Featuring the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, morning markets, Montmartre sunrises and, of course, coffee and croissants!

The City of Light is perhaps at its most charming in the early hours, as the sun rises slowly behind the Eiffel Tower and atmospheric local markets begin to spring into life. Our guide to the best things to do in Paris in the morning includes a date with the Mona Lisa, a trip up the Eiffel Tower, and a meander around the Marais…

Things to do in Paris in the Morning

<p>It&rsquo;s well worth dragging yourself out of bed early for a peek at Paris&rsquo;s pink-tinged dawns. And one of the best places to do so is in the perfectly manicured Trocad&eacute;ro Gardens, a prime vantage point to experience Paris icon the Eiffel Tower bathed in the morning sun&rsquo;s golden glow. This is prime time for those coveted &lsquo;alone in Paris&rsquo; selfies, when the streets are still surprisingly quiet and you can wander across the Seine to worship at the feet of the Iron Lady unmolested by the madding crowds that begin to assemble here from mid-morning. Arm yourself with a croissant and coffee from the nearest boulangerie and arrive for around 6.30AM-7AM for the best sunrise snaps.</p>


Paris in the Morning: Sunrise Strolls

<p>Montmartre&rsquo;s cobbled streets and caf&eacute;-lined squares are enchanting at any time of day, but perhaps especially in the early morning, when sunrise turns the Sacr&eacute;-Coeur Basilica a beautiful blushing pink. Find out what artists including Renoir, Modigliani and Picasso found so inspiring here on a dawn dawdle that takes in the Sacre-Coeur, picture-perfect Rue de l&#39;Abreuvoir, and the famous Place du Tertre, where street artists will already be eagerly setting up their easels.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Luxembourg Gardens is a tranquil city-center oasis that&rsquo;s perfect for mindful morning meanders. There are 56 acres of green space to explore, with plenty of woodland walking trails, plus eye candy courtesy of French and English formal gardens, a cute boating lake and the grand baroque confection that is Luxembourg Palace.</p>

<p><a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/things-to-do/best-walks-in-paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><u>Check out our guide to some of the best walks in Paris here.</u></a></p>


<p>Many major <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><u>Paris attractions</u></a> open from 9AM, and it really does pay to turn up early if you want to avoid the lines that inevitably begin to form by mid-morning, particularly during peak season. This is especially true of the likes of the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, two of the city&rsquo;s most popular and enduring tourist-magnets. The Iron Lady pulls in a whopping 6m+ lovers of latticework each year, so it&rsquo;s well worth getting there first thing, especially if you&rsquo;d prefer to take the elevator than the stairs (all 674 of them), as lines to take the easy way up are invariably longer.</p>

<p>The same applies at the Arc de Triomphe, the monumental neoclassical war memorial that stands at the top of Place Charles de Gaulle. It&rsquo;s a mere 284 steps to the top of this Paris landmark. Foot-weary climbers are rewarded with glutes of steel and one of the finest views in town, taking in the broad sweep of the Champs-&Eacute;lys&eacute;es boulevard, the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur Basilica, the Panth&eacute;on and more.</p>


Visit Top Paris Attractions in the Morning

<p>Most visitors to Paris will only find time to visit *either* the Louvre or Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay, one the home of the enigmatic Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the other boasting the biggest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art anywhere on the planet, including masterpieces by Manet, Money, Whistler, Renoir, C&eacute;zanne, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec to name just a few (phew!). Whichever you choose, you should consider a morning visit essential for avoiding the lines and giving you the best chance to see these iconic works of art close-up and unimpeded by a sea of bobbing heads.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://parispass.com/en/things-to-do/the-louvre-or-musee-dorsay-which-is-better" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><u>Read our guide to the pros and cons of the Louvre and Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay here.</u></a></p>

<p><strong>Top tip: </strong>There are more than 100 top Paris attractions, tours and activities included with a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><u>Paris sightseeing pass</u></a> from Go City, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay. Hit the buttons below to find out how <strong>you could save up to 50%</strong> on all these and many more, including the Palace of Versailles, Seine cruises, the Picasso Museum, and more fab French foodie experiences than you can shake a very big baguette at.</p>


<p>There&rsquo;s little to match the atmosphere of the Marais in the morning. Its maze of quaint cobbled streets, pretty garden squares, tempting boulangeries and cute caf&eacute;s make it perfect for early-bird strolls. Soak up the stillness of the Place des Vosges at dawn. You&rsquo;ll feel yourself thrust into a bygone era here, where formal gardens fare ringed by swoonsome arcades and picture-perfect 17th-century townhouses . A fine spot, in other words, for gorging on your boulangerie-sourced breakfast of still-warm sugar-coated chouquettes and lip-scalding espresso. Suitably fortified, make an early morning pitstop at the quite wonderful Picasso Museum and pause to smell the roses in the gardens of the National Archives Museum.</p>

<p>Still hungry for more? The Marais has you covered. Its 17th-century March&eacute; des Enfants Rouge is one of the best foodie markets in town, promising everything from farm-fresh fruit and veg to cr&ecirc;pes, burgers and belly-busting pan-fried sandwiches. Or hit up the atmospheric Rue des Rosiers for its fine Jewish bakeries and excellent falafel joints.</p>


Paris: Morning Markets and the Marais

<p>Foraging for supplies in a traditional French market is one of the best things to do in Paris in the morning. Whether it&rsquo;s the aroma of just-baked bread, fragrant formages or freshly cut flowers that floats your boat, there&rsquo;s a market for you. The mighty March&eacute; Bastille runs from the historic Place de la Bastille all the way down leafy Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday, promising the finest regional produce &ndash;&nbsp;cured meats, mushrooms, cheeses, jams, pastries, wines &ndash;&nbsp;France has to offer. Then there&rsquo;s the magical March&eacute; aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux which, as French speakers will have gathered, specializes in the sale of exotic flowers and&hellip; birds. This &Icirc;le de la Cit&eacute; stalwart is one of the oldest markets in Paris and offers blooms on weekdays; budgerigars on weekends.</p>

<p><a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/things-to-do/best-markets-in-paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><u>Check out our guide to Paris&rsquo;s best markets here.</u></a></p>

<p>Find more fun things to do in Paris in the morning, and save big with the Go City Paris attractions pass. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><u>Click here for more info and to bag yours!</u></a></p>


Our plethora of pre-noon Parisian pleasures includes sunrise at the Trocadéro Gardens, shopping at Marché Bastille and a date with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.

Things to do in Paris in the Morning | Go City®

Our Paris 2024 Olympics venues guide contains all the essential info on the main sporting locations, and then some.

Planning to head to the Paris Olympics this summer? Not sure where the action’s at or when it starts? Don’t know your Champs de Mars from your Château de Versailles?

Paris 2024 Olympics Venues Guide

<p>The first thing you need to know is that much of the action will be taking place in and around Paris&rsquo;s historic monuments and landmarks, taking advantage of iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Pont Alexandre III and Trocad&eacute;ro rather than relying on the more traditional (and dare we say dull) stadiums normally favored by Olympic hosts. And why not? Opportunities to showcase your city&rsquo;s iconic attractions to a global audience of millions don&rsquo;t come along very often. Nor do they come much bigger than the Olympic Games, which are expected to attract upwards of 15 million sports fans to the city alone during their four-week run. Read on for the lowdown&hellip;</p>

<h2>Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony</h2>


<p>The Paris Games kick off with a suitably bombastic opening ceremony on July 26th, with the games themselves running for a little over two weeks, until August 11th. The Paralympic Games follow later in the month, with events taking place between August 28th and September 8th.</p>

<p>Breaking with traditional Olympic opening ceremonies, the Paris spectacular will take the form of a parade, running for six kilometers along the Seine between the Jardin de Tuileries and Trocad&eacute;ro plaza, with separate boats for each national delegation. Access to the upper quays along the river will be free of charge, but tickets are required to get closer to the action along the lower quays. Expect music, fireworks, live entertainment and an utterly thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.</p>

<h2>Paris 2024 Olympics: Venues In and Around Town</h2>


<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Porte de la Chapelle Arena</strong>: put this brand-new complex in the 18th arrondissement on your list if badminton, para badminton, rhythmic gymnastics or para powerlifting are your bag.&nbsp;</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Aquatics Centre</strong>: located in Saint-Denis opposite the Stade de France, this is the only permanent sports facility built specifically for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Catch swimming, diving and water polo events here.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Stade de France</strong>: the country&rsquo;s largest stadium, built for the 1998 Football World Cup (which France won), is called back into service for rugby, athletics and para athletics events at the Paris Games.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Paris 2024 Olympics: Venues Beyond Paris</h2>


<p>If you&rsquo;re football mad, you&rsquo;ll likely want to tour the country to get to the various stadiums hosting matches throughout the tournament, but it&rsquo;s not all just football, football, football outside of Paris. There&rsquo;s golf, mountain biking, track biking, shooting and more going on at Olympic venues across France&hellip;</p>

<h3>Top Olympic Venues Outside Paris</h3>


<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Palace of Versailles</strong>: the ostentatious ch&acirc;teau at the heart of Louis XIV&rsquo;s court will become one of the Paris Olympics&rsquo; most picturesque settings when the Etoile Royale esplanade in the palace gardens hosts Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events and modern pentathlon this summer. They&rsquo;re just the kind of showily extravagant sporting activities that ol&rsquo; Louis himself might have approved of.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Les Yvelines</strong>: experience all the two-wheeled thrills and spills you could ever need, with BMXing, track cycling and para cycling all on the roster at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines V&eacute;lodrome, and mountain biking over at Elancourt Hill.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Golf National</strong>: having previously hosted the French Open and Ryder Cup, it&rsquo;s now the turn of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will see world-class swingers try their luck against the fiendishly tricky L&rsquo;Albatros course.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Ch&acirc;teauroux CNTS Shooting Centre</strong>: the clue&rsquo;s in the name. Here&rsquo;s where all the shooting finals will take place, including pistol and rifle shooting.</li>
</ul>


<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Bordeaux Stadium et al</strong>: hosts of the Olympic football heats include Bordeaux, Nice, Marseille, Lyon, La Beaujoire in Nantes and Geoffrey-Guichard in Saint-Etienne.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Pierre-Mauroy Stadium</strong>: for a different kind of ball-play, this Lille legend is where it&rsquo;s at for all things basketball and handball.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Marseille Marina</strong>: you shouldn&rsquo;t need an excuse to visit beautiful Marseille in the summertime. But if you did, the 2024 Olympic sailing events will surely fit the bill, bringing a festival atmosphere to the already-lively Roucas-Blanc Marina.</li>
</ul>

<p>Which brings us to the end of our almost-comprehensive guide to the venues of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. For more information on all the venues taking part, <a href="https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/paris-2024" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">check out the official Olympics website.</a></p>

<h2>Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Paris</h2>

<p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p>


<p>Perhaps unsurprisingly, the majority of Olympic venues (20 out of the 35) will be located in and around central Paris, with 13 of those slap-bang in the city center itself. Here&rsquo;s the lowdown on the ones to watch&hellip;</p>

<h3>Top City-Center Olympic Venues</h3>


<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Champ de Mars Arena</strong>: this temporary open-air stadium boasts perhaps the finest backdrop of them all. Here&rsquo;s where epic beach volleyball and blind football battles will play out in the shadow of the mighty Eiffel Tower.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Place de la Concorde</strong>: urban sports rule the roost here on Paris&rsquo;s largest public square, where the likes of Robespierre, Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI faced the guillotine during the French Revolution. Let&rsquo;s hope these modern practitioners of basketball, freestyle BMX, skateboarding and breaking (aka breakdancing, appearing at an Olympic Games for the first time) don&rsquo;t lose their heads.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Grand Palais</strong>: this glass-roofed Paris icon was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and will this year host fencing and taekwondo events across the Olympics and Paralympics.</li>
</ul>


<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Esplanade des Invalides</strong>: home to Louis XIV&rsquo;s flamboyant D&ocirc;me des Invalides. Paris&rsquo;s tallest church, no less, Les Invalides is where it&#39;s at for fans of archery, athletics and cycling.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>H&ocirc;tel de Ville</strong>: the extraordinary facade of this neo-renaissance confection provides a suitably grand backdrop to the start of the Olympics&rsquo; longest event: the marathon.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Trocad&eacute;ro</strong>: not only does this riverside district boast glorious gardens, monumental fountains and some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in town, it&rsquo;s also where you can catch road cycling, triathlon and more at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Pont Alexandre III</strong>: this magnificently ornate bridge provides a suitably regal setting for triathlon, road cycling and marathon swimming events.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Top Olympic Venues Elsewhere in Paris</h3>


<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Roland-Garros Stadium</strong>: best known as the legendary venue of the French Open, the stadium will host boxing as well as tennis for the Olympics.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Bercy Arena</strong>: this peculiar pyramidal structure, with its sloping grass-covered walls, is the place to catch basketball, trampoline and athletics events.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Parc des Princes</strong>: no we haven&rsquo;t forgotten you, football fans! The iconic home of Paris Saint Germain will play host to football preliminaries and finals during the Olympics, with the remaining games taking place in Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.</li>
</ul>


Your guide to all the venues in and out of Paris at this year's Summer Olympics, including the Stade de France, Palace of Versailles, Trocadéro and more.

Paris 2024 Olympics Venues Guide | Go City®

Foodies flock to the French capital for nowhere is better known for fine dining. 

While we can offer only the tiniest nibble of the gastronomic feast that awaits you, we hope we can help you avoid the tourist traps and enjoy... well, la crème de la crème...

Best Restaurants in Paris

<p><em>&ldquo;How many restaurants in Paris?&rdquo;</em> you ask. Amazingly, it&rsquo;s around 45,000, some 630 of them with Michelin stars! But with so many mouth-watering options, surely it&rsquo;s almost impossible to know where to eat in Paris?</p>

<p>Of course, your choice will depend on budget and taste but remember, some of the best restaurants in Paris are booked up well in advance so it&rsquo;s a great idea to do your research and make some bookings before your trip.</p>

<p>From the best Paris bistros to romantic French restaurants...whether you&rsquo;re after dinner at deux, a gourmet evening with friends, an affordable lunch or a once-in-a-lifetime three figure menu... tuck in your napkin and be our guest for a topline taste-tastic tour of...</p>

<ul>
	<li>Paris restaurants with a view</li>
	<li>Luxury and little-known restaurants in Paris</li>
	<li>Historic Paris restaurants, bouillons and bistros</li>
	<li>Non-French restaurants in Paris</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Breakfast bites</strong></h3>

<p>Before we begin our culinary excursion, best start the day right, although, weirdly, Parisians aren&rsquo;t much for breakfast. Whilst you are able to find eggs and bacon, or yoghurt, or even a stack of American pancakes, maybe make like a local and begin with the typical offering of a croissant, pastry or tartine (that&rsquo;s a baguette or other bread product with butter and jam), served with juice and strong coffee.<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/parisian-breakfast-cafe-louise"> Caf&eacute; Louise</a> on the Left Bank is a perfect example of Parisian style...</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Or, if you&rsquo;re limbering up for a day&rsquo;s shopping on the Champs Elys&eacute;e, stop for <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/french-sweet-crepes-bistro-marbeuf">sweet French crepes</a>, served with hot chocolate or juice at Bistro Marbeuf.<br />
And now we&rsquo;ve whetted our appetite, on to the big stuff...</p>

<h3><strong>Paris restaurants with a view</strong></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Madame Brasserie and Jules Verne</strong><br />
Let&rsquo;s start at the top and we think you&rsquo;ll guess where. Maybe you&rsquo;ve climbed the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb">674 steps of the Eiffel Tower</a> by day but, if you dress in your best to enjoy it at night, you&rsquo;ll find that the Eiffel Tower restaurants are as breathtaking as the panorama. While the highest spots in the city are reflected in high prices, we promise it&rsquo;s worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.</p>

<p>Formerly 58 Tour Eiffel, summer 2022 saw the re-opening of the fully-renovated first-floor restaurant as <strong>Madame Brasserie</strong>, advertised as &lsquo;an adventure for your tastebuds at a height of 187 feet&rsquo;. Choose a table in the heart of &lsquo;the Iron Lady&rsquo; or with a panoramic view over the Seine and the Trocadero. Either way you&rsquo;ll enjoy contemporary cuisine, made with local seasonal produce, by chef Thierry Marx. Start with pea tartlet with Pere Fabre goats cheese and watercress (who knew that peas could be so delicious?), try farmhouse chicken with spinach and fromage frais cannelloni and Marengo jus, and maybe finish with old-fashioned chocolate tart?</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fancier and higher still, at 410 feet, in a truly exceptional setting on the second floor, is restaurant <strong>Jules Verne</strong> which showcases the gastronomic genius of 3-starred chef Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Anton, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman in France - a unique award given only every four years.) His structured dishes are designed &ldquo;to complement and reflect the architecture of the building.&rdquo; Raise your glasses as night falls and 20,000 lights sparkle all over the Tower, knowing that the menu is equally magical.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Georges</strong><br />
Another restaurant offering the unbeatable combination of delicious French cuisine and stunning sights, is <a href="https://restaurantgeorgesparis.com/en/">Georges</a>, on top of the National Museum of Modern Art, housed in the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/centre-pompidou">Centre Pompidou</a>. Gaze out of the huge bay windows, or sit out on the open terrace which is particularly popular at weekends, at lunchtime and at sunset, when you can enjoy cocktails, live DJ sets and the full golden-hour view of the Eiffel Tower. Oh, and let&rsquo;s not forget the food! Fusion cuisine combines simplicity and inventiveness. Give the famous &lsquo;silver cod&rsquo; a try. Or stop by for afternoon tea or (let&rsquo;s be Parisian about it) coffee...</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Les Ombres</strong><br />
Whilst we&rsquo;re aiming high, here&rsquo;s another refined Parisian restaurant that, whilst not cheap, offers a priceless panoramic view from its perch in the lush hanging gardens at the top of the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-quai-branly">Mus&eacute;e de Quai Branly</a> (a fascinating collection of indigenous art.) This rooftop paradise is so close to the Eiffel Tower that, as the sun shines through the glass roof, metallic lacework patterns fall over the tables by day and, at night, the dining room is lit by stars - and the Tower&rsquo;s twinkling lights. The vast terrace is the perfect place to share unforgettable moments - and signature dishes including &lsquo;guinea fowl, celery cream and trumpets of death&rsquo; (!)</p>

<h3><strong>Luxury and little-known restaurants in Paris</strong></h3>

<p>If your budget doesn&rsquo;t stretch to Michelin stars, hang tight - we&rsquo;ll get to more affordable (but still delicious) options soon...but you know, whilst we&rsquo;re here we may as well go all out. Let&rsquo;s assume you don&rsquo;t go to Paris every day so when you do you may as well treat yourself!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Marsan</strong><br />
In a male dominated profession H&eacute;l&egrave;ne Darroze is recognised as one of the best chefs in the world, with 2 Michelin stars for <strong>Marsan</strong>, named in homage to the place where she grew up. The restaurant, on the Left Bank, uses traditional products to create new gastronomic experiences but it&rsquo;s not pretentious, especially if you can bag the chef&rsquo;s table. &lsquo;La Table d&rsquo;H&eacute;l&egrave;ne&rsquo;, on the ground floor, is in full view of the kitchen, with the food prepared in front of you and served family style in large dishes. More conventionally, book a table in the first floor dining room where dishes are reminders of H&eacute;l&egrave;ne&rsquo;s childhood and travels. Discover blue lobster from Brittany, perfumed with hay and served with ceps from Bordeaux; Saint Jacques (scallops) blended with Tandoori spices and coriander to recall a trip to India ; and the baba featuring Armagnac from H&eacute;l&egrave;ne&rsquo;s brother&rsquo;s cellar, to complete this very personal experience. It&#39;s very friendly, yet very French!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Le Comptoir de Relais Saint-Germain and L&rsquo;Avant Comptoir</strong><br />
Whilst we&rsquo;re on well known chefs, Yves Camdebordes is also something of a celebrity in France (formerly appearing on French Masterchef) and, rather than traditional gourmet cuisine, has been called a chef of &lsquo;bistronomy&rsquo;. Consequently his affordable and unpretentious bistro, <strong>Le Comptoir de Relais Saint-Germain,</strong> is wildly popular. If you manage to secure a spot, don&rsquo;t go looking for a menu - you eat whatever chef feels like cooking - think grilled pork belly with potato pur&eacute;e, a salad of tiny wild strawberries and Parmigiano chips, all followed by an irresistible cheeseboard oozing with French-ness!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Right next-door, but hidden behind a crepe stand, a lesser-known destination for deliciousness is Camdeborde&rsquo;s hors d&rsquo;oeuvres bar, <strong>L&rsquo;Avant Comptoir</strong>. Step behind the plastic curtain painted with a pig and share a secret haunt with chefs, local winemakers and other dedicated foodies, standing around the zinc tables (there are no chairs!). Get wine recommendations from the friendly bar staff and choose from menus hanging from the ceiling to enjoy fabulous finger food including artichoke and cured ham waffles, duck confit sausage hot dogs and fried Parmesan cheese puffs.</p>

<p><strong>Verjus</strong><br />
Another &lsquo;best kept secret&rsquo; restaurant in Paris is Verjus, tucked away behind the Palais Royale and which grew out of &lsquo;The Hidden Kitchen&rsquo; the famous multi-course dinner parties once hosted in a private Parisian apartment by American couple Braden Perkins and Laura Adrian. Now a restaurant in its own right, it still offers intimacy and imagination, and food with a lighter touch than the rich French tradition. Enter by a side alley and you&rsquo;ll find huge windows overlooking an old theatre, a tempting basement wine bar, but a focus on food and service rather than a fancy interior. Picture yourself tucking into pork belly with sesame seeds, duck terrine with pistachios, oysters with rhubarb, beet tarte tatin, Parmesan &lsquo;churros&rsquo; and caramelised Jerusalem artichoke icecream with apple and cinnamon. Book well in advance though - the locals often get there first!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Historic Paris restaurants - bouillons and bistros</strong></h3>

