket or fashionable places, and at weekends, it’s wise to reserve. Generally you will only need to do this a day or so in advance, but the most renowned places may require booking up to several weeks (or in some cases, months) ahead.

Traditionally Paris’s gastronomic reputation was largely lost on vegetarians , who had to subsist on salads, omelettes and cheese-filled baguettes. Nowadays, however, most places will often offer at least one or two non-meaty dishes, and some of the new breed of chefs are turning their attention to the fresh flavours and possibilities of vegetables.

There are a number of exclusively veggie restaurants, along with salons de thé , coffee houses and tapas bars offering lighter dishes; neo-bistros and hipper restaurants, along with the ethnic places, are also a good bet. Useful French phrases are Je suis végétarien(ne) (“I’m a vegetarian”) and Il y a quelques plats sans viande? (“Are there any non-meat dishes?”).

Many of Paris’s most historic market streets, such as rue Mouffetard (5e) and rue des Martyrs (9e) are lined with food shops, now, not stalls, but this is still one of the world’s great cities for outdoor food shopping. A few of the more classic or unusual markets are recommended below; for a full list, arranged by arrondissement, see the town hall site, paris.fr , under “Marchés Parisiens”.

  • Marché d’Aligre Place d’Aligre, 12e; M° Ledru-Rollin. Historic street and covered food market in the square; one of the cheapest and most popular in Paris. Tues–Sat 9am–1pm & 4–7.30pm, Sun 9am–1.30pm.
  • Marché Bastille Bd Richard Lenoir, 11e;M° Richard Lenoir. Huge, authentic street market, with lots of regional produce. Thurs & Sun 7am–2.30pm.
  • Marché Belleville Bd de Belleville, 11e;M° Belleville. Lively, noisy neighbourhood market selling a good range of fresh ethnic food. Tues & Fri 7am–2.30pm.
  • Marché Edgar-Quinet Bd Edgar-Quinet, 14e;M° Edgar-Quinet. A vast range of fresh produce, from artisan cheese to fresh crêpes. Wed & Sat 7am–2.30pm.
  • Marché des Enfants Rouges 39 rue de Bretagne, 3e;M° Filles-du-Calvaire. Covered food market abounding in eating outlets and produce. Tues, Wed & Thurs 8.30am–1pm & 4–7.30pm, Fri & Sat 8.30am–-1pm & 4–8pm, Sun 8.30am–2pm.
  • Marché Monge Place Monge, 5e;M° Place Monge. Fabulous (and quite pricey) produce set around the pretty Monge fountain; organic stalls on Sundays. Wed, Fri & Sun 7am–2.30pm.
  • Marché Montorgueil Rue Montorgueil 1er;M° Etienne-Marcel. Market stalls, artisan produce and gourmet food stores spread along this foodie street. Tues–Fri, plus Sat & Sun mornings.
  • Marché Raspail / Marché Bio Bd Raspail, 6e;M° Rennes. The city’s main organic market, also selling herbal remedies and artisan produce. Sun 9am–3pm.

The Parisian love of style and fierce attachment to small local traders have kept alive a wonderful variety of speciality shops. The nineteenth-century arcades, or passages , in the 2e and 9e arrondissements, are particularly rich in intriguing boutiques, while the square kilometre around place St-Germain-des-Prés is hard to beat for anything from books to shoes, and from antiques to artworks.

Other atmospheric and rewarding places for browsing include the aristocratic Marais, the trendy Bastille quartier, the quirky Abbesses quarter of Montmartre, and the broadly bohemian Oberkampf and Canal Saint-Martin areas of northeastern Paris. For haute couture the traditional bastions are avenue Montaigne, rue François 1er and the upper end of rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré in the 8e.

The traditional shopping heart of the city, Les Halles, is very commercial, and mostly downmarket. The most atmospheric places for book shopping are the Seine quais , with their rows of mostly secondhand bookstalls perched against the river parapet. The quartier Latin is the home of most of the city’s best independent bookshops.

