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• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024
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• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
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• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ Belmond Brought Back Its Most Thrilling Trains Through Asia – Here's What to Expect How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal Georgia May Be Getting Its First National Park Soon — and It Has More Than Just Scenic Trails How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Costa Rica How to Plan a Trip to Italy's Amalfi Coast This Stunning Region in Portugal Is a Wine Lover's Dream How to Visit Oslo, According to Someone Who Spent 6 Years in Scandinavia This South American City Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 The Caribbean's 'Nature Island' Has Rain Forests, Luxury Hotels, and a Rich Creole Culture This Midwestern Gem Is Home to Barbecue, Music, and a Flourishing Womens’ Sports Scene I've Lived in Las Vegas for 8 Years — Here's My Ultimate Guide to Sin City Australia's Newest National Park Is Home to Dramatic Scenery and the Oldest Fossils in the World This Might Be Japan's Most Beautiful National Park How to Plan the Perfect Trip to New Zealand This California Destination Has Charming Small Towns, Incredible Wine, and a Stunning Coastline Fort Worth Has Great Modern Art, Cool Hotels, and a Vegan Dining Scene This Underrated European City Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 I Took My Kids on Spring Break to Rajasthan, India This Hip Eastern European City Is One of the Best Places to Travel This Year The Complete Guide to the Island of Hawai‘i CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included

The best trips to Paris blend the new and the old. Here, a longtime Francophile shares which landmarks are worth visiting, plus a mix of classic and recently opened hotels, restaurants, bars, and more.

• Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best nightlife.

• Best Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

How to get there, other neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

First-timers come to Paris seeking Eiffel Tower views, flaky croissants, snapshots of the Mona Lisa, and a proper taste of steak frites. Even seasoned visitors of the City of Light would agree: Cravings for that postcard version of the city don’t abate easily, but there’s so much more to see (and taste, and do). 

Luckily, part of Paris' enduring magic is how expertly it weaves the living museum of itself — the can’t-miss landmarks, historic cafes, and perfectly preserved artist studios — with the momentum of what’s new. A Michelin-starred restaurant with a deep-cut Champagne list beckons just beyond the Eiffel Tower; a kaleidoscopic Wes Anderson-inspired hotel sits on the corner of the Hôtel de Ville; and late-night wine and cocktails lure in chefs and industry folk until 5 a.m. at a bar beside Place de la République. You don’t have to choose between the old and new Paris. It’s all there — you just need to know where to look. 

To that end, I’ve curated a list of tried-and-true bonnes adresses to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris, from the city’s most luxurious hotels to convivial natural wine bars, expansive concept shops, museums of all kinds (everything from Picasso to perfume), and restaurants for every occasion. 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• It’s certainly a splurge, but there’s no place more emphatically Parisian than the Ritz Paris, where sumptuous suites and the Bar Hemingway beckon. 
• The superb lunchtime tasting menu at Michelin-starred Substance is inventive, surprisingly affordable, and conveniently around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. 
• Visit the former studio and gardens of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at the intimate Musée Bourdelle, tucked away in the 15th arrondissement. 
• Spend your Sunday souvenir shopping at one of the world’s largest flea markets, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. 
• Mingle with local chefs, bar owners, and other industry folk over a nightcap at Cavalier, a natural wine and cocktail hot spot just off the Canal Saint-Martin.

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Cheval blanc.

Courtesy of Cheval Blanc Paris

Perched just over the Pont Neuf in the historic Samaritaine department store, this 72-room marvel is a beacon of luxury (of the LVMH variety). The location is as central as it gets and the spa is divine (it’s Dior), plus there’s a dreamy lap pool and sauna as well as an intimate new Japanese restaurant. 

Le Grand Mazarin

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

Step into your own Wes Anderson film at this Martin Brudnizki-designed property on Rue des Archives, smack in the middle of the bustling Marais . Here, 61 maximalist rooms and suites dazzle with velvet headboards, ornate tapestries, and objets d’art . Dip down to the subterranean pool to admire the Cocteau-inspired fresco, then treat yourself to the salted chocolate mousse at Boubalé .

The Ritz Paris remains in a class of its own. Classical music plays underwater at the pool here, while marble fireplaces, sumptuous drapes, peach-colored bathrobes, and over-the-top room service transport you to a bygone Paris — one where you might still find Marcel Proust scrawling notes in the tea room, or Coco Chanel checking in on her atelier. If you’re not looking to splurge on a stay, be sure to book in at Bar Hemingway and take a stroll around the covered arcade just to bask in the hotel’s history. 

Cour des Vosges

This sublime address feels like a well-kept secret: It’s discreetly tucked away in one of the arcades around the leafy Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest and most picturesque planned square. A spiral staircase (and a small elevator) lead to a dozen rooms and suites where exposed wood beams, curated libraries, and well-stocked bar carts welcome you home.

Saint James Paris

Fancy a visit to the French countryside, but short on time? Transport yourself there with a stay at this newly redesigned château hotel — the only one of its kind in the city — that borders the sprawling Bois de Boulogne (and the must-see Louis Vuitton Foundation ) in the ultra-private 16th arrondissement. Grab a martini at the sexy, wood-paneled Library Bar or steal away in the beautifully manicured gardens with a good book — and don’t miss the elegant Guerlain spa and lap pool. 

Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

Visit a museum.

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to at least one museum — and luckily, the city has more than 130, dedicated to everything from impressionism to wine to the art of smoking. While droves of people will queue up for their selfie with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, I’d encourage you to check out some of the quieter, quirkier museums — like Maison Fragonard’s perfume museum , Montmartre’s charming literary museum , or the kid-friendly fairground museum hidden in the Pavillons de Bercy — which are often located in less central neighborhoods and will bring you into more local Paris. 

When it comes to art museums, it’s hard to top Musée Picasso , housed in a 17th-century mansion with a superlative collection by the Spanish painter plus ever-rotating exhibitions. The Centre Pompidou is the city’s always-invigorating modern and contemporary art museum, which is set to close for major renovations in 2025. Musée Marmottan Monet , meanwhile, is home to the largest collection of the pioneering impressionist’s work in the world, and it's running an Olympics-inspired exhibition through September 2024. Impressionist lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée d’Orsay , a former Beaux-Arts train station where you can have a tête-à-tête with works by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and more. 

Two other favorites: Spread across two Renaissance mansions and a beautiful courtyard, Musée Carnavalet explores the history of Paris through street signs and other fascinating relics of its past. Across the river, a few blocks from the Montparnasse Tower, Musée Bourdelle is a light-filled wonder of works by sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, a contemporary of Rodin whose former studio and gardens are a haven to walk around. 

Eat your way through Paris’ oldest food market.

At the heart of what is now the trendy Marais neighborhood, the Marché des Enfants Rouges has been operating since 1615 and retains much of its out-of-time charm. It’s a beguiling labyrinth of food and flower stalls: tried-and-true favorites include Chez Alain Miam Miam 's famous sandwiches, the seafood-focused small plates and natural wines of Les Enfants du Marché , and the carnivorous hedonism of The Butcher of Paris . 

Tour the city’s covered passages. 

The French know a thing or two about the art of shopping, as evidenced by the sublime elegance of the 19th-century covered passageways running throughout Paris. Less than two dozen of the nearly 200 original glass arcades remain, and are now home to rare bookshops, vintage postcard stores, artisan workshops, clothing shops, and wine bars. Trusted guide companies like Viator and Get Your Guide offer walking tours that hit the highlights (Galerie Vivienne, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, and more), or you can choose to wander them at your own pace.  

Hit the major landmarks.

No matter if it’s your first or 50th trip to Paris, you’ll always find yourself struck by the grandeur of the city’s famous landmarks. While some demand a visit, others, like the Eiffel Tower, best reveal their magic when glimpsed from afar (Rue de l’Université and Avenue de Camoens are two excellent viewing points). The Arc de Triomphe can be checked off your list from the Champs-Élysées, but it’s worth going up at least once to take in the spectacular views over Paris. Other main attractions, like the pristine white dome of Sacré-Cœur Basilica, should factor into part of your neighborhood explorations, as you trace your way up the steep steps of Montmartre for more panoramic views, vintage shopping, and charming museums. 

If time allows, hop on the RER C train and head toward the Château de Versailles (the station is Versailles Château–Rive Gauche), where you can immerse yourself in the gilded rooms and fairy-tale gardens of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. 

Learn the art of French savoir faire from local tastemakers.

“There’s nothing like being with a local,” says Clément Le Coz, co-founder of luxury travel agency Le Coup de Foudre , which curates bespoke itineraries around fashion, fine jewelry, antiques, literature, and just about any other creative pursuit. 

“Just getting a list of tips and places is the first step, but a moment to spend there with someone is incomparable,” he adds. Along with his wife, Justina Socas, the pair of them are devastatingly elegant — their team of in-the-know locals opens up a version of Paris that’s nearly impossible for visitors to access otherwise, including private visits to the Manufacture des Gobelins (a centuries-old tapestry factory) and lunch inside the mesmerizing atelier of La Maison Charles , a historic bronze manufacturer.  

“You’re providing a piece of history,” says Le Coz. “It’s not only taking people to a private showroom or introducing them to a fashion designer; it’s explaining the significance and the story behind it.” 

Best Shopping 

This three-story concept shop in the Marais always yields some new delight, be it a chic branded burlap tote, a pink ceramic dessert plate, or a perfectly tailored button-down shirt. It’s one of my go-to spots for souvenir shopping, and you can grab a coffee at their Used Book Cafe if you’re in need of a pick-me-up. 

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Sundays in Paris are a quiet affair, as many restaurants and businesses are closed. To make the most of your day, head to the sprawling wonderland of the Saint-Ouen , where nearly 2,000 vendors comprise the largest secondhand market in the world.

Head to Marché Paul Bert Serpette for showrooms full of fabulous furniture; to Marché Dauphine to check out the retro spaceship centerpiece, plus vintage clothes, books, and records; and to Marché Vernaison for more than 200 vendors selling souvenir-worthy bric-a-brac. Local guides can help you find the best stalls —  Paris Flea Market is a great independent tour company leading small group and private tours. 

