Paris Eiffel Tower

France: Paris Travel Guide | Best Things To Do

To the point Travelling to Paris? I have put together the best things to do in Paris for you! A booklet to keep close for visiting or strolling.

With the upcoming celebration of the Olympic Games in July/August and the release of the 4th season of the Netflix series Emily in Paris in August, the City of Light is going wild!

For the occasion, I’m sharing with you my notebook of the best places to visit in Paris: visits, restaurants, gourmet experiences, cafés and accommodations not to be missed and out of the ordinary, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable stay.

My discovery of Paris

I recently discovered the Paris of my dreams for the first time. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks are easy to spot, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and the Moulin Rouge. Paris is full of timeless places that we remember for a long time.

Here are a few good Parisian addresses to keep in mind to make your stay in the City of Light a truly exceptional one.

What to do on a trip to Paris?

The Louvre

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Located in the former royal palace in the heart of Paris, visiting the Musée du Louvre is a must. It is a legendary institution of art and culture, housing over 35,000 works of art, from the famous “Mona Lisa” to majestic statues of antiquity.

Px Louvre Museum Wikimedia Commons
Px Louvre Museum Wikimedia Commons

The Luxembourg garden

Address: Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris

Located not far from Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this unmissable Parisian garden was created on the request of Queen Marie de Médicis in 1612. Its 25 hectares are divided into a French and an English part. The writer in me took the time to get out her notebook and be inspired by the beauty of the place. Don’t forget to bring your novel!

Guerlain Perfumery

Address: 68, avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

A pioneer in fragrance creation, la Maison Guerlain is known for its perfumes, notably Shalimar, Mitsouko, and Guerlinade, and more recently La petite robe noire.

Don’t hesitate to stop by the boutique located on the Champs-Élysées, because it is a place with a fairy-tale atmosphere, between a perfume museum and a luxury boutique. If you have the means, they even offer you a unique service to create a custom Guerlain bottle!

Shakespeare and Company

Address: 37, rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

Just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame-de-Paris is this iconic bookstore, Shakespeare and Company, founded in 1919. In addition to the bookstore specializing in English-language literature, there is a charming café with large old sash windows where you can sit and enjoy a view of Notre-Dame and the Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre church square.

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Musée de la vie romantique

Address: 16, Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris

This is a very pleasant museum, with its beautiful flowered interior courtyard where you can have a coffee. The Musée de la vie romantique is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, in the former home of the painter Ary Scheffer.

On the first floor of the pavilion built in 1830, the museum exhibits the memories of the novelist George Sand, who came to visit his neighbour. The rooms are decorated with paintings, sculptures, drawings, jewelry, and furniture.

Le Moulin Rouge

Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

Have you listened to the rhythms of modern music, explored contemporary art galleries and walked along the quays of the Seine? Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at the Moulin Rouge, a landmark of Parisian nightlife.

Opened in 1889, this cabaret is famous for its electric atmosphere and dance shows, notably the French Cancan. Located in the heart of the lively Montmartre district, the Moulin Rouge continues to captivate lovers of live entertainment, offering a plunge into an era of unparalleled glamour and festivity.

Musée Delacroix

Address: 6, Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris

Have you already visited the Louvre, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Musée d’Orsay? Now take a tour of the Musée national Eugene-Delacroix, a museum I thoroughly enjoyed.

Set up in the last apartment and studio of the painter – where he lived from 1857 to his death on August 13, 1863 -,the museum was created by painters, collectors, curators, who united in an association to save the space, which was threatened to be torn down.

Musée de la Croix

Gourmet experiences in Paris

Bouillon Racine

Address: 3, rue Racine; 75006 Paris

In the 6th arrondissement, if you’re looking for something other than a café, the Bouillon Racine is a beautiful Art Nouveau style restaurant founded in 1906. Reminiscent of the unique atmosphere of Paris in the 1900s, this famous “bouillon” (ancestor of the Parisian brasseries) was classified as a historical monument in 1995.

La Closerie des Lilas

Address: 171, Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris

On the way to the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Catacombs, we find this prestigious bar-restaurant which takes its name from the Closerie des Lilas Ball (1847-1940).

In the past, La Closerie des Lilas was one of the most lively cafés for artists and intellectuals. Among the most famous who frequented there: Verlaine, Hemingway, Picasso, Émile Zola, Paul Cézanne, Théophile Gautier, Charles Baudelaire.