<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for an authentic Parisian experience - from the menu to the atmosphere - search out a &lsquo;bouillon&rsquo;. In 1855 a Paris butcher made a simple broth of meat and stock that soon became popular with workers, rich and poor alike. This aim, to serve quality food, quickly, at an affordable price, was the beginning of restaurant chains, now replicated worldwide. By 1900, there were 250 bouillon restaurants in Paris; now only a handful remain where you can enjoy the beautiful Art Deco interiors and authentic atmosphere, as well as the tradition of delicious, affordable, comfort food.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bouillon Chartier</strong><br />
This is a prime example - one of the most perfectly preserved restaurants of old Paris. The Chartier brothers opened &lsquo;Le Bouillon&rsquo; brasserie in <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/montmartre-walking-tour">Montmartre</a> 1896, and tourists and Parisians still love its Art Deco opulence and inexpensive, traditional dishes. Don&rsquo;t be put off by the queues - the waiters, dressed in traditional &lsquo;rondin&rsquo; (a tight fitting black waistcoat with pockets and a long white apron) speed around so that the queue moves fast, orders are taken quickly and food arrives swiftly. Who wouldn&rsquo;t love the original ethos of &ldquo;hearty food at a modest price?&rdquo; And the stunning interior and glass roof hasn&rsquo;t changed either; look out for the numbered wooden drawers where the diners of long ago stored their personal napkins!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Caf&eacute; de la Paix</strong><br />
Lovers of literature and film might want to follow in the footsteps of historic celebrities at this internationally renowned caf&eacute;, close to the flamboyant Opera Garnier and extravagantly designed by the same architect. Stop by the oyster bar or sip a cocktail on the terrace where Zola, Maupassant and Oscar Wilde all used to hang out. In 1898 Wilde claimed to have seen a golden angel here, though it turned out to be the reflection from the statue on top of the opera house. Later Marlene Dietrich drew such large crowds on her visits that the waiters devised a special route for her to enter via the kitchen.<br />
The history is included in the price of the food, though lunchtimes are more affordable.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bistro Benoit</strong><br />
Share in the history of &ldquo;the last real Parisian bistro&rdquo;, dating back to 1912 and the only Parisian bistro to be starred in the Michelin guide. It was run by the same family for 93 years until, on retirement, they sold it to Alain Ducasse, the first chef to own three restaurants in three cities, all with three Michelin stars. You&rsquo;ll feel right at home sampling authentic food, from vintage china among the red velvet banquettes, brass fittings and potted plants, all under a trompe l&rsquo;oeil ceiling of fluffy clouds. Enjoy traditional favourites like pat&eacute; or garlicky snails or choose original options like chilled blue lobster with green beans and coral vinaigrette. Fill up with robust mains including confit pollock, seared black pudding, beef tenderloin or home-made cassoulet, then find room for traditional desserts of souffl&eacute;, millefeuille and their famous giant profiteroles.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Les Antiquaires</strong><br />
Our final recommended bistro stop is just a stone&rsquo;s throw from the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/musee-dorsay">Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay</a> and is always packed with regulars and tourists alike. After a day marvelling at Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the breathtaking Beaux-Arts railway station, drop by for what&rsquo;s billed as the best boeuf bourgignon in Paris. Settle into the cosy restaurant, crammed with antique furniture and pretty mirrors or sip a cocktail on the large outside terrace whilst you watch the world go by.</p>

<h3><strong>Non-French restaurants in Paris</strong></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Le Servan &amp; Double Dragon</strong><br />
We&rsquo;ve seen a lot of serious (and masculine) French cuisine but what if you (whisper it) fancy something other than traditional French food? Fear not - you&rsquo;ll find more laid-back bars and restaurants around the 11th arrondissement, including Le Servan. Its owners, sisters Tatiana and Katia Levha, were born in the Philippines but raised in Paris and trained in Michelin-starred kitchens. Check out their ever-changing menu of beautiful small plates of classic French ingredients with a South East Asian twist, like pan-fried scallops with spinach, bone marrow and smoked vinegar - or raw cuttlefish with chillies and Sichuan peppercorn. Desserts - and cheeses - are more traditionally, and deliciously, French.</p>

<p>Their newer venture, Double Dragon is a relaxed, family-friendly space, with waiters in T-shirts and a lively (but not too loud) backdrop of hip-hop music. Everyone will find something to love on the affordable menu of (mostly organic) comfort food. Sweet and spicy Korean chicken and deep fried Comte bao buns are another exciting blend of France and East Asia.</p>

<p><strong>Buffet</strong><br />
Bottles in front of a mirrored bar, rustic wooden tables with gingham cloths - the classic French bistro right? Or, in fact, wrong. Buffet&rsquo;s short, daring menu of sharing plates borrows flavours and presentation styles from across the globe, from the Far East to the Middle East. Try the sweet potato, topped with crumbled feta and creamy mushroom chips, but sprinkled with scallions rather than Mediterranean herbs. The mackerel is served with Shiso (a Japanese herb) and chive cream and grated daikon (a Japanese radish.)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Salon de Th&eacute; de la Grande Mosqu&eacute;e de Paris</strong><br />
A hidden gem in the 5th arrondissement, this leafy tiled oasis in the courtyard of the Grand Mosque is the perfect place to enjoy lunch and while away a sunny afternoon. Or pop in for dinner after a day of culture at the National Museum of Natural History, just across the road. Birds sing and friendly waiters deliver your choice of couscous and tagines, along with mint tea and sugary baklava.</p>

<p>What are you waiting for? We hope that&rsquo;s given you a flavour of just a few of the best places to eat in Paris. And happily with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>, there are always new places to explore. Bonne degustation!</p>


Wondering where to eat in Paris? Here's our pick of the best, highest, most historic and little-known restaurants and bistros

Best Restaurants in Paris | Go City®

Soak up the best sights in Paris, the best French cuisine and the very best bubbly to guarantee a joyeux anniversaire!

Whether you’re looking for romance, fun, or simply chic celebrations, if you’re wondering what to do in Paris on your birthday, unwrap our ideas and tear the ribbon off our recommendations.

Things to do in Paris for a birthday

<p>What brighter way to celebrate than by spending your birthday in Paris - the City of Light...of love...in short, a city that oozes as much style as it does cheese, chocolate and champagne?!</p>


<h3><strong>Breakfast in Paris</strong></h3>

<p>Why not start your day in style with coffee and the best Parisian breakfast you can find? Follow in the footsteps of famous writers, philosophers and artists; Oscar Wilde, Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway, not to mention Sartre - and Picasso - were all regulars at Les Deux Magots, maybe the most famous caf&eacute; in Paris. Just across the Boulevard St Germain, Caf&eacute; de Flore is another legendary literary hangout. Sample their classic specialties or drop into nearby <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/parisian-breakfast-cafe-louise" style="text-decoration:none">Caf&eacute; Louise</a> for a top-class coffee and traditional French breakfast to set you up for a day of good things.</p>


<h3><strong>Learn how to make macarons</strong></h3>

<p>If you&rsquo;ve a taste for macarons you could even try your hand at making your own, with a <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/macaron-pastry-class-galeries-lafayette" style="text-decoration:none">Macaron Pastry Class at Galeries Lafayette</a>. Work with a French pastry chef to learn how to make the shells, the ganache and put it all together to create the perfect pastry sensation. Obviously you&rsquo;ll have to sample a few along the way!</p>

<p>Over the river, Ladur&eacute;e, shimmering on the Champs Elys&eacute;e, is another contender for the best breakfast in Paris. Settle into the sumptuous 1950s decor and choose from specialty croissants and other sweet treats. Of course you can&rsquo;t leave Ladur&eacute;e without picking up a beautifully wrapped parcel of their world-famous macarons, 15,000 of which are sold every day! The delicious, disintegrating delight of these famous Parisian pastries make them worth every cent.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


<h3><strong>Shopping in Paris</strong></h3>

<p>Oh look! Since we&rsquo;re already in Galeries Lafayette it would be a shame to not spend some of our birthday money on that favourite Paris pastime - shopping! As the undisputed fashion capital of the world, we can&rsquo;t begin to suggest which are the best shops in Paris. But whatever your taste or budget, from opulent department stores to world-famous designer boutiques, via every style of independent outlet, your shopping dreams will surely come true here.</p>

<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for French fashion tips, maybe drop into the exclusive mini <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/fashion-show-galeries-lafayette" style="text-decoration:none">fashion show at Galeries Lafayette</a> Paris Haussmann store? This 30-minute catwalk of couture showcases ultra-chic French style to help you get ahead of the latest trends.</p>

<p>And, of course, no Paris shopping trip would be complete without a promenade along the Champs-Elys&eacute;e, the most famous shopping street in Paris, running for over a mile between the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/arc-de-triomphe" style="text-decoration:none">Arc de Triomphe</a> and Place de la Concorde. Historically the home of famous fashion names like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel and Balenciaga, you&rsquo;ll also find mainstream brands including Gap, Zara and H&amp;M. Don&rsquo;t miss Galeries Lafayette&rsquo;s four-story flagship store, featuring 600 brands and 300 designers in a stylish art deco building. Rather than traditional &lsquo;departments&rsquo; it mixes items from different categories, encouraging shoppers to enjoy a fluid experience between fashion, food, accessories and loads more.</p>


<h3><strong>Lunch in Paris</strong></h3>

<p>All that retail therapy has given us an appetite, but, once more, we&rsquo;re spoiled for choice, since Paris is famously a gastronomic paradise.</p>

<p>One special way to enjoy a birthday lunch might be to hit one of the many fresh food markets dotted throughout the city. Bag a baguette, some choice cheeses, maybe a punnet of cherries and some patisserie items - perhaps even a cheeky bottle of wine - and set off for a Parisian picnic. The tempting food stalls of the March&eacute; St Germain are particularly well placed to pick up something to enjoy whilst sitting beside the Seine, along the Left Bank, or whilst lazing on the lakeside lawns of the Jardins Luxembourg</p>

<p>Or, if you&rsquo;re pushing the birthday boat out for something a little more high-end, perhaps consider a <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/gourmet-five-course-champagne-lunch-mordu" style="text-decoration:none">gourmet lunch at Mordu</a>. Also under the arches of the March&eacute; St Germain, and acclaimed by the Michelin Guide, this popular restaurant serves classic French and Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist. Settle down in the rich dark wood interior or, if the sun&rsquo;s shining, on the wide outdoor terrace - and pop a celebratory cork to accompany your meal.</p>


<h3><strong>Browse the best Paris museums</strong></h3>

<p>You don&rsquo;t have to be a culture vulture to find something to fascinate in the Paris museums - and there are 150 to choose from, including the Louvre, the world&rsquo;s biggest museum. Taking an outside <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/louvre-ultimate-experience" style="text-decoration:none">tour of the Louvre&rsquo;s surroundings</a> will help you understand its buildings, history and significance, before you head inside to meet Mona and the other masterpieces.</p>

<p>You&rsquo;ll find a more laid-back museum experience at the wonderful <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/orangerie-museum" style="text-decoration:none">Mus&eacute;e de l&rsquo;Orangerie</a>, where you can almost drown in the beauty of Monet&rsquo;s large-scale water-lily paintings.</p>

<p>Meanwhile the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/musee-dorsay" style="text-decoration:none">Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay</a> is home to a wonderful collection of furniture, sculpture and especially Impressionist paintings, breathtakingly housed in a soaring converted railway station. Get up close and personal with works by Monet, Renoir, Gaugin, C&eacute;zanne and Van Gogh, then recover in the caf&eacute; alongside the giant station clock.</p>


<h3><strong>Explore Montmartre</strong></h3>

<p>For a relaxed afternoon, strolling the pretty streets of Montmartre makes for a perfect birthday outing. Take a <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/montmartre-walking-tour" style="text-decoration:none">walking tour</a>, climb the steps to Sacre Coeur, peep through the gates of the only vineyard in Paris and soak in the history and culture of this atmospheric Parisian district, famed for its street artists. There are endless bars and caf&eacute;s for snacks, drinks and people-watching. Or maybe get your portrait painted in the Place du Tertre as a lasting memory of a special day.</p>


<h3><strong>Have a drink!</strong></h3>

<p>With apologies to the tee-totallers, another popular Parisian hobby is <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/les-caves-du-louvre-french-wine-tasting" style="text-decoration:none">wine-tasting</a>! And when better to raise a glass but on your birthday? Perhaps unsurprisingly France produces more wine than any other country - around 550 million cases per year. Les Caves du Louvre offers a choice of 50 different wines available by the glass. Sample your favorites (and cheese too!) in an historic wine cellar and learn about the different wine-making regions.</p>

<p>If beer is your preferred bevvy there&rsquo;s another tasting package available at authentic Parisian <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/bapbap-brewery-taproom-ultimate-tasting-experience-gifts" style="text-decoration:none">microbrewery Brasserie BAPBAP</a>. Sample some of their 35 original beers and take home a goodie bag, including two beer glasses, as a birthday souvenir.</p>

<p>Perhaps you&rsquo;ll opt for a <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/french-apero-saint-germain-des-pres" style="text-decoration:none">cocktail in St Germain</a> as an aperitif before your evening celebrations or, French style, mid-afternoon. Or, for the full romantic experience, relax on a sunset <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/aperitif-cruise-champagne" style="text-decoration:none">cruise on the Seine</a>, spotting iconic landmarks and watching the city light up, with a glass of sparkling bubbles in your hand.</p>


<h3><strong>Dinner at the Eiffel Tower</strong></h3>

<p>As evening falls, take your tastebuds on tour to the Tour Eiffel. For the ultimate Paris birthday treat, jump the queues and ride the lift to the champagne bar on the top floor of the Eiffel Tower, where you can gaze at the spectacular city view as you sip your bubbles at an altitude of 276m. Alcohol free drinks are also available and the view is just as good.</p>

<p>For a birthday dinner you&rsquo;ll never forget, book well in advance for the sumptuous Eiffel Tower restaurants. Madame Brasserie on the first floor offers contemporary seasonal dishes served with a panoramic view over the Seine and Trocadero whilst, on the second floor, the Michelin starred Jules Verne is an unbeatable gastronomic experience. And who needs birthday candles? There&rsquo;s no more magical sight than the tower&rsquo;s 20,000 lights, glittering every hour from dusk until 1am.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


<h3><strong>Visit a Paris cabaret show</strong></h3>

<p>To round off a birthday to remember, a famous Paris cabaret is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Both The Lido and The Crazy Horse are renowned venues with extravagant sets, costumes and choreography. But it&rsquo;s the mesmerising Moulin Rouge that&rsquo;s known the world over for its mixture of elegance and risque entertainment. Its F&eacute;erie show featuring 80 performers, including 60 high-kicking Doriss girls and over 1,000 costumes bedecked with jewels and feathers, is a jaw-dropping celebration of joie de vivre.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>Can you see and do more with Go City? Yes you can can! The freedom to explore on your own terms is the best gift we can give you. Pick up an <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive" style="text-decoration:none">All-Inclusive Pass</a> and you&rsquo;ll think it&rsquo;s your birthday every day! So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris" target="_blank">Paris attraction pass</a> and save while you sightsee!</p>


Ideas for how to spend your birthday in Paris, from must-see sights to original ideas. Where to visit, eat and drink for the perfect birthday celebration

Things to do in Paris for a Birthday | Go City®

Take a stroll with us as we reveal our pick of the best walks in Paris.

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life”. So said Thomas Jefferson, third President of the USA and ambassador to his beloved France from 1785-1789.

Best walks in Paris

<p>Jefferson&rsquo;s sentiments still ring true today: wander the city&rsquo;s atmospheric streets and you too may discover the meaning of life in a magnificent monument, awe-inspiring view, or world-beating museum; perhaps even in the flavor explosion that is the humble macaron.</p>


<h3><strong>A Wander Through the Marais</strong></h3>

<p>With its maze of quaint cobbled streets, enchanting garden squares, tempting p&acirc;tisseries and delightful caf&eacute; culture, the Marais is a great place for a leisurely weekend stroll. Starting at Place de la Bastille, wander the Sunday food market for delicious fresh pastries and coffee before heading into the Marais proper. Your first stop is the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, where formal gardens surrounded by atmospheric arcades and picture-perfect 17th-century townhouses provide the ideal location to pause with your <em>petit dejeuner</em> and watch the world go by.</p>

<p>Meandering west through the narrow alleyways, you&rsquo;ll soon reach <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/picasso-museum" style="text-decoration:none">the Mus&eacute;e National Picasso-Paris</a>, where an impressive collection of over 700 of the master&#39;s sculptures and paintings awaits. You&rsquo;ll find the museum&rsquo;s excellent gift shop &ndash; containing some of the coolest Picasso souvenirs in town &ndash; just a little further along the street. Now head towards the Seine, pausing to smell the roses in the beautiful gardens of <a href="https://www.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/en/web/guest/musee" style="text-decoration:none">the Mus&eacute;e des Archives Nationales</a> and to climb the flamboyant gothic tower of Saint-Jacques for wonderful views across Paris.</p>

<p>Back on terra firma, it&rsquo;s a short stroll to the riverbank, where several soaring, arched bridges connect to &Icirc;le de la Cit&eacute;, the tiny island in the middle of the Seine that packs a ridiculous number of major attractions into its 55 acres, including <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/notre-dame-archeological-crypt-experience" style="text-decoration:none">Notre-Dame Cathedral</a>, medieval <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/sainte-chapelle" style="text-decoration:none">Saint-Chapelle</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/la-conciergerie" style="text-decoration:none">the Conciergerie</a>, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned in the final days before her execution.</p>


<h3><strong>Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay to the Eiffel Tower</strong></h3>

<p>This delightful walk along the Seine&rsquo;s Left Bank ticks off many of the city&rsquo;s must see attractions, and boasts sweeping views across the water along the route. Start at <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-dorsay" style="text-decoration:none">the Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay</a>, where paintings from masters including Van Gogh, Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec make up the biggest collection of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism on the planet. If you have the time, the fifth-floor Caf&eacute; Campana is well worth a visit for its excellent coffee and even better views &ndash; through a giant clock-face window &ndash; to the Louvre and Sacr&eacute;-C&oelig;ur Basilica.</p>

<p>Heading west, pause to pay your respects at the statue of our old pal Thomas Jefferson and to take in the views of the spectacular Jardin des Tuileries across the Seine, before arriving at Les Invalides, a major military museum that houses Napoleon&rsquo;s tomb beneath its extraordinary golden dome. Grab a selfie by the huge art nouveau lamps on the soaring Pont Alexandre III before continuing along to <a href="https://musee-egouts.paris.fr/en/" style="text-decoration:none">the intriguing Paris Sewer Museum</a> and foliage-covered <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-quai-branly" style="text-decoration:none">Mus&eacute;e du Quai Branly</a>. Behind the amazing green wall of vegetation here lies an impressive collection of indigenous art and cultural artifacts from around the world, well worth an hour or two of your time.</p>

<p>From here it&rsquo;s a hop and skip to that most iconic of Paris attractions, the Eiffel Tower. Here, if you still have enough juice left in the tank, you can <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" style="text-decoration:none">climb the 674 steps</a> to finish your walk on the second floor viewing platform. Or, perhaps more sensibly, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/eiffel-tower-elevator-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none">take the elevator</a>.</p>


<h3><strong>Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe</strong></h3>

<p>Mirroring the above route, this walk begins across the Seine at <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" style="text-decoration:none">the Louvre</a>, where you&rsquo;ll want to tick off the <em>Mona Lisa</em> and <em>Venus de Milo</em> before strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries, with its tree-lined avenues and dozens of sculptures by the likes of Rodin, Giacometti and Maillol. Green chairs by the park&rsquo;s two tranquil ponds provide a great spot to take the weight off and enjoy the garden views.</p>

<p>Pause to admire Monet&rsquo;s <em>Water Lilies</em> in the wonderful <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/orangerie-museum" style="text-decoration:none">Mus&eacute;e de l&rsquo;Orangerie</a> before exiting the gardens onto Place de la Concorde. Immerse yourself in the history of this, the largest square in Paris and site of many key moments of the French revolution, including the execution by guillotine of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Robespierre. Try to keep your head as you admire the grand fountains, palatial neo-classical buildings and towering Luxor Obelisk, then head away from the Seine and onto the Champs-&Eacute;lys&eacute;es.</p>

<p>Once you&rsquo;ve had your fill of shopping for luxury designer goods and scoffing expensive macarons from the Ladur&eacute;e store with its opulent green-and-gold facade, work off the sweet treats with a climb to the top of <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/arc-de-triomphe" style="text-decoration:none">the Arc de Triomphe</a>. Your efforts will be rewarded with a stunning view back along the route you&rsquo;ve just taken where, from your elevated vantage point, you&#39;ll see that the Champs-&Eacute;lys&eacute;es, obelisk, gardens and famous glass pyramid of the Louvre are all perfectly aligned.</p>


<h3><strong>Canal Saint-Martin to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont</strong></h3>

<p>Get off the beaten track and soak up the boho vibes on a stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin. This picturesque route takes in cute caf&eacute;s, Venetian-style bridges, vibrant street art and shady spots to pause and skim stones, just as Am&eacute;lie did in the Oscar-nominated movie of the same name.</p>

<p>Start where the Rue de Marseille joins the Quai de Valmy and head northwards past the boho bars and bistros and colorful waterside boutiques. Circumnavigate the Stalingrad Rotunda to reach the Villette canal basin where, in summer, the quays are transformed into artificial beaches complete with deckchairs, as part of <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-show-exhibition/135161/paris-plages" style="text-decoration:none">the annual Paris Plages</a> event.</p>

<p>A short detour away from the canal and onto Rues de l&rsquo;Ourcq and Rue Germaine Tailleferre reveals some incredible contemporary street art. Then cross the Rue de Crim&eacute;e lift bridge, the last of its kind in Paris &ndash; if you&rsquo;re lucky, you might even get to see it in action, rising and falling as the boats bob along underneath.</p>

<p>Continuing along Rue de Crim&eacute;e, you&rsquo;ll eventually reach the beautiful Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, from where you can create your own adventure by exploring its many paths, hills, valleys and grottoes, and climbing to its highest point at the colonnaded Temple de la Sybille.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


<h3><strong>A Romantic Stroll Around Montmartre</strong></h3>

<p>Get lost in the winding streets of Montmartre, following in the footsteps of vaunted artists including Renoir, Picasso, Degas and Modigliani. Surely one of the very best walks in Paris, a romantic meander around the famous <em>butte</em> takes in such sights as <a href="https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/" style="text-decoration:none">the Sacr&eacute;-C&oelig;ur Basilica</a>, the grand confection that sits atop the hill and commands awe-inspiring views across Paris, particularly at sunset.</p>

<p>Head round to Instagrammers&rsquo; favorite Place du Tertre where, having taken a few dozen perfect snaps you can have your own image captured for posterity by the working artists dotted around the square behind their easels. Soak up the village-esque charm as you stroll on through the cobbled lanes, encountering attractions including the Moulin de la Galette windmill (immortalized by both Renoir and van Gogh), Caf&eacute; des Deux Moulins (the small brasserie that featured in <em>Am&eacute;lie</em>) and <a href="https://museedemontmartre.fr/en/" style="text-decoration:none">the Mus&eacute;e de Montmartre</a>. Set in one of the neighborhood&rsquo;s oldest buildings, a glorious 17th-century mansion, it was once home to the studio of Renoir himself and extends to the beautiful gardens that so inspired him.</p>

<p>Of course, no walk through historic Montmartre would be complete without visiting <a href="http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en" style="text-decoration:none">the Moulin Rouge cabaret</a>, spiritual home of the can-can. Best visited in the evening for the most atmospheric views of its iconic neon-lit red windmill, you&rsquo;ll find it on the Boulevard de Clichy, at the bottom of Rue Lepic.</p>


<h3><strong>Save on things to do in Paris</strong></h3>

<p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" style="text-decoration:none">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none">Instagram</a> and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris" target="_blank">Paris attraction pass</a> and save while you sightsee!</p>


Guide to the best walks in Paris, including the Marais, Montmartre and strolls by the Seine.

Best Walks in Paris | Go City®

If you’re looking to discover the secrets of how Parisians get about by metro, bus, train, tram – and road – then this is the guide for you.

Only those with a machoistic streak would ever consider driving in or around Paris unnecessarily. At their worst, roads can be likened to parking lots, which is ironic given how hard parking can be to find.

