Paris Travel Guide

🇫🇷 This Paris France vacation guide stitches together iconic sights, café culture, riverfront strolls, and easy day trips—perfect for first-timers and Paris-repeaters planning a balanced, joyfully efficient trip.

Across elegant arrondissements, Paris layers grand museums, manicured gardens, historic passages, and modern life. Use this Paris travel guide to map smart routes, pick great stays, and time your visit around seasons and events. Whether you're seeking things to do in paris like climbing the Eiffel Tower or exploring places to visit in paris such as the Louvre, this guide covers it all for an unforgettable Paris France vacation.

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Table of Contents

• Top Attractions You Can't Miss
• Hidden Gems
• Local Dishes to Try
• Hotels
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get Around
• Handy French Phrases
• FAQ

Your Paris Travel Guide & Itinerary: A 7-Day Snapshot

Planning a Paris France vacation? This 7-day itinerary balances must-sees with offbeat moments, ensuring you experience the city's essence without burnout. Start with iconic landmarks, then dive into neighborhoods for authentic vibes. Adjust for your pace—Paris rewards slow wanders as much as packed days.

• Days 1–2: Core Paris — Begin your Paris France vacation with the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views, a Seine cruise at sunset, and the Louvre (focus on masterpieces like Mona Lisa to avoid overload). Stroll Tuileries Gardens, visit Île de la Cité for Notre-Dame's Gothic splendor (even during renovations, the area hums with history), and end with Marais food wandering for crepes and falafel. These days cover essential things to do in paris while easing into the city's rhythm.
• Day 3: Left Bank & St-Germain — Explore Luxembourg Gardens for people-watching and statues, the Panthéon for its Foucault pendulum and crypt of French greats like Voltaire. Browse Shakespeare and Company bookshop, sip at historic cafés, and unwind in a 6th arrondissement wine bar. This day highlights literary places to visit in paris, perfect for a relaxed Paris France vacation vibe.
• Day 4: Montmartre & Covered Passages — Climb to Sacré-Cœur for hilltop vistas, wander artists’ square in Place du Tertre, and shop vintage in winding lanes. Afternoon: Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas for 19th-century elegance and boutiques. Montmartre's bohemian spirit offers unique things to do in paris away from crowds.
• Day 5: Versailles Day Trip — Train to the Palace of Versailles for opulent halls, Marie Antoinette's hamlet, and sprawling gardens (rent a bike to cover ground). Return for a bistro dinner in Paris—foie gras or steak frites. This excursion adds royal grandeur to your Paris France vacation.
• Day 6: Modern & Markets — Visit Pompidou Center for contemporary art or Fondation Louis Vuitton's sail-like architecture. Stroll Canal Saint-Martin for locks and indie shops, then Marché des Enfants Rouges for global street food. These are trendy places to visit in paris for a modern twist.
• Day 7: Champagne or Giverny — Opt for Reims/Epernay for bubbly tastings or Monet’s Giverny gardens (blooming in spring/summer). Back in Paris, catch a Seine sunset. End your Paris France vacation with reflection on all the memorable things to do in paris.

Paris Travel Guide: Best Hotels for Every Budget

For your Paris France vacation, choosing the right hotel sets the tone—whether you want Eiffel views, Marais buzz, or Left Bank charm. From budget gems near metros to luxury palaces with spas, these picks balance location, comfort, and value. Book early for peak seasons; many offer free cancellations. Browse more options for places to visit in paris stays.

Paris

Budget-Friendly 💰

• Hôtel des Andelys offers simple, clean rooms in the vibrant 11th arrondissement, ideal for travelers who prioritize easy metro access to key sights like the Louvre. Its no-frills vibe includes basic amenities and a quiet courtyard, making it a smart base for budget-conscious explorers on a Paris France vacation. Book here.
• Hôtel de Paris Opéra provides affordable comfort near the grands boulevards and Galeries Lafayette, perfect for shoppers and opera lovers seeking value without sacrificing location. The rooms are compact but well-maintained, with soundproofing to block city noise for restful nights after days of things to do in paris. Book here.