Today, there is a restaurant in a refined setting, under a magnificent veranda, but also a typical Parisian brasserie.

Reopening is scheduled for March 18, 2024.

La Closerie des Lilas

Vita Restaurante

Address: 9, rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris

Even in Paris, the desire for a good Italian restaurant can take over. If so, I suggest the Restaurant Vita.

In a pleasant and warm setting, you will be treated to traditional Neapolitan dishes, including homemade pizzas, pasta, and anti pasti. Don’t miss the famous Fiamma della Vita. It is a dish of fresh pasta, flambéed with grappa in a wheel of parmesan, mushrooms, and fresh black truffle. A real treat!

Fitzgerald

Address: 54, boul. de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris

Not far from the Eiffel Tower, this elegant Art Deco style restaurant with an intimate cocktail bar offers upscale cuisine. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a small menu, and a speakeasy bar specialising in cocktails.

FITZ-HERO-MOBILE

Coffee and tea houses

Ladurée

Address: 75, Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

A classic where you must go for tea at least once in your life! As you may know, the history of Parisian tea rooms is closely linked to that of the Ladurée family.

There are a few locations in Paris, but I admit to having a weakness for the one on the Champs-Élysées with its superb Napoleon III style restaurant. Enjoy the delictable tea, the delicious macarons, and the luxurious pastries!

Les Deux Magots

Address: 6, Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, if you are looking for a lively café, stop by the mythical café and restaurant Les Deux Magots. Renowned for its literary history, it serves creative French cuisine.

Les Deux Magots

Café de Flore

Address: 172, Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

Right next to the café Les Deux Magots, the Café de Flore is a restaurant-café just as famous as its neighbour. It is a true Parisian institution reminiscent of the old literary Paris. Today, the coffee is very popular with tourists.

Le Café de Flore

Café de la Paix

Address: 5, Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Right in front of the majestic Opera Garnier (that I also recommend you to visit), the Café de la Paix is a famous Parisian café and restaurant. It is worth going there for at least one cocktail as I did, to admire its majestic interior.

The Café de la Paix and its terrace are located on the first floor of theInterContinental Paris – Le Grand, an opulent 5-star hotel that dates back to 1862 and is a 3-minute walk from the Boulevard Haussmann boutiques.

Le Café de la Paix

Accommodation

The Regent

Address: 61, Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris

Ideally located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this 3-star hotel is housed in an 18th century building. It offers 25 sophisticated and beautifully decorated rooms.

A typical Parisian hotel at a reasonable price, I really appreciated the comfort and the delicious croissants in the morning! I would have gladly stayed an extra night, especially for the location in a most charming and lively neighborhood.

Hotel La Comtesse

Address: 29, Avenue de Tourville, 75007 Paris

In the prestigious 7th arrondissement, this reasonably priced hotel offers a rare view of the Eiffel Tower!

The hotel La Comtesse offers a contemporary decoration inspired by the literary salons of the 18th century. There are 40 comfortable rooms or suites with views of the monuments of Paris (the Eiffel Tower, the Dôme des Invalides, and the École Militaire). This was the perfect place for my most beautiful Instagram shots!

Hôtel La Comtesse

Hotel Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Address: 33, Av. George V, 75008 Paris

The Prince de Galles is an elegant 5-star hotel in art deco style, ideally located on one of Paris’s most prestigious avenues. The Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe are just a few steps away. The structure of the building is made of the same stones as the Arc de Triomphe. Finally, enjoy a relaxing break on the sumptuous patio, or sample the cuisine of chef Norbert Tarayre, who made his name on France’s Top Chef TV show.

British Hotel

Address: 20, Av. Victoria, 75001 Paris

In the Châtelet district, near the Seine and the beautiful bridges of Paris, the British Hotel is a good choice for travelers looking for nightlife. The invitingly decorated hotel is surrounded by theaters, cabarets, boutiques, and very Parisian bistros. It is an affordable 3 star hotel where the employees are very friendly and attentive.

Souquet House

Address: 10, Rue De Bruxelles, 75009 Paris

Opposite the famous Moulin Rouge and a few steps from the Montmartre district, is known to be one of the most romantic hotels in Paris! With its discreet façade, the Maison Souquet hides the mystery of a former brothel transformed into a luxurious 5-star hotel.

Maison Souquet offers 20 rooms including 6 suites with unique decorations. We had the chance to stay there for two nights and we enjoyed the facilities with their whimsical decor and where elegance, sensuality, and luxury are front and centre.