If you’re looking for a one-stop hit of Paris fashion, the department stores are probably the place to go. For more picturesque browsing, make for the streets around St-Sulpice métro , on the Left Bank: you’ll find rich pickings if you wander down rues du Vieux Colombier, de Rennes, Madame and du Cherche-Midi – the last is particularly good for shoes. The home of couture and designer labels is the wealthy, manicured “ golden triangle ” off the Champs-Élysées, especially av François 1er, av Montaigne and rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré. Younger designers have colonized the lower reaches of the latter street, between rue Cambon and rue des Pyramides. On the eastern side of the city , around the Marais, Canal St Martin and Bastille, the clothes, like the residents, are younger, cooler and more relaxed. Chic boutiques cluster on rue Charlot, rue du Poitou and rue Saintonge in the Haut Marais , and young, trendy designers and hippy outfits congregate on Bastille streets rue de Charonne and rue Keller. There’s also a good concentration of one-off designer boutiques around the foot of Montmartre – try rue des Martyrs, and the streets around rue des Trois-Frères. For more streetwise clothing, the area surrounding the Forum des Halles is a good place to browse; Rue Etienne Marcel and (pedestrianized) rue Tiquetonne are good for clothes with a young, urban edge.

Paris is one of Europe’s great centres for gay men, with the scene’s focal point in the Marais, the “pink triangle” around rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie. Lesbians have fewer dedicated addresses, but the community is becoming more energetic and visible.

The high spots of the festival calendar are the annual Marche des Fiertés LGBT, or gay pride march, which normally takes place on the last Saturday in June, and the Bastille Day Ball – open to all – held on the quai de Tournelle, 5e (M° Pont-Marie) on July 13. For information, check Têtu ( tetu.com ), France’s main gay monthly magazine.

Paris’s fame as the home of decadent, hedonistic nightlife has endured for centuries, and today the city has a vibrant bar and club scene and a world-class live music programme. World music and jazz are particularly strong, with gypsy jazz being very popular, but you’ll find everything from house and electro-lounge to home-grown indie rock and chanson .

Pariscope is the traditional first port of call for listings , and the online lylo.fr offers a pretty good run-down of gigs, searchable by genre. For more detail, try parisbouge.com and the arts and music magazine Nova ( novaplanet.com ). To find the latest club nights pick up flyers – or word-of-mouth tips – in the city’s trendier shops, music stores, bars and cafés.

Other than online, the best place to get tickets is Fnac ( fnac.com ) – there are branches in the Forum des Halles (Porte Pierre-Lescot, 1er; Mon–Sat 10am–8pm;M° Châtelet-Les Halles) and on the Champs-Élysées (74 av des Champs-Élysées, 8e; Mon–Sat 10am–11.45pm, Sun noon–11.45pm;M° Franklin-D.-Roosevelt). It can also be worth checking billetreduc.com for cut-price tickets at the more mainstream venues.

Paris’s history has conspired to create a sense of being apart from, and even superior to, the rest of the country. To this day, everything beyond the capital is known quite ordinarily as province – the provinces. Appropriately, the city’s first inhabitants, the Parisii , a Celtic tribe that arrived in around the third century BC, had their settlement on an island: Lutetia, probably today’s Île de la Cité. The Romans conquered the city two centuries later, and preferred the more familiar hilly ground of the Left Bank. Their city, also called Lutetia, grew up around the hill where the Panthéon stands today.

This hill, now known as the Montagne Ste-Geneviève, gets its name from Paris’s first patron saint, who, as legend has it, saved the town from the marauding army of Attila in 451 through her exemplary holiness. Fifty years later Geneviève converted another invader to Christianity: Clovis the Frank, the leader of a group of Germanic tribes, went on to make the city the capital of his kingdom. His newly founded Merovingian dynasty promptly fell apart under his son Childéric II.

Power only returned to Paris under Hugues Capet , the Count of Paris. He was elected king of France in 987, although at the time his territory amounted to little more than the Île de France, the region immediately surrounding Paris. From this shaky start French monarchs gradually extended their control over their feudal rivals, centralizing administrative, legal, financial and political power as they did so, until anyone seeking influence, publicity or credibility, in whatever field, had to be in Paris – which is still the case today. The city’s cultural influence grew alongside its university , which was formally established in 1215 and swiftly became the great European centre for scholastic learning.

The wars and plagues of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries left Paris half in ruins and more than half abandoned, but with royal encouragement, the city steadily recovered. During the Wars of Religion the capital remained staunchly Catholic, but Parisians’ loyalty to the throne was tested during the mid-seventeenth-century rebellions known as the Frondes, in which the young Louis XIV was forced to flee the city. Perhaps this traumatic experience lay behind the king’s decision, in 1670, to move the court to his vast new palace at Versailles . Paris suffered in the court’s absence, even as grand Baroque buildings were being thrown up in the capital.

