More than 30 million people visit Paris, France every year, making it the world’s most popular tourist destination. Paris has thousands of hotels, restaurants, art galleries and famous monuments that draw visitors to the destination that is also known as the city of lights because of its nighttime illumination.
Planning Paris Travel
Paris in the springtime is a romantic notion. But spring is also a chilly season. Travelers who arrive in March experience an average high temperature of only 53 degrees Fahrenheit. By April, highs go up by about to 58 degrees Fahrenheit and in May, they hover around a more pleasant 66.
One and a half to two inches of rain is typical in each of the spring months, with May being the rainiest. While Paris precipitation is lower than that of any other French city, it often comes in the form of unexpected downpours.
Mid-May to mid-September is the busiest period for tourism, when many students and families trek to Paris. But the high season also means higher air fares, usually beginning in June. This popular period also means fewer vacant rooms and longer lines at museums and other tourist sites. A highlight of going to Paris in late June is being able to enjoy enjoy daylight until 10:30 p.m.
Summer is a time when many Parisians leave for vacation, lessening the crowds to some degree, but it can be hot. In the fall, temperatures dip but so do air fares as the low season begins in October and runs through April. Those who visit in winter are treated to holiday festivals and decorations but must endure the cold and rain.
Where to Stay in Paris
It is possible to find $100-a night-accommodations at several budget places including Hotel Langlois. Travelers looking to save their money for sightseeing and dining out can also find camping spots.
Visitors with no monetary restraints can choose a hotel based on proximity to attractions, room size and other rating criteria. There are many luxury hotels from which to choose such as the Four Seasons George V and the Intercontinental.
Timeshares, which are mostly located outside the city limits are another option to consider.
Paris Attractions
Those who visit Paris for the views can get them from famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower but there are also many lesser known vantage points like the Montparnasse 56 skyscraper or any of the bridges across the Seine River.
Paris’ legendary monuments, buildings and other attractions are a priority for many visitors.
- The Eiffel Tower: Paris’ most iconic structure, the Eiffel Tower is a veritable light show on the hour each night.
- Notre Dame: Completed in the 14th century, the Notre Dame Cathedral not only offers tours but also services seven days a week.
- The Louvre: This world-famous art museum is so big that visitors should plan to devote an entire day to exploring it.
Those traveling with children may want to fit Disneyland Paris into their agenda.
Shoppers will find their paradise on the Boulevard Saint Germain and Rue du Four which boast many designer clothing stores. Twice-a-year sales in January and June offer deep discounts. Nearby designer depots have yearlong bargains.
French markets offer not only fresh vegetables and fruits but also art and antiques.
Where to Eat in Paris
A big part of the Parisian experience is enjoying the meals and snacks offered by its 1,500 restaurants. For fine dining, many critics recommend Chez Georges for traditional French fare. Others include Jules Verne and L’ambroisie.
For casual meals, the quintessential French experience is eating, or just sipping coffee or wine at an outdoor café. There are hundreds from which to choose, so a guide book like Zagat or websites that let tourists pick a restaurant based on location, price and cuisine can be helpful.
For lunch, a ham-and-butter sandwich which translates to jambon-beurre in French, is a typical choice, and is offered at many cafes and bakeries. Parisians like to top off a meal with macaroons, cookies filled with ganache, a rich, dark chocolate, which bear little resemblance to the macaroons in the U.S.
In France, cafes and restaurants menu items already include tax and a 15% service charge in their price. Guests may add another 5% to 10% if they like, which will go directly to the waiter, unlike the 15%, which is divided among the entire wait staff.
Tips for Paris Travel
Paris is separated into 20 arrondissements, or municipal districts. The first arrondissement, found near the Seine River’s left bank, is the center of this arrangement. It contains the Louvre and Paris’ oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf.
The fifth, sixth and seventh arrondissements make up what’s called The Left Bank area. The fifth, also known as the Latin Quarter, boasts the Sorbonne University as well as several open-air markets, gardens and meandering backstreets. The seventh district is where the Eifel Tower is located.
Experiencing Paris can be made easier by following these tips:
- Before going, learn at least enough of the French language to be polite and find someone who speaks English.
- Plan a tour for the first day to get an overview of attractions.
- Have only two attractions per day on your agenda.
- Visit the most popular sites on a weekday to avoid long lines.
- Take advantage of public transportation in Paris, which includes busses, the Metro subway and the RER express trains, all of which are known for being clean, safe and on-time.
Related Paris Travel Resources
10Best.com: Paris Restaurants - Fine French Traditional [1]
About.com Europe Travel: City Map [2]
About.com France Travel: Arc de Triomphe - A Guide to this Popular Paris Sightseeing Attraction [3]
About.com France Travel: Top 10 Budget Paris Hotels [4]
About.com France Travel: Disneyland Paris [5]
About.com France Travel: Paris and France Monthly Events Calendar, Typical Weather and Trip Planner [6]
About.com France Travel: Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways in France [7]
About.com France Travel: Paris Hotels and France Hotels - Understand the French Hotel Star Rating System [8]
About.com France Travel: See Paris [9]
About.com France Travel: How To Enjoy the Louvre Museum [10]
About.com France Travel: Paris Luxury Hotels [11]
About.com France Travel: Maps of France[12]
About.com France Travel: Picture Tour of Paris Markets [13]
About.com France Travel: Romantic Paris [14]
About.com France Travel: Visiting Paris' Red Light District [15]
About.com France Travel: Paris Shopping Bargains [16]
About.com France Travel: Top 6 Paris Attractions [17]
About.com France Travel: Top 5 Paris Tours [18]
About.com France Travel: Paris Travel [19]
About.com France Travel: Tipping in Paris and France [20]
About.com France Travel: Top 5 Paris Views [21]
About.com France Travel: Where to Eat in Paris - Paris Dining and Restaurant Guide [22]
About.com France Travel: Paris Hotels, Inns And Other Lodging - Where to Stay in Pari[23]
About.com Paris Travel: Celebrating Bastille Day in Paris [24]
About.com Paris Travel: Districts [25]
About.com Paris Travel: Paris by Month: Weather, Packing Guides, and Events Calendars[26]
About.com Paris Travel: Eiffel Tower Profile and Visitors' Guide [27]
About.com Paris Travel: Holiday Lights and Shop Windows at Paris Department Stores [28]
About.com Paris Travel: How to Use Paris Public Transportation - Metro, Bus and RER [29]
About.com Paris Travel: Latin Quarter [30]
About.com Paris Travel: Notre Dame Cathedral Profile and Visitor Information [31]
About.com Paris Travel: Paris is a Tourist Trap: TripAdvisor Poll [32]
About.com Paris Travel: Transportation [33]
About.com Paris Travel: When is the Best Time to Visit Paris? [34]
Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau: Official Site [35]
Discover France: Paris Overview [36]
Fodors.com: Paris Travel Guide [37]
Frommers.com: Paris [38]
Notre Dame De Paris: Mass and Service Times [39]
Paris Escapes: French Phrases [40]
Paris France: Tourist Information and City Guide [41]
Paris Travel Guide: Number of Visitors [42]
Paris.org: Cafes of Paris [43]
Sell My Timeshare Now: France Timeshare resales and France Timeshare Rentals [44]
Sherman’s Travel High/Low Season [45]
VisitingFrance Best Time to Visit Paris [46]
Smarter Travel When to Go [47]
Venere Travel Blog: Jambon-beurre [48]
World Travels Climate [49]