Welcome to the city of light, love and art, the unforgettable Paris! This enchanting metropolis on the banks of the Seine attracts millions of tourists every year with its rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks and irresistible charm. Get ready for a fascinating stroll through the picturesque streets where history and modernity meet, taste delicious gastronomic treasures and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of this romantic city.
Paris is undoubtedly a destination that will excite any visitor, and in this article we’ll take a look at what this European gem has to offer for an unforgettable experience.
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Best time to visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris depends on the visitor’s preferences and the type of activities they are planning. However, in general, the spring months (March to May) and late summer/early autumn (September to October) are considered ideal periods.
During the spring, the city starts to come alive, the parks bloom and the temperatures are pleasant. This period is also outside the main tourist season, which means fewer queues at the sights. Similarly, in autumn you can enjoy pleasant weather and a reduced number of tourists.
Summer (July and August) can also be attractive, but it tends to be the most touristy and temperatures can be high. The winter months (November to February) are quieter but can be colder and some attractions may have limited opening hours.
How to get to Paris
Paris can be reached by different modes of transport and the options depend on where you are coming from. Here are some common options:
By air
Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY).
Direct overseas flights or with connections depending on your location.
By train
Eurostar offers high-speed train connections, particularly from St Pancras International
in London and Brussels. Other European countries are not far behind and also offer
comfortable train services to a high standard.
By car
Well-connected road network allowing access from all directions.
By bus
International bus routes connecting Paris with various European cities.
How to travel around Paris
Metro
16 metro lines covering the whole city.
Buses
Extensive network of bus routes for the city and suburbs.
Trams
Tram system with several lines.
RER (Réseau Express Régional)
Regional express railway connecting the centre with the suburbs.
Trains
Train stations (e.g. Gare du Nord) with national and international connections.
Taxi and ride-sharing services
Availability of taxi and ride-sharing apps.
Pedestrian zones
Parts of the centre with pedestrian zones for walking and exploring.
Where to stay in Paris
There are a few key criteria to consider when choosing accommodation in Paris. The first is location. Choose accommodation close to transport and major sights. Next, focus on budget and consider price options in different neighbourhoods. Decide on the type of accommodation you prefer. Hotel, apartment or hostel?
Take into account the services and amenities provided, such as Wi-Fi or breakfast included, and read the ratings and reviews from previous guests. For longer stays, consider renting an apartment or student residence. It could pay off. Also be sure to assess the security at your chosen location and check for flexible cancellation policies.
Here is a quality selection of available accommodation in Paris.
Popular restaurants in Paris
There are several affordable and popular restaurants in Paris. For example, L’Ambassade d’Auvergne offers authentic cuisine from the Auvergne region, while Le Comptoir du Relais near Notre-Dame serves traditional French food at affordable prices. L’Ambroisie is popular for its traditional cuisine and friendly atmosphere, while Chez L’Ami Jean brings Basque cuisine in a casual setting.
The most important monuments in Paris
- Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris and iconic steel structure offers breathtaking views
of the city. - Louvre: one of the largest art museums in the world with a rich collection, including
the Mona Lisa. It is also a royal palace and former royal residence with an impressive
garden. - Notre-Dame: A cathedral with Gothic architecture and significant historical
importance. - Montmartre and the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur: a picturesque district with an artistic
spirit and a basilica on a hill with panoramic views. - Musée d’Orsay: an art museum in a former railway station with an excellent
collection of Impressionist works. - Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: the famous avenue with shops and
restaurants leading to the imposing arch. - The Seine and bridges: a romantic river with picturesque bridges such as the Pont
Alexandre III. - Centre Pompidou: A modern art complex with unconventional architecture and
modern exhibitions. - Sainte-Chapelle: A chapel with beautiful glass windows that tell biblical stories.
As well as the traditional sights of Paris, you can enjoy rich French cuisine and shopping in the fashionable districts. Visit art galleries and museums, enjoy romantic strolls through picturesque neighbourhoods and cruise the Seine for panoramic views of the city.