Shakespeare and Company

John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images

Finish the book you brought to Paris? Lose yourself in the city’s legendary English-language bookstore , once frequented by literary luminaries like Allen Ginsberg and Anaïs Nin. It continues to be a welcome home for contemporary writers, hosting book talks with writers like Sheila Heti and Ottessa Moshfegh on a regular basis.

This multilevel concept store is a stone’s throw from the Marché des Enfants Rouges and feels a bit more off-the-radar than Merci. It was founded by the French federation of craft professionals and showcases hundreds of their unique handmade works, from statement necklaces to ceramic tableware.

Vintage Shops

There’s no shortage of exceptional vintage stores in Paris, from the bargain-bin kilo shops of the Marais to more curated boutiques and appointment-only showrooms. Some favorites include Sous Les Pavés, Le Vintage , a three-story funhouse of "Alice in Wonderland" proportions in Saint-Michel, specializing in 1960s Italian designers (think lots of Pucci) and meticulously restored lingerie. Vintage Inspiration Paris is a pint-sized treasure trove of Yves Saint Laurent blazers and Mugler dresses and bags up in Batignolles, while En Voiture Simone and Nice Piece are beacons of good taste in the Marais, drawing in Parisian It girls and A-listers alike. 

Pharmacie Citypharma

French pharmacies are a beauty and bargain lover’s paradise, and this is the best and biggest of the lot. From affordable retinols to brightening Caudalie products and Nuxe body oil, this two-story pharmacy in Saint-Germain-des-Prés makes for excellent souvenir shopping. 

Jon Hicks/Getty Images

Chambre Noire

Arrive early to secure a spot at this canal-adjacent watering hole — and know that you might end up staying until close. Here, hip expats, in-the-know visitors, and a good dash of French folks push together tables and knock knees on small stools as they crowd around bottle after bottle of natural wine from Austria, Germany, and, of course, France. Steal a spot on the terrace if you can — and order the olives, tortilla, and mushrooms. Just make sure you’ve marked the 4 Boulevard Jules Ferry location on the canal, as their wine shop sometimes comes up on Google Maps or Uber instead. 

Cafe La Perle

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for people-watching than this corner cafe in the heart of the Marais. Grab a 14-euro carafe of house wine and a sidewalk stool in the early evening, then settle in to watch the parade of Parisians heading to apéro hour. Late at night, the crowd skews French and youthful, taking over the street, waving cigarettes around, and dodging scooters as they sort out their after-party plans. 

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, this Oberkampf gem is perpetually crowded. Fresh, seasonal small plates fly out of the kitchen until 11 p.m., and tables grow increasingly jubilant as magnums of wine start to crowd their tables. If you don’t mind a crowd, it’s a perfect bar no matter the weather — cozy and warm in winter, airy and flowing out onto the sidewalk in summer. 

Vinyl lovers looking for a place to groove will find it at Fréquence . While not exactly a dance bar, there are always people moving here — to what degree depends largely on the music and how packed the floor is. It’s a tiny space (which often means waiting in line to get in if you show up late), but the cocktails are reliably good, plus there’s wine and sake. The crowd thins as people rotate in and out of the downstairs smoking room. On weekends, it’s open until 4 a.m. 

Smack between Place de la République and Canal Saint-Martin, this late-night wine and cocktail bar is an industry hot spot that stays open until 5 a.m. most nights, welcoming in chefs and sommeliers who’ve just finished a shift nearby. Guest chefs whip up small plates from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; afterward, you can order cheese and charcuterie platters and oysters until the wee hours, parking yourself on the terrace in warmer weather. 

Best Restaurants 

The food around the Eiffel Tower tends to be overpriced and underwhelming — definitively not the case with one-Michelin-star Substance , which is helmed by 29-year-old chef Matthias Marc and offers a 65-euro tasting menu at lunch. Get a front-row seat to the spectacle at the chef’s counter, where he displays calm concentration and evident joy while transforming the products of his native Jura into sublime dishes (such as a transcendent gnocchi finished off tableside with Morteau sausage and vin jaune that brought me to tears). The wine list is impeccable — but if you’re feeling adventurous, trust the sommelier’s pairings. For those with time on their hands, the more immersive tasting menus — which can last three or four hours — are worth it.

Tucked down a winding private street just beside Père Lachaise, this Basque-inspired hideaway always feels like a party. In warmer weather, long tables stretch out underneath twinkling lights in what might be the city’s coolest courtyard, where locals smoke and sip on natural wine before finishing off with flan. 

Breizh Cafe

Courtesy of Breizh Cafe

It would be a crime not to eat a crepe during your trip to Paris, and you can find some of the best at Breizh Cafe . Their Brittany-style buckwheat galettes are so popular that they’ve opened up several outposts around the city — the best being their sun-soaked corner in the Marais, where they serve galettes with aged Comte, Jambon de Paris, and onions decadently caramelized in cider. 

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Bistros abound in Paris, but none hold a candle to Paul Bert . It’s as much about the food (perfect renditions of French classics, from steak au poivre to cheese soufflé) as it is the service (our waitress was both exasperated and energetic, a delightful combination). The portions are deeply satisfying, and the wine list covers classic producers as well as up-and-comers. As such, it’s quite popular, so be sure to call ahead to book a reservation. 