Tourism in Paris: useful resources

Credit cards to use in Paris

To pay in Paris, use your Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card to avoid foreign currency conversion fees!

You will save 2.5% on each purchase.

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, you earn up to 35,000 Scene+ points as a welcome bonus (a $350 value) :

  • 25,000 points after just $1,000 in purchases
  • 10,000 points after $40,000 in purchases in the first year

Then, each year, if you make at least $40,000 in purchases on the card, you’ll earn an annual bonus of 10,000 points, a $100 value.

With the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 3 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.

You’ll also earn 2 points for every dollar you spend, including on foreign transactions, in the following categories:

  • Grocery shopping
  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment centers
  • Transit

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is an excellent Visa credit card for this type of purchase.

You can redeem your points for any travel purchase at the rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusive properties and even Airbnb). You can also use your points as cash back with Scene+, such as at your grocery store checkout at the same rate of 1,000 points = $10.

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary passes to airport VIP lounges
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Concierge service

We voted this credit card the Best No-FX Fee Credit Card of 2024.

Travel Guide

Don’t hesitate to consult the Ulysses Bookshop for its travel guides, particularly the Escale à Paris guide:

Booking activities in Paris

The Civitatis platform remains a must for all kinds of travel activities. You can find a selection of interesting things to do in Paris with our partner GetYourGuide:

 

Book an accommodation in Paris

Find your accommodation at the best price with Agoda or Booking:



Booking.com

There are also many Marriott Bonvoy establishments in Paris, which can be paid for using points or cash. Here are our reviews on several of these hotels:

Experiences during the 2024 Olympics

Don’t have tickets to watch the competitions? But you’ll still be able to vibrate! The City of Paris will be offering some twenty festive sites to be set up in the various arrondissements of the capital.

Among the places to discover:

Trocadero Gardens, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower – 16th arrondissement of Paris

The Parc des Champions, home to the medal winners, will allow the public to watch the day’s grand finals live. There will also be numerous artistic and cultural performances.

  • Free access;
  • Opening hours: 4:30 pm to 11:30 pm ;
  • Open from Monday July 29 to Saturday August 10;
  • Closed from Friday August 2 to Sunday August 4.
parc-des-champions

Hôtel de Ville forecourt – 4th arrondissement of Paris

Club 2024 will take up residence in front of City Hall. The site will host a number of sporting events, including giant screens and playgrounds.

Parc de La Villette – 19th arrondissement of Paris

Club France will be the gathering place for French athletes. A host of events are planned to celebrate the Olympic Games in style. The federations will also be offering introductory sports courses.

  • Free access;
  • Events: July 27 to August 11, then August 29 to September 8;
  • Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The outdoor fan zone closes at 11 pm.

All events linked to the Paris Games will be listed on an interactive map, available from the Paris 2024 app and official website from the end of April.

If you’re planning to visit Paris during the 2024 Olympics, here are our guides on the subject:

Bottom Line

The capital of France, the world centre of art, fashion, food, and culture still charms with every visit. Nothing better than to discover Paris through its best authentic locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to visit Paris in 3 days?

For a whirlwind tour, it’s best to opt for must-do activities such as a visit to the Louvre, a trip along the Seine, a stroll in the Tuileries Gardens or a visit to the Latin Quarter.

How to organize a trip to Paris?

The best strategy is to prepare your trip. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to collect travel points and lighten your bill.

When to go to Paris for less?

The cheapest times to visit Paris are in the off-season. It’s best to avoid school vacations, summer vacations, Easter and Christmas. Skyscanner will help you find the best prices for flights and hotels.

What budget for a trip to Paris from Quebec?

It all depends on when you want to go, how long you want to stay and the type of accommodation. However, to save on some of your expenses, you could opt for credit card travel points, as well as welcome bonuses.

Does Transat offer flights to Paris?

Air Transat offers direct flights to Paris from Montreal and Quebec City.

What type of trip should I book for an all-inclusive in Paris?

Finally, Transat and Air Canada Vacations offer tours with flights, accommodation, visits and meals included in the price.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
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Marjorie
Marjorie has three passions in life: writing, travel and the world of wellness. The last decade has been full of exploration for her! Her travels have taken her all over the world, from Central America to Asia, Europe and Africa. This former travel consultant loves to inspire us and share her best discoveries. She is also the author of several novels and guides.

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