The complete guide to getting around Paris

<p>As a visitor, you&rsquo;re much better off getting around Paris through the plethora of public transportation options. They&rsquo;re generally inexpensive, efficient, trustworthy and safe. Sounds good, <em>non</em>?</p>

<p>We know all the options can seem a bit overwhelming, so read on for our how-to guide of all the options you have to get around Paris.</p>


<h3><strong>Save on attractions</strong></h3>

<p>Now that you&#39;re getting around like a local, it&#39;s time to get your sightseeing sorted. Save on admission to top attractions, hidden gems, top tours, and authentic experiences for one money-saving price with the Paris Pass&reg;.</p>

<p>With our app, you&#39;ll just need your pass for entry at each attraction, so you can stop worrying about trawling your inbox to find the piles of tickets you booked months ago and just enjoy Paris instead! So pick up a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris" target="_blank">Paris attraction pass</a> and make the most of your trip!</p>


<p><strong>Cycling</strong></p>

<p>For a different perspective, rent a bike through <a href="https://www.velib-metropole.fr/en_GB">V&eacute;lib</a>&rsquo; &mdash; Paris&rsquo;s bike rental program. Bike rentals start at just a few euros per hour, giving you the freedom to roam around landmarks at your own pace.</p>

<p><strong>Cruises</strong></p>

<p>If you&rsquo;re up for a scenic view of the city&rsquo;s architecture from the water, consider a Seine <a href="https://parispass.com/en/paris-attractions/Bateaux-Parisiens-River-Cruise">river cruise</a>. While these cruises focus on sightseeing, they&rsquo;re a wonderful way to relax and admire iconic spots like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower from a new angle.</p>


<h2><strong>Buses</strong></h2>

<p>A single bus fare costs the same as a M&eacute;tro ride (around &euro;2) and covers a single, non-transferable journey within Paris. For transfers between buses or from bus to M&eacute;tro, consider using a&nbsp;<strong>Ticket t+</strong>, which allows transfers within 90 minutes from the first validation. You can buy these tickets from ticket machines in M&eacute;tro stations or in carnets (books of 10) for a discount.</p>

<p>You can also pay for your journey with the driver, but only if you have the correct change.</p>


<p>One of the densest metro networks of any city, it&rsquo;s rare to be very far from the nearest station, whether you&rsquo;re on the <em>rive gauche</em> (left bank) or hilly Montmartre. It&rsquo;s also the second busiest metro system in the world. Over four million trips are taken daily.</p>

<p>For comfort, it&rsquo;s better to avoid the morning and evening rush hours. They are at their peak between 8:30 &ndash; 9:30AM and 5:30 &ndash; 6:30PM Monday to Friday. Lines run until around 1AM.</p>

<p>Fares are purchased from manned kiosks or ticket machines with English-language options. Tickets are required to pass through the gates to platforms. Though there are generally no gates on exit, you need to keep your ticket until the end of your journey as random ticket inspections are frequent.</p>

<p>The main downside to the Paris M&eacute;tro is that those with accessibility issues will find it hard to make use of its network of trains. Stations are largely underground and reached via staircases.</p>


<h2>Metro</h2>

<p>Paris M&eacute;tro is probably the best way of getting around Paris for those who don&rsquo;t speak French. Individual lines are named for the most part by numbers. The exceptions are lines 3bis and 7bis, which are separate from lines 3 and 7.</p>

<p>Lines can also be differentiated by their rainbow of colors on network maps. The direction of travel is advertised on trains by referencing the line&rsquo;s terminus station.</p>


<h2><strong>Other ways of getting around Paris</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Walking</strong></p>

<p>Walking through Paris is one of the best ways to soak in the city&rsquo;s unique character, with every corner offering something new to discover.&nbsp;Paris&#39;s neighborhoods are compact and well-connected, making it easy to move from one area to another on foot. Pedestrian-only areas like the banks of the Seine and the Canal Saint-Martin make for beautiful walking routes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Plus, walking also allows you to take advantage of seasonal pop-ups, outdoor markets, and spontaneous events like street musicians and pop-up art shows too!</p>


<p>Fares are calculated based on distance <em>and</em> time traveled, with an initial charge that covers the first kilometer or so, but keep in mind that traffic in Paris can make short trips take longer. Rush hours can be especially slow, so planning extra travel time can help you avoid delays. Expect to tip around 10%, which is standard etiquette for good service in Paris.</p>

<p>While Uber operates in Paris, its fares are similar to traditional taxis due to regulations, though you&rsquo;ll have the convenience of app-based booking and payment. Uber also offers various service tiers, from standard rides to more premium options, so you can choose based on your budget and needs.</p>


<h2>Taxis</h2>

<p>Taxis are a reliable option for getting around Paris, especially for late nights or early airport runs. Licensed taxis can be flagged down on the street if their green light is on, or found at official taxi stands throughout the city, including near major landmarks, train stations, and hotels. However, if you&rsquo;re within 50 meters of a stand, taxis are required to pick up only from the stand itself.</p>

<p>Be prepared to pay in cash, as not all taxis accept card payments &ndash; though this is slowly changing. For a smooth experience, it&rsquo;s a good idea to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.</p>


<p>If you&rsquo;re staying longer or exploring more widely, consider the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en/tickets-fares/media/navigo-easy-travel-card">Navigo Easy Pass</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en/tickets-fares/media/navigo-decouverte-travel-card">Navigo D&eacute;couverte Pass</a>, two rechargeable smart cards that make accessing the transport network more convenient. The Navigo D&eacute;couverte Pass is especially popular with travelers staying for a week or more, as it offers unlimited weekly travel across all Paris zones for a fixed fee. The initial setup costs around &euro;5 for the card, plus a weekly (around &euro;30) or monthly fee, depending on your stay.</p>

<p>For shorter stays, the&nbsp;Paris Visite Pass&nbsp;is ideal, providing unlimited travel on all public transport for one, two, three, or five consecutive days. It&rsquo;s available in versions for central Paris (zones 1-3) and an expanded option for the &Icirc;le-de-France region (zones 1-5), which includes the airports and top sites like Versailles and Disneyland Paris. You can purchase a Paris Visite Pass at major stations, the airport, or through the Paris Metro app, and it works much like a contactless credit card &ndash; just tap and go!</p>


<h2>Tickets for public transportation in Paris</h2>

<p>Paris&rsquo;s public transport network uses a unified ticketing system, allowing you to seamlessly switch between the M&eacute;tro, buses, RER trains, and trams using a single ticket. The basic&nbsp;<strong>Ticket t+</strong>&nbsp;costs around &euro;2 and covers a single journey within central Paris, including unlimited transfers within the M&eacute;tro and RER systems for up to 90 minutes. These tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or staffed booths in stations, with machines offering language options in English, Spanish, and other languages.</p>

<p>For those planning to use public transport regularly, a&nbsp;<strong>Carnet</strong>&nbsp;of 10 single-use tickets (roughly &euro;16) provides a discount on individual fares, making it a budget-friendly choice for visitors who prefer flexibility. Carnets can be bought at stations and even some convenience stores, where you&rsquo;ll receive a small booklet of individual tickets that you can use at any time.</p>


<p>To check out Paris&rsquo;s impressive railway architecture within the calmer surroundings of an art gallery, head to the Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay, converted in the late 1980s.</p>

<p>Pretty much the same situation exists for the city&rsquo;s tram (streetcar) network. Denoted by lines beginning &lsquo;T&rsquo;, it mainly serves areas outside of the city center not reached by the otherwise extensive metro system and is a fun way to explore the outskirts if you have extra time.</p>


<h2>Trains and Trams</h2>

<p>Trains belonging to the RER suburban railway network are of limited interest to visitors looking at getting around Paris since they tend to serve the outer reaches of the city. Departing from mainline train stations, their lines are distinguishable from metro lines through the use of letters of the alphabet rather than numbers.</p>

<p>Useful lines include line A, linking Disneyland Paris in the east with Poissey in the west via the Grande Arche of the La D&eacute;fense district and the Gare de Lyon. Line C links the <em>rive gauche</em> with the Palace of Versailles. RER trains also connect to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.</p>


<p><strong>Things to note</strong></p>

<p>Buses have shorter operating hours than the metro. Most lines operate from 7:30AM until 8:30PM Monday &ndash; Saturday. Some operate until around midnight. An increasing number now run on Sundays and public holidays.</p>

<p>Buses won&rsquo;t automatically pull up at every stop &ndash; you&rsquo;ll need to raise your arm to alert the driver if you&#39;re waiting at a stop or press the button for the bell when on board.</p>

<p>You board from the front and depart from the middle doors on standard buses, or from any door on articulated (&lsquo;bendy&rsquo;) buses. You may need to press the door release button.</p>

<p>On entering, validate your ticket at the small yellow boxes. This will stamp the date and time onto it. Heavy fines are handed out for those who don&rsquo;t &ndash; tourists included.</p>


An important part of any visit to the French capital is transport. Find out the best ways of getting around Paris in this guide. Read more on the Go City® blog.

Getting Around Paris | Go City®

If you’d like to explore a bit of French history on your next trip to Paris, then a tour of a few of the region’s most unique chateaux could be just the thing.

France is full of historical castles—in various states of preservation and repair—that generations of visitors have come to enjoy.

Must-See Chateaux Near Paris

<p>Most visitors to Paris tend to think of monuments and museums when they think of cultural attractions, with names like the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Pantheon topping many people&rsquo;s must-do lists. However, many of the most exciting cultural attractions in Paris are actually found outside of the city limits. Check out a few of these popular chateaux near Paris to round out your cultural adventures. They&rsquo;re all open for tours and visitors, while some also serve as museums housing period collections and artefacts. Our highlighted French chateaux are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Versailles</li>
	<li>Saint-Germain-en-Laye</li>
	<li>Maisons-Laffitte</li>
	<li>Vincennes</li>
	<li>Champs-sur-Marne</li>
	<li>Pierrefonds</li>
	<li>Fontainebleau</li>
</ul>


<h3>Save on Admission to Paris Attractions</h3>

<p>Visit a few of these beautiful chateaux with the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Go Paris pass</a>. Pay just 95 Euro for the 48-hour Paris Museum Pass, which covers admission to more than 55 different museums, chateaux, and monuments in the broader Paris area. The <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris" target="_blank">Paris pass</a> also includes admission to tours, cruises, and other top Paris attractions to help you make the most of your weekend in the City of Lights.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Share Your Adventure with Us</h3>

<p>Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we&#39;ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!</p>

<h1>Let us help you plan your dream trip!</h1>

<p>Whether you&#39;re a seasoned visitor or a first-timer in Paris, we&#39;re here to help.&nbsp;<a href="https://parispass.com/en/trip-planning" target="_blank">Use our Trip planner tool&nbsp;</a>to build your own unique itinerary, with activities planned for each day and a route mapped out to help you get around. We&#39;ll even show you how much you can save on tickets to all of your chosen attractions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Save your itinerary to our app so you can have it to hand when you&#39;re out and about. Our handy filters help you narrow down your search, so you can use it to find all the must-see museums on our pass and add them to your bespoke itinerary. We wouldn&#39;t want you to miss out!</p>


<p>Without question the most famous royal residence in France, Versailles is the epitome of opulence and decadence. A visit here will sweep you back in time and inspire you to marvel at the grandeur and over-the-top extravagance of the court of Louis XIV. Tour the interior of this gilded masterpiece&mdash;we especially love the Hall of Mirrors&mdash;but leave time for the famous gardens as well. They set the standard for ornate botanical spaces that have continued to inspire landscape designers today.</p>


Versailles

<p>One of the oldest castles around Paris, this chateau dates from the twelfth century. Today it boasts a fine collection of archaeological objects from the Paleolithic era through to the medieval period (when the castle was built). The museum itself is modest in size, but the grounds are beautiful and expansive. You get a great view looking back to the city itself from the gardens and grounds&mdash;be sure to bring your camera!</p>


Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

<h2>Ch&acirc;teau de Maisons-Laffitte</h2>

<p>Designed by Francois Mansart in the early to mid-seventeenth century, this baroque marvel is a signature example of an important period in the history of French architecture. The castle is considered one of the most beautiful of its time and was known for luxury and extravagance. It once hosted a lavish party at which the young Louis XIV was in attendance&mdash;and he was so inspired by the beauty and grandeur of this chateau that he used some of the same sculptors and designers in the construction of Versailles!</p>


<p>This expansive fourteenth-century fortress is the epitome of all of your medieval fantasies in one place&mdash;there are sumptuous royal chambers, unscalable walls, protective towers, and even a grand moat. The castle itself served multiple purposes over the years but was originally designed for military function. It&rsquo;s easy to get to from Paris (via a quick train ride) and the guided tours are very popular.</p>


Château de Vincennes

<p>One of the newer chateaux outside of Paris, this fabulous castle was constructed in the early eighteenth century and exemplifies the trend in European pleasure houses. It&rsquo;s more of an ornate and expansive house than the medieval fortress-style of some of these other chateaux, but the gorgeous rococo d&eacute;cor is an attraction in and of itself. Inside you&rsquo;ll find nearly 100 pieces of furniture and material goods that decorated the house during its heyday. There are also some beautiful and elaborate gardens accompanying the main structure, designed by the man responsible for the gardens at Versailles.</p>


Château de Champs-sur-Marne

<p>Originally constructed in the medieval era but rebuilt in the nineteenth century by the famous architect Eug&egrave;ne Viollet-le- Duc, this chateau combines authentic fortifications and design with a nineteenth century imaginings of what medieval architecture could encompass. You&rsquo;ll find a sturdy, imposing exterior sheltering an elaborate, palatial interior. The views of the castle from the town of Pierrefonds are immediately striking, and we recommend snapping a few outside shots before entering to document the full effect.</p>


Château de Pierrefonds

<p>This extravagant and inspiring former royal residence dates back to the twelfth century&mdash;but you wouldn&rsquo;t know it from looking at it! The interior has been preserved and restored over the years to the point that it looks like it could have been built during the era of Louis XIV. Today it houses multiple museums and visitors can explore the ornate royal apartments. It&rsquo;s modeled on the Italian Renaissance style, so it&rsquo;s somewhat unlike other French chateaux. Take a day trip from Paris to see this beauty&mdash;we promise you won&rsquo;t regret it!</p>


Château de Fontainebleau

Most visitors to Paris tend to think of monuments and museums when they think of cultural attractions, with names like the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Pantheon topping many people’s must-do lists. However, many of the most exciting cultural attractions in Paris are actually found outside of the city limits. If you’d like to explore a bit of French history on your next trip to Paris, then a tour of a few of the region’s most unique chateaux could be just the thing.

Must-See Chateaux Near Paris | Go City®

Heading to Paris for the holidays and feeling festive? 

 Check out our list of the best Christmas markets in the city and make it a memorable trip!

Best Christmas Markets in Paris

  <p>It's the most wonderful time of the year! <em>Those</em> songs are playing on the radio again. An overabundance of red and white adorn every advert on TV. It can only mean one thing; Christmas. It's here. It's finally here! Time to dust off the box of decorations, and grit your teeth through another card to a long-hated neighbor. </p> <p>If you're visiting the magical city of Paris over the holidays, you might wonder what the Christmas market situation looks like. Which are the best, and where are they in the city? Don't worry; we've got you. Read on, and discover our picks of the best Christmas markets in Paris!</p> <p><strong>Including:</strong></p> <ul><li><strong>Montmartre Christmas Market</strong></li> <li><strong>Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market</strong></li> <li><strong>La Magie de Noël</strong></li> <li><strong>Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market</strong></li> <li><strong>Marché de Noel Notre Dame</strong></li> <li><strong>and more!</strong></li> </ul> <h3>Are Paris Christmas markets good?</h3> <p>While Paris may not have the same Christmas market pedigree compared to other cities, they're quickly catching up. Nowadays, you'll find a number of brilliant Christmas markets in Paris, with some focusing on fun, and others offering hearty meals and warm drinks. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Shutterstock_2064235895.jpg" alt="Image of Accessories, Boy, Child, Male, Person, " loading="lazy"><h3><a href="https://www.magiedenoel.be/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Magie de Noël</a></h3> <p><em>November - January</em></p> <p>'The Magic of Christmas' was once the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market. But it has only grown from those humble beginnings, now stretching the length of Tuileries Garden, between the Rue des Pyramides and Place de la Concord. Arguably Paris' biggest and most visited Christmas market, it offers a one-two punch of carnival rides and your usual market offerings. </p> <p>Visitors will find more than a dozen rides to enjoy, from merry Ferris wheels to bumper cars. So that's the kids taken care of. And you, if you're so inclined. For everything else, the market has a metric ton of food, mulled wine, Champagne, and stalls selling artisanal decorations, jewelry, and other Christmasy goods bound for a stocking or two. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Shutterstock_660699481.jpg" alt="Image of Festival, Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Person, " loading="lazy"><h3><a href="https://www.marche-de-noel-paris-notre-dame.fr/index.php?lang=fr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marché de Noel Notre Dame</a></h3> <p><em>December - January</em></p> <p>While the eponymous cathedral may still be under restoration following the 2019 fire, its Christmas market is still in full swing. While it may not boast the entertainment offerings you'll find on some of this list, it does provide plenty of upmarket gift-purchasing opportunities!</p> <p>Walk its stalls, and you'll find plenty of pricey gifts to give to your loved ones, from ornate homeware to bedazzling jewelry. You could even pick up some top-draw meat for the Christmas cook-up, if you're spending the holidays in the city.</p> <p>And, of course, you'll have plenty of opportunities to red the cheeks thanks to pots of steaming mulled wine. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a live performance to two. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Shutterstock_1264063276.jpg" alt="Image of Bazaar, Market, Shop, Person, Accessories, Bag, Handbag, City, Urban, Neighborhood, " loading="lazy"><h3><a href="https://www.sortiraparis.com/interests/shopping-fashion/articles/181464-montmartre-christmas-village-and-market-2022-100-made-in-france/lang/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Montmartre Christmas Market</a></h3> <p><em>November - December</em></p> <p>If you're looking for a smaller affair with fewer shoulders to brush past, head to stunning Montmartre, where you'll find a humbly delightful Christmas market where local artists, designers, and creators get to strut their stuff. </p> <p>Visitors will find it easy to navigate around the twenty-off stalls that call the market home, all surrounding a massive Christmas tree replete with multicolored lights. Grab a mulled wine to warm up, and take a wander around the food stalls to pick up some traditionally Parisian snacks. Then, pick up some unique scarves, toys, and other items created by local masters. </p> <p>Stocking fillers that sustain the local community? What could possibly be more Christmasy than that? </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Shutterstock_1856433481.jpg" alt="Image of Lighting, Urban, City, " loading="lazy"><h3><a href="https://www.sortiraparis.com/arts-culture/walks/articles/178774-christmas-village-and-market-2022-in-front-of-paris-city-hall/lang/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market</a></h3> <p><em>December - January</em></p> <p>If you like your Christmas tinged with a rustic theme, head to the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market, which is encased in Christmas trees adorned with lights and decorations. And that rustic feel trickles down to the market's offerings, too, with plenty of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and other sweet treats to guzzle down as you wander about.</p> <p>But really, the star of the show is Hôtel de Ville's light show, which bathes the surrounding buildings - and the market - with the warm glow of unmistakably Christmas colors. Under all that, kids can even get in on the fun, with carousels, and even Santa's workshop, where they can dream big. Inevitably, however, their dreams will be shattered when you fail to plant a unicorn under the tree. It's okay; they'll get over it. Eventually. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Shutterstock_778664179.jpg" alt="Image of Lighting, Hat, Cap, City, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Urban, " loading="lazy"><h3><a href="https://www.sortiraparis.com/arts-culture/walks/articles/46509-saint-germain-des-pres-christmas-market-2022-in-paris/lang/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market</a></h3> <p><em>December-January</em></p> <p>And now, we look to the stomping grounds of soccer behemoth PSG, where you'll find the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market. While oil may flow freely into the club's checkbook, the Christmas market is a more modest affair, with around 40 stalls offering plenty of stocking opportunities. </p> <p>From candles to ornaments for the home, to jewelry, bags, and unique keepsakes for your loved ones, there's plenty to purchase. And that's without mentioning the food and drink. Cakes, wines, Christmas liquors, and even caviar make an appearance every year. So, if you want to upgrade your tasting time, this might just be the best Christmas market in Paris!</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Shutterstock_157503014.jpg" alt="Image of Lighting, " loading="lazy"><h3><a href="https://xmasparisladefense.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Défense Marché de Noël</a></h3> <p><em>November - December</em></p> <p>Throwing their hat in the ring for the 'biggest Christmas market in Paris' is La Défense Marché de Noël, which expands some prior proceedings with over 200 stalls along La Défense Esplanade. Over a million people visit every year, and <em>that </em>many people can't be wrong. </p> <p>Along with the usual market affair of great food and piping-hot drinks, as well as plenty of stocking shopping opportunities, what makes La Défense Marché de Noël unique is the many stalls selling specialty items. One moment you could be looking at bespoke stuffed Santas, the next filing through antique artwork. It's a melting pot of oddities and absolutely deserves a visit at least once.</p> <p>All of this goodness is backed up by DJs spinning sweet Christmas songs all through the night. So, if you're in the area, why not give it a go? </p> <p>And that rounds out our list of the best Christmas markets in Paris! If you're in town for the holidays, why not make the most of your visit and see what else the city has to offer? Go City's got you covered. With our <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Explorer Pass</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All-Inclusive Pass</a>, you can see all of Paris' best bits for one low price! </p> 

Heading to Paris for the holidays and feeling festive? Check out our list of the best Christmas markets in the city and make it a memorable trip!