Le Cheval d’Or 

A lot is happening behind the famous red facade of this freshly revamped Chinese bistro , where foodies flock for superb stuffed duck à l’orange and invigorating flavor combinations, like red pepper and rhubarb pork belly, or tofu and caviar consommé. It’s tucked away in Jourdain, a part of the 19th arrondissement that few tourists will make the trek for, so the crowd skews local and gourmand. 

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

With so many restaurants boasting ever-rotating menus of small plates, there’s something comforting about a bistro serving up steak frites day in and day out. Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is a classic, first opened in 1959 and serving the same set menu ever since: fresh green salad with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette, followed by tenderloin steak in a drool-inducing secret sauce plus homemade french fries. Frankly, it’s perfect. Go for Sunday brunch, and wash it all down with their organic house red wine from Gaillac.

L’Avant Comptoir de La Terre

Few things bring a smile to my face faster than a gallon of cornichons sidling up to a big bowl of butter. That’s the permanent tableaux at Yves Camdeborde’s narrow bar in Saint-Germain-des-Prés , which sets my heart aflutter on every visit (no matter: a bowl of duck hearts is quick to fortify me). The meat-focused tapas menu is hearty, the wine list always has a few treasures, and best of all, it’s open on Sundays. 

Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure

Paris is a delight to visit all year round, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider booking a trip during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), when the droves of summer tourists have left and holiday travel hasn’t yet kicked up. Flights and accommodations tend to be more affordable during these seasons as well, although you can often find great winter flights outside of Christmas and New Year’s timing. 

Fall has always been my favorite time to go — locals are returning from summer vacation and the city’s energy is completely refreshed. Plus, the warmth tends to linger for a bit. Winter , while typically gray and chilly, is charming, with holiday markets serving mulled wine around the city. In spring, cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom all around the capital, giving whole new meaning to la vie en rose . Summer sees the largest influx of tourists, but also promises of sunny promenades along the Seine and elaborate picnics in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This summer will be an incredible opportunity to visit, as Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games from July to August. 

The city’s two main international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport, offer easy and affordable access to Paris by public transit in under an hour. There are also plenty of taxis at the airport, and ride-share apps like Uber are popular.

Flights and accommodations are most pricey during summer and in December; I tend to fly with low-cost carrier French Bee , which is reliably comfortable and affordable (one-way flights start at just $189, plus there’s bottomless Champagne in their Premium class). 

Home to the city’s smaller Chinatown and two of its most spectacular parks, Belleville somehow has remained off the primary tourist circuit. It’s a local neighborhood, with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Come in the afternoon for a picnic and panoramic views in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont; stay for wine at Buttes Snack Bar and a big Laotian feast at the ultra-popular Lao Siam . Afterward, head to the famed Combat cocktail bar for a nightcap. 

Hike up to the city’s hilltop artist’s village for endless views over Paris, plus romantic hidden gardens, studio visits of famous French painters, and appointment-only vintage shopping. End the night by heading down the hill to the legendary Moulin Rouge to catch a cabaret show. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Art galleries, designer shops, and double-decker pharmacies full of discounted French beauty products abound in this chic and historic neighborhood, once the intellectual epicenter of the city. For culture, follow in Hemingway and Picasso’s footsteps at Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore; for retail therapy, head to Le Bon Marché , the city’s oldest (and most fabulous) department store. 

Paris is a walkable city — you’ll find yourself clocking 10,000 steps before noon most days. But if you’re heading all the way across town or just want to give your feet a break, the Métro is speedy and straightforward to use: You can purchase single-use tickets (though they are set to be phased out by 2025) or a refillable Navigo pass from an agent for longer stays. The bus network is also extensive and easy to navigate — the same tickets or Navigo pass work here, too. 

Taxis are fairly easy to come by in touristy areas, and ride-share apps like Uber work well here. Other reliable options include Bolt and G7 for reserving a taxi ahead of time.

Helpful apps to download include Le Fooding and Raisin for tracking down the best places to eat and drink, plus Google Translate , although by and large, the people in the service and hospitality industry will speak at least some English. To that point, don’t forget to say bonjour (hello) and merci ( thank you) — your effort will save you some trouble, promise.

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The 48 Best Things to Do in Paris

On any visit to the City of Lights, the question isn't what to do in Paris, but rather how to decide. With more than 100 museums, countless historic landmarks, and 20 arrondissements brimming with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, it’s almost impossible to fit everything into your itinerary. Perhaps this is why the French capital is among the world’s most-visited cities. With the 2024 Summer Olympics pushing the city to clean and put on special exhibitions at many of its top monuments and sights, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Grand Palais, now is a perfect time to see the icons in a new light. Whether it’s your first time or fifth, we’ve got you covered with some of the best things to do in Paris, including new highlights and locally loved favorites that will make you feel like a true Parisian in the making. Pack your most comfortable shoes and brush up on your bonjour and merci . These are the best things to do in Paris on your next visit.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Jardin du Luxembourg Arrow

Located in the heart of the Sixth Arrondissement, the famous Jardin du Luxembourg is an inviting green oasis for Parisians and visitors alike. Come for people watching, romantic strolls, picnics, or just to admire the mash-up of English, Italian, and French landscaping influences. If you're feeling athletic, join the early-morning joggers or stake out one of the tennis and pétanque courts.

