FRANCE

Discover Paris from 692 $

Practical information

Shop hours

Generally, shops in Paris are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 7 pm, although some large stores also open on Sundays.

Transports

The metro, bus, and RER (regional train) make up an efficient transportation network for exploring Paris and its surroundings, with special packages available for tourists. Paris also boasts an excellent bike rental system, taxis, and ride-sharing apps to facilitate getting around.

Safety

Paris is a relatively safe city, but it's recommended to take precautions to prevent pickpocketing. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in bustling tourist areas, and follow public safety guidelines.

Service

Administrative offices in Paris typically have opening hours from 9 am to 5 pm, from Monday to Friday.

Holidays and celebrations

Labor Day on May 1st
Victory in Europe Day on May 8th, 1945
Ascension Day
Nuit Blanche
Fête de la Musique on June 21st
Bastille Day on July 14th
Assumption Day on August 15th
All Saints' Day on November 1st
Armistice Day on November 11, 1918
Christmas on December 25th
New Year's Eve celebration on the evening of December 31st

Essentials

When you visit Paris, you find yourself at the heart of numerous fascinating experiences. Among the must-see places, the famous Champs-Élysées avenue and its Arc de Triomphe serve as a shopping paradise, lined with luxury stores, elegant cafes, and prestigious cinemas.

The Trocadéro, situated in front of the Eiffel Tower, offers one of the most spectacular views in the city. Here, you can admire France's most iconic tower from a different perspective, surrounded by magnificent gardens and fountains.

The cobbled streets of Le Marais are lined with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and delightful patisseries. Montmartre, perched on a hill, charms you with its bohemian ambiance overlooking the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. While these two districts are essential for understanding the richness of the City of Light, it also hides many other secrets waiting to be discovered.

Just a short distance from Paris and accessible by RER, several points of interest rank among the most visited places in the world: the Palace of Versailles and its sumptuous gardens transport you to the splendor of French history, while Disneyland Paris enchants both young and old every day.

Gastronomy

Paris is renowned for its gastronomy, and throughout the country, you'll find numerous places to dine, from simple brasseries to much higher-end establishments.

French cuisine stands out with its sophistication and dizzying diversity. An array of typical dishes should not be missed: Provencal ratatouille, meat specialties, crepes, salads, soups, quiches, and more. It's impossible to list them all here! The meal doesn't stop there; diverse cheeses are often offered before a dessert that showcases local pastry craftsmanship.

And of course, no culinary journey in France would be complete without enjoying a good glass of wine. Whether at a restaurant or on a terrace, any occasion is perfect for savoring one of the many varieties from France's famous vineyards.

Culture

Paris is a hub of global culture, steeped in history and creativity. The Louvre Museum exemplifies this richness with its iconic glass pyramid, housing an exceptional art collection, from Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to Géricault's The Raft of the Medusa, along with countless treasures from around the world.

The Parisian art scene, both past and present, remains vibrant, as evidenced by the multitude of museums and cultural venues offering new exhibitions and must-see events each week. Theater, cinema, and music are also at the heart of Parisian life, with iconic venues such as the Comédie-Française, the Cinémathèque française, and the Opéra Garnier.

Paris is much more than a tourist destination; it's an open-air museum waiting to be explored.

Climate

Paris enjoys a temperate climate, offering four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and sunny, perfect for strolling along the Seine or having a picnic in one of the city's many parks. Summer temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C.

Spring and autumn bring vibrant colors to the city, with mild temperatures hovering around 15°C to 20°C. While occasional rain might interrupt your outdoor plans, there is no shortage of indoor activities, making it the perfect time to explore one of the countless Parisian museums.

Winter is cool, with temperatures averaging between 3°C and 7°C. If you have the opportunity to visit Paris in winter, the Christmas decorations light up the city, creating an absolutely magical atmosphere.