Parisians, both as deputies to the Assembly and mobs of sans-culottes, were at the forefront of the Revolution , but many of the new citizens welcomed the return to order under Napoleon I. The emperor adorned the city with many of its signature monuments, Neoclassical almost-follies designed to amplify his majesty: the Arc de Triomphe, Arc du Carrousel and the Madeleine. He also instituted the Grandes Écoles, super-universities for the nation’s elite administrators, engineers and teachers. At the fall of the Empire, in 1814, Paris was saved from destruction by the arch-diplomat Talleyrand, who delivered the city to the Russians with hardly a shot fired. Nationalists grumbled that the occupation continued well into the Restoration regime, as the city once again became the playground of the rich of Europe, the ultimate tourist destination.

The greatest shocks to the fabric of the city came under Napoléon III. He finally completed the Louvre, rebuilding much of the facade in the process, but it was his Prefect of the Seine, Baron Haussmann , who truly transformed the city, smashing through the slums to create wide boulevards that could be easily controlled by rifle-toting troops – not that it succeeded in preventing the 1871 Commune , the most determined insurrection since 1789. It was down these large boulevards, lined with grey bourgeois residences, that Nazi troops paraded in June 1940, followed by the Allies, led by General Leclerc, in August 1944.

Although riotous street protests have been a feature of modern Parisian life – most famously in May 1968 , when students burst onto the streets of the Quartier Latin – the traditional barricade-builders have long since been booted into the depressing satellite towns, known as la banlieue, alongside the under-served populations of immigrants and their descendants. Integrating these communities, riven with poverty, unemployment and discontent, is one of the greatest challenges facing the city and is one that a new administrative entity, the Métropole du Grand Paris , incorporating some four million people from the immediate suburbs and due to come into effect in 2016–17, hopes to address. Meanwhile, the city’s Socialist and first woman mayor, Anne Hidalgo , is continuing the green policies of her popular predecessor, Bertrand Delanoë , creating a more cycle-friendly environment, and planning to reclaim for pedestrians more of the riverbank, as well as the city’s famous squares, place de la Bastille and place de la Nation. In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings in January 2015 – when seventeen people, including well-known journalists of the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, were shot dead by three self-confessed jihadists from the Paris area – the city experienced a renewed sense of unity and solidarity, which prompted the mayor to put the city forward as a candidate to host the Olympic Games in 2024.

Top image: Sainte Chapelle © Jan Willem van Hofwegen/Shutterstock

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

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Since the Middle Ages, Paris has been a ‘Cockaigne’ – a land of plenty, a cornucopia, a warehouse stocked with the best produce from the French provinces and beyond. In 2024, with the Olympics on the horizon, this still holds true, and Paris is limbering up for its own gourmet games. All disciplines and categories are represented, from Japanese chefs to young, home-grown MICHELIN-Starred talent, from revered restaurants to bistros in all their contemporary incarnations. Let the games begin!

Reopening of Legendary Restaurants

New: discover paris by the michelin guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and enjoy the city of light, paris, japanophile capital.

© Simon DETRAZ / Baillotte

At Akabeko , it’s all about a subtle, French-Japanese omakase menu created by Yasuo Nanaumi. The experienced Japanese chef opened the restaurant with his son, who takes care of proceedings front of house. In this gorgeous little place, diners can shift seamlessly between the two cultures, as they tuck into dishes such as foie gras with teriyaki sauce or deep-fried sole goujonnettes with dashi. Yuichiro Akiyoshi ( Chakaiseki Akiyoshi , new star restaurant) serves up so much more than a meal. Expect a poetic interlude centred on the tea ceremony (lasting three hours) with subdued lighting and contemplative stillness; here, you forget the noise and furious pace of the city outside. Originally from Fukuoka, the chef spent 10 years in a Three Star restaurant in Kyoto, learning cha-kaiseki, the traditional Japanese culinary art based on the idea that food should complement tea. A unique restaurant in Paris. Finally, in Chef Tomoyuki Yoshinaga's Sushi Yoshinaga (new star restaurant), Paris has one of the finest restaurants dedicated to the art of sushi. The produce used smacks of exceptional quality: ikejime fish from Brittany, in particular, plus caviar, sea urchin, abalone, wild eel and matured bluefin tuna of a quality that one rarely has the opportunity to taste. The art of cutting fish, the exceptional skill of the chef, the different temperatures of the rice, the various soy sauces used to complement the fish... it has all the elements of an exceptional dining experience.