Best Christmas Markets in Paris | Go City®

Neighborhoods in Paris

  <p>Paris is a dense patchwork of 20 distinct neighborhoods, or <em>arrondissements</em>, all within the <em>périphérique</em> (ring road). Each arrondissement has its own identity and dedicated postcode (75001 for the 1st arrondissement, 75002 for the 2nd, and so on), to make it easier to discover at a glance where the hotel, attraction or other address you’re looking for is located. Hop aboard for our whistle-stop tour of all 20...</p> <h3><strong>1st Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/louvre-2.jpg" alt="Image of Pyramid, Person, Landmark, The Louvre, " loading="lazy"><p>Right in the heart of the action, the <em>premier</em> is home to a number of Paris’s big-ticket attractions, chief among these being <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre</a>. Stroll through the delightful Jardin des Tuileries with its tree-lined avenues, riverside views and graceful Rodin statues, and drop by the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/orangerie-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée de l’Orangerie</a> in its southwest corner to admire the fine collection of Impressionist art, including several of Monet’s famous <em>Water Lilies</em> murals. </p> <h3><strong>2nd Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/montor-2.jpg" alt="Image of Sign, Symbol, Road Sign, " loading="lazy"><p>Treasure hunters rejoice! Here’s where you’ll find many of <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/covered-passages-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Paris’s historic covered passages</a>, including Passages des Panoramas, the city’s oldest. Shop under beautiful glass canopies in these atmospheric 19th-century arcades, where you’ll discover all manner of antiques tucked away behind old-fashioned wooden storefronts, plus chic boutiques, cute cafés, well-stocked wine cellars and more. The sticky signature rum babas at <a href="https://stohrer.fr/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Stohrer, Paris’s oldest pâtisserie</a>, on the nearby Rue Montorgueil are also not to be missed.</p> <h3><strong>3rd</strong> <strong>Arrondissement</strong></h3> <p>The Haut Marais district’s quaint cobbled streets are lined with independent boutiques and several top museums, including the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-des-arts-et-metiers" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée des Arts et Métiers</a> and stunning <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/picasso-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée Picasso</a>, where you can view over 700 paintings and surreal sculptures by the Cubist master, including his <em>Self-Portrait</em> and <em>La Celestina</em>. Pause at the gift shop before strolling to the Marché des Enfants Rouges for some of the best street food in town.</p> <h3><strong>4th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_214721140-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Grass, Person, College, " loading="lazy"><p>Overlooking <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/notre-dame-archeological-crypt-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Notre-Dame Cathedral</a> from the Seine’s Right Bank, the Marais neighborhood’s maze of narrow streets is nothing short of enchanting. Take a picnic to the formal gardens in Place des Vosges and people-watch from beneath the linden trees, then wander the arcades that line this charming 16th-century square. Don’t miss the extraordinary modern art collection in the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/centre-pompidou" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Centre Pompidou</a>, or the equally exceptional ice cream at Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis, a tiny island in the middle of the Seine.</p> <h3><strong>5th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/pantheon-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Urban, Road, Street, Person, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, " loading="lazy"><p>Within the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, you’ll find a dazzling array of late-night bars and restaurants, sultry jazz clubs and Art Deco cinemas. Pay your respects to Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and the dozens of other French luminaries who are interred or commemorated in <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/pantheon" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the magnificent Panthéon</a>, buy a book at the semi-legendary English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company, and meet cute red pandas at the Ménagerie in the verdant Jardin des Plantes</p> <h3><strong>6th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_300113714-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Boat, Vehicle, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Water, Waterfront, Housing, Person, " loading="lazy"><p>Walk in the footsteps of the hundreds of artists and intellectuals who have called boho Saint-Germain-des-Prés home across the years, including Sartre, Picasso, Camus and Brecht. The 6th is also home to one of Paris’s finest parks: the Jardin du Luxembourg. Rent antique toy boats and sail them on the lake in front of the Palais de Luxembourg, smell the roses in the exquisite Italianate gardens or simply pull up a chair and watch the locals compete at the ancient game of pétanque.</p> <h3><strong>7th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/picnic-2.jpg" alt="Image of Fun, People, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Child, Female, Girl, Picnic, " loading="lazy"><p>Tick off some of the city’s biggest hitters in the 7th, where you can – deep breath – <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" rel="noopener" target="_blank">climb the Eiffel Tower</a> (or picnic beneath it on the lawns of the Champ de Mars), view the biggest collection of Impressionist art on the planet at <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-dorsay" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Musée d’Orsay</a>, stroll <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/rodin-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Musée Rodin</a>’s perfectly sculpted gardens and admire hundreds of years of indigineous art behind the foliage-covered facade of <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-quai-branly" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Musée du Quai Branly</a>.</p> <h3><strong>8th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_393592795-2.jpg" alt="Image of Food, Sweets, Medication, Pill, " loading="lazy"><p>Just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower is a luxury shopper’s paradise. The Champs Élysees is home to the largest Louis Vuitton store in the world, plus branches of Cartier, Chanel, Dior and more. Treat yourself to a colorful box of macarons from pastry master Pierre Hermé or the opulent Ladurée store, then use the subsequent sugar rush to power you up the 284 steps to <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/arc-de-triomphe" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Arc de Triomphe’s viewing platform</a>.</p> <h3><strong>9th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/garnier-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Indoors, Theater, Auditorium, Hall, " loading="lazy"><p>Noted for its beautiful Haussmannian architecture, the lively 9th arrondissement continues the shopping theme with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/galeries-lafayette-guided-heritage-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Galeries Lafayette</a> – worth a visit for its incredible stained-glass cupola and terrace views alone. Check out Musée Grévin, a 150-year-old wax museum inside the historic Passage Jouffroy arcade and take in a show at the flamboyant Opéra Garnier, an absolute must-visit for <em>Phantom of the Opera</em> fans.</p> <h3><strong>10th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/canal_shutterstock_490873141-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Path, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Sidewalk, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, Handbag, Grass, Park, Walking, Water, Waterfront, " loading="lazy"><p>Stroll the scenic Canal Saint-Martin, with its picturesque Venetian bridges, tree-lined cobblestone walkways, shaded quays and colorful street art. The 10th is also home to the busy Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Ést train stations, gateways to the likes of <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/parc-asterix" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Parc Astérix</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/palace-versailles" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Palace of Versailles</a>.</p> <h3><strong>11th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_153859343-2.jpg" alt="Image of Shop, Blackboard, " loading="lazy"><p>Place de la Bastille and its weekly markets make the largely residential 11th arrondissement worthy of your time. Head for the arts and crafts market on Saturdays, and visit the Marché Bastille on Thursdays and Sundays, where local producers showcase the finest foods the region has to offer.</p> <p><strong>12th Arrondissement</strong></p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/vincennes-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Pond, Water, Tree, Vegetation, " loading="lazy"><p>Also mostly residential, the 12th is notable primarily for the magnificent Opéra Bastille, as well as its proximity to the expansive Bois de Vincennes. Paris’s biggest public park, it boasts a chateau, a boating lake, a forest, an arboretum and a zoo among other things. </p> <h3><strong>13th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <p>Street art fans will find much to enjoy in the residential 13th arrondissement. Here, local artists use huge concrete high rises as their canvas, resulting in some spectacular and often huuuuge murals.</p> <h3><strong>14th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_129313214.jpg" alt="Image of " loading="lazy"><p>Twenty meters beneath the streets of the 14th, you can visit one of the city’s most macabre attractions. <a href="https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Paris Catacombs</a> contains a labyrinth of tunnels, with a bone-chilling ossuary that contains the mortal remains of some six million Parisians. A must-see, but most definitely not for the faint of heart.</p> <h3><strong>15th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <p>At the westernmost point of the Left Bank, the 15th offers some of the Paris’s finest views. Board <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/ballon-de-paris-generali" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Ballon de Paris Generali</a> in Parc André Citroën to rise 150 meters above the city, or whiz up to the 56th floor of <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/tour-montparnasse" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Montparnasse Tower</a> for uninterrupted views of its far more beautiful counterpart, the Eiffel Tower.</p> <h3><strong>16th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/bois-2.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Boat, Vehicle, Water, Waterfront, " loading="lazy"><p>There are enough specialty museums here to while away a day or more, the Palais de Tokyo with its excellent avant-garde art collection and the anthropological Musée de l'Homme to name but two. The 16th also adjoins the massive Bois de Boulogne park, where you can go boating, stroll through the woods to the Parc de Bagatelle botanical garden, explore the grotto and much more.</p> <h3><strong>17th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <p>Many consider this residential area to be the <em>real</em> Paris. Head to its charming Batignolles neighborhood for quirky bistros, boutiques and street markets, and pause to feed the ducks and play pétanque with the locals in leafy Batignolles Square. </p> <h3><strong>18th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/paris_mai-shutterstock_406831651-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Urban, City, Indoors, Restaurant, Person, Chair, Dining Table, " loading="lazy"><p>Take the funicular up to the Sacré Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre and soak up the atmosphere in cobbled streets and squares that have inspired artists from Modigliani to Picasso. It’s here you’ll find the Moulin Rouge cabaret with its iconic neon-red windmill, and the Place du Tertre, where local portrait painters ply their trade. Get yours done, then grab an ice cream and take in one of the city’s best views from the basilica steps. </p> <h3><strong>19th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <p>Green space abounds out in the 19th, where hilly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers some of Paris’s best views, as well as an Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, secret grotto and artificial waterfall. Nearby Parc de la Villette is a cultural mecca, home to the biggest science museum in Europe, an IMAX cinema, plus several music venues and theaters. Visit in summer for its open-air cinema and the temporary artificial beach at nearby Bassin de la Villette.</p> <h3><strong>20th Arrondissement</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1352677508-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Graveyard, Outdoors, " loading="lazy"><p>Last but by no means least, the 20th arrondissement boasts cool street art, independent boutiques and the second-biggest Chinatown in Paris. It’s also here that you’ll find the vast <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/scandals-love-affairs-pere-lachaise-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Père Lachaise Cemetery</a>. You could spend many hours wandering the cemetery’s wide avenues and visiting the ornate tombs and monuments where great artistic figures including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Sarah Bernhardt, Chopin and Édith Piaf are interred. </p> <h3>Save on things to do in Paris</h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityPass/">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Check out our guide to the 20 distinct neighborhoods (or arrondissements) in Paris.

Neighborhoods in Paris | Go City®

Thinking of a seasonal trip to Paris?

If you want to discover everything there is to know about Christmas in Paris, you’ve come to the right place!

What’s Christmas in Paris like?

  <p>Brightening the otherwise dark days of December, Christmas in Paris is an experience you won’t want to miss. It’s a time when the French capital very much lives up to its nickname of the City of Light, with central boulevards glowing with festive street illuminations and shop window displays.</p> <p>Christmas markets provide an alternative place for last minute gift-buying and a little indulgence of the culinary variety. Ice rinks pop up across the city for some additional winter fun, whilst many churches host hauntingly beautiful seasonal concerts.</p> <p>If you want to discover everything there is to know about Christmas in Paris, you’ve come to the right place!</p> <h2><strong>Let there be lights!</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_67900342%20edit.jpeg" alt="default alt tag" loading="lazy"><p>Forget the art nouveau stylings of the city’s metro system, with Christmas around the corner you’ll actually be eager to do battle with Paris’s legendary traffic jams from the window seat of one of its buses instead, in order to take in the wondrous festive lights after dark.</p> <p>Jump aboard bus route 80 to the École Militaire from Montmartre and your journey will take in the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Champs-Élysées and views of Faubourg St Honoré before crossing the River Seine at Pont de l’Alma to the Champ de Mars opposite<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> the Eiffel Tower</a>.</p> <p>To be even more certain of seeing its landmark attractions so elegantly lit, a<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/hop-on-hop-off-bus-tour-paris" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour</a> is another great option. They have the added bonus of most classic routes passing through the Place de la Concorde, where you’ll find one of the largest Christmas trees in Europe.</p> <p>The Jardin des Plantes botanic garden also gets in on the seasonal action with its annual Festivals of Lights. The 70 acre site is taken over by monumental yet intricately detailed lantern displays based around a different theme in nature each year.</p> <h2><strong>Delight in a range of shopping experiences</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_311228117%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Happy, Smile, Child, Female, Girl, Outdoors, Nature, Blonde, Hair, Glove, Coat, City, Adult, Male, Man, " loading="lazy"><p>The crowds may not descend onto the streets in a fervor of Christmas shopping like they once did, but Paris at Christmas remains one of the most exciting places to shop anywhere in the world.</p> <p>The broad avenues of the Champs-Élysées and Boulevard Haussmann take some beating. Their big department stores like Le Bon Marché, Au Printemps and Galeries Lafayette – whose central glass-domed multi-level atrium is also renowned for its Christmas tree – go all out on their streetside window displays.</p> <p>But the cobbled side streets of Montmartre are well worth exploring too, perhaps as part of a<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/montmartre-walking-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur walking tour</a>.</p> <p>Wherever you end up, you can be sure you’re never too far away from a Christmas market. Somewhere between 15 and 20 appear across the city each year, with stalls offering a blend of gift ideas, tree decorations and foods unavailable at any other time.</p> <p>If you’ve ever fancied sampling freshly-roasted chestnuts, warming mulled wine or France’s version of Yule Log – Bûche de Noël – you can do far worse than the market which takes over the Tuileries Garden beside<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/louvre-museum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> the Louvre</a>. Other enigmatic locations include the square outside Notre Dame Cathedral and Place des Abbesses in Montmartre.</p> <h2><strong>Ice rinks and funfairs</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_740098411%20edit.jpeg" alt="default alt tag" loading="lazy"><p>Christmas market visits aren’t the only activity to take place during December. Many of the city’s famed locations also become home to temporary ice rinks.</p> <p>Accessible whatever the weather is the indoor rink at the Grand Palais on the Champ de Mars, which is also one of the largest in Europe. Meanwhile, previous years have seen the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette and the viewing platform of the Grande Arche de la Défense match a turn on the ice with exquisite views over the city.</p> <p>Filling the gap between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the Musée des Arts Forains (Fairground Museum) in the Bercy neighborhood hosts the Festival du Merveilleux (Festival of Marvels).</p> <p>During this short window of opportunity visitors are able to ride their collection of vintage fairground attractions, some of which date back to the 1850s. The event is made all the more special by the appearance of magicians, dancers, puppeteers and musicians.</p> <p>When it comes to adrenaline, there’s only one place to head, and that’s the Christmassy makeover given to<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/parc-asterix" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Parc Asterix</a> on the outskirts of the city. As well as buckling up for a wild ride on the theme park’s roller coasters, there’s a whole host of special add-ons, from themed shows to indoor toboggan runs.</p> <h2><strong>Chocolate and carol concerts</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_51586831%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of Altar, Church, Prayer, Art, Cathedral, " loading="lazy"><p>Those who enjoy a slower pace won’t be disappointed with Christmas in Paris either. Although most outdoor café tables sit dejectedly in forgotten corners, Paris’s coffee houses are still a prime place to absorb the ambience of the city.</p> <p>So why not linger over a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a pastry at the Lindt café by the Paris Opera or at Carette’s on Place du Trocadero – two of our favorite places to spend an hour or two away from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside.</p> <p>Another place to escape the crowds are in Paris’s religious spaces. Its churches are decorated with nativity scenes from the start of Advent (four Sundays before Christmas Day) alongside a schedule of Christmas concerts.</p> <p>Tickets for those at the<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/sainte-chapelle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Church of Sainte-Chapelle</a> are well sought after given the combination of stirring sounds and the 16 massive stained-glass windows that dominate the chapel’s appearance. But churches including those in the Saint-Germain des Prés area and the American Church in Paris are popular alternatives with Parisians looking to get in the Christmas spirit whatever their religious leanings.</p> <h2><strong>Celebrating Christmas in Paris</strong></h2> <p>As a visitor, you’re not going to be disappointed by all the things to do in Paris at Christmas. A plethora of lights provide the necessary festive backdrop whether you’re keen to tick off the last of the gifts you need, take in the Christmas markets, grab a pair of ice skates or delight in a seasonal concert.</p> <p>At the same time, don’t forget about the landmark attractions that have made Paris a bucket list destination since before bucket lists even existed. Explore with<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Go City</a> and you can visit many of them whilst making great savings on admission compared to purchasing on the day, alongside other advantages including pre-payment – helping make your vacation budgeting all the easier!</p> 

Thinking of a seasonal trip to Paris? This post covers the detail of what there is to do at Christmas in Paris. Read more on the Go City® blog.

Christmas in Paris | Go City®

Discover all there is to do in Paris during the holidays.

Christmas and New Year celebrations make December a great time to visit Paris, check out our guide for all your need to know, and more!

Top things to do in Paris in December

  <p>Paris in December is sure to blow you away. The weather might be charitably described as on the chilly side – daytime temperatures range from 8°C down to 3°C. However, the mass of Christmas and New Year festivities will probably mean you won’t even realize.</p> <p>The beginning of December in Paris is relatively quiet when it comes to visit numbers too. So if you’ve ever wanted to wander down the snow-laden banks of the River Seine like in the movies or celebrate New Year in sight of the Eiffel Tower this is the month for you.</p> <p>Keep in mind that some planning is required to fully appreciate Paris in December. Some attractions close completely on Christmas Day, whilst others have reduced hours on December 24 and New Year’s Eve. If you have your heart set on a specific restaurant or cabaret show, it’s best to book well in advance.</p> <p>Here are just a few ideas on the top things to do in Paris in December.</p> <h2><strong>Absorb the festive atmosphere</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1282590121%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of Lighting, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, " loading="lazy"><p>The City of Light certainly lives up to its name with the arrival of December. Each <em>arrondissement</em> (district) takes great pride in showering the dark wintry streets in festive cheer.</p> <p>Decorative illuminations hang from street lights everywhere, and cover the well-clipped trees and many major buildings. Public squares as far and wide as the Place de la Concorde and Place Charles de Gaulle raise the stakes further with ever more impressive Christmas trees.</p> <p>With dusk settling over the city from around 5PM there’s plenty of time to take advantage of the free displays. A great way to round off a day of sightseeing is with the city’s fleet of<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/hop-on-hop-off-bus-tour-paris" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Hop-on Hop-off buses</a>. Alternatively, swap the grand boulevards for the waters of the Seine and take in the scene with a<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/bateaux-parisiens-seine-river-cruise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> river cruise</a>.</p> <p>Evening is – surprisingly perhaps – the best time of day to pass through the entrance gates of the Jardin des Plantes in December. That’s because France’s main botanic gardens become home to giant illuminated animal installations during its Festival of Lights. The result is a whimsical <em>Alice in Wonderland</em> trail that won’t fail to get you in the spirit of the season.</p> <h2><strong>Do a little last minute shopping</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_311228117%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Happy, Smile, Child, Female, Girl, Outdoors, Nature, Blonde, Hair, Glove, Coat, City, Adult, Male, Man, " loading="lazy"><p>One of the world’s top shopping destinations whatever the season, Paris in December sees the window displays of the shops along the city’s main boulevards filled with enticing gift ideas. It takes immense willpower to avoid the temptation to step inside the likes of Boulevard Haussmann’s Galeries Lafayette.</p> <p>Renowned for its Christmas displays, its already-impressive multi story glass-domed atrium becomes the centerpiece. Elsewhere, all the big names – from Le Bon Marché to BHV Marais – get in on the act.</p> <p>The wooden chalets of the French capital’s Christmas markets are also not to be missed. In addition to stalls with handmade arts and crafts, you’ll find plenty of souvenir decorations glinting beneath the fairy lights. If you start to feel the cold, opt for a glass of <em>vin chaud</em> (mulled wine) when tucking into a slice of <em>bûche de Noël</em> (yule log).</p> <p>Christmas markets can be found throughout Paris from the end of November, including outside Notre-Dame Cathedral, within the Tuileries Gardens and at the La Défense business district’s La Grande Arche. Hosting the region’s biggest Christmas village, it has around 300 different stalls to check out.</p> <h2><strong>Join in the seasonal events</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_51586831%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of Altar, Church, Prayer, Art, Cathedral, " loading="lazy"><p>The Tuileries Gardens hosts one of several family-friendly ice rinks that appear in December too. They may not have you pirouetting like an Olympic figure skater any time soon, but it’s hard not to smile whilst slipping and sliding on the ice.</p> <p>Another great rink can be found on the roof of Galeries Lafayette, from where there’s views across to the<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb"> Eiffel Tower</a>. On rainy days you need look no further than the Grand Palais exhibition hall. Becoming the world’s largest indoor ice rink, evening skating sessions are accompanied by live DJ sets.</p> <p>For shows that don’t – necessarily – require audience participation, head to one of Paris’s cabaret clubs. Often creating special Christmas shows, the most famous is the Moulin Rouge, facing fierce competition from the likes of the Paradis Latin and Lido de Paris.</p> <p>Should bow strings rather than feather boas be your thing, several churches have concerts in the run up to Christmas day. These include the churches of<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/sainte-chapelle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Sainte-Chappelle</a> and Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the seventh <em>arrondissement</em>’s Basilica of Saint-Clotilde.</p> <h2><strong>Bring in the New Year in style</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1575960451%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of " loading="lazy"><p>There is, of course, a second significant celebration held in December – New Year. In some respects, a Parisian New Year celebration is much more muted than those elsewhere in the world. There are midnight fireworks, though not from the Eiffel Tower as it is often imagined.</p> <p>Instead, the people of Paris tend to congregate on the Champs-Élysées – closed off to traffic – for live music and light displays at the Arc de Triomphe. First though, they are sure to have enjoyed a lavish New Years’ menu at one of the city’s top restaurants.</p> <p>Needless to say, you’ll need to book your table early if you want to do like the locals. Restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower are generally booked months in advance.</p> <h2><strong>Celebrate like an ancient Gaul at Parc Astérix</strong></h2> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/AST_0138%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Boy, Child, Male, Adult, Man, Female, Woman, People, Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, " loading="lazy"><p>Visitors who head to Paris in the winter months will usually find<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/parc-asterix" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Parc Astérix</a> firmly locked until the warmth of spring returns. Not so for the very last weeks of the year.</p> <p>The amusement park reopens its doors for the Christmas vacation period, to the delight of children of all ages. Thrill seekers can get their fill of roller coasters and water rides, with one of the largest number of any theme park in France.</p> <p>To make your time extra special, the park puts on four live shows for the Christmas period, alongside an ice rink, Christmas market and plenty of decorations in the style of the Astérix comic books.</p> <h2><strong>Ways to save in Paris in December</strong></h2> <p>The Christmas period goes hand in hand with spending sprees – don’t let that put you off visiting Paris in December. Not only are there plenty of special Christmas events and attractions, but also the ability to explore with<a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Go City</a> – saving on admission to many of Paris’s top landmarks and must-see sights.</p> 

Christmas and New Year celebrations make December a great time to visit Paris. Discover all there is to do in Paris in December in this post. Read more on the Go City® blog.

