France

Things to do in Paris

Paris packs the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower into a centre you can cross on foot in about an hour, which is why timed tickets matter more than transport. Book the big sights first, then use the gaps for a Marais food walk, a Seine cruise after dark and a day at Versailles or in Champagne.

  • Louvre with timed entry
  • Eiffel Tower summit
  • Versailles Palace and gardens
  • Seine evening cruise

Experiences in Paris

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Paris

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Highlights

  • Louvre with timed entry
  • Eiffel Tower summit
  • Versailles Palace and gardens
  • Seine evening cruise
  • Le Marais food and cheese walk
  • Champagne cellars day trip

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October bring mild weather and long evenings. July and August are the busiest months at the big sights, while many small restaurants close for part of August.

Getting around

The metro covers the whole centre and most visitors combine it with walking; Velib shared bikes and a growing network of cycle lanes help too. From Charles de Gaulle the RER B reaches central Paris in about 35 minutes, and metro line 14 now runs to Orly.

Local tips

  • The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, while the Musee d'Orsay and Versailles are closed on Mondays.
  • Eiffel Tower summit slots for summer sell out weeks ahead, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
  • Versailles is quietest on weekday mornings; go early and leave the gardens and the Trianon for the afternoon.

Day trips from Paris

  • Versailles
  • Giverny
  • Reims and Epernay (Champagne)
  • Mont-Saint-Michel
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Paris?

The most booked experiences in Paris are Louvre with timed entry, Eiffel Tower summit, Versailles Palace and gardens and Seine evening cruise.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

April to June and September to October bring mild weather and long evenings. July and August are the busiest months at the big sights, while many small restaurants close for part of August.

How do I get around Paris?

The metro covers the whole centre and most visitors combine it with walking; Velib shared bikes and a growing network of cycle lanes help too. From Charles de Gaulle the RER B reaches central Paris in about 35 minutes, and metro line 14 now runs to Orly.

Do I need to book tours in Paris in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Paris?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

London344 km awayAmsterdam430 km awayTurin584 km awayComo610 km away