Read also:  The Inspectors Reveal All on Le Gabriel, France’s New Three Star Restaurant for 2024!

Paris's new michelin-starred talents.

© Ingrid Lovstrom / Hémicycle

Maison Dubois (new star restaurant) may be Arthur Dubois's first restaurant but the fact remains that his dishes are nothing if not impressive. Carefully selected ingredients, proven expertise, impeccable technique – the chef shows he is a dab hand at putting a new spin on classic cuisine, in which the influence of his mentor, Pierre Gagnaire, makes its presence felt. The man behind Onor (pronounced ‘honour’, with good reason) is Thierry Marx, an up-and-coming chef who seems destined to make a name for himself. In a nautical-inspired setting (incorporating a wealth of recycled materials) reminiscent of a bijou luxury brasserie, the chef dances to his own tune, supported by his right-hand man Ricardo Silva. The menu switches between nods to Asia and the chef's classics, showcasing this judo enthusiast's many talents. On the rooftop of the Hôtel Cheval-Blanc, a surprise awaited our Inspectors: the luxury brasserie Le Tout-Paris , whose all-encompassing view is enough to whet the appetite. Leading chefs Arnaud Donckele and Maxime Frédéric oversee the kitchen, where top-quality produce is prepared either simply (langoustine and pike quenelles accompanied by velvety pike heads with rosemary), or more elaborately (black pudding à la royale with gnocchi, juniper berries and savory). Géosmine (new star restaurant) is named for the smell that rises from freshly ploughed or wet soil, hinting at the ‘natural’ cuisine that Chef Maxime Bouttier's restaurant has in store for diners. Originally from the Sarthe ‘département’ in northwestern France, where he used to hurry after school to watch the cows being milked, he serves cow udders at his trendy restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. This offal is cooked in a seaweed broth before being pan-fried in butter, lightly grilled on the barbecue, placed on a tartare of seaweed, and topped with a little caviar and finished with two sauces. A creative dish, emblematic of a chef with a strong personality.

© Yannick Toussaint / Maison Dubois

Bistro Plus Gastronomy Equals Bistronomy

Discover the 2024 paris selection: .

  • Three Stars

10 Restaurants with Three MICHELIN Stars

16 Restaurants with Two MICHELIN Stars

Paris 1er : Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse Paris 1er : Palais Royal Restaurant Paris 6e : Guy Savoy Paris 6e : Marsan par Hélène Darroze Paris 7e : David Toutain Paris 7e :  Le Jules Verne  - NEW Paris 8e : L'Abysse au Pavillon Ledoyen Paris 8e : Le Clarence Paris 8e : Le Grand Restaurant - Jean-François Piège Paris 8e :  Maison Ruggieri  - NEW Paris 8e :  L'Orangerie  - NEW Paris 8e : La Scène Paris 8e : Le Taillevent Paris 12e : Table - Bruno Verjus Paris 16e : L'Oiseau Blanc Paris 17e : Maison Rostang