Paris in December | Go City®

Things to do in Paris for Pride Day

<p>Oh l&rsquo;amour! There&rsquo;s a reason Paris is known as the City of Love, what with all those romantic boulevards, cute sidewalk caf&eacute;s, handsome bridges, and swoonsome sunset strolls along the banks of the Seine. But love really comes to town in June, when the annual Pride festival &ndash; or <em>Quinzaine des Fiert&eacute;s</em> &ndash; kicks off. Two weeks of shows, parties, exhibitions and debates in support of the LGBTQ+ cause, the festival is a celebration of love, diversity and inclusion that takes in everything from drag performances to dance shows, sporting spectaculars, bingo nights, roller-skating events and, of course, the grand finale: a joyful parade (aka the <em>Marche des Fiert&eacute;s</em>) that snakes through the streets of Paris on the last Saturday of the month, drawing in up to 750,000 spectators and participants. Ooh la la! Dive in for our guide to all the best things to do in Paris on and around Pride Day.</p>

<h2>La Marche des Fiert&eacute;s</h2>


<p>There are around 50 LGBTQ+ events taking place in council and municipal buildings and other gay-friendly spaces around Paris during the fortnight that precedes the <em>Marche des Fiert&eacute;s</em>. Many of these are held in and around Le Marais, Paris&rsquo;s beautiful, atmospheric and storied gay district. French speakers can find a full program on <a href="https://www.gaypride.fr/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">the country&rsquo;s official Pride website.</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>But, as month-end approaches it&rsquo;s really all about the <em>Marche des Fiert&eacute;s</em>, Paris&rsquo;s vibrant Pride parade, which sees the city center explode in a riot of dancing, singing and laughter, all wrapped up in a simply enormous outpouring of love. The route usually begins at (or near) the <strong>Tour Montparnasse</strong>, which just happens to be the city&rsquo;s only skyscraper. Naturally, then, it&rsquo;s also home to Paris&rsquo;s highest observation platform &ndash; perfect if you want to watch the rainbow-colored parade from above.</p>


<p>There are passionate, rousing speeches from around 1PM before, at 2PM, the crowd commences its two-hour crawl to the Place de la R&eacute;publique, via Place de la Bastille. Spectators can expect to spot flamboyant floats, carnivalesque costumes, drag queens, stilt walkers, roller skaters, and more.</p>

<p>The conclusion of the Parade doesn&rsquo;t spell the end of Paris Pride. Far from it, in fact. The party continues until late in the evening, thanks to thrilling live music and wild drag performances on the main stage at <strong>Place de la R&eacute;publique</strong> (or sometimes Place de la Bastille, depending on the parade route).&nbsp;</p>

<p>And nor does it end there: lively street parties continue across Paris well into the wee small hours, and it&rsquo;s also a great (if somewhat busy) time to visit Paris&rsquo;s finest gay bars and clubs. Hit up <strong>the Marais district </strong>for some of the most popular in town, among them the legendary Caf&eacute; Cox, Le Cud Bar, Les Souffleurs, and La Perle.</p>

<h2>LGBTQ+ Art &amp; Culture</h2>


<p>We get it: massive, high-on-life crowds ain&rsquo;t everybody&rsquo;s cup of th&eacute;. So here&rsquo;s the good news: you don&rsquo;t need to join the end-of-June party to get a taste of Parisian LGBTQ+ culture. Try these for size instead:</p>

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>The Louvre:</strong> the largest (and most-visited) museum on the planet holds an extraordinary collection of gay art. We&rsquo;re talking Ancient Greek vases featuring eye-popping homoerotic illustrations, an 18th-century sculpture of the heroic gay couple from Virgil&rsquo;s Aeneid, several busts of Emperor Hadrian&rsquo;s plaything Antinous, and a number of pieces by Renaissance geniuses Michelangelo and da Vinci. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/blog/guide-to-the-louvre-museum-tips-for-visiting-discounts" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Top Louvre visiting tips here.</a></li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>P&egrave;re Lachaise Cemetery</strong>: not just an utterly beautiful cemetery, with broad, leafy boulevards flanked by gothic gravestones and monumental memorials, P&egrave;re Lachaise also just happens to be the final resting place of several&nbsp;gay icons of yore. Pay your respects at the graves of Oscar Wilde, &Eacute;dith Piaf and Maria Callas, as well as the tomb shared by Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas, and that of Jean-Jacques R&eacute;gis de Cambac&eacute;r&egrave;s, the Napoleonic nobleman considered by many to be the father of gay liberation.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Luminor H&ocirc;tel de Ville</strong>: this beloved Marais cinema is where it&rsquo;s at for the latest indie, arthouse and indeed blockbuster LGBTQ+ movies, especially during <em>Quinzaine des Fiert&eacute;s</em> and other Paris LGBTQ+ film festivals. <a href="http://www.luminor-hoteldeville.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Latest listings here.</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc"><strong>Les Mots &agrave; la Bouche</strong>: <a href="https://motsbouche.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">this Marais bookshop</a> has been a stalwart of the Paris gay scene since 1980, stocking the full gamut of LGBTQ+ literature from art books to comics and erotic novels.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Best of the Rest: Paris&rsquo;s Top Attractions</h2>


<p>Paris Pride sees many of the city&rsquo;s renowned landmarks light up in rainbow colors. Of course, the <strong>Eiffel Tower</strong> gets involved, beaming out its technicolor message of love and unity after dark throughout the <em>Quinzaine des Fiert&eacute;s</em>. Then there&rsquo;s the <strong>Arc de Triomphe</strong> and aforementioned Tour Montparnasse, as well as the countless local businesses &ndash; caf&eacute;s, boutiques, galleries &ndash; that brighten the streets with beautiful rainbow flags and bunting. Heck, even Disneyland Paris gets in on the act! Feel the love on a stroll along the Seine, learn to say &lsquo;I love you&rsquo; in 250 different languages at the wildly romantic-sounding <em>Mur Des Je t&rsquo;aime</em> (Wall of Love) in <strong>Montmartre</strong>, or take a day trip to one of the utterly swoonsome chateaux that are easily reached by train from the capital.</p>


<p>A Paris attraction pass from Go City can <strong>save you up to 50%</strong> when visiting multiple famous landmarks. There are over 100 attractions, tours and activities to choose from, including many mentioned in this guide. Here are just some of the highlights:</p>

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">A guided climb of the Eiffel Tower (a mere 674 steps up to the second level)</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Entry to the mighty Louvre Museum</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">A trip to the top of Tour Montparnasse, the only skyscraper in Paris</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Romantic Seine cruises (with or without Champagne)</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Guided walking tours that include LGBTQ+ mecca Le Marais, P&egrave;re Lachaise Cemetery, arty Montmartre, and a stroll around the favorite hotspots of fictional fashionista Emily Cooper, heroine of Netflix rom-com &lsquo;Emily in Paris&rsquo;.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">A fashion show at the iconic Galeries Lafayette</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Perfume- and macaron-making experiences</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Entry to the stunning Ch&acirc;teau Fontainebleau and Palace of Versailles</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">&hellip; and much, much more!</li>
</ul>

<p><strong><a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Find out more about the available pass types and get yours here.</a></strong></p>


Your guide to all things Pride in Paris, including the march, the street party and the City of Love's must-see attractions.

Things to do in Paris for Pride Day Parade Festival | Go City®

Paris Explorer Pass Vs The Paris Pass

<p>Paris is one of those places you absolutely must visit at least once. And probably twice, or more. But let&rsquo;s not mince words here: it can be eye-wateringly expensive, from those spicy city-center hotel prices to tourist-trap restaurants, cabaret tickets (even the cheap seats at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse ain&rsquo;t that cheap!), and entry to bucket-list <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/attractions">Paris attractions</a> like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Palace of Versailles. Not to mention the Arc de Triomphe, Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay, the exceptional Picasso and Rodin museums and, well, we could go on.</p>


<p>Go City&rsquo;s Paris Explorer Pass and <a href="https://parispass.com/en">Paris Pass</a> are two great ways of ticking off those must-see museums, monuments and more while saving money for those other most essential of Parisian pastimes (we&rsquo;re talking coffee, croissants, and caf&eacute; culture in general). But which is better value? And which will suit your Paris getaway best? We&rsquo;ve broken it down to help you decide which pass to go for. Savvy travelers, read on&hellip;</p>

<h2>Paris Explorer Pass Vs The Paris Pass</h2>


<p>Both passes include the option to visit some very popular Paris attractions, as well as a number of walking tours and other fun activities. But not all are available on both passes, so it&rsquo;s always worth checking the individual websites for the most up-to-date inclusions.</p>

<p>For example, at time of writing both passes include entry to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, but with slightly different experiences (e.g. elevator guided tour on Explorer; guided climb on The Paris Pass). You can visit the Rodin Museum or take a walking tour of the city&rsquo;s beautiful 19th-century shopping arcades with either pass, but you&rsquo;ll need a Paris Pass if you want to let your hair down at Parc Ast&eacute;rix or ogle the French Impressionist masterpieces in the Mus&eacute;e d&rsquo;Orsay, while the Explorer Pass is your key to unlocking the secrets of P&egrave;re Lachaise Cemetery or riding the Petit Train de Montmartre.</p>

<h2>In Brief&hellip;</h2>


<p>Still wondering which of the Paris Pass or Explorer Pass is for you? In short, <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/passes/explorer" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">the Explorer</a> is likely to be right if you&rsquo;re in town for a few days (or longer) and plan to intersperse a few bucket-list attractions with plenty of caf&eacute; culture and gentle strolls along the City of Light&rsquo;s broad boulevards and swoonsome canals.</p>

<p>Go for <a href="https://parispass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">The Paris Pass</a> if you&rsquo;re a sightseeing hurricane, and hope to squeeze as many major (and minor) attractions, tours and activities into your Paris break as you can.</p>

<h2>Want to Save Even More?</h2>


<p>While visiting Paris on a shoestring is near-impossible, money-saving <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris">Paris attraction passes</a> like the Paris Explorer and Paris Pass can really help take the edge off. But there are other ways to get more for your Euro. Check out our hints and tips on some of the most cost-effective (and free!) ways to have fun in Paris in the blogs below:</p>

<p><a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/blog/cheap-things-to-do-in-paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Cheap things to do in Paris</a></p>

<p><a href="https://parispass.com/en/blog/unique-affordable-dining-experiences-paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Unique and affordable Paris dining experiences</a></p>

<p><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/blog/best-markets-in-paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">The best markets in Paris</a></p>

<p><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/blog/best-walks-in-paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">The best walks in Paris</a></p>

<p><a href="https://parispass.com/en/blog/tourist-traps-in-paris" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Paris tourist traps to avoid</a></p>

<h2>Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Paris</h2>

<p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p>


<p>If you&rsquo;re planning a trip to Paris and hope to take in more than the tiniest handful of city tours, activities and attractions, we have just the thing for you. The Paris Explorer Pass and Paris Pass from Go City offer two simple but slightly differing options for saving money when visiting multiple Paris attractions, including big-ticket must-sees like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. For the most up-to-date information, prices and attraction inclusions, and to buy your pass, please visit the official websites:</p>

<p><a href="https://parispass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">The Paris Pass</a></p>

<p><a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/passes/explorer" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Paris Explorer Pass</a></p>

<h2>How the Passes Work to Save You Money</h2>


<p>A Go City Explorer Pass lets you choose <strong>how many attractions</strong> you want to visit when in town, while The Paris Pass lets you choose <strong>the number of consecutive calendar days </strong>in which to sightsee. In short, that means that the amount of money you save with the Explorer Pass will largely depend on standard entry prices at the attractions you choose to visit, while how much you save with The Paris Pass depends on the volume of tours, attractions and activities you can squeeze into your chosen number of days. Note that some of the most popular attractions on both passes require pre-booking.</p>

<h3>Paris Explorer Pass</h3>


<p><a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris/passes/explorer" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">The Paris Explorer Pass</a> includes your choice of several Paris tours, activities and attractions for one money-saving price. The pass comes in several options, from three-attraction choices up to seven. Once you&rsquo;ve bought your pass, you&rsquo;re then free to pick and choose from a selection of around 50 great things to see and do in and around Paris. You have 60 days from time of purchase to use your pass. Just show it at each attraction and you&rsquo;re in &ndash; no need to pay at the gate. Savvy savers can potentially save up to 50% by visiting a high number of big-ticket attractions like Parc Ast&eacute;rix, a macaron-making class at the iconic Galeries Lafayette, and the Ultimate Louvre Experience, which includes a guided tour of the grounds and skip-the-line entry to the museum.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>The Paris Pass</h3>


<p><a href="https://parispass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">The Paris Pass</a> includes admission to almost 100 attractions for your choice of two, three, four or six consecutive days. Choose attractions, tours and activities on the go from 80+ options and simply flash your pass at each one to get in. Because the value of The Paris Pass increases the more you use it and savings don&rsquo;t necessarily depend on visiting big-ticket attractions like the Eiffel Tower, you may well end up discovering some of the city&rsquo;s more charming smaller museums &ndash; the Orangerie, and others dedicated to the work of&nbsp; Rodin, Picasso, Dal&iacute; and Gustave Moreau being among some of the most polished gems in town. Your pass is activated the first time you use it and will expire after your chosen number of consecutive days have elapsed.</p>

<h2>What&rsquo;s Included on the Passes?</h2>


Which is best for you: The Paris Pass or Go City Explorer? Check out our expert guide to both of these money-saving sightseeing options.

Paris Explorer Pass Vs The Paris Pass | Better Value | Go City®

Things to do in Paris when it Rains

  <p>Paris is that rarest of creatures: a city that’s beautiful both inside <em>and</em> out. Sure, you came here to <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/blog/best-walks-in-paris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">stroll those swoonsome parks and b</a><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/blog/best-walks-in-paris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">oulevards</a> arm-in-arm with your beau (or belle), to hand feed each other fresh fruits and <em>fromages</em> from <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/blog/best-markets-in-paris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the famous street markets</a> and, of course, to pledge your undying love (and snap some selfies, natch) on the Pont des Arts. But there’ll be more than enough time for all that nonsense after it stops raining. In the meantime, don your most fashionable trenchcoat and ankle boots and dive into our guide to the best things to do in Paris when it rains, from world-class museums and galleries to chic shopping arcades, cozy cafés and subterranean mausoleums.</p> <h3><strong>The Best Rainy Day Museums and Galleries in Paris</strong></h3> <p>If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day in Paris, the extraordinary museums and galleries that pepper the city should be your first port of call. There are well in excess of 100 across the city’s 20 arrondissements and here, for your delectation, are some of the finest.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/louvre-2.jpg" alt="Image of Pyramid, Person, Landmark, The Louvre, " loading="lazy"><h4><strong>The Louvre</strong></h4> <p>This one needs no introduction, but we’re going to give it one anyway. With somewhere in the region of eight million annual visitors, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/louvre-ultimate-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre</a> is the world’s most-visited museum. Unsurprising, perhaps, when you consider that it just happens to contain the <em>Venus de Milo</em> and da Vinci’s <em>Mona Lisa</em>, alongside many other priceless treasures; a collection that charts the whole history of humanity’s artistic endeavors. It’s the kind of place you can easily spend an entire day (indeed, it’s estimated that it would take 200 days to view all the art on display), so shake off your umbrella and settle in for the long haul.</p> <h4><strong>Musée d’Orsay</strong></h4> <p>Just across the Seine, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/bridges-paris-tour-musee-dorsay-entry" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée d’Orsay</a>’s relatively compact size makes it a little more manageable for the casual art enthusiast. Step through the doors of this stunningly converted Beaux-Arts railway station for the planet’s largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. We’re talking pieces by many of the movement’s masters: Monet, Manet, Renoir, Rodin, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Degas, Gaugin... the list goes on and on.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_459282892-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor, Glass, Red Wine, Wine, Bottle, Wine Bottle, " loading="lazy"><h4><strong>Musée du Vin</strong></h4> <p>You might think you’ve died and gone to the grape beyond at the intoxicating Musée du Vin, where atmospheric vaulted cellars set the perfect scene for a glass of the good stuff. Discover the history of Champagne- and wine-making in these subterranean limestone caves, once used by the Order of Minim friars in the 15th Century, before sampling the delicious spoils of the museum’s own vineyard.</p> <h4><strong>Musée National Gustave Moreau</strong></h4> <p>This one’s a cracker, especially if you’ve just dragged yourself in from the rain-soaked streets with zero prior knowledge of what to expect. Spoiler alert: it’s not like the other museums. The former Moreau family home, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/gustave-moreau-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this eye-popping extravaganza of 19th-century Symbolist art</a> is dedicated to the life and works of Gustave Moreau, known for his somewhat trippy compositions featuring mythical creatures, otherworldly flora and hallucinatory hellscapes. Printed guides containing often rambling commentaries from the man himself, as well as a quite spectacular spiral staircase, add to the disorienting nature of the place.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Gustav%20Moreau%20Museum%202.jpg" alt="Image of Indoors, Museum, Sword, Person, Hardwood, Wood, Interior Design, " loading="lazy"><h4><strong>Musée Édith Piaf</strong></h4> <p>You’ll regret <em>rien</em> about a trip to the fascinating Musée Édith Piaf, a tiny apartment in the 20th arrondissement that was once home to the legendary Parisian chanteuse. The carefully curated collection of Piaf’s personal belongings here includes photographs, fan mail, platinum records and her famous black dress. Tours are by appointment only. Afterwards, brave the rain to visit the Little Sparrow’s final resting place in nearby Père Lachaise Cemetery.</p> <p><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/blog/best-art-galleries-in-paris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Check out our full guide to the best museums and galleries in Paris here.</a></p> <h3><strong>Rainy Day Shopping</strong></h3> <p>And, if museums don’t float your rainy-day boat, perhaps Paris’s legendary opportunities for retail therapy will. There’s everything from luxury mega-malls to grab-a-bargain flea markets and highbrow bookstores to keep the incurable shopaholic entertained, and these three are absolute wet-weather must-dos...</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_3176178_0.jpg" alt="Image of Lighting, Indoors, " loading="lazy"><h4><strong>Galeries Lafayette Haussmann</strong></h4> <p>A trip to the iconic <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/galeries-lafayette-guided-heritage-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Galeries Lafayette Haussmann</a> can feel more like a religious experience than a mere shopping trip, thanks to its ornate galleries, five-story atrium and soaring glass-and-steel cupola. A cathedral to capitalism, it houses an A to Z of household-name and designer brands; 65,000 square meters of retail space that runs the gamut from Armani to Zadig &amp; Voltaire, punctuated by bistros, cafés, salons and more. Once you’ve shopped til you’re (nearly) ready to drop, hit up the roof terrace (with your just-bought Prada <em>parapluie</em>, natch) for restorative widescreen views across Paris. Pro-tip: Galeries Lafayette also runs a variety of achingly Parisian add-on experiences including <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/fashion-show-galeries-lafayette" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a catwalk fashion show</a> and a <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/macaron-pastry-class-galeries-lafayette" rel="noopener" target="_blank">macaron-making class</a>. Booking is essential.</p> <h4><strong>Undercover Shopping</strong></h4> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/4rouessous1parapluie-passage%20Jouffroy%20-Photot%C3%A8que%20PI-%E2%92%B8Marc%20Bertrand%20edit.jpg" alt="Image of Shop, Shopping Mall, City, Book, Publication, Urban, Person, " loading="lazy"><p>Tailor-made for rainy days, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/covered-passages-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Paris’s covered shopping arcades</a> are an atmospheric throwback to more gentile times. Stroll beneath stained-glass ceilings, browse old-school wood-fronted stores and admire intricate mosaic tiling, ornate stucco clocks, and iron-and-glass domes and canopies in these masterclasses of 19th-century architecture. There are 20 or so of these elegant covered passages to explore around the 1st-9th arrondissements, each promising a tempting variety of bakeries and bistros, plus any number of chic boutiques, antique emporia, watchmakers, jewelers and bookstores, where great stacks of antiquarian books pile precipitously in corners and defy gravity on groaning, overstocked shelves.</p> <h4><strong>A Bonanza for Bookworms</strong></h4> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_47585845-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Book, Publication, Person, Reading, Adult, Female, Woman, Indoors, Library, Shop, Scarf, " loading="lazy"><p>If ye delightful olde Librairie du Passage bookstore in Passage du Jouffroy has whet your appetite for yet more bookish pursuits, you’re in luck! Paris is an absolute mecca for book lovers, not least in the storied streets of its characterful Latin Quarter, a bohemian enclave on the Seine’s left bank once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce and other such literary luminaries. Sit out the wet weather devouring a classic in one of the district’s hip café bars, popping out between showers to bag some more books in the semi-legendary treasure trove that is English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company. Or wander down the Seine to find the Bouquinistes of Paris: a veritable army of booksellers that line the left bank, offering up a smorgasbord of antiquarian tomes, literary classics, childrens’ books, poetry, graphic novels, pulp fiction, art and more.</p> <h3><strong>And That’s Not All...</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/adrien-bruneau-UdiNfm-UdCw-unsplash-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Vehicle, " loading="lazy"><p>No need to let a little rain dampen your sightseeing spirits. A <a href="https://2cvparistour.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Citroën 2CV</a> tour is a great way to take in the city sights without necessarily setting a foot outdoors. Fun rain or shine, these whistlestop tours take in all the major landmarks and can cram in as many as three passengers at a time. Take the edge off any potential discomfort by booking one of the champagne packages.</p> <p>Or dodge the downpours by heading underground into the secret city that is the Paris Catacombs – a vast network of bone-chilling tunnels, passageways, sewers and secret chambers. This epic labyrinthine ossuary contains the mortal remains of some six million Parisians, relocated here from overflowing Paris cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries. So perhaps not one for a first date.</p> <p>If all else fails, simply do as the Parisians do when it rains: find a cute streetside café, order a croissant and a café crème and find yourself a prime seat for people-watching by the windows – at least until they fog up. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_699033019-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Indoors, Restaurant, Cafe, Cafeteria, Person, Brunch, Food, " loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Save on rainy day activities in Paris</strong></h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Our expert guide to the best things to do in Paris when it rains, including shopping at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Impressionist art at the Musée d'Orsay and the chilling (but mostly dry) Paris catacombs.

Things to do in Paris when it Rains | Go City®

This Black Friday win a helicopter tour over Paris and Versailles, plus lunch at the Eiffel Tower 

  <h2>Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended.</h2> <h3><strong>Win a helicopter tour across Paris and lunch at the Eiffel Tower</strong></h3> <p>An amazing opportunity to see the city of lights from its sunny skies and indulge in some classic Parisian cuisine. The lucky winner plus one guest will board a six-passenger Airbus H135 helicopter and take a 25-minute ride across the capital, taking in views of Parc des Princes, Bois de Boulogne, the Longchamp hippodrome, the Saint-Cloud park Château de Versailles and the Roi Soleil’s gardens. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/paris%20hellicopter.jpg" alt="Image of Aircraft, Helicopter, Vehicle, Person, " loading="lazy"> <p>You’ll touch down just behind Versailles at Saint-Cyr l’Ecole, where you’ll be served drinks while your knowledgeable pilot gives you an intro into the world of aviation. They’ll explain exactly how the chopper works and you’ll even get the chance to explore other scenic destinations through an immersive VR headset! </p> <p>Your return journey back to Paris is equally breath-taking – be sure to watch out for La Defense quarter, bridges over the Seine, Trocadero, Tour Montparnasse and of course a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/paris%20view.jpg" alt="Image of Building, Cityscape, Urban, Outdoors, Nature, River, Water, Aerial View, " loading="lazy"> <p>When the adrenaline settles, you’ll head to Madame Brasserie on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, for a beautiful Parisian lunch with views over Place du Trocadéro and Bois de Boulogne Forest. With two Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx at the helm, you are in for something special - this is seasonal French fare at its very best. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/madame%20brasserie%20view.jpg" alt="Image of Chair, Furniture, Indoors, Lounge, Dining Table, Table, Cityscape, Urban, " loading="lazy"><h3><strong>How to enter </strong></h3> <p>For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our Paris passes between <strong>9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022</strong>. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy!</p> <p>If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox.</p> <p><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/terms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions</strong></a></p> 

This Black Friday, be in with a chance of winning a helicopter tour across Paris, plus lunch at Madame Brasserie on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower!