Mid-Range Comfort 🛋️

• Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel delivers classic Left Bank charm in the 7th, with some rooms offering partial Eiffel Tower views for that quintessential Paris France vacation magic. Its cozy, updated interiors and helpful staff make it great for couples or families exploring nearby museums and gardens. Book here.
• Hotel Saint-Petersbourg Opera & SPA combines polished rooms and a small spa in the 9th, steps from Opéra Garnier for culture buffs on a Paris France vacation. The modern amenities, like rain showers and breakfast buffet, provide comfort after days of places to visit in paris like shopping districts. Book here.

Luxury ✨

• Four Seasons Hotel George V stands as a palace off the Champs-Élysées, renowned for its legendary floral displays and impeccable service that elevates any Paris France vacation to opulence. With multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and a spa featuring marble pools, it's a haven for those seeking refined indulgence amid the city's glamour. Book here.
• Ritz Hôtel Paris epitomizes storied elegance on Place Vendôme, with suites that hosted icons like Coco Chanel and a legendary Bar Hemingway for craft cocktails. Its pool, spa, and Chanel au Ritz treatments offer ultimate luxury, making it a dream for history lovers on a Paris France vacation. Book here.

Browse more Paris stays here.

Top Attractions You Can't Miss

Paris brims with world-famous landmarks that define a Paris France vacation. These essentials blend history, art, and views—book tickets ahead to skip lines. From "what to see in paris" icons to panoramic spots, here's where to start your paris itinerary.

• Eiffel Tower: Time-slot the summit; consider sunset for city lights twinkling below, creating magical moments on your Paris France vacation.
• Louvre: Prebook; focus on 2–3 wings to avoid museum overwhelm, like the Winged Victory and Egyptian antiquities as top things to do in paris.
• Notre-Dame & Île Saint-Louis: Storied river islands and bridges offer Gothic architecture and serene walks, essential places to visit in paris even during renovations.
• Musée d’Orsay: Impressionist masterworks in a former Beaux-Arts station showcase Van Gogh and Monet, a highlight for art lovers on a paris travel itinerary.
• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: Hillside views and villagey lanes with artists' squares provide bohemian charm, perfect for offbeat things to do in paris.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the crowds, Paris hides spots for authentic discovery on your Paris France vacation. These lesser-known treasures reveal the city's soul—quiet gardens, quirky museums, and local haunts away from tourist paths.

• Canal Saint-Martin: Iron footbridges, indie shops, and picnic spots along the water offer relaxed vibes for canal-side people-watching.
• Promenade Plantée: Elevated walkway on an old railway, blooming with gardens and views, ideal for a serene stroll above the streets.
• Musée de la Vie Romantique: Charming house-museum in Pigalle with romantic-era artifacts and a tea garden, making it a flex option for flex option for a trip to paris France.
• Passage des Panoramas: Historic covered arcade with vintage shops and eateries, a time-warp gem for rainy days.
• Butte-aux-Cailles: Street art-filled village in the 13th with cobblestones, murals, and cozy bistros for an urban escape.
• Petite Ceinture: Abandoned railway turned wild urban trail, overgrown with nature for adventurous walks in hidden Paris.

Local Dishes to Try

Parisian cuisine is a delight on any Paris France vacation, from buttery pastries to savory classics. Sample these at markets or bistros for authentic flavors. For deeper dives, visit these famous restaurants:

• Croque-Monsieur: Grilled ham and cheese with béchamel, a café staple for quick bites.
• Escargots: Garlic-butter snails, tender and herbaceous, often an appetizer adventure.
• Steak Frites: Juicy steak with crispy fries, simple yet iconic bistro fare.
• Crème Brûlée: Creamy custard with caramelized sugar, a sweet crackling finish.
• Macarons: Colorful almond meringue cookies, filled with ganache in endless flavors.
• Drinks (Café au Lait, Kir Royale, Absinthe).