111 Restaurants with One MICHELIN Star (including Ile-de-France)

Paris 1er : Le Baudelaire Paris 1er : La Dame de Pic Paris 1er :  Espadon  - NEW Paris 1er : Granite Paris 1er :  Nhome  - NEW Paris 1er : Omar Dhiab Paris 1er : Le Tout-Paris  - NEW Paris 1er : Yam'Tcha Paris 2e : Accents Table Bourse Paris 2e : Fleur de Pavé Paris 2e : Frenchie Paris 2e : Pantagruel Paris 2e : Pur' - Jean-François Rouquette Paris 2e : Shabour Paris 2e : Sushi B Paris 2e :  Sushi Yoshinaga  - NEW Paris 3e : Anne Paris 3e : Datil  - NEW Paris 4e : Benoit Paris 4e : Le Sergent Recruteur Paris 4e : Restaurant H Paris 5e : Alliance Paris 5e : AT Paris 5e : Baieta Paris 5e : Mavrommatis Paris 5e : OKA Paris 5e : Sola Paris 5e : Solstice Paris 5e : Tour d'Argent Paris 6e : Armani Ristorante Paris 6e : Quinsou Paris 6e : Relais Louis XIII Paris 6e : Yoshinori Paris 6e : Ze Kitchen Galerie Paris 7e : Aida Paris 7e : Auguste Paris 7e : Divellec Paris 7e : ES Paris 7e : Gaya par Pierre Gagnaire Paris 7e :  Hémicycle  - NEW Paris 7e : Le Violon d'Ingres Paris 7e : Nakatani Paris 7e : Pertinence Paris 7e : Tomy & Co Paris 8e : 114, Faubourg Paris 8e : Akrame Paris 8e : Apicius Paris 8e : Contraste Paris 8e : Helen Paris 8e : Il Carpaccio Paris 8e : Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée Paris 8e : L'Arôme Paris 8e : Lasserre Paris 8e : L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon - Étoile Paris 8e : Le Chiberta Paris 8e :  Galanga  - NEW Paris 8e : Le George Paris 8e : L'Écrin Paris 8e : Lucas Carton Paris 8e :  Maison Dubois  - NEW Paris 8e :  Onor  - NEW Paris 8e : Pavyllon Paris 8e : Trente-Trois Paris 9e : Louis Paris 9e : NESO Paris 11e : Automne Paris 11e : FIEF Paris 11e :  Géosmine  - NEW Paris 11e : Qui Plume la Lune Paris 11e : Septime Paris 12e : Virtus Paris 14e : MoSuke Paris 15e :  Chakaiseiki Akiyoshi  - NEW Paris 15e : Neige d'Été Paris 16e : Alan Geaam Paris 16e : Astrance Paris 16e : Bellefeuille - Saint James Paris Paris 16e :  Blanc  - NEW Paris 16e : Comice Paris 16e : Don Juan II Paris 16e : La Grande Cascade Paris 16e : L'Archeste Paris 16e : Nomicos Paris 16e : Ōrtensia Paris 16e : Pages Paris 16e : Shang Palace Paris 16e : Substance Paris 17e : Anona Paris 17e : Frédéric Simonin Paris 17e : Jacques Faussat Paris 17e : La Scène Thélème Paris 17e : Le Faham by Kelly Rangama Paris 17e : Mallory Gabsi Paris 17e : Oxte Paris 18e : L'Arcane Couilly-Pont-aux-Dames (77) : Auberge de la Brie Dampmart (77) : Le Quincangrogne Fontainebleau (77) : L'Axel Villeneuve-le-Comte (77) : La Vieille Auberge  - NEW Le Tremblay-sur-Mauldre (78) : Numéro 3 Marly-Le-Roi (78) : Le Village Tomohiro Rolleboise (78) : Le Panoramique - Domaine de la Corniche Versailles (78) : Gordon Ramsay au Trianon Versailles (78) : La Table du 11 Versailles (78) : Le Grand Contrôle Meudon (92) : L'Escarbille Rueil-Malmaison (92) : Ochre Ville-d'Avray (92) : Le Corot Montreuil (93) : Villa9Trois Vincennes (94) : L'Ours Pontoise (95) : L'Or Q'Idée

Hero Image: @Matthieu Salvaing/Tour d'Argent

paris indie travel guide

Inside Hôtel Le Ballu: A singular, artsy refuge in the heart of Paris

One of the capital's most elegant and unique boutique hotels is located in the Nouvelle-Athènes district, a popular spot among Pigalle's night owls. Below, one writer gives their verdict on a night at Hôtel Le Ballu.

paris indie travel guide

The Inspectors Reveal All on Le Gabriel, France’s New Three Star Restaurant for 2024!

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors recount a year of visits to Le Gabriel. Led by Jérôme Banctel, it becomes one of 2 new Three Michelin Star restaurants in France.

paris indie travel guide

5 New Bib Gourmands in Paris

Discover the latest Parisian restaurants to be awarded for their great value for money in The MICHELIN Guide France 2024

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paris indie travel guide

The Time Has Come: The MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo 2024 Has a Release Date!

Discover when the new selection of restaurants for the two Brazilian cities will be unveiled.

paris indie travel guide

The MICHELIN Guide France 2024 is Revealed!

