Paris

Best time to visit Paris

• Spring (March to May): Paris in the spring is enchanting, with mild weather and cherry blossoms turning parks into seas of pink. Smaller crowds, except around spring break.
• Summer (June to August): One of the best times to visit Paris. Enjoy the long, sunny days and festivals such as Bastille Day, but expect busier hotels.
• Fall (September to November): Stunning fall foliage in parks and the leafy Montmartre neighborhood. Accommodation prices drop, and crowds thin out.
• Winter (December to February): Chilly weather and fewer visitors make this a good time for indoor attractions. Occasional snow may affect travel plans.

How many days to spend in Paris

To get a feel for Paris, spend two to three days exploring the center and top attractions such as the Centre Pompidou. For a more comprehensive experience, extend your Paris trip to five to seven days to visit the lavish Palace of Versailles and neighborhoods such as Charonne, a former village with a medieval church.

The vibe of Paris

From cobblestone streets to trendy boutiques, Paris exudes effortless chic and nonchalant cool. The center, particularly around the Champs-Élysées and the Latin Quarter, is always buzzing with visitors and residents filling the grand boulevards, high-end stores and museums. Meanwhile, areas such as Canal Saint-Martin offer a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for afternoons by the water. Cultural life flourishes with countless galleries, theaters and events such as Paris Fashion Week and the Fête de la Musique. Sports are also woven into the fabric, with international competitions, including the Tour de France. Wander down any street when you visit Paris, and you’ll see people dressed with an innate sense of style.

Events in Paris

Paris never sleeps, as its packed calendar keeps the fun going year-round. In July, the city pulls out all the stops for Bastille Day, a national holiday commemorating a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. Enjoy fireworks, parades and dancing in the streets. Summer also means Paris Plages, when the Seine’s banks are transformed into beaches. The Rock en Seine music festival (August) is an electrifying Paris event that brings summer to a close with a bang. If you’re a sports fan, put the Paris Marathon (April) and the French Open tennis tournament (May/June) in your diary. Salon du Chocolat (Oct/Nov) is a delicious highlight, celebrating chocolate with tastings and exhibits.

Food in Paris

From casual bistros and traditional brasseries to dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris’ food scene is world-renowned, and for good reason. Enjoy your morning coffee with a buttery croissant from one of the countless boulangeries (bakeries). Savor French classics like onion soup at historic spots like Le Petit Chaise, Paris’ oldest restaurant, which dates back to 1680. Venture beyond French fare in Belleville’s Middle Eastern and African restaurants or visit the Latin Quarter to dine on everything from savory Vietnamese pho to spicy Indian curries. Stock up on cheeses, charcuterie and fresh produce at markets like Batignolles Organic Market. For a sweet snack while visiting Paris, try some macaroons, colorful meringue-based treats adored by locals.

Nightlife in Paris

Paris’ diverse nightlife has something for every night owl. Kick off your evening with a cocktail in a city center rooftop bar where the views are as spectacular as the drinks. For a dose of old-school Parisian glamor during your Paris travels, book a table at the legendary Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, famous for its cancan performances. If you’re up for dancing, head to the trendy clubs of Bastille or Pigalle. Le Marais and Les Halles districts, known for their lively LGBTQ+ scene, are filled with energetic clubs that keep the party going until late. Prefer a quieter night out? Unwind in the wine bars and intimate jazz clubs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Shopping in Paris

From high-end fashion to flea market finds, Paris’ shopping scene has it all. Explore the Champs-Élysées, the wide, tree-lined boulevard famous for luxury brands such as Dior and Louis Vuitton. The Galeries Lafayette department store is another essential stop, known for its designer wares and magnificent glass dome. For a more eclectic shopping experience, visit the independent boutiques in 18th- and 19th-century covered passageways such as Passage des Panoramas. Pick up a bargain at Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen, one of the world’s largest antiques and secondhand markets. Complete your shopping haul at Les Bouquinistes: centuries-old book stalls lining the Seine, where you’ll find unique tomes and vintage prints.