Paris City Guide

General Information / Guide

Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most visited cities in the world, making it a must-see destination for travelers. What sets Paris apart and makes it so captivating are its iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the charming Champs-Élysées. But there's more to Paris than just its famous sites. With its nickname "the City of Love," Paris is equally appealing to both regular travelers and honeymooners. Paris offers a rich tapestry of experiences for those eager to explore its romantic streets and savor its cultural treasures.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Paris has an oceanic climate, known for its ideal weather conditions. Winters are comfortably cool, with even January maintaining temperatures above freezing, averaging around 7 °C. Snow is a rare sight, and rain is light year-round. However, the real charm of Paris shines during the summertime, with moderately warm and occasionally humid weather, averaging around 25 °C. This makes the mid-summer months the perfect time to explore the city. Although rare, occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 30 °C.

How to Get There

You can reach Paris directly from almost anywhere in the world. Paris has two major airports: Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. There are various possibilities for transportation from the airport to the city center in Paris. The RER B train is a popular and reasonably priced option, with a direct route taking around 30 minutes and tickets costing around 10 euros. Alternatively, you may take the RoissyBus, a direct bus service to Opéra in the city center, which takes around 60 minutes and costs roughly 15 euros. Taxis are widely accessible at the airport, providing convenience but costing roughly 55-62 euros to the city center. Private transport is available if you prefer a hassle-free experience, but they are the most expensive choice.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

In Paris, you can find some of the finest examples of the world-renowned flavors of French cuisine. First and foremost, we recommend that those visiting Paris should savor the famous French cheeses, try crepes and croissants, and indulge in French wine while perhaps even trying the classic escargot dish. You can find Les Deux Magots, a café that was once a favorite haunt of famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and J.P. Sartre. Thanks to these names and their coffees, it has always managed to attract a steady stream of customers, making it a delightful place to visit.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Eiffel Tower: Built between 1887 and 1889, this iconic structure is one of the most important symbols in the world. It stands proudly as the symbol of Paris.
• Louvre Museum: This museum houses some of the most significant artworks in world art history, including the famous Mona Lisa.
• Arc de Triomphe: Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, this grand arch is located at the entrance to the Champs-Élysées.
• Musée d'Orsay: Housed in a converted old railway station, this museum primarily features sculptures and paintings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighting French art.
• Disneyland: The amusement park in Paris is the home of famous characters like Mickey Mouse and Pluto, created by Disney.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: Situated along the banks of the Seine River, this cathedral has even inspired a novel by Goethe.
• Champs-Élysées: This famous avenue is a shopaholic's dream, with dozens of shops and cafes lining its streets.

What to Do

You can visit the Eiffel Tower, but be prepared to wait in line for the elevator to reach the top. The Louvre Museum, one of the world's most renowned museums, houses numerous historical art treasures, so you should dedicate a portion of your day to exploring it. In fact, Paris could be called a city of museums with attractions like the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Museum, Perfume Museum, and French History Museum. Additionally, don't forget to make a wish and place a love lock on the Archevêché Bridge, also known as the "Love Bridge," which is a popular spot for couples along the Seine River.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Paris is unquestionably the perfect destination for nightlife and entertainment. You can find a place to have fun at any time, without worrying about the hour. While the bars and nightclubs around the Champs-Élysées area can be a bit pricey, there are plenty of alternatives. Le Club 79, located on Quentin-Bauchart Street near the Champs-Élysées, is often referred to as the city's best club. One of the must-see places while in Paris is the iconic Moulin Rouge. This cabaret, dating back to the late 19th century, is world-renowned, having been the subject of many films and books. Don't miss the chance to experience its unique atmosphere and dazzling performances.

Shopping / What to Buy

When you think of Paris, the first thing that comes to mind is fashion. Especially along the Champs-Élysées, you can find some of the world's top clothing brands. These stores, typically open from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening, not only offer clothing but also shoes, handbags, and cosmetics. Passy and Rennes Streets, as well as Haussmann Boulevard, are also other excellent places for shopping in the city.

Festivals/ Events

January: Paris Fashion Week
February: Paris Carnival
March: Paris Fashion Week
March: Fête de la Gastronomie
May - June: Roland Garros
June: Fête de la Musique
June: Paris Fashion Week
June - July: Paris Jazz Festival
July: Paris Fashion Week
July: Bastille Day
July - August: Cinéma en Plein Air à la Villette
August: Rock en Seine
August - September: Jazz à la Villette

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year
The first Monday after Easter: Easter Monday
8 May: Victory in Europe Day
14 July: French National Day (Bastille Day)
15 August: Assumption of Mary 
1 November: All Saints' Day
11 November: Armistice Day
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: St. Stephen's Day

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Even though some restaurants offer free restroom access, be prepared to pay for public restrooms.
Dining is a mix of personal satisfaction and social interaction, accompanied by good company, and delectable dishes, so mind the etiquette. 
Indulging in Parisian cuisine may be expensive, but it's a cultural exploration where patisseries and boulangeries turn food into an artistic experience, offering a rich and immersive dining journey.
Paris provides a runner-friendly environment with wide sidewalks and inspiring parks, beware of runners.
Learn some basic French phrases and be respectful of the local culture.
Be aware of the pickpocketers and petty theft, and keep your belongings near you at all times. 

Transportation

Paris has an extensive transportation network that offers many options for getting around the city. The Paris Metro is the quickest way of transportation with 14 interconnected lines covering more than 133 miles. The Paris Regional RER serves as a train system and subway, linking the city center to airports and Disneyland. City buses are also a popular choice for locals. The Montmartre funicular is an automatic railway facilitating access from the base to the summit of Butte Montmartre, sparing you from climbing 197 steps. Trams, reintroduced in the 1990s, have expanded their routes in recent years, and over 20,000 taxis are available throughout Paris. Ride services like Uber are also quite popular and convenient for tourists.