Win a helicopter tour across Paris and lunch at the Eiffel Tower | Go City®

Best Day Trips from Paris

  <p>Ah, Paris - the city of lights, lovers and croissant-quaffing people watchers. With broad, elegant avenues lined with cafes and haute-couture, quiet cobbled lanes with tucked-away patisseries and broad, sweeping views from tower to triumphal arch and back again. It’s so packed full of museums, palaces and churches there’s enough to keep even the most determined tourist busy for a lifetime - but with its crowds and bustle it can also be nice to escape. Fortunately, there is almost as much to explore in the regions around Paris as there is within it, whether you prefer a cool, countryside excursion, a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous or need to entertain the family for a day. Here is our list of the best Paris day trip ideas, all within a couple of hours of the city:</p> <ul><li>The Palace of Versailles</li> <li>Disneyland Paris</li> <li>Chateau Fontainebleau</li> <li>Parc Asterix</li> <li>Monet’s Garden at Giverny</li> <li>The Champagne Region</li> <li>Abbaye Royale de Chaalis</li> </ul><h3>The Palace of Versailles</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Versailles_body%20image.jpg" alt="Image of Chandelier, Lamp, Person, Indoors, " loading="lazy"> <p>For opulence and splendor, there is no better day trip from Paris than the chateau at <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/palace-versailles" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Versailles">Versailles</a>. Originally a hunting lodge favored by Louis XIII in the 17th century, the building was renovated and expanded by his son Louis XIV into the impressively vast baroque spectacle it is today. Visitors can explore several hectares of the estate grounds, discovering immaculately symmetrical formal gardens, hidden statuary, waterfalls, ponds and fountains, or visit the expansive state rooms of the Sun King, incorporating the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Gallery of Great Battles. For art lovers, the palace contains a collection of over 60,000 pieces, but if that’s all too much then the nearby village of the same name has some pleasant local markets and cafes.</p> <h3>Disneyland Paris</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/N017906%20Indiana%20Jones%20and%20the%20Temple%20of%20Peril%20%C2%A9Disney.jpg" alt="Image of Summer, Tree, Palm Tree, Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Vegetation, " loading="lazy"> <p>Just under an hour from the city, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/disneyland-paris-1-day-1-park-ticket" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Disneyland Paris">Disneyland</a> is Paris’ most famous attraction for the young - or young at heart! All the magic of childhood comes alive as you explore fantastical lands from pirate ships to the wild west and have your photo taken with your favorite characters. Adventurous park goers can try the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that inspired the movie, get lost in Alice’s Labyrinth or spy on a Star Destroyer in the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. If you’re a Marvel fan you can get up close and personal with your heroes at the Avenger’s Campus, or take in views of the whole park on a <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/panoramagique" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Panoramagic">Panoramagic</a> balloon ride. There are also plenty of restaurants and child-friendly zones so it’s easy to keep the whole family busy for the day. To get the most from your time, purchase a Fast Pass to skip the lines, or use the park’s app to watch the queue lengths in real time!</p> <h3>Château Fontainebleau </h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Fontainbleau%20body%20image.jpg" alt="Image of Building, Castle, Fortress, " loading="lazy"> <p>If you fancy a peek into the past lives of Parisian aristocracy but the prospect of navigating the vast halls and gardens of Versailles feels a bit overwhelming, try the smaller but just as pretty chateau at <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/chateau-fontainebleau" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Fontainebleau">Fontainebleau</a>, located 90 minutes southeast of the city (or 40 minutes on a fast train). A residence of French Kings and Queens for several hundred years, it was added to and expanded by each one - most recently by the emperor Napoleon - so that today’s palace is an eclectic assortment of architectural styles and tastes. Sitting in a 130-hectare estate, guests can marvel at the famous Horseshoe Staircase, Marie-Antionette’s Silver Boudoir and Napoleon’s Throne Room, where items including his sword and famous bicorn hat are on display.</p> <h3>Parc Astérix</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Parc-Ast%C3%A9rix-Obelix-attractions-Zeux-Goudurix-Dauphin-l%C3%A9gionnaire-romain-_-630x405-_-%C2%A9-Parc-Ast%C3%A9rix.jpg" alt="Image of Amusement Park, Fun, " loading="lazy"> <p>Just an hour’s drive north of the city is <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/parc-asterix" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Parc Asterix">Parc Astérix</a>, an adrenaline-fueling action theme park inspired by the comic book character Asterix and his sidekick Obelix. Guests can follow in the footsteps of the famous heroes as they travel back in time to the ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece, Egypt and even the vikings, enjoying themed rides, rollercoasters and restaurants as they go. Though less famous than its Disney counterpart, Parc Astérix has plenty to offer for a full day out and will satisfy children, history buffs and thrill seekers alike.</p> <h3>Monet’s Gardens at Giverny</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/Monet's%20Garden%20body%20image.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Pond, Water, Tree, Garden, Land, Grass, Park, Vegetation, " loading="lazy"> <p>If you need a quieter escape, one of the best day trips from Paris is a visit to Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny, which were home to the artist for more than forty years of his life. An hour and a quarter from the city and open every day from April to November, visitors can bask in the colors of the walled flower garden or reflect by the Japanese pools, wonderful at any time of year but especially in July and August when the water is thronged with the water lilies that famously inspired so many of his paintings. Monet’s gardens are a perfect day trip for art and garden lovers, and fans of modern architecture can easily add a visit to the sleek and modernist <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/villa-savoye" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Villa Savoye">Villa Savoye</a> on the way.</p> <h3>The Champagne Region</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/champagne%20body%20image.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Countryside, Rural, Farm, Alcohol, Beverage, Vineyard, Wine Tour, Adult, Male, Man, Person, " loading="lazy"> <p> Bring out your bubbly side in the home of the world’s most famous sparkling wine. If you have a car, spend an afternoon meandering around the hills and vineyards surrounding Epernay, admiring the views and stopping at cellar doors as you go. If you don’t, take an easy train ride to the capital Reims, where many of the famous Champagne houses (Moet, Pommery and Bollinger to name a few) offer guided tours and tastings in their underground champagne caves. Finish the day with a visit to its historic cathedral, site of the coronation of many French kings and queens, including that of Edward VII in the presence of Joan of Arc.</p> <h3>Abbaye Royale De Chaalis</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/abbaye%20de%20chaalis%20body%20image.jpg" alt="Image of Grass, Monastery, Arch, Gothic Arch, Person, Spire, Tower, Lawn, " loading="lazy"> <p>If you’re looking for some French culture beyond the capital, but can’t decide between a <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/conde-museum-chateau-de-chantilly" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Chateau de Chantilly">castle</a>, an abbey or a garden, the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/abbaye-royale-de-chaalis">Abbaye Royale de Chaalis</a> may just tick all your boxes. At just over an hour’s drive it’s an easy day trip from Paris, but the romantic and peaceful setting will make you feel as though you’ve left the city far behind and wandered deep into provincial France. As well as the atmospheric abbey ruin and enchanting rose garden, there’s a castle which has been converted into a museum and holds over 600 pieces including works by Giotto, Houdon and Boucher. If you’ve got time leftover, you can also include a stop at the Condé Museum in the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/conde-museum-chateau-de-chantilly">Château de Chantilly</a> nearby.</p> <h3>Save on things to do around Paris</h3> <p>There are so many things to do in Paris, but if you need an escape there are plenty of nearby places to visit as well. Get the best value with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Go City - Paris">Go City</a>, which gives you substantial savings on over 80 attractions within and around this beautiful and wondrous city.</p> 

Escape from Paris to a chateau, a theme park or art lover's garden with these fun and fascinating day trip ideas from Go City.

5 Days in Paris

  <p>Packed with world-class museums, verdant parks, superb shopping and household-name attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral, it’s no surprise that Paris is one of the world’s most-visited cities. </p> <p>5 days in Paris gives you just enough time to scratch the surface of this wonderful city, ticking off its top attractions and experiencing a flavor of its arty neighborhoods and exquisite café culture. The sheer number of things to see and do around the city can make it difficult to know where to start though, so check out our suggested 5-day Paris itinerary below for inspiration. </p> <h3><strong>Day 1: Bucket List Bonanza</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_260133965-2-2-2.jpg"><p>Everyone knows you haven’t really arrived in Paris until you’ve snapped a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower, our first port of call on this, your whirlwind romance with the City of Love. There are a number of ways to experience the Tower: you can <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" rel="noopener" target="_blank">climb the 674 stairs</a> or <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/eiffel-tower-elevator-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">take the glass elevator</a> to the viewing platform on the second floor, 115 meters up. Or you can whiz all the way to the very top where, 276 meters above terra firma, a champagne bar awaits to help steady your nerves. Alternatively, dodge the queues and take in fantastic views of The Iron Lady from a number of nearby vantage points, such as the Champs de Mars park directly underneath, or through the majestic Fountain of Warsaw’s sky-high water jets in the Jardins du Trocadéro just across the Seine.</p> <p>Make your way to the nearby <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/arc-de-triomphe" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Arc de Triomphe</a> where you can pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and laugh in the face of the meager 284 steps required to reach the viewing platform up top.</p> <p>Board a <em>bateau</em> at dusk for a more relaxed way to sightsee, on <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/bateaux-parisiens-seine-river-cruise" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a gentle Seine cruise</a>. No time of day in Paris is more magical than when the skies begin to darken and the City of Light comes thrillingly to life, with the illumination of glorious riverside landmarks including the Louvre, Grand Palais and <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/notre-dame-archeological-crypt-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Notre-Dame Cathedral</a>.</p> <h3><strong>Day 2: Latin Quarter and Musée d’Orsay</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/orsay-shutterstock_614668211-2-2-2.jpg"><p>Unless you’re absolutely art mad, a five-day trip to Paris will likely only take in one of The Big Two (that’s <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre</a> and Musée d’Orsay to you and me). Perched on the Left Bank in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-dorsay" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Musée d’Orsay</a> is smaller, more easily navigable and generally less crowded than its famous sibling with the glass pyramid that lies just across the river. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with artists including Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Toulous-Lautrec, Degas, Gauguin <em>et al</em> very well represented here. Go for the fine art and stay for the fifth-floor café's huge station-clock window and its exhilarating views over the Seine to the Louvre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.</p> <p>From Musée d’Orsay it’s a short stroll east along the riverfront to where the Paris <em>bouquinistes</em> ply their trade from stalls packed with second-hand books of all kinds, from antiquarian atlases to graphic novels. Here, in the boho Latin Quarter, stroll the narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, and pause at one of the cute sidewalk cafés for coffee and pastries before paying homage to Rousseau, Voltaire, Louis Braille, Marie Curie and the dozens of other Gallic greats interred beneath <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/pantheon" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Panthéon</a>’s impressive dome.</p> <h3><strong>Day 3: Picnic in the park</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/picnic-2.jpg"><p>Paris is made for picnicking. From the sweeping, manicured lawns of the Champs de Mars by the Eiffel Tower to the secluded hills and wooded valleys of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont on the edge of town, there’s a lunch spot to suit all tastes.</p> <p>Step one: pick up your picnic. You’ll want crusty bread, a selection of cheeses and fruits and, why not, a cheeky bottle of French wine as a bare minimum. Sure, you could get all of this in a standard supermarché. But where's the fun in that? Instead, guarantee a knock-it-out-the-park <em>pique-nique</em> you’ll never forget by heading to one of the city's market streets and stuffing your hamper with delicious, fresh gourmet goodies. </p> <p>Straddling the 1st and 2nd arrondissements on the Right Bank, Rue Montorgueil will make all your foodie dreams come true, and is also home to <a href="https://stohrer.fr/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the oldest pâtisserie in town</a>, where signature sticky rum babas are guaranteed to make your tastebuds sing. Across the river in the Latin Quarter, Rue Mouffetard is a picturesque place to pick up a picnic from the many bustling stalls and stores that line its cobbles.</p> <p>Suitably stocked up, all you need to do now is pick a park for your leisurely lunch. For feet-up-by-the lake tranquility, formal gardens and sculptures by Rodin, Mailliol and more, head for Jardin des Tuileries by the Louvre. Or, for a spot of old-fashioned Parisian people-watching, the gardens of 17th-century Place des Vosges in the Marais are hard to beat. Meanwhile, out on the opposite edges of town, Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, the city’s largest public parks, offer relative seclusion and room to roam amid chateaux, boating lakes, botanical gardens, grottoes and more.</p> <h3><strong>Day 4: Montmartre</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1295252581-2-2-2.jpg"><p>One of Paris’s ‘must-sees’, the Montmartre <em>butte</em> is the highest point in the city, with the flamboyant <a href="https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sacré-Cœur Basilica</a> perched on top, and some of the best views in town. Wander the cobbled streets and you’ll soon discover why this atmospheric part of Paris has inspired so many artists down the centuries. You can view the work of many of them – Manet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Miró – at the excellent <a href="https://museedemontmartre.fr/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée de Montmartre</a>, a 17th-century mansion with tranquil gardens that were immortalized in art by Renoir, a former resident.</p> <p>Grab a coffee and pastry at the Café des Deux Moulins, made famous from its starring role in the movie <em>Amélie</em>. Have your portrait painted by local artists in the picture-perfect Place du Tertre, just behind the basilica. Grab a snap of <a href="http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Moulin Rouge</a>’s iconic red windmill. And head to the wildly romantic-sounding <em>le mur des je t’aime</em> for a souvenir selfie of your time in the City of Love. Featuring the phrase ‘I love you’ in 250 languages, this ‘wall of love’ is a permanent art installation made from hundreds of enameled lava tiles.</p> <h3><strong>Day 5: A Spot of Souvenir-Shopping</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_393592795-2.jpg"><p>Make your last day in Paris as special as the first, with some leisurely souvenir-shopping in and around the Marais district, with its cobbled lanes, independent boutiques, cute pâtisseries and <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/covered-passages-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">historic 19th-century arcades</a> nearby.</p> <p>Step back in time to Belle-Époque Paris in the wonderfully whimsical <em>Passages Couverts</em>, a series of 18th and 19th-century shopping arcades with narrow walkways, glass-and-iron roofs and old-fashioned storefronts. You’ll find two of the best in the 2nd arrondissement, neighboring the Marais. Neo-classical Galerie Vivienne has intricate mosaic floors and an elegant glass dome that sits atop a rotunda decorated with nymphs and goddesses. Nearby Passage Choiseul is the longest covered passage in Paris and a registered historical monument. Expect chic fashion boutiques, wine cellars, jewelers, antiquarian bookstores and an old-school Paris vibe inside both.</p> <p>The gift shop just around the corner from the Marais' marvelous <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/picasso-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée National Picasso-Paris</a> merits a visit in its own right, with tasteful Picasso-inspired homeware, art prints, pottery, bags and much more on offer. And it would be remiss to go home without a pretty box of macarons, that colorful meringue-based confection so beloved of Parisians. You’ll find these in any Marais pâtisserie worth its salt. But this is Paris, darling, so treat yourself by splashing out on some of the poshest in town from French pastry master Pierre Hermé.</p> <h3><strong>Save on top attractions during your 5 days in Paris</strong></h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityOfficial/">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

How to spend 5 days in Paris, from the Eiffel Tower and Musée d'Orsay to souvenir-shopping and picnics in the park.

5 Days in Paris | Go City®

Week in Paris

  <p>Planning a holiday in Paris? First off: lucky you! Secondly, although a week may seem like a lot for a city break, there’s just so much to see and do in Paris that, in fact, seven days is just about the right length of time needed to see the sights and fall in love with the place. Remember that time spent traveling between and queueing for some of the more popular attractions adds up. So, decide which are your must-sees, remember that skip the line tickets are your friend and dive into our suggested itinerary for a week in the City of Love.</p> <h3><strong>Day 1: Seeing the Sights</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_95373451-2.jpg" alt="Image of Arc De Triomphe, Landmark, Person, Car, " loading="lazy"><p>Start your break with a bang by ticking off some of the biggest hitters in town. A trip up the Eiffel Tower is essential on any visit to Paris and, with a whole week to spare, you really have no excuse not to. <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Climb the steps</a> (all 674 of them!) to the second floor for one of the world’s most unforgettable workouts, or take it easy and <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/eiffel-tower-elevator-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cruise up in the great glass elevator.</a> </p> <p>Afterwards, head across elegant Pont d'Iéna to <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71144/Jardins-du-Trocadero" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Jardins du Trocadéro</a> with their eye-catching fountain display, then onwards to <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/arc-de-triomphe" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Arc de Triomphe</a>, where committed climbers can again take the stairs to the viewing platform up top – 284 this time, fact fans. From here, the view along the Champs-Élysées, with the Luxor Obelisk, Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre’s glass pyramid all perfectly aligned is nothing short of remarkable.</p> <h3><strong>Day 2: Art and Culture</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_495973525.jpg" alt="Image of Clock Tower, Tower, Person, Analog Clock, Clock, " loading="lazy"><p>We recommend picking one or other of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay and spending an entire day in your chosen museum. These, after all, contain some of the finest art on the planet, so there’s no sense in rushing. <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Louvre</a>, with its distinctive pyramid is huuuuge – it’s estimated that it would take around 200 days to see every piece of its 35,000-strong collection so, again, it’s important to plan your must-see masterpieces (<em>Mona Lisa</em>, anyone?) before you go.</p> <p>The <em>relatively</em> bitesize <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-dorsay" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée d’Orsay</a> is set inside the beautiful former Gare d’Orsay railway station and contains some huge original station clocks as well as the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including Monet, Manet, Degas and Renoir.</p> <p>If you do find yourself with time on your hands afterward, there’s plenty to do within strolling distance of both museums. Take a wander into the stunning Jardin des Tuileries by the Louvre and relax by the lakes or ride the old-fashioned carousel there. From Musée d’Orsay wander east along the Seine to shop the riverside book stalls and pause for a coffee and pastry in the boho Latin Quarter.</p> <h3><strong>Day 3: Gently Does It</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_214721140-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Grass, Person, College, " loading="lazy"><p>After two days of serious sightseeing it's time to kick back and slow the pace a little. Take a gentle amble through the authentic cobbled lanes of <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/gay-and-lesbian-paris/the-marais-gay-paris/the-marais-paris-gay" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Marais district</a>, with its cute independent boutiques, delightful sidewalk cafés and – at the Marché des Enfants Rouges – some of the best street food in town. People-watch with a picnic in the gardens of the 17th-century Place des Vosges and while away an hour or two admiring the paintings and sculptures in <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/picasso-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Picasso Museum</a>.</p> <p>Cross one of the picturesque arched bridges to Île de la Cité. This tiny island in the middle of the Seine packs in an impressive number of big-hitting attractions including <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/notre-dame-archeological-crypt-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Notre-Dame Cathedral</a>, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/la-conciergerie" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Conciergerie</a> and medieval <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/sainte-chapelle" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Saint-Chapelle</a> with its extraordinary stained-glass windows. Pick up some fresh blooms at the daily flower market (which magically transforms into a bird market on weekends) and cool down with some of the best ice cream in Paris at the Berthillon store.</p> <h3><strong>Day 4: Shopping! </strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1950448741-2_0.jpg" alt="Image of Person, Shopping, Face, Head, Adult, Female, Woman, " loading="lazy"><p>Paris is an absolute mecca for shoppers, from the luxury designer names that line the broad Champs-Élysées boulevard to bargain antiques and knick knacks at the world’s biggest flea market in Saint-Ouen, just north of the 18th arrondissement.</p> <p>You’ll find <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/covered-passages-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">historic 19th-century shopping arcades</a> scattered throughout the city center. Inside, beneath elegant glass-and-iron canopies, you’ll find everything from chic fashion boutiques to watchmakers, wine cellars and old-fashioned antique stores selling unique period pieces. Passage du Jouffroy in the 9th arrondissement is one of the most popular, and features Instagram-tastic geometric tiling, an ornate stucco clock and even a tiny 150-year-old wax museum!</p> <p>Head to <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/galeries-lafayette-guided-heritage-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Galeries Lafayette Haussmann</a> for high-end department store shopping beneath opulent galleries and a soaring stained-glass dome. This landmark Paris mega-mall has around 65,000 square meters of big-name boutiques to explore, plus a Decléor spa and more than 20 cafés and restaurants. </p> <h3><strong>Day 5: Rest and Relaxation </strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_146185127-2.jpg" alt="Image of Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Arbour, Arch, Person, Housing, House, Patio, Porch, " loading="lazy"><p>Holidays are all about relaxing, right? And green spaces are some of the most relaxing places on the planet, yes? Great news: Paris has over 400 public parks and gardens to explore, many within short walking distance of the city’s premier attractions.</p> <p>Pick up a picnic from the local boulangerie and make for the <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71393/Jardin-du-Luxembourg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jardin du Luxembourg</a>, where you can sit and idly watch kids sailing toy boats on the lake in front of the Palais and see locals competing on the pétanque courts. Or stroll the flower-filled gardens of nearby <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71625/Le-Jardin-des-Plantes-Mus%C3%A9um-national-d%27histoire-naturelle" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jardin des Plantes</a>, which also contains a small zoo and natural history museum. Further afield in the 16th arrondissement, you can take an old-fashioned rowboat onto the lake in Bois du Boulogne, where a forest trail and botanical garden will also help you recharge.</p> <p>Not relaxed enough yet? Paris also boasts dozens of excellent spas, with facilities to be found in the likes of ultra-luxe <a href="https://www.lareserve-paris.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">La Réserve Paris</a> as well as the Latin Quarter’s exquisite Mosquée de Paris, with its beautiful byzantine-style hammam and leafy courtyard. Keep it zen with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/aperitif-cruise-champagne" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a champagne cruise along the Seine</a> in the evening, admiring the city sights as the sun goes down.</p> <h3><strong>Day 6: Highs and Lows</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_211290382-2.jpg" alt="Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Hand, Holding Hands, " loading="lazy"><p><a href="https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Paris Catacombs</a> surely rank as one of Paris’s most interesting – and most macabre – attractions. Here, deep beneath the unassuming streets of the 14th arrondissement lies a labyrinth of tunnels, where curious souls can come face to skull with some six million long-dead Parisians, their mortal remains displaced here from overflowing Paris cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Take the 1.5-kilometer walking route through these hushed and dimly lit tunnels for a bone-freezing experience you’ll never forget.</p> <p>Afterwards, shake off the chill with a quick <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/tour-montparnasse" rel="noopener" target="_blank">whiz up the nearby Montparnasse Tower</a>, where the uninterrupted 56th-floor views across Paris are considered some of the best in town. You’ll find locals to be especially effusive about these views because it's one of few vantage points in the city where you can’t see the Montparnasse Tower itself – it’s considered to be a bit of a blight on the skyline!</p> <h3><strong>Day 7: Montmartre</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_749469604-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Path, Neighborhood, Cityscape, Person, Suburb, " loading="lazy"><p>No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to Montmartre. You can easily spend a day here, exploring the maze of cobbled streets that are home to world-famous attractions including the <a href="http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Moulin Rouge</a> cabaret and <a href="https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sacré-Cœur Basilica</a>. Save your legs by taking the funicular up the steep <em>butte</em> (hill), then find your bearings on <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/montmartre-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a walking tour of the main sights</a>.</p> <p>Afterwards, grab lunch in one of the adorable cafés or splash out on famous restaurants such as the Café des Deux Moulins of <em>Amélie</em> fame and Moulin de la Galette, part of the famous windmill immortalized in art by both van Gogh and Renoir. Then keep the arty theme going with a stroll to the Place du Tertre to have your portrait painted in the shadow of the basilica by one of the resident artists.</p> <p>Stroll the picture-perfect Rue des Abbesses – great for people-watching and home to the Sunday flea market where you can pick up antique bits and bobs as well as jewelry and art from local designers. And don’t miss sunset from the basilica steps where, as the sky turns pink and orange and a carousel wheels into motion below, you’ll truly feel like you saved the best for last.</p> <h3>Save on top attractions during your week in Paris</h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Guide to spending a week in Paris, including museums, Montmartre and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Week in Paris | Go City®