This year's selection features 2 new Three Stars, 8 new Two Stars and a new generation of chefs earning their first Star before the age of 40

paris indie travel guide

Centre-Val-de-Loire, host region of the MICHELIN Guide France 2024

From the gardens of the Loire Valley to the fertile plains of the Beauce, from the ponds of the Brenne to the game-filled forest of Orléans, not forgetting the vineyards of Touraine or Sancerrois, the Centre-Val-de-Loire is well deserving of its nickname "The Garden of France".

paris indie travel guide

Pierre Gagnaire’s Paris – Cafés, Classics, Cocktails and More

The culinary titan with 13 MICHELIN Stars opens his address book and reveals his favourite spots in Paris

paris indie travel guide

5 Expert Tips to Know Before You Travel to Paris

Here are a few essential recommendations to help you prepare for (and enjoy) your stay in Paris

paris indie travel guide

The Best Bistro Dishes in Paris, According to Our Inspectors

Our MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have scoured the capital in search of quintessentially French dishes that are emblematic of the Parisian dining scene

paris indie travel guide

Hof van Cleve - Floris Van Der Veken and Sir Kwinten awarded Two Stars in the MICHELIN Guide Belgium and Luxembourg 2024

• Sir Kwinten is promoted to Two MICHELIN Stars while Hof van Cleve, who is starting a new chapter, is awarded Two MICHELIN Stars directly. • 9 restaurants awarded One MICHELIN Star for the first time. • Neon, in Lierre, receives the MICHELIN Green Star for its remarkable commitment to sustainable gastronomy.

paris indie travel guide

The Best Brunches in Paris

On Sundays in Paris, it's common to linger a little longer in bed, maybe even rest up after a late night. When you do emerge from beneath the covers, there's nothing like a gourmet brunch in a cosy setting to kick-start the day. Here are our top brunch picks.

paris indie travel guide

The Peninsula Paris’s Perfect Pair: Chef David Bizet & Sommelier Florent Martin

Meet the duo from L'Oiseau Blanc, who have mastered the art of pairing food and wine like few else have managed

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paris indie travel guide

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  2. Nomadic Matt's Budget Travel Guide to Paris (Updated 2024)

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  3. Paris Travel Guide Watch This BEFORE You Go!

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  4. The Essential Paris Travel Guide

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COMMENTS

  1. 10 Hipster Things to Do in Paris in 2024

    10 Hipster Things to Do in Paris. Sip a coffee at Le Pure Cafe. Stroll Around the Coulée verte René-Dumont Park. Buy Some Books From Secondhand Bookstores. Be creeped out by the Catacombs. Go Up the Arc de Triomphe for the best view of Paris. Visit the Louvre on Tuesday.

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    Indie Guides Paris. "Paris at night, it's over", sang the band La Mano Negra back in the 80s. Thirty years on, however, cultural life in Paris is anything but a distant memory. There is far more to do in the "most beautiful city in the world" than go up the Eiffel Tower or take a stroll down the Champs Élysées. The night is ...

  3. Things to do in Paris

    If you're on a budget, don't despair. There are also a lot of great places to stay at in the city without you having to break the bank and sacrificing comfort. Mid-range options include Mama's Shelter Paris Hotel, Hôtel Novotel Paris Bercy, Hotel du Champ Mars, Bonne Nuit Paris, and Hotel de la Mare. These offer rooms from €100 and up.

  4. Paris Travel Guide

    Layout. Paris, like London, is circled by a motorway - the aptly named Boulevard Peripherique.Within the circle, the city is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements), which are numbered 1-20 spiralling out from the centre of the city. 1er (the premier arrondissement) is the tourist's starting point, since the Arc du Triomphe and the Louvre are in this region.

  5. 6 Indie Travel Guides Every Traveler Should Know

    With a focus on hidden treasures and off-beat experiences for local people by local guides, each travel-friendly book is chock-full of unusual and unfamiliar places that will delight both visitors and residents (myself included). Destinations in the series include Paris, New Orleans, Rome, Florence, Cape Town, Tokyo, Naples, Dublin, and London ...

  6. paris

    Paris Normal Blog The first port of call for any indie fan thinking of visiting Paris. This indispensable blog has an up-to-date diary of all the interesting indie shows and happenings in Paris, as well as an excellent venue and bar guide. Some of this guide was lovingly ripped off from Paris Normal.

  7. Paris for the Indie Traveler

    The Paris Pass, however; isn't such a great idea for an indie traveler because it's more of a sightseeing package with museums, attractions, bus tours, guidebooks, and more thrown in. You end up just "doing" the major sights on a tight schedule as opposed to actually taking it all in and spending more time wherever you want to.