Discover the nightlife in cafés and bars, relax in beautiful parks and attend festivals and cultural events.
Outside the city, try a trip to Versailles, Giverny or the vineyards. Last but not least, you may be interested in the “French Open”, recreational activities on the Seine or euphoric experiences at the Disneyland theme park.
Nightlife in Paris
The nightlife in Paris is varied and offers a wide range of entertainment. You can visit stylish bars and traditional cafés in neighbourhoods such as Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, discover nightclubs with different music genres, and experience the famous Parisian cabarets. Romantics can enjoy river cruises on the Seine under the city’s
night lights.
For music lovers, concerts are available, and for those who crave late-night refreshments, late-night bistros offer delicious meals. The entire city offers nightly strolls through picturesque neighborhoods and participation in cultural events and festivals, making Paris the city that never sleeps.
A valuable opportunity
Tips for shopping in Paris
In Paris, as a tourist, you can take advantage of shopping in several iconic neighborhoods and shops.
The Champs-Élysées offers luxury boutiques and designer clothing shops, while Galeries Lafayette, a huge department store in the city centre, attracts with its wide range of clothing, cosmetics and jewellery.
Le Marais is a trendy district full of fashion boutiques and designer shops, while Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Rue de Rivoli offer luxury and clothing options.
Avenue Montaigne is home to luxury brands, while at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouenmarket, tourists can explore vintage treasures.
The Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV) is another shop with a diverse range of products from clothing to homeware.
Paris souvenirs
The most popular souvenirs from Paris include iconic Eiffel Tower miniatures and magnets with Parisian motifs. Traditional Parisian berets are popular accessories, while delicious boxed macarons are a great gastronomic souvenir.
Art and culinary souvenirs such as paintings, posters, spices or luxury perfumes are reminiscent of Paris’ artistic and elegant style. Fashion jewellery inspired by Parisian design is also a sought-after souvenir. Literary souvenirs in the
form of books by French authors or about Parisian sights appeal to bookworms, while fine Parisian coffee, chocolate and even old music recordings offer experiences for foodies and music enthusiasts.
Basic French phrases and practical recommendations
- Bonjour – Hello.
- Merci – Thank you.
- Excusez-moi – I’m sorry.
- S’il vous plaît – Please.
- Comment ça va – How are you?
- Oui / Non – Yes / No
- Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand.
- Pouvez-vous m’aider – Can you help me?
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît – Bill, please.
- Au revoir – Goodbye
Recommendation:
To help you communicate in French, try the SayHi app. This app uses speech recognition and translation technology to allow users to communicate easily and fluently in a foreign language. Simply record or enter text or voice input, and SayHi will provide a translation into the desired language. It’s a useful tool for travelers and people trying to communicate in multilingual environments.
Contacts for emergency services and police in Paris
Paris police
Nouvel Hôtel de Police:
Address: 9 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 40 79 84 84
Firefighters of Paris – Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris:
Telephone: 18 (for the Fire and Rescue Service)
Emergency services: Ambulance Service – SAMU (Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente)
Telephone: 15 (for emergency services)
Police for tourists
Brigade de Police des Aéroports et des Frontières:
Address: 19 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 43 17 42 62
In the event of an emergency, contact the nearest fire or police station or call the emergency number appropriate to the situation. In the event of a medical emergency, call the 15 SAMU ambulance service.
Tourist information centre in Paris
The main information centre of Paris:
Address: 29 rue Rivoli, 75004 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 49 52 53 54
Website: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/
Contact form: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/contact
Other information centres:
- Gare du Nord Information Centre: 18 rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris, France
- Le Marais Information Centre: 11 rue des Archives, 75004 Paris, France
- Champs-Élysées Information Centre: 124 avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
The information centres offer:
- Information about sights and activities
- Maps and brochures
- Sale of tourist passes and tickets
- Booking hotels and tours
- Free Wi-Fi
Bonus tips:
You can download the Paris Info app on your smartphone.
Buy a Paris Pass, which gives you access to many sights and public transport.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be walking a lot.
Have a nice stay in Paris!