Where To Stay in Paris

  <p>Paris is so densely packed with amazing things to see and do, and so very well connected, that it’s impossible to pick a straight-out winner when it comes to deciding which <em>arrondissement</em> (neighborhood) to stay in. Rather, it’s best to choose based on the type of break you want to have. Traveling with kids? Book a stay in the 5th and 6th arrondissements. Looking for romance and great nightlife? That’d be Montmartre in the 18th. Check out our short guide to where to stay in Paris below.</p> <h3><strong>Best for Seeing it All</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_2037065819-2.jpg" alt="Image of Person, Triangle, " loading="lazy"><p>Perched on the Seine’s Right Bank, Paris’s 1st arrondissement is <em>premier</em> by name and premier by nature. This compact little neighborhood is bang in the heart of the action and makes a fantastic base from which to explore the city. </p> <p>The jewel in the 1st’s crown is of course <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre</a> – home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including the <em>Mona Lisa</em> and <em>Venus de Milo</em>. Stroll through Catherine de Médici's Jardin des Tuileries, a huge formal garden in the Italian Renaissance style, and spot Aristide Malliol’s larger-than-life female nudes among the park's hundreds of sculptures and statues. You’ll also find <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/orangerie-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Musée de l’Orangerie</a> here, where several murals from Monet’s <em>Water Lilies</em> series rub shoulders with fellow Impressionist and Post-Impressionist greats including Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and Modigliani.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/13661957_558130451038770_8619795448751390780_o-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Art, Painting, Art Gallery, Floor, " loading="lazy"><p>Just over the 17th-century Pont Neuf – one of Paris’s most photogenic bridges – lies Île de la Cité, the tiny island in the middle of the Seine. It’s here you’ll find <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/notre-dame-archeological-crypt-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Notre-Dame Cathedral</a> and medieval <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/sainte-chapelle" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sainte-Chapelle</a> with its incredible soaring stained glass windows – as well as some of the best ice cream in Paris, at the Berthillon shop.</p> <p>The 1st also has you covered for shopping, with the huge Les Halles mall, plus 19th-century <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/covered-passages-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">covered shopping arcades</a> (and many more next door in the 2nd arrondissement) and big-name jewelers including Chanel, Bulgari, Cartier and Dior in and around Place Vendôme and Rue de la Paix.</p> <p>On top of all this, you’re also just a hop and a skip from most of Paris’s other bucket-list attractions, including <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/eiffel-tower-elevator-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Eiffel Tower</a> and the cute Marais district. And yet staying in <em>le premier</em> needn’t come at a premium. Alongside uber-luxury hotel brands like Mandarin Oriental and the Ritz are plenty of comfortable mid-range options.</p> <h3><strong>Best for Living Like a Local</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1038556339-2.jpg" alt="Image of Coat, Person, " loading="lazy"><p>The largely residential nature of the 11th arrondissement makes it great for affordable Airbnb stays, meaning you get to live your best life in your very own Bastille apartment. Venture out to wander among the heady aromas of Marché Bastille and pick up freshly baked breads and pastries, fragrant fromages, local wines and more from the dozens of stalls here. This enormous open-air market runs from Place de la Bastille all the way down tree-lined Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday.</p> <p>Being on the fringes of the main action needn’t mean missing out. Bars and restaurants are just as plentiful here as anywhere else, and you’ll find that brasseries, cafés and crêperies have a pleasantly local feel. </p> <p>You’re also within easy strolling distance of the Marais district, and there’s nothing more Parisian than waking on a Saturday, and wandering into its cobbled lanes for a morning coffee and a bag of sugary chouquettes from the boulangerie, as you window-shop the area’s cute independent shops and boutiques. Alternatively, a stroll south over Pont de Sully, with its picturesque views of tiny Île Saint-Louis, will take you straight to the boho Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and Latin Quarter.</p> <h3><strong>Best for First Timers</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_390942862-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Arch, Boat, Vehicle, Cathedral, Church, Canal, Outdoors, Water, Gothic Arch, Metropolis, Urban, Nature, Scenery, Person, Waterfront, " loading="lazy"><p>First time visiting Paris? The 8th arrondissement provides a solid base for ticking off as many attractions as possible. A stay here places you within strolling distance of <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/arc-de-triomphe" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Arc de Triomphe</a> and vast Place de la Concorde, with its regal monuments and fountains, skyscraping Luxor Obelisk, and sweeping views across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower.</p> <p>Indulge in some luxury shopping on the Champs-Élysées, where you’ll find top-end brand names including Louis Vuitton and Chanel, as well as some of the poshest macarons in town at Ladurée and Pierre Hermé. </p> <p>It’s also from the 8th that the city’s <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/bateaux-parisiens-seine-river-cruise" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bateaux Parisiens</a> set sail for sightseeing cruises along the Seine. These tours are a fun way to find your bearings and see a stack of attractions, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Grand Palais and Instagram-tastic Pont Neuf and Alexandre III bridges with minimal effort. </p> <h3><strong>Best with Kids</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_300113714-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Boat, Vehicle, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Water, Waterfront, Housing, Person, " loading="lazy"><p>Though all of Paris's arrondissements are well connected, the 1st to the 8th are the most central and therefore particularly well suited to families. A stay in any of these neighborhoods will minimize time spent zipping between attractions, as well as making it easier to nip back to the hotel when you discover you’ve left the diaper bag behind.</p> <p>There’s much to recommend the 5th and 6th for family breaks. Set on the Left Bank, these boho arrondissements are home to the historic Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhoods, where you’ll find stacks of family-friendly hotels and restaurants, as well as <a href="https://shakespeareandcompany.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a legendary English-language bookstore</a> and <a href="https://lebonbonaupalais.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a fab Parisian candy shop</a>, both sure to keep the little ones happy for a while.</p> <p>This is also the place for some of the most kid-friendly public parks in town: the Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes. Kids can enjoy puppet shows, pony rides and one of the biggest playgrounds in Paris in the Jardin du Luxembourg, while the stunning formal gardens and pétanque courts ensure there’s enough to keep the grown-ups happy, too. For a perfectly charming activity that you can all get on board with, there are old-fashioned wooden toy boats to rent and sail on the Grand Bassin lake in front of the Palais de Luxembourg.</p> <p>Nearby Jardin des Plantes is home to one of the world’s oldest zoos, which specializes in the preservation of endangered species including such cute critters as red pandas and giant Aldabra tortoises. You can also visit <a href="https://www.mnhn.fr/en/grande-galerie-de-l-evolution-gallery-of-evolution" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution</a> on the park’s edge. This natural history museum showcases some incredibly lifelike taxidermy animals alongside meteorites, massive dinosaur fossils and several thousand plant species.</p> <h3><strong>Best for Couples</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_521454484-2.jpg" alt="Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, People, Head, " loading="lazy"><p>Ah, the City of Love with its gorgeous monuments, cute sidewalk cafés, beautiful gardens and swoonsome, soaring bridges... Where better to go on a romantic break with your significant other?</p> <p>Even the most jaded of couples won’t fail to be seduced by Montmartre, the 18th-arrondissement <em>butte</em> (hill) that can lay legitimate claim to being the city’s most romantic spot. Here, among gently sloping cobbled alleyways and colorful, ivy-clad buildings, lie dozens of adorable bistros, sultry bars and gourmet food shops to help you plan your perfect picnic.</p> <p>Get your bearings <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/montmartre-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">on a walking tour</a> then taking in the flamboyant hilltop confection that is <a href="https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Sacré-Cœur Basilica</a>. Head round the corner to have a cutesy couples’ portrait painted by one of the Place du Tertre’s resident artists and snap a selfie at the wildly romantic-sounding <em>mur des je t’aime</em> (that’s right: the wall of love).</p> <p>The 18th also boasts plenty of great nightlife, with world-famous entertainment including <a href="http://www.lacigale.fr/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">La Cigale concert hall</a> and, of course, <a href="http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the magnificent Moulin Rouge</a> cabaret. Step inside for high-kicking can-can dancing and <em>risqué </em>burlesque from some of the city’s finest performers. You can’t miss it: it’s the one with the neon-lit red windmill. </p> <h3>Save on things to do in Paris</h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityOfficial/">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Our guide to where to stay in Paris for couples, families, first-timers and more.

Where To Stay in Paris | Go City®

Best Paris Souvenirs

  <p>Did you know the word <em>souvenir</em> derives from the French term for memory or remembrance? What could be more appropriate, then, than to take a memento of your visit to the City of Love home with you? Read on for our guide to the best Paris souvenirs, and where to find them.</p> <h3><strong>From the Ubiquitous to the Unique</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1950448741-2_0.jpg" alt="Image of Person, Shopping, Face, Head, Adult, Female, Woman, " loading="lazy"><p>No Paris souvenir is more emblematic or ubiquitous than the humble Eiffel Tower. You’ll find reproductions of The Iron Lady absolutely everywhere, from kitsch souvenir booths and street stalls to the high-end jewelry stores that line the Champs-Élysées. Tacky? Perhaps. But you’re guaranteed a reminder of that wonderful weekend you spent in Paris each and every time you look at it.</p> <p>The tower comes as – deep breath – a fridge magnet, bottle opener, wine-stopper, mug, cuddly toy, bedside lamp, keyring and pen. You’ll see it on t-shirts and tea-towels and inside snow globes. It comes in every shape, color, size and format imaginable, with or without flashing lights. But you can’t really beat a simple metal replica. These tiny, faithful reproduction ornaments can be found in <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/eiffel-tower-elevator-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Eiffel Tower</a>’s gift shops and, well, just about everywhere else.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_617025803-2.jpg" alt="Image of " loading="lazy"><p>Looking for something a little more unique to you? Paris is home to some of the finest perfumers on the planet, with many offering unique custom fragrances. Scent magicians Fragonard have a workshop in which you can <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/perfume-mini-workshop-fragonard" rel="noopener" target="_blank">design and create your very own mini eau de toilette</a> to take home. Alternatively – should you have deep enough pockets – you can <a href="https://www.parfumsurmesure.com/gb/content/7-parfum-sur-mesure" rel="noopener" target="_blank">engage the services of celebrated Paris perfumer Stéphanie de Bruijn</a>, who will personally oversee the creation of your very own signature scent.</p> <p>Or head to Place du Tertre in Montmartre where, on a picturesque cobbled square against the stunning backdrop of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, local artists will create perhaps the ultimate Paris keepsake: a portrait or caricature of your own beautiful face, captured for posterity. And you don’t get much more unique than that!</p> <h3><strong>Souvenirs for Culture Vultures</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1948889473-2.jpg" alt="Image of Figurine, Adult, Male, Man, Person, " loading="lazy"><p>Paris boasts literally hundreds of museums and art galleries. And where there’s a museum or gallery, there’s a gift shop. Hit up <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre</a> for all your <em>Mona Lisa</em> mug and tote bag requirements. Of course, as befits the world’s most-visited museum, there’s much more to the Louvre’s beautiful wood-clad boutique than da Vinci knick-knacks alone. Think intricately detailed maps of pre and post-Haussmannian Paris, replica period jewelry and hundreds of prints of masterpieces from the museum's vast art collection.</p> <p>Gift shops at the Rodin and Picasso museums also merit a visit in their own right. The <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/rodin-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rodin Museum</a> boutique is where you’ll find note-perfect ornamental replicas of the French sculptor’s most famous works, including <em>The Kiss</em> and <em>The Thinker</em>. While the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/picasso-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée Picasso</a> boutique in the Marais is your one-stop-shop for decorative houseware, pottery, bags, artful cushions and more, all designed to pay tasteful homage to the father of Cubism.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_203900437-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Book, Publication, Bookstore, Shop, Female, Girl, Person, Teen, " loading="lazy"><p>The stretch between Quai Voltaire and Quai de la Tournelle on the Seine’s Left Bank is a bonanza for book lovers. Stroll the pretty embankment, enjoying glorious views of Notre-Dame and the <em>bateaux</em> that bob along the river, as you browse the wares of the <em>Bouquinistes</em>. This is the place for books of all shapes and sizes sold from stalls that line the riverside. Think literary classics, graphic novels, dusty antiquarian doorstops, childrens’ books, art, poetry... it’s all here, and then some. Budding philatelists and deltiologists are also well catered for by the <em>Bouquinistes</em>, with many selling antique French stamps and postcards alongside their books.</p> <p>At the eastern end of this stretch, on the edge of the Latin Quarter, is also where you’ll find beloved English-language bookstore <a href="https://shakespeareandcompany.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Shakespeare and Company</a>. Within this labyrinthine treasure trove of groaning shelves and teetering piles lies the perfect souvenir or gift idea for the bookworm in your life: a beautiful book of your choice, stamped with the shop’s famous logo on its flyleaf. </p> <p><strong>Wearable and Edible Paris Souvenirs</strong></p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_408213853-2.jpg" alt="Image of Face, Head, Person, Selfie, Adult, Male, Man, " loading="lazy"><p>If you’re lucky enough to be able to rock the beret-and-marinière look like the couple in the picture above, we recommend splashing out on these traditional Gallic fashions in a store with French-made goods, rather than picking up the cheap knock-off versions that are ubiquitous in the high-street souvenir shops (and that are liable to fall apart the minute you get them home). Try <a href="https://www.lacerisesurlechapeau.com/en/our-berets/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">La Cerise sur le Chapeau</a> for your chic headgear and <a href="https://www.armorlux.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Armor-Lux</a> for your Breton striped shirt. Neither will break the bank and both have branches throughout Paris.</p> <p>What might break the bank, however, is a visit to the flagship Louis Vuitton megastore on the Champs-Élysées, the biggest in the world. Seven stories of eye-wateringly expensive accessories await you in this palace of pleasure. It’s worth visiting purely to ogle at its many wonders but, if you can afford it, what an absolutely perfect souvenir that magnificent little purse would make.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_393592795-2.jpg" alt="Image of Food, Sweets, Medication, Pill, " loading="lazy"><p>Food, glorious food... Given that France can stake a reasonable claim to having the finest cuisine on the planet, it would be remiss if you fail to take home something edible: an exquisite little jar of the yellow stuff from <a href="https://maille.com/fr" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Maille boutique</a> on Place de la Madeleine, perhaps. Or some powdered hot chocolate from <a href="https://www.angelina-paris.fr/en/home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the legendary Café Angelina</a>. </p> <p>Paris is also crammed with delightful <em>fromageries</em> and <em>caves à vin</em> for all your cheese and wine needs. Follow your nose to quaint Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris and home to <a href="http://androuet.com/cheese-shop-paris-5-France-6-fromagerie.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The House of Androuet</a>, its highly decorative exterior tempting you inside to where hundreds of fragrant French fromages await. Head to Galerie Vivienne for an old-fashioned wine-shopping experience at <a href="https://www.caves-legrand.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Legrand Filles et Fil</a>. Beneath the grand glass canopy of this 19th-century arcade, you’ll find a wonderland of wines from Bordeaux to Burgundy and beyond.</p> <p>And finally, it’s impossible to talk about edible souvenirs without mentioning macarons, those colorful little meringue confections so beloved of Parisians and Instagrammers everywhere. You can pick these up from any Paris pâtisserie worth its salt, but for a truly decadent souvenir or gift, treat yourself to a box of beautifully presented macarons from <a href="https://www.laduree.fr/en/laduree-paris-champs-elysees.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the opulent Ladurée store</a>. Or visit <a href="https://www.pierreherme.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">rival Pierre Hermé</a>, whose must-try signature flavors include Ispahan (raspberry, lychee and rosewater) and Mogador (chocolate and passion fruit). You’ll find both of these fine establishments on (where else?) the Champs-Élysées.</p> <h3>Save on things to do in Paris</h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityPass/">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Our pick of the best Paris souvenirs, from replica Eiffel Towers to decadent macarons and chic berets.

Best Paris Souvenirs | Go City®

Things to do in Paris For Adults

  <p>Paris is a veritable playground for grown-ups. There are literally hundreds of museums and art galleries to explore, plus superb shopping – from high-end brands on the magnificent Champs Élysées to haggling for antiques and knick-knacks in the world’s biggest flea market. There’s top-flight entertainment too (spot of Paris burlesque, anyone?), not to mention some of the best gourmet dining on the planet. Dive in to discover our pick of the 10 best things to do in Paris for adults.</p> <h3><strong>Dine in the Eiffel Tower</strong></h3> <p>There are surely few things in life more decadent – or romantic – than having dinner halfway up the Eiffel Tower, as the sun sets and lights begin to twinkle in the city streets far below. Eating out at <a href="https://www.restaurants-toureiffel.com/en/jules-verne-restaurant.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Le Jules Verne</a> doesn’t come cheap, with the five-course tasting menu starting at north of €200. But what price delicious French cuisine from a Michelin-star-awarded chef? Pair your dishes with wines hand-picked by the restaurant’s master sommeliers for a meal you’ll never forget... unless of course you accidentally finish the bottle.</p> <h3><strong>See Some Great Art</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/13661957_558130451038770_8619795448751390780_o-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Art, Painting, Art Gallery, Floor, " loading="lazy"><p>A short stroll through the leafy Jardin des Tuileries from its more famous (and much bigger) neighbor <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre</a>, the <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/orangerie-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée de l'Orangerie</a> is a relatively diminutive but no less enticing treasure trove for art lovers, perhaps best known for its collection of eight of Monet’s <em>Water Lilies</em> paintings. Here on the banks of the Seine, fans of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism will find much to admire, with many fine masterpieces from Picasso, Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani and more.</p> <h3><strong>Shop til You Drop</strong></h3> <p>Love to shop? You’ve come to the right place! Head to <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/walks-in-paris/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-champs-elysees" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Champs-Élysées</a> if you want to give your wallet a real workout. Here, brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Apple and Chanel all but guarantee you’ll get a panicked call from your credit card company before the day’s out. <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/covered-passages-walking-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Paris’s historic covered passages</a> invite you to browse antique stores, independent boutiques, artisan jewelers and much more beneath amazing glass canopies. Or, if it’s knick-knacks, vintage fashions and old vinyl records that float your boat, put on your haggling hat and make for <a href="https://www.pucesdeparissaintouen.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen</a>, only the biggest flea market on the entire planet.</p> <h3><strong>Go Wine-Tasting</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_459282892-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor, Glass, Red Wine, Wine, Bottle, Wine Bottle, " loading="lazy"><p>Back in the 18th Century, France’s King Louis XV was reviled by his subjects for his flamboyant overspending, which included the establishment of a discrete network of caves and tunnels beneath the streets of Paris, in which to store his wine. Today, you can reap the benefits in these atmospheric royal cellars at <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/les-caves-du-louvre-french-wine-tasting" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Les Caves du Louvre</a>, where a fascinating tour concludes with a tasting experience of three different French wines. <em>Santé!</em></p> <h3><strong>Take to the Skies</strong></h3> <p>Soar high above the city on a ride aboard <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/ballon-de-paris-generali" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Ballon de Paris Generali</a>, a huge tethered helium balloon that rises 150 meters above the Parc André-Citroën, affording panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica and more. Or make a day of it on <a href="https://www.paris-balloon.com/hot-air-balloon-sites/hot-air-balloon-in-paris-area/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">an amazing hot-air balloon experience</a> just outside of Paris. This flight takes you high above the undulating French countryside for a bird’s eye view of its lush woodlands, picturesque villages and grand <em>chateaux</em>. You can even upgrade to include dinner and champagne if you’re feeling particularly decadent.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_550927663-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Balloon, Aircraft, Vehicle, " loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Unwind at the Spa</strong></h3> <p>Do as the Parisiens do and make for the Latin Quarter’s exquisite <a href="https://www.la-mosquee.com/le-hammam/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mosquée de Paris</a>, where the beautiful byzantine-style hammam with its gurgling fountain and inviting steam room provides an idyllic setting for an vigorous exfoliation treatment or massage. Pro-tip: sip a mint tea afterwards in the leafy courtyard to complete your journey to the state of pure zen. Big spenders can also pamper to within an inch of their lives at luxury spa facilities in the likes of <a href="https://www.sisley-paris.com/en-GB/paris-maison/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">chic Maison Sisley</a>, just off the Champs-Élysées, and the spa at <a href="https://www.lareserve-paris.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">La Réserve Paris</a>, one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.</p> <h3><strong>Buy Macarons at Ladurée</strong></h3> <p>The modern ‘Paris macaron’, a super-sweet confection comprised of two small meringue discs around a ganache, jam or buttercream filling, is widely credited to upmarket French pâtisserie Ladurée. Head to <a href="https://www.laduree.fr/en/laduree-paris-champs-elysees.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">their highly Instagrammable flagship store</a> on the Champs-Elysées to stock up on these dainty treats, which come in a rainbow of colors and flavors, including chocolate, pistachio, cardamom and dozens more. Better still, pause for an indulgent afternoon tea in the opulent salon.</p> <h3><strong>Visit a Château</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_545346988-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Building, Castle, Fortress, Fort, Moat, " loading="lazy"><p>Paris is practically encircled by amazing <em>chateaux</em> and palaces, regal homes of the great and the good (and the not-so-good) over many centuries. Hop on a train to the insanely grandiose <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/palace-versailles" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Palace of Versailles</a>, a favorite dwelling of French Kings and Queens in the 17th and 18th centuries, later used by Napoleon as a summer residence following the French Revolution. <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/chateau-fontainebleau" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fairytale Fontainebleau</a> has been around since medieval times: another favorite of our old pal Napoleon, it contains the only Napoleonic throne room still in existence, plus miles and miles of ridiculously sumptuous galleries, corridors, halls and boudoirs to explore. </p> <h3><strong>Take in a Show</strong></h3> <p>Since time immemorial the great philosophers have pondered the question: if you went to Paris but didn’t see a cabaret show, did you even go to Paris? Have no doubt: this is one of the most fun activities for adults on a night out in Paris. There’s a sparkling roster of shows available across dozens of venues, the most famous of course being <a href="http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Moulin Rouge</a> with its neon-lit red windmill. Which you choose will really depend on how you like your cabaret and burlesque, from the <em>très</em> risqué to the positively demure and from traditional high-kicking can-can dancers to death-defying acrobatics and dazzling light shows.</p> <h3><strong>Watch a Sunset</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_260133965-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Arch, Gothic Arch, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Cityscape, Urban, " loading="lazy"><p>Experience a sunset just once in Paris, and you’ll soon understand why it has so inspired artists like Monet down the centuries. Watch the sun go down from <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/bateaux-parisiens-seine-river-cruise" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a bateaux on the Seine</a>, as the city’s great iconic monuments begin to light up. Or head for the hills – specifically Montmartre – where a chocolate crêpe on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, as the sky blazes in various shades of orange, pink and purple, and lights begin to flicker on across the city, really might feel like a life-changing experience.</p> <h3>Save on things to do in Paris for adults </h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityPass/">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Ten things to do in Paris for adults, from dinner in the Eiffel Tower to shopping on the Champs-Élysées.

Things to do in Paris For Adults | Go City®

Is Paris Safe?