La Galerie Dior Arrow

Spanning over 100,000 square feet, Dior’s flagship at 30 Avenue Montaigne is an extravagant celebration of the legendary fashion house’s past, present, and future. The storied address, where Christian Dior set up shop in 1946, underwent a massive revamp in 2022, ushering in a new, immersive way for design lovers to interact with the brand. Even if you’re not in the market for spendy saddle bags and floral-printed porcelain, you’ll still find plenty of value in visiting La Galerie Dior, a multi-level museum tucked within the maison’s labyrinth of buildings. The exhibit rooms are designed to encourage a natural flow throughout the space. So once you’re in, you won’t have to deal with any lines or bottleneck moments.

Grand Palais Arrow

As associated with years of Chanel runway shows being held in the nave of this stately Beaux-Arts space as it is with the art exhibitions it houses, the Grand Palais is an emblem of French grandeur and architectural process. The grand dame of buildings, originally built for the World’s Fair of 1900, has been closed for refurbishments since 2021 and will reopen partially for the 2024 Summer Olympics before its grand reopening later this year. The Grand Palais Ephémère, a 100,000-square-foot temporary space on the Champ de Mars, hosts the artistic, cultural, fashion, and art events that would typically be held in the Grand Palais. The Grand Palais will host the fencing and taekwondo competitions at the Paris Summer Olympics before officially reopening to the public in October 2024.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France - Richelieu Arrow

The historic home of France’s national library, this 18th-century heritage site in the heart of the Louvre-Opéra district dazzles architecture lovers with its grand reading rooms, mosaics, and 22 million documents. After more than a decade of restoration work, the library reopened to the public in 2022, allowing bibliophiles free access to its striking Salle Ovale (Oval Room), garden, terrace, Rose Bakery café, and bookshop. Upstairs, a museum houses the Baroque-era Mazarin Gallery. The Richelieu Library is a perfect stop for travelers with limited time and/or budget. There’s so much history in this Oval Room alone, which is free to enter, but you can also see a good portion of the site in less than an hour.

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre Arrow

Sacré-Coeur is a Catholic basilica that sits on the highest hill in Paris, in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its height is topped only by the Eiffel Tower. The basilica's distinct white travertine façade gives the Romano-Byzantine structure a unique look among Parisian monuments. The church is open all day to anyone who wishes to visit, though big crowds mean you may have to wait to go inside.

Musée du Louvre Arrow

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction—it is still the most-visited museum in the world, welcoming 8.9 million visitors in 2023. The former royal palace is now the magnificent home of some of the world's most iconic artworks (ever heard of the Mona Lisa?). Don't freak out, but walking through the halls where Louis XIV once strolled (he lived here before moving to Versailles), surrounded by the most famous art on earth can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, there are some 35,000 artworks and artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century housed within its walls. As a result, it could take a lifetime to see and experience it all so don’t try.

Palais Garnier Arrow

The pinnacle of Napoleon III architecture, the resplendent Le Palais Garnier opera house is opulent from every angle. The facade is covered with ornamentation and busts, as well as l'Harmonie and La Poésie, the two gilded copper statues flanking the entrance from on high. Inside, make sure to channel your best "Phantom of the Opera" moment on the iconic lobby's Grand Staircase, a triumph of decadent Parisian design. Admission costs about 14 euros, but it's well worth it—walking through these public spaces is like walking into the Paris of the past.

Centre Pompidou Arrow

When the Centre Pompidou, known by locals as  Beaubourg ,  opened in 1977, it was a radical (and controversial) design for a museum—all industrial pipes and open glass views of Paris. Forty-plus years later it's the undisputed grande dame of Paris's contemporary art world. Within the massive 100,000-piece collection that stretches back to 1905, you’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot and note that if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and children’s gallery is free. 

Merci Arrow

Merci is an independent concept boutique, spread out over three loft-like floors in the Marais. The well-curated selection of clothes, accessories, home goods, and just about anything else you might want, draws savvy shoppers from around the globe. Keep an eye out for up-and-coming designers and labels especially in the central space that houses themed pop-ups, or go for Merci’s own affordable in-house brand. Either way, you'll be hard-pressed to walk out empty-handed.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris Arrow

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris is housed in a private mansion that served as the legendary fashion designer’s headquarters from 1974 to 2002. The museum opened in 2017 alongside its Moroccan counterpart, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, and hosts retrospectives and temporary exhibits. With a focus on Saint Laurent’s creative process rather than the brand’s history, the small museum is a treasure trove of iconic haute couture designs, as well as illustrations, photographs, sketches, and films. Spread out over 4,800 square feet, the museum was designed to recreate the intimate feel of the original couture house. Highlights include the reception rooms where the designer met with clients, as well as the studio, where all of the collections were designed.