  8. Mini Guide: 5 Spots to Check Out in Paris

    Paris is overflowing with good wine bars, but there is also a growing number of local spots where you can drink a good craft beer. Many alternative cultural spaces are popping up far from the city's well-known museums and historic concert halls. In short, Paris is ready to unveil a vibrant and eclectic cultural scene to anyone willing to venture beyond the tourist hubs. An indie music shop, a ...

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  10. 42 Best Things to Do in Paris

    Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Climb the nearly 300 steps or take the elevator to the top for some ...

  11. Paris Insiders Guide

    10 Best Walking Tours. Christmas in Paris. 6 Top Paris City Tours. Seine River Cruises. Easter in Paris. Tour Paris by Bike. Nightlife in Paris. Paris Arrondissements. Paris is art, architecture and monuments, but it's also great French food and wine, haute couture fashion, and culture like ballets, operas and concerts.

  12. Paris Travel Guide 2024

    Price Hikes. Paris raised taxes on hotels and other accommodations on Jan. 1. The increase charges visitors up to 200 % more in nightly tax for 2024. The increase varies based on the type of accommodation. Accommodations whether it be hotels or networks like Airbnb or VRBO, will all be outrageously high.

  13. Fathom's 24 Best Indie Travel Guides

    The indie travel maps pinpoint the city's best, give a thorough history, and make great gifts for the gastronomically inclined traveler. Their most recent release is a Paris croissant map. Cities: New York and Paris.

  14. Paris Travel Guide

    Michele Frolla is the 'guide' behind The Intrepid Guide, a travel and language learning site offering detailed destination guides and online language courses that use her unique 80/20 method. Find out more. Paris has been an itinerary-topping destination for generations of travelers.

  15. Things to Do in Paris

    Old favorites, real and virtual. Paris's two marquee museums, the Musée du Louvre (17 euros admission) and the Musée d'Orsay (14 euros), are very much open. Among the special exhibitions are ...

  16. Paris Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    A Paris Museum Pass is the most affordable way to see them all as it provides access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. It's a must if you're going to see at least 3 museums while in the city.

  17. Paris Travel Guide & Tips

    Boot Café. $ | France, Paris, 19 Rue du Pont aux Choux. Set in a former cobbler's workshop, this pint-sized coffee wonderland is never loud nor rowdy. In fact, it only seats eight people, so more ...

  18. Paris

    Paris. Paris, capital of France, is one of the most important and influential cities in the world. In terms of tourism, Paris is the second most visited city in Europe after London. In this travel guide, you'll find out about the city's top attractions, as well as useful travel advice on how to get to Paris and how to save money whilst ...

  19. An Insider's Guide to Paris

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    20. Dive into Parisian history at the Musée Carnavalet. After years of renovation, the Musée Carnavalet finally reopened to much acclaim in 2021. It's truly the Parisians' museum, dedicated entirely to the history of the city from its Roman origins right the way through to the Belle Epoque and World War II.

  21. Paris Travel Guide

    Paris Guide - Beaubourg and around. The Beaubourg quartier centres on the Centre Pompidou, one of the city's most popular and recognizable landmarks and one of the twentieth century's most radical buildings.The area around the Centre Pompidou is home to more contemporary art. Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle created the colourful moving sculptures and fountains in the pool in front ...

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    Hi, I'm Marek! I've been living a life of travel for over 10 years. My guides will help you travel indie style: not with a tour, but going your own way. Where's your next adventure? ... Explore Destinations. Dig into our down-to-Earth budget travel guides from around the world, filled with itinerary ideas, travel tips, and recommendations ...

  23. The Inspectors Reveal All on Le Gabriel, France's New Three Star

    The Cooking A point on which the Inspectors have all commented is that the chef's culinary personality is undeniable. Having dispensed with "a number of superfluous elements that were detrimental to the balance of flavours" in his dishes, Jérôme Banctel has reached the top of his game. A keen traveller, he introduces diners to his style of cooking by means of two tasting menus: 'Virée ...

  24. The Full List of Paris's Michelin Star Restaurants in The MICHELIN

    A unique restaurant in Paris. Finally, in Chef Tomoyuki Yoshinaga's Sushi Yoshinaga (new star restaurant), Paris has one of the finest restaurants dedicated to the art of sushi. The produce used smacks of exceptional quality: ikejime fish from Brittany, in particular, plus caviar, sea urchin, abalone, wild eel and matured bluefin tuna of a ...