🇫🇷 France
Paris
The City of Light
Best Time
Apr – Jun
Avg. Budget
€80–€200/day
Ideal Stay
4–7 days
Rating
★ 4.8 (5.1k)
🇫🇷 France
The City of Light
Best Time
Apr – Jun
Avg. Budget
€80–€200/day
Ideal Stay
4–7 days
Rating
★ 4.8 (5.1k)
Overview
Paris has been inspiring artists, writers, philosophers, and lovers for over two millennia. The City of Light earned its nickname during the Enlightenment, when it became the intellectual capital of the world, and later when it was one of Europe's first cities to adopt gas street lighting. Today it remains luminous in every sense — culturally, architecturally, gastronomically, and romantically.
The city is organised into 20 arrondissements (districts), each with its own character. The Marais preserves medieval streets and vibrant Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the heartland of French intellectual café culture. Montmartre's winding lanes still carry the bohemian spirit of Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. And the grand Haussmann boulevards link it all with geometric precision.
Beyond the iconic landmarks, Paris rewards slow exploration. Picnic along the Seine with a baguette and cheese, browse the bouquinistes (riverside booksellers), linger over a café crème watching the world walk by. The city is best experienced at a stroll, not a sprint.
Must See
From iron towers to Impressionist masterpieces, Paris delivers wonder at every corner.
Gustave Eiffel's 330-metre iron lattice tower was built as a temporary exhibition piece for 1889's World Fair and was nearly demolished. Today it's the world's most visited paid monument. Take the lift to the top level at night for the sparkling light show and panoramic views of the Seine.
The world's largest art museum and a historic monument houses over 35,000 works in a former royal palace. From the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo to ancient Egyptian antiquities — even a week wouldn't cover everything. Book tickets in advance to skip the queue.
Perched on Paris's highest hill, this bohemian village neighbourhood was once home to Picasso, Modigliani, and Toulouse-Lautrec. The gleaming white Sacré-Cœur basilica crowns the summit with panoramic city views. Wander the lanes, visit Place du Tertre's portrait artists, and catch a cabaret at the Moulin Rouge below.
Plan Your Trip
Paris is beautiful year-round but each season offers a very different atmosphere.
Cherry blossoms, café terraces open, Jardins de Luxembourg in bloom. Moderate crowds and comfortable temperatures make this Paris's finest season.
Paris Plages transforms the Seine banks into urban beaches. Long evenings are magical. Crowds are heavy and hotels expensive — book months ahead.
Golden leaves in the parks, the fashion world descends for Fashion Week, and the Vendange (wine harvest) celebrations begin. September is outstanding.
Christmas markets, ice rinks, and the city draped in lights. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and the museums are nearly empty. Cold but magical.
Practical Info
Everything you need to know before you book your Paris adventure.
EU/EEA citizens need only a national ID. Most other countries require a Schengen Visa (90 days within any 180-day period). USA, Canada, Australia, and UK citizens can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is Paris's main international hub, 25 km northeast of the centre. RER B train takes 35 minutes to Gare du Nord. Orly (ORY) serves southern Europe and domestic routes.
Paris's Métro is one of the world's densest and most efficient. A carnet of 10 tickets or a Navigo pass covers metro, bus, RER, and tram. Vélib' bike-share is perfect for the Marais and Canal Saint-Martin.
Budget hostels from €25/night, boutique hotels €100–200, luxury palaces €500+. Stay in Le Marais (central, vibrant), Saint-Germain (elegant), or Montmartre (atmospheric and slightly cheaper).
A baguette costs €1, a café crème €2–4, a bistro lunch formule €14–18. Must-tries: croque-monsieur, steak frites, crème brûlée, and macarons from Ladurée. Paris has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city on Earth.
Paris is generally safe. Beware pickpockets around the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Métro. Keep bags in front, avoid loud distractions. Tap water is safe to drink. Emergency: dial 15 (SAMU) or 112.
Visual Tour
A glimpse of Paris's timeless beauty and effortless style.
Your Journey Awaits
La vie est belle — start planning your Paris adventure today.