La Grande Cascade (Allée de Longchamp, 75016 Paris, +33 1 45 27 33 51): Nestled in the Bois de Boulogne, this Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its elegant French cuisine in a historic Napoleon III pavilion. Signature dishes include the pressed duck and seasonal game, blending tradition with modern flair. Founded in 1856 as a hunting lodge, it has hosted royals and celebrities, making it a highlight for a trip to paris France.

Septime (80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, +33 1 43 67 38 29): This Michelin-starred spot in the 11th arrondissement offers innovative French fare in a casual, industrial setting. Famous for its ever-changing menu featuring dishes like grilled sweetbread with harissa and seasonal velouté, it's a pioneer in sustainable dining. Opened in 2011 by Bertrand Grébaut, it quickly became a hotspot for fresh, bold flavors in your paris travel itinerary.

Datil (13 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris, +33 9 78 80 10 94): In the Marais, this plant-focused Michelin-starred restaurant emphasizes seasonal, sustainable ingredients under chef Manon Fleury. Famous for rutabaga with scallops and celery-mushroom congee, highlighting vegetarian twists. Launched in 2023, it reflects Fleury's feminist and eco-conscious ethos in contemporary French cuisine, ideal for eco-minded things to do in paris.

Best Bars (Wine, Cocktails, Rooftops)

Paris's bar scene adds flair to your Paris France vacation, from historic cafés to innovative cocktail spots. Sip wine in cozy caves or cocktails with views—these venues capture the city's nightlife essence. Here are three famous ones:

Café de Flore (172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, +33 1 45 48 55 26): This legendary Left Bank café has been a hub for intellectuals since the 1880s, frequented by Sartre and de Beauvoir. Known for its hot chocolate and café crème, it embodies Parisian café culture with Art Deco interiors. It remains a symbol of existentialism and literary history in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a must for places to visit in paris.

Les Deux Magots (6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, +33 1 45 48 55 25): Neighbor to Café de Flore, this historic spot dates to 1885 and was a favorite of Hemingway and Picasso. Famous for its coffee and literary prize, the Prix des Deux Magots, it offers terrace seating for people-watching. It represents the bohemian spirit of 20th-century Paris artists and writers, enhancing your paris itinerary.

Harry's New York Bar (5 Rue Daunou, 75002 Paris, +33 1 42 61 71 14): Opened in 1911, this American-style bar invented the Bloody Mary and Sidecar cocktails. Famous for its classic drinks and piano bar atmosphere, it attracted expats like Gershwin and Fitzgerald. It's a slice of Prohibition-era history in the Opéra district, great for evening things to do in paris.

How to Get Around

Navigating Paris is easy with efficient transport, key for your Paris France vacation. From metros zipping to attractions to scenic walks, options suit all paces. Buy a Navigo pass for unlimited rides; apps like Citymapper help plan routes to places to visit in paris.

• Metro & RER: Navigo Easy card for taps; frequent trains, but watch bags on busy lines like 1 or 4.
• On foot & by bike: Compact city rewards walkers; Vélib’ e-bikes for lanes and riverside paths.
• Taxis & ride-hailing: Uber for late nights or luggage; fixed fares from airports.
• Day trips: Trains to Versailles or Giverny; book timed tickets early.

Handy French Phrases for Paris

• Bonjour (bohn-zhoor): Hello.
• Merci (mair-see): Thank you.
• S'il vous plaît (seel voo play): Please.
• Au revoir (oh ruh-vwahr): Goodbye.
• Excusez-moi (ex-kyoo-zay mwah): Excuse me.
• Où est...? (oo eh...): Where is...?
• Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah): I don't understand.
• Un café, s'il vous plaît (uhn kah-fay, seel voo play): A coffee, please.
• L'addition, s'il vous plaît (lah-dee-syohn, seel voo play): The bill, please.
• Parlez-vous anglais? (par-lay voo ahn-glay): Do you speak English?

❓ FAQ: Paris