  <p>Paris is one of the most-visited cities on the planet, with millions of tourists pouring in every year. And it’s not difficult to understand why: beautiful parks, world-class museums, gourmet dining and Instagrammable monuments galore mean it’s packed with great things to see and do. Never mind that it's simply one of the most romantic places on earth. But is Paris safe for tourists to visit? Find out in our guide below. </p> <h3><strong>How Safe is Paris?</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/AdobeStock_241100084-2.jpeg" alt="default alt tag" loading="lazy"><p>Paris, like most major cities, has its fair share of petty crime, with pickpocketing and bag-snatching highest on the list of things to watch out for. Tourists and newcomers to the city are, of course, far more likely to be targeted than locals, especially those who appear lost, disoriented or confused by their surroundings, or who generally stick out like a sore thumb. So it’s important to know what to look out for to stay safe and ensure you enjoy an incident-free break.</p> <p>Opportunistic thieves tend to ply their questionable trade in and around major attractions, where large crowds of tourists can make for easy pickings. So it makes sense that the places you’re most likely to be relieved of your cash and possessions are around the likes of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as in popular neighborhoods including Montmartre, the Marais and the Latin Quarter.</p> <p>Avoid flashing around large sums of cash, keep your bags zipped up and be aware of your surroundings when, for example, using your phone or taking money out of an ATM. Thankfully, <em>violent</em> crime against tourists is relatively low in Paris. So the best response if you do fall victim to petty theft on the streets is not to give chase and instead report the incident to local police as soon as possible.</p> <p>And remember that, as long as you take sensible precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings and not falling for obvious scams, it’s likely the very worst thing that will happen to you in Paris is having to endure your waiter’s scorn when you order your steak well-done.</p> <h3><strong>Common Scams in Paris</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/paris_mai-shutterstock_406831651-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Urban, City, Indoors, Restaurant, Person, Chair, Dining Table, " loading="lazy"><p>Thieves in Paris employ a quite extraordinary range of techniques to part you from your belongings. All are designed to fluster or otherwise bamboozle you for just long enough to get what they want and melt back into the crowd.</p> <p>A common trick is for the thief to pose as a lost tourist and approach you when you’re sitting at a café or restaurant table on the street. Placing an oversized city map on your table they will, on departing, pocket the map as well as whatever else was underneath it: your purse, your phone, and so on. Avoid this by keeping items in your pocket or a secured bag rather than in full view of opportunists.</p> <p>Also be wary of anyone who approaches you to sign a petition, or to donate to a charity: it’s highly likely these are not legit. Likewise someone who spills a messy liquid – coffee, ketchup, etc – on you, then makes a show of helping you clean up. These are distraction techniques pure and simple, so secure your belongings and walk away.</p> <p>Gold rings and roses are some of the other common scams that many visitors to Paris fall foul of – especially hopeless romantics. In the first of these, the the tinkle of metal hitting concrete is rapidly followed by a lady asking you if you have dropped your ring. When you say it isn’t yours she will then insist you take it as a lucky charm. But take care: as soon as you agree she will aggressively demand payment for the item. Beware also of men bearing flowers. These will be held out for you to take, but are never, ever free of charge. So only accept one if you’re happy to line this particular scammer’s pockets.</p> <p>The game of <em>bonneteau</em> – also known as find the lady and three-card monte – has been operating on the streets of Paris for centuries. Simply keep your eye on your chosen color of ball as it disappears beneath one of three cups, correctly identify the cup and hey presto, you win! Right? Wrong: it’s a confidence trick and you are the dupe. Keep your cash in your pocket and walk away.</p> <h3><strong>Is Paris Safe for Solo and Female Travelers?</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_167696510-2.jpg" alt="Image of Car, Vehicle, " loading="lazy"><p>Not only is Paris safe for solo and female travelers, there are also <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/blog/things-to-do-alone-in-paris">loads of great things you can do on your own here</a>, from learning to make macarons to seeing the city by bike and joining one of the city’s fab weekly rollerskating events. Otherwise the rules are much the same as for everyone else: take sensible precautions like letting family and friends know your plans if you’re going out alone at night and avoid trouble hotspots like quiet streets and late-night trains.</p> <p>A night out in Paris can of course be a lot of fun, with its buzzing nightlife and great entertainment scene: think world-class opera, high-kicking cabaret shows, and late-night bars and clubs. It’s always safer to politely decline offers of drinks from strangers and indeed to go out in a group if you can. Drink in moderation and ideally take a cab home rather than using public transport at night. Apps like Uber operate in Paris, or you can hail a Taxi Parisien, identifiable by the name on their cab light. The cab will also have a meter and display a badge with the driver’s license number.</p> <p>Note that if you do opt to take the Paris Métro, you should only buy your tickets from an authorized vendor or ticket machine in the station. Do not pay touts in and around the station for what might appear to be bargain tickets – you are most likely being scammed.</p> <p>Follow these simple tips and chances are your holiday in Paris will be every bit as fun and trouble-free as it is for the millions of tourists who visit and fall in love with the city every year.</p> <h3>Save on things to do in Paris </h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

A guide to staying safe in Paris including common scams to avoid and tips for solo travelers

Is Paris Safe? | Go City®

Things to do in Paris During The Day

  <p>With over 1,000 museums, around 400 parks and more boutique shops and cute pavement cafés than you can shake a very large stick at, there are dozens of things to do in Paris during the day. Here’s our pick of the crop.</p> <h3><strong>See the Sights</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1454702516-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Road, Bicycle, Vehicle, Car, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Pedestrian, City, Urban, Cycling, Tarmac, Neighborhood, " loading="lazy"><p>Paris’s relatively compact center is easy to explore on foot but if you really want to max out your daytime sightseeing, there’s an abundance of other great ways to see the city.</p> <p>For sheer convenience, you’ll find Paris’s near-ubiquitous electric scooters tough to beat. Known as <em>trottinettes</em> to locals, these zippy little machines can be picked up and dropped off at hundreds of locations around the city, making them a super-easy way to get from A to B with minimal effort. Note that for safety reasons the speed limit for <em>trottinettes </em>is restricted to 10km/h in most parts of Paris.</p> <p><a href="https://wheelsandways.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Join a guided Segway tour</a> to tick off some of the city’s big attractions in, um, style. A self-deprecating sense of humor and a decent ability to stay upright are all you need to participate. Pass the mandatory training session and in no time you’ll be whizzing to big-hitting Paris landmarks including Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe and the soaring Pont Alexandre III with its photogenic Art Deco lanterns. </p> <p>Alternatively, plan your own tour itinerary and <a href="https://www.velib-metropole.fr/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">rent a Vélib bicycle</a> – also available for pick-up and drop-off pretty much everywhere in central Paris. Meander riverside and through the city’s stunning parks, pausing to admire the fabulous architecture and smell the roses, and, of course, to pick up some still-warm pains au chocolat from a <em>boulangerie</em> along the way.</p> <p><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/bateaux-parisiens-seine-river-cruise" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Seine sightseeing cruises</a> depart from the Eiffel Tower throughout the day and are particularly enchanting at sunset, while <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/hop-on-hop-off-bus-tour-paris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hop-on hop-off bus tours</a> are another fine way to see the city, especially from the top deck on a sunny afternoon.</p> <h3><strong>Have a Picnic in the Park</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/picnic-2.jpg" alt="Image of Fun, People, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Child, Female, Girl, Picnic, " loading="lazy"><p>Picnicking in the park should be considered mandatory on any trip to Paris. Open-air markets and street food abound in the city, so putting a gut-busting lunch together is <em>pas de probleme</em>. Rue Montorgueil is brimming with fab <em>boulangeries</em>, <em>fromageries</em> and street stalls that runneth over with juicy, fresh fruits. Pick up some just-baked bread, aromatic cheeses, plump grapes and artisan wine then hit <a href="https://stohrer.fr/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the oldest </a><a href="https://stohrer.fr/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">pâtisserie in town</a> for a decadent dessert of creamy rum babas and éclairs. </p> <p>Or head to <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73876/Marche-couvert-les-Enfants-Rouges" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Marché des Enfants Rouges</a> in the Marais for gut-busting fried sandwiches, <em>galettes</em> that fairly ooze cheese, and some of the best Moroccan street food this side of Marrakech at Le Traiteur Marocain. Now fully equipped for your al fresco feast, the question is which park? Decisions, decisions...</p> <p>In the shadow of <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the</a><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Eiffel Tower</a>, the Champ de Mars is a picture-perfect location for whiling away a few hours. Its sprawling manicured lawns and ringside views of the tower makes it an inspired location for your picnic – and a dozen or so selfies.</p> <p>One of Paris’s biggest parks, <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71494/Bois-de-Boulogne" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bois de Boulogne</a> contains – among other attractions – a <em>château</em>, a botanical garden and several lakes. Hire a boat to row across the largest of these (you’ll work up an appetite for sure), then walk off your picnic with a wander to the beautiful Parc de Bagatelle botanical garden, with its bountiful rose gardens and heavenly scents. </p> <p><a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71393/Jardin-du-Luxembourg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The exquisite Luxembourg Gardens</a> promise some low-octane pursuits including giant chess and the ancient French sport of pétanque. Head to <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/walks-in-paris/exploring-parc-de-la-villette-paris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Parc de la Villette</a> for its fascinating series of architectural follies – there are 26 to find across the 137 acres of this huge green space, plus open-air music and cinema in the warmer months. Also in summer, take your picnic down to the banks of the Seine for the annual <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-show-exhibition/135161/paris-plages" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Paris Plages</a>, where golden sands, deckchairs and ice creams are the order of the day.</p> <h3><strong>See Some Great Art</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/louvre-2.jpg" alt="Image of Pyramid, Person, Landmark, The Louvre, " loading="lazy"><p>Paris is a paradise for art lovers – and artists. Matisse, Modigliani, Manet, Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec are just some of the painters who went on to become household names after being inspired by this great city. No surprise, then, that you’re rarely more than a stone’s throw from an amazing museum or gallery.</p> <p>Of course, you can’t come to Paris and <em>not</em> visit <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre</a>, home of the world’s most famous painting. Once you’ve ticked off the <em>Mona Lisa</em> and <em>Venus de Milo</em> it’s time to experience what is hands-down the finest work of art in the museum. That would be the <em>Mont Blanc</em>, a decadent, gravity defying French fancy comprised of whipped Chantilly cream, meringue, chocolate shavings and chestnut vermicelli. You can view – and demolish – this bona fide masterpiece in Café Angelina on the first floor of the Richelieu wing.</p> <p>If you find the Louvre just a tad overcrowded for your liking, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/musee-dorsay" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nearby Musée d’Orsay</a> provides a less hectic alternative within the picturesque surroundings of the old Gare d’Orsay train station. The museum boasts one of the biggest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on the planet, with many pieces from Toulouse-Lautrec’s Moulin Rouge series and a number of Monet masterpieces, including one from his Water Lilies series. Other smaller but equally unmissable galleries include <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/orangerie-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Musée de l'Orangerie</a> in the Jardin des Tuileries, <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/rodin-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Rodin Museum</a> with its extraordinary seven-acre sculpture garden, and Renoir’s pretty garden at <a href="https://museedemontmartre.fr/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Musée de Montmartre</a>.</p> <h3><strong>Spend a Day in the Marais</strong></h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/vosges-2.jpg" alt="Image of Car, Fountain, Water, Person, Bench, Grass, " loading="lazy"><p>Picking a favorite district in Paris is like being asked to choose a favorite French <em>fromage</em>. There are just so many good ones to choose from! Set on the Seine’s Right Bank in view of Notre-Dame, <a href="https://www.parismarais.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Marais</a> is an entrancing maze of narrow, winding streets and alleyways that are chock-full of tiny independent boutiques, tempting pâtisseries and adorable pavement cafés.</p> <p>Grab a spot beneath the linden trees and watch the world go by in the Place des Vosges. This formal garden sits in the oldest planned square in Paris, hemmed in by atmospheric arcades and immaculate 17th-century townhouses with steeply pitched slate roofs. One of these – <a href="https://www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en/museum-collections/place-des-vosges-apartment-visit" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the former home of </a><a href="https://www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en/museum-collections/place-des-vosges-apartment-visit" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Les Misérables </em></a><a href="https://www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en/museum-collections/place-des-vosges-apartment-visit" rel="noopener" target="_blank">author Victor Hugo</a> – is now a museum exhibiting furniture and works of art that belonged to (or were created by) the man himself.</p> <p>Indeed, for such a diminutive district, the Marais packs in a fairly impressive number of museums and galleries. Make for <a href="https://www.mep-fr.org/en/homepage/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Maison Européene de la Photographie</a> for the best in contemporary photographic art, and don’t miss <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/picasso-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Musée National Picasso-Paris</a>, a stellar collection of over 700 paintings and sculptures by the father of Cubism.</p> <p>The legacy of Paris’s former Jewish quarter lives on in the Marais, primarily via its selection of kosher restaurants and bakeries. Make sure to treat yourself to a falafel wrap or pastrami sandwich at one of the excellent takeaway joints on the Rue des Écouffes or Rue des Rosiers – just follow your nose to discover true manna from heaven.</p> <h3>Save on things to do in Paris during the day</h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityPass/">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Things to do in Paris during the day, from picnics by the Eiffel Tower to boating in the park.

Things to do in Paris During The Day | Go City®

Things to do in Paris For Couples

  <p>Paris is a playground for couples, a veritable feast of top-rated restaurants, world-beating museums and galleries, and some of the best night-time entertainment you’ll find anywhere on the planet. Dive in to discover our pick of the 10 best things to do in Paris for couples.</p> <h3>Get High on Champagne</h3> <p>There are a few different ways to reach the top of <a href="https://www.toureiffel.paris/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Eiffel Tower</a>. The smart money is on taking the glass elevator aaaall the way up, but those with a sense of adventure (and buns of steel) can also <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/eiffel-tower-guided-climb" rel="noopener" target="_blank">climb the 674 steps to the second level</a> and <em>then</em> catch the lift. There’s even a see-through floor at level one, from where the boldest visitors peer right down between their legs to the forecourt far below. However you do it, you’ll want a selfie with your significant other, glass of Champagne in hand, when you reach the top. <a href="https://www.restaurants-toureiffel.com/en/champagne-bar.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Conveniently, a sky-high bar awaits you.</a> But, at 276 meters above terra firma, best not let the bubbles go to your head.</p> <h3>Take a Cruise on the Seine</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_570700273-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Boat, Vehicle, Landscape, " loading="lazy"><p><a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/bateaux-parisiens-seine-river-cruise" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Seine cruise</a> is a fine way to see some of the city’s most iconic museums and monuments. Board at the Eiffel Tower and meander downriver past sights including the grand gothic melodrama that is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum’s instantly recognisable glass pyramid. Sunset is a particularly atmospheric time of day to take the cruise, as dusk falls and the Seine’s grand bridges and riverside gardens and museums turn their lights on.</p> <h3>Visit a Museum</h3> <p>Whether you share a passion for the arts or not, you’re sure to find something of interest in Paris’s galleries – there are over 1,000 to choose from, after all. Couples who wish to avoid the crowds should opt for small but perfectly formed collections such as those found in <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/rodin-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Rodin Museum</a> or <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/gustave-moreau-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gustave Moreau Museum</a>. Choose Rodin for the splendid formal gardens, where sculptures including <em>The Thinker</em> and <em>The Gates of Hell</em> lurk among box hedges, rose gardens and ornamental fountains. Or pick Moreau for a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s mind: printed guides to the trippy and fantastical paintings inside his former home were written by his own fair hand.</p> <h3>Go for a Wander</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/canal_shutterstock_490873141-2-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Path, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Sidewalk, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, Handbag, Grass, Park, Walking, Water, Waterfront, " loading="lazy"><p>Paris’s relatively compact center is best experienced on foot, and nowhere more so than on a romantic stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin. Starting where the Rue de Marseille joins the Quai de Valmy, meander past colorful waterside boutiques, and soak up the atmosphere from boho bars and bistros. Take a detour onto Rues de l’Ourcq and Rue Germaine Tailleferre for the wonderful street art, then cross the bridge to enter <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/walks-in-paris/exploring-parc-de-la-villette-paris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Parc de la Villette</a>, a vast and verdant Paris playground that’s packed with sculptures, museums and music venues, where you could quite easily while away the rest of your day.</p> <h3>Make Macarons</h3> <p>Ever tried a macaron? These deliciously sweet little pastries are ubiquitous in Paris and come in any number of different colors and flavors. One taste and you’ll be hooked – find them brightening up the window display of every self-respecting pâtisserie in town. Now just imagine you could <em>continue</em> to eat these decadent French treats after you return home. Step forward the popular macaron-making class at <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/attractions/macaron-pastry-class-galeries-lafayette" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Galeries Lafayette Haussman</a> department store where, in just 90 minutes, you and your partner will learn to mix, bake, assemble (and of course eat) macarons like pros. With your newly acquired skills, we guarantee your friends will love you forever, even if your weighing scales do not.</p> <h3>Browse the Markets</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_462661522-2.jpg" alt="Image of Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Market, " loading="lazy"><p>Paris has around 100 different markets, with something to satisfy every appetite, from farm-fresh produce to flea market knick-knacks, flowers and, yep, even animals. Pick up a selection of fabulous <em>fromages</em>, an oven-fresh baguette, a punnet of ripe strawberries and a bottle of organic wine at <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73869/March%C3%A9-Bastille" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Marché Bastille</a>, then head to <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/transport/73189/Place-des-Vosges#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nearby Place des Vosges</a> for an impromptu picnic. Or satisfy your urge to bag a bargain at <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/83442/March%C3%A9-aux-puces-de-Paris-Saint-Ouen" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the vast Saint-Ouen flea market</a> where the seemingly endless labyrinth of alleyways contains every treasure under the sun, from vintage vinyl to retro fashion, period antiques to old-fashioned toys and games.</p> <h3>Take a Day Trip to a Château</h3> <p>There are dozens of grand palaces and <em>châteaux</em> within easy reach of Paris, perfect for a romantic day trip out of town. A direct train gets you to <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/palace-versailles" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the ridiculously opulent Palace of Versailles</a> in under an hour. You could easily lose a whole day at this former royal residence, wandering among the countless paths, ponds, fountains and sculptures with your own king or queen, and exploring the almost comically extravagant interiors of the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s private apartments. More tastefully restrained chateaux including <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/chateau-fontainebleau" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fairytale Fontainebleau</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/chateau-de-rambouillet" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Renaissance-style Rambouillet</a> are equally accessible by train from the center of Paris.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1360459706-2-2.jpg" alt="Image of Building, Housing, House, Manor, " loading="lazy"><h3>Go Wine-Tasting </h3> <p>Established in the 18th Century by King Louis XV’s personal sommelier (how the other half live, eh?), <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/les-caves-du-louvre-french-wine-tasting" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Les Caves du Louvre</a> offers a different kind of wine-tasting experience. Descend into a network of tunnels beneath the streets of the 1st arrondissement, where your guided tour of the royal cellars culminates in a tasting experience with three different French wines. If you fancy viewing some fine art with your newly acquired double vision afterwards, it’s just a short stagger to <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/louvre-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Louvre Museum</a>.</p> <h3>Take in a Show</h3> <p>Get your glad rags on and hit the cabaret clubs. No self-respecting visitor should leave Paris without experiencing at least one of the myriad burlesque shows on offer at the likes of <a href="http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Moulin Rouge</a>, with its famous neon-red windmill. Or, if you prefer your entertainment a little less... <em>risqué</em>, you can <a href="https://www.operadeparis.fr/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">take your date to see a classic opera or ballet </a>at the refined Palais Garnier or Opéra Bastille. Or enjoy an old-fashioned movie night at one of the city’s historic picture houses, such as <a href="https://www.cinemalouxor.fr/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Louxor,</a> a sumptuous century-old mash-up of Egyptian and Art Deco design. Don’t forget the popcorn!</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/paris/shutterstock_1917555965_0.jpg" alt="Image of Shoe, High Heel, Dancing, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, " loading="lazy"><h3>Watch the sunset from Montmartre</h3> <p>Hopeless romantics will be unable to resist Montmartre, with its atmospheric cobbled lanes, sultry bars and ultra-Parisian café culture. Take the funicular up to the top of the hill and stroll round the Sacré-Cœur to grab a selfie at <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71253/Le-mur-des-je-t-aime" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Le mur des je t'aime</a> (the Wall of Love). Ask one of the resident artists in the Place du Tertre to sketch a cutesy caricature of you and your beau, before heading back to the steps in front of the basilica and sharing a chocolate crêpe as the sun sets over the city.</p> <h3>Save on things to do in Paris for Couples</h3> <p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityPass/">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p> 

Things to do in Paris for couples, from sipping Champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower to watching the sunset at Montmartre.

Things to do in Paris For Couples | Go City®

Best Markets in Paris

<p>Paris&rsquo;s markets can be dated back to Roman times, when the city was known as Lutetia and a single market operated in the &Icirc;le de la Cit&eacute; district. Nowadays, there are nearly 100 to choose from, with traders hawking everything from fresh produce to antiques, knick-knacks, plants and pets. Atmospheric, photogenic and well worth a visit, here&#39;s our pick of the 10 best markets in Paris...</p>


<p>One of Paris&rsquo;s biggest open-air markets, <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73869/Marche-Bastille" style="text-decoration:none"><u>March&eacute; Bastille</u></a> is a riot of scent and color that runs from the soaring Colonne de Juillet monument on Place de la Bastille all the way down leafy Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday. Here, local producers showcase the finest foods the region has to offer. Wander among the stalls and immerse yourself in the heady aromas of freshly harvested herbs, fragrant <em>fromages</em> and fungi, and just-baked bread. Pick up a few ingredients for a special dinner, or grab some snacks and fresh juices and head to nearby Place des Vosges for a picture-perfect picnic.</p>


Marché Bastille

<p>The largest flea market on the planet, <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/83442/Marche-aux-puces-de-Paris-Saint-Ouen" style="text-decoration:none"><u>the March&eacute; aux Puces</u></a> is a labyrinthine treasure trove of streets and alleys crammed with just about any and every antique and knick-knack you could imagine. And don&rsquo;t let the term &lsquo;flea market&rsquo; put you off: this place is a dream ticket for in-the-know treasure hunters. Here&rsquo;s where you&rsquo;ll find that rarer-than-hens&rsquo;-teeth Nirvana record you&rsquo;ve been seeking for the last 15 years. Or a one-of-a-kind vintage handbag. Plus Art Deco ornaments, old-fashioned toys, period furniture in beautiful condition, scientific equipment, posters, paintings, glassware, rugs and... well, you get the general idea. Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday.</p>


Marché aux Puces Saint Ouen

<h3><strong>Save on things to do in Paris</strong></h3>

<p>Save on admission to Paris attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/paris/en-us" style="text-decoration:none">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityPass/" style="text-decoration:none">Facebook</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/paris" target="_blank">Paris pass</a> and save while you sightsee!</p>


<p>Another for the foodies here, Rue Montorgueil is a permanent market street that straddles the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. Fishmongers, bakeries, florists and artisan cheese shops spill their wares (and lush aromas) out onto the pedestrianized pavements from beneath grand, colorful storefronts. Particularly Instagram-worthy is the gold-and-duck-egg-blue confection that is Au Rocher de Cancale, a highly regarded seafood restaurant that dates back to the 19th Century. Pause to admire the ornate ceiling chandelier and sumptuous interiors of <a href="https://stohrer.fr/" style="text-decoration:none"><u>Stohrer, the oldest p&acirc;tisserie in town</u></a>, where it would naturally be rude not to leave with armfuls of sticky chocolate &eacute;clairs and rum babas.</p>


Rue Montorgueil

<p>A <a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73784/March%C3%A9-aux-fleurs" style="text-decoration:none"><u>flower market during the week</u></a>, selling local and exotic blooms of all shapes and sizes, at weekends this 200-year-old institution on the &Icirc;le de la Cit&eacute; comes alive with the sound of<a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73785/Marche-aux-oiseaux" style="text-decoration:none"><u> thousands of squawking, chirupping and twittering birds</u></a>. Just be careful your request doesn&rsquo;t get lost in translation, or you might go in for an orchid and come out with an ostrich. We jest of course, but the wonderful variety of colorful plants and birdlife makes this market a wonderful place to wander around, even if you&rsquo;re just window-shopping. Combine with a bag of sugary chouquettes from the <em>boulangerie</em> and a visit to nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral for a romantic Sunday morning stroll.</p>


Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux

<p><a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73861/Marche-Raspail" style="text-decoration:none"><u>This foodie mecca in the 6th arrondissement</u></a> is certified fully organic every Sunday and is said to be a favorite with French celeb royalty G&eacute;rard Depardieu and model Laetitia Casta. It&rsquo;s not hard to discover why, with a wealth of fresh produce and freshly cooked treats waiting at every stall. Ask for free samples to taste before you buy and whatever you do don&rsquo;t miss the <em>galettes</em> here: delicious hot savory cr&ecirc;pes stuffed full of cheese, potato, mushrooms and onion. Ooh la la. Serious shopaholics will also be pleased to learn that the market is also just a few blocks from the famous Bon March&eacute; department store.</p>


Marché Raspail

Ten of the best markets in Paris for foodies, bird-lovers and committed flea market rummagers.

Things to do in Paris

Things to do in Paris in the Morning

Things to do in Paris

Paris 2024 Olympics Venues Guide

Things to do in Paris

Best Restaurants in Paris

Things to do in Paris

Things to do in Paris for a birthday

Best walks in Paris

The complete guide to getting around Paris

Discover more

We're kind of popular, but don't just take our word for it.

Build your unique Paris itinerary with our trip planner

Have a 5% discount, on us!