Hôtel de la Marine Arrow

This recent addition to the capital’s cultural offering is unlike any other in the city, largely by dint of its heritage and size. Perched over the Place de la Concorde, the museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts—and what later became the country’s naval headquarters for 200 years. Given that it only opened to the public in 2021, it remains moderately trafficked but the word is out. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, its new incarnation as an immersive museum experience allows visitors to explore the 18th century apartments of the Garde-Meuble intendants, recreated and restored to their original layout and design, as well as the structure’s grand reception halls filled with period furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Key to the visit is the audio guide, which leans theatrical. You could speed through the audio guide in an hour, get a view of the Place de la Concorde from the covered balcony, and take in the jaw-dropping Cabinet des Glaces, a mirror-walled boudoir not unlike the hall of mirrors in Versailles, covered in paintings.

Le Bon Marché Arrow

Dating back to the 1850s, Le Bon Marché is the oldest department store in Paris, and certainly the most iconic. The elegant Left Bank institution is as celebrated for its airy layout as for its top selection of the world’s best designers. If it’s luxe, you can probably buy it here. Before your shopping spree is done, peek in at La Grande Épicerie, Le Bon Marché’s fine-foods emporium in an adjoining building.

Musée Picasso Paris Arrow

The Hôtel Salé alone is reason to visit, but of course the real draw is Picasso's oeuvre, more popular than ever following a much-hyped 2014 reopening. And since the museum is centrally located in the bustling Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining. While there are other single-artist museums in Paris, the combination of Picasso's fame and the beauty of the setting make this one of the very best. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS Arrow

Did Paris need another department store? Certainly not. But this one has a legacy that laid dormant for 16 years: The 19th century landmark reopened in 2021 after a $900 million restoration by LVMH, and swapped the utilitarian focus for one decidedly more upscale. Locals used to shop here for everything from light bulbs and garden supplies to dresses, but now it's a gallery of sorts for designer clothes, beauty brands, and a handful of food and Champagne concept spaces throughout the shop. It's also an Art Deco and Art Nouveau wonder, which is the primary reason to visit. Approximately 215,000 square feet are devoted to retail space in this complex, which includes the Cheval Blanc hotel, office space, and housing, making it the smallest of the city’s department stores (the others are Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette). The spaces it does occupy covers the usual terrain: streetwear and luxury ready-to-wear which includes pieces exclusive to La Samaritaine, clean beauty and classic perfumers, handbags and fine jewelry, and several rooms used for rotating thematic installations.

Arc de Triomphe Arrow

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Climb the nearly 300 steps or take the elevator to the top for some of the best views of Paris, with clear vistas straight down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Louvre. You'll need a ticket purchased online or at the entrance to go inside and up to the viewing platform, but anyone can come to admire the ornate façade for free.

Palais-Royal Arrow

The Palais-Royal complex is in some ways Paris in a nutshell: shops, cafés, art, history, architecture, bureaucracy, and spectacular gardens for people watching. And since it's all right across the street from the Louvre, you likely won't need to make a special trip. Don’t miss the Insta-famous Colonnes de Buren art installation in the inner courtyard.

Panthéon Arrow

There are a few major reasons to visit the Panthéon, starting with the gorgeous neoclassical architecture; designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in 1757, it began as a replacement to the original Church of Sainte-Geneviève. People also come to visit the final resting places of some of France's most famous sons and daughters, from Victor Hugo to Marie Curie. And then there are those who come to marvel at Foucault's Pendulum, tracing the path of the Earth. The vibe in the crowd is a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity. Timed tickets can be purchased online.

Musée Rodin Arrow

Auguste Rodin lived in the Hôtel Biron in the later stage of his life, where the gardens inspired some of his work. The former home opened as a museum to the public in 1919, almost 200 years after it was built for a wealthy financier. The high ceilings of the intimate rooms allow visitors to see Rodin's sculptures and drawings up close, while the large gardens showcase his most famous bronze sculptures, like "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Arrow

Historic department store Galeries Lafayette Haussmann isn’t just one of Paris's first “luxury bazaars” but also an emblem of Art Nouveau architecture. The French chain's flagship location in the 9th arrondissement features a striking domed roof with stained glass windows by master glassmaker Jacques Gruber. And with over 750,000 square feet of retail space, beautifully designed window displays, and special events, it's easily one of the best places to shop in Paris . You’ll find almost every major luxury brand under Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s roof but the department store also makes a point of spotlighting emerging designers. Some labels, like Ester Manas (a sustainable and size-inclusive fashion brand) offer exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else. On the fourth floor, one of the broadest shoe selections in the world boasts over 200 brands ranging from Veja Shoemakers to Maison Margiela. Beyond the luxury goods, a highlight is the rooftop terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the city. 

Palais de Tokyo Arrow

The Palais de Tokyo is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe. Opened in 2002, its mission is to celebrate living artists across multiple disciplines. As part of the renovation of the building, the 1937 structure was stripped back to the original concrete, giving it a raw and unfinished feeling that is distinctly different from the typical white-room museum layout. Visitors should start their exploration in the subterranean levels, where art such as large-scale graffiti works are on display, and end with a drink or dinner either at Monsieur Bleu or Bambini, the more festive spot from the Paris Society Group.

