Heading to Paris? Check out our Paris Travel Tips!

Are you dreaming of exploring Paris? We can help plan your next getaway to the “City of Lights”. Below are some of our recommendations and have more “off the beaten” path activities to recommend as well.

Must see/do activities::

1. Musee D’Orsay (my all time favorite museum – beautiful space – amazing collection – must get there early or very late; nice to have guided tour to hit most important works and hear background on artists)

2. Notre Dame (of course but currently not open) & Saint Chappelle (one of the most beautiful smaller churches in the whole city!)

3. Sacre Coeur (at sunset if possible)

4. L’Opera/Palais Garnier – stunning inside and catch a performance if you are able! There is a restaurant there for added wow factor

5. Rodin Museum and Sculpture Garden (small/manageable, great garden cafe on premises for a snack)

6. Luxumburg Gardens (rent miniature sailboats and sail them in the lake, great for picnics), great for running around

7. Louvre – only with a private or small group tour guide – way too much to see on your own; restaurant outside of the Louvre, Cafe Marly is pretty good and very convenient but pricey of course

8. Rue Mouffetard – one of oldest Parisienne street food markets — old school Paris

9. Jardin des Tuileries (Garden near Louvre)- usually has a carnival/fair that happens all summer – great views of Paris in the “Ferris Wheel”- at far end (away from louvre) there used to be a small trampoline park

10. Catacombs – These are great to experience, and they are creepy and cool at the same time:)

11. Just walking around the neighborhood you are staying in will also be fun

12. Chocolate walking tours

13. Seine Sunset Cruise

14. Eiffel Tower (buy online tickets in advance – helps bypass long lines in person)

15. Tour of Giverny (Monet’s Garden outside of Paris – full day)

16. Mouline Rouge – Still great to see the show!

Experiences/Shopping

1. Fragonard Perfumerie & Museum (book in advance to make your own scent! – near the Opera) — there’s also a lovely smaller store only in The Marais

2. Galleries Lafayette (near Opera) — beautiful, stunning department store, that just worth it to walk through — the ceiling is amazing; also Bon Marche is a beautiful department store where I can’t afford to buy anything

3. Bateau Mouche/river boat cruise/ride – or better yet, dinner on the Seine sunset cruise (book early)

4. La Durée (macaroons!) – multiple locations around Paris- famous French treat — flagship store is on Champs Elysees

5. Les Halles shopping area/mall for shopping

6. Cafe Angelina (for chocolat chaud)

7. Atelier Des Lumieres

8. Tour of Giverny (Monet’s Garden outside of Paris – full day)

9. Champs Elysees and Arc De Triomphe. If you could get in a “hop on/hop off” double decker bus that would be the best way to see the Champs Elysees and Arc De Triomphe as well as all the other bigger sights, without spending too much time.

Where to Stay

1) The Marais

2) St Germain Des Pres

3) Latin Quarter

These areas are safe and great for walking around and exploring – tons of shops and restaurants. Metro, Uber, walking and taxis are the best way to get around paris. Buy metro passes, its fun and safe.

Dining

1. The Fork (La Fourchette) is the best foodie app I found for restaurants in Europe/Paris— not all restaurants in Paris are good, and many make mediocre food. Best to plan meals in advance and make reservations in Advance, especially in the summer

2. Roger La Grenouille — small quaint bistro in St German Des Pres close to the Seine – small menu but nice service in English, reservations needed

3. Frenchie- popular upscale eatery – reservations are needed.

4. Le Troumilou (bistro near Hotel De Ville and Notre Dame) — good for simple lunch after you visit Notre Dame & Saint Chapelle

5. Oysters are a specialty in Paris – and oyster bars, especially in St Germaine Des Pres are very popular

6. https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-paris-france

7. Other restaurants to consider –