Eiffel Tower Arrow

Gustave Eiffel's controversial wrought-iron lattice tower has been polarizing Parisians since it was built for the 1889 World's Fair, but today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable landmarks in the city—and the world. The structure anchors one end of the expansive Champ de Mars and provides an orientation point for the city. Jules Verne, the second-floor restaurant, is a Michelin-starred (and pricey) institution, as is the tiny Champagne bar at the tippity-top.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Arrow

If visiting a cemetery sounds morbid and dreary, rest assured: It is, but in the best possible way. Death is an inescapable part of French life, and the layers on layers of Parisian history on display at Père Lachaise Cemetery are a fascinating peek into how the city has evolved over time. Visitors flock to the A-list graves here, with Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison among the most-visited. But one of the great delights is to walk away from the crowds and get lost wandering among the lesser-known, less-visited ones, which are all in various states of repair. Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might find some other noteworthy names buried here, from composer Frédéric Chopin to writer Marcel Proust and painter Eugène Delacroix.

Café de Flore Arrow

Stepping into Café de Flore is like stepping into a time capsule, into an era when the Left Bank was a bohemian enclave for the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. The interior—red booths, mahogany, polished brass railings—has changed little since the Art Deco period, but anyone who is anyone knows that the best seats in the house are actually out on the sidewalk (and thankfully the famous terrasse is open at full capacity again), where the people watching can't be beat and the city's café iconic culture is at its finest. Although afternoons are best for perching on a table outside and enjoying the pulse of Boulevard Saint-Germain, there's also a vibrant after-dark scene. In other words, there's no wrong time to visit.

Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet (The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum)

The oldest museum dedicated to the history of Paris itself originally opened in a historic mansion in the Marais in 1880, but a recent renovation completed in 2021 has thoroughly brought the space into the modern era. The layout of the building has been redesigned, highlighting the beauty of the mid-16th century mansions as much as helping you to discover the paleolithic origins of the city through the present with 3,800 works now on display. Additionally, the museum is even easier to navigate now for everyone, with a new approach to accessibility including elevators and ramps. Don’t miss the newly added restaurant on the gardens as well for a post-visit refreshment.

Philharmonie de Paris Arrow

The Philharmonie de Paris is a striking contemporary building, designed by Jean Nouvel (not without controversy) and opened in 2015. Located within the Cité de la Musique complex in the Parc de la Villette, in the underexplored 19th arrondissement, the building breaks with all the design conventions of traditional symphony halls, instead favoring pod-like boxes inside the theater, a stage in the round, and a complex, undulating metal façade.

Musée d'Orsay Arrow

A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus at the Musée d’Orsay, the second-most-visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre, of course). At every turn, you'll be delighted to recognize yet another piece from pop culture or that art history class you took. There is no room not worth exploring here, so let yourself just wander among masterworks by names like Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. Pre-booking online is recommended for priority access within 30 minutes of the reserved time.  

Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Arrow

The Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is perhaps best known for its unusual design by Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building almost seems alive with plant walls and wild gardens, while the interiors are dark, winding, and dramatically lit. The modern structure stands in sharp contrast with the treasures housed inside: ancient art and artifacts and relics of bygone civilizations (with a specific focus on non-European cultures). Be sure to check out the museum's continuous calendar of special exhibitions, including shows centered around a specific culture.

Deyrolle Arrow

Deyrolle is a cabinet of curiosities. The Left Bank institution has specialized in taxidermy and entomology since 1831, but in 2008 a fire destroyed nearly 90 percent of the collection, creating the need for a radical restoration project. Today you can hardly tell that the shop is, in fact, a replica of its former 17th-century iteration, right down to the wood cabinetry, parquet floors, and painted walls.

Les Bouquinistes Arrow

Walking along the banks of the Seine is an activity as beloved and ancient as the city itself. Along both sides of the river, roughly from Île Saint Louis to the Louvre, are the city's Bouquinistes, independent sellers of used and antiquarian books, old maps, postcards, and all sorts of mementos. It's an activity that rewards patience—you just might find a vintage movie poster or first-edition book to bring home.

Jardin des Tuileries Arrow

This sprawling, spectacular park is the beating heart of Paris' public spaces. Standing proudly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and along much of the Seine's Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement, Tuileries Garden ("Jardin des Tuileries") has a history as long and distinguished as it is impressive, from its inception as an aristocratic playground in the 16th century, to becoming a public space in the 17th century, to serving as the site of numerous French Revolution skirmishes in the 18th century. With more than 55 acres, the park offers plenty of room to stroll and lots of photo ops. Keep an eye out for Auguste Rodin's iconic "Le Baiser" ("The Kiss") on the West Terrace. If you have anywhere to go in this part of Paris, skip the taxi or the metro and walk there on foot through the Tuileries. You'll see something different every time.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Arrow

As one of few privately owned and funded art spaces in Paris (owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault), the Fondation Louis Vuitton arrived with a bang when it opened to the public in 2014. Star Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the building, which looks like a magical sailboat afloat on a man-made lake in the Bois de Boulogne. Thanks to the spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, the museum is bustling at all times, despite its location in the far reaches of the 16th Arrondissement.

Shakespeare and Company Arrow

Nestled on a prime slice of real estate across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is part indie bookshop, part piece of history. The roster of authors who have lingered among the shelves here reads like canon of 20th-century literature, including Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and contemporaries like Zadie Smith. Every inch of the space oozes history, from the leaning antique bookshelves to the resident cat to the well-worn piano, which is tucked away upstairs. The café is a great place for people watching—and maybe eavesdropping on a conversation or two while you sip on a café au lait. It still serves original proprietor George Whitman's famous lemon pie, as well.

Le Train Bleu Arrow

It's hard to believe one of Paris' most serene, picturesque and dignified restaurants is also located within one of its busiest train stations, but Le Train Bleu, an icon of Parisian dining, is a far cry from the Gare de Lyon's hustle and bustle. Every inch of this place drips with Parisian opulence in the best possible way. It won't be your cheapest meal in Paris, but it might be your most memorable—or at least your most photographed.

National Museum of Natural History Arrow

Part curio cabinet, part institution of higher learning—it's part of the Sorbonne—the National Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibitions that inspire awe in visitors of all ages. The museum consists of 14 locations across France, but the Grande Galerie d'Evolution on the Left Bank is the showstopper all its own, with interiors that pay homage to Art Nouveau Paris through elegant wrought iron railings and soaring glass windows. It's a stark contrast to the main gallery's menagerie of articulated skeletons, taxidermies, and lifelike replications. The main attraction—especially for kids—is the permanent display of life-size elephants and giraffes, but the temporary exhibitions are also good.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont Arrow

Originally known as the Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an elevated park built atop a revitalized railway structure. Opened in the late 1980s, the lush garden path stretches for three miles, with landscapes ranging from modern and manicured to wild and natural. This greenway, which for many will recall New York City's High Line, provides an unusual panoramic view over the 12th arrondissement—and since this crosses through less-touristy neighborhoods, you'll get a sense of the real quotidian Paris.

Marché des Enfants Rouges Arrow

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (it first opened in 1615), and is now a buzzing Marais hub for food sellers of all types. Stroll through the dense maze of stalls selling everything from North African grains to Italian deli specialties. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French dining experience, this market offers a relaxed and (mostly outdoors) convivial atmosphere (and a great place to stock up on snacks for your hotel room or Airbnb).

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris Arrow

Albeit closed until late 2024 for its high-profile restoration following a fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the finest example of French Gothic architecture on earth. For 800 years its towers have dominated the Île de la Cité, an island in the heart of central Paris. Despite heavy crowds, you’ll feel awed in the soaring, cavernous nave, looking out through the famous stained glass. Even if you don’t have time to wait to go inside, stop by for a look at the iconic exteriors; the façade is especially beautiful in the evening, once it's all lit up. If you have the time (and energy), climb all those spiral steps to the top for gargoyle-framed panoramas of all Paris.

Institut du Monde Arabe Arrow

The Institut du Monde Arabe opened in 1987 but its iconic building, designed by Jean Nouvel, looks as fresh and contemporary as ever. The light dances in and around the building, thanks to the distinctive pattern of 240 mashrabiyas—half of which have photosensitive apertures that open up to 18 times a day. There are multiple dining options within the museum, from self-service to fine dining (both located on the ninth floor, with spectacular views out over the city). The museum sees a mix of visitors—those who are interested in the Arab world, obviously, from the merely curious to experts, and those who are visiting for the famous building design. The museum is so light-filled and airy that you rarely feel that the spaces are crowded, and the glimpses of the Seine and the Left Bank offer a beautiful counterpoint to the work within. Everyone should take the time to walk around the museum's exterior to fully appreciate the innovative and captivating façade.

Crazy Horse Paris Arrow

Classic cabaret meets avant-garde performance art at Crazy Horse, a contemporary burlesque show tucked inside a former wine cellar just steps away from the Champs-Elysées. Created in 1951 by artist Alain Bernardin, the tantalizing show has evolved throughout the decades, pulling inspiration from pop art, fashion, and current events. Celebrities including Dita von Teese, Pamela Anderson, K-Pop icon Lisa have graced its stage as guest stars, while fashion designer Christian Louboutin has directed a few of its meticulously crafted acts. Striking visual effects illuminate the dancers, making the show feel more artistic than salacious. And the intimate venue, dressed up with velvet carpet, plush couches, and cozy tables topped with bottles of Champagne, helps create a sophisticated atmosphere.

Le Bon Georges Arrow

A quintessential Parisian bistro, Le Bon Georges beckons diners with its chalkboard menus, extensive wine list, and unpretentious approach to classic French comfort food (read: steak frites). Despite opening In 2013, the restaurant has a lived-in, classic feel. This is the place to come for a long (and hearty) lunch starring seasonal ingredients from the top local producers, whether you nab a well-worn wooden table inside or a sidewalk spot under the blue awning for people-watching in the 9th arrondissement. Come for a leisurely lunch (even better if it’s a rainy day) so that you can savor the experience, from bread and butter to dessert. Tucked away and casual, it’s the perfect place to bring a friend for a tête-à-tête over wine, cheese, and charcuterie—or a more elaborate multi-course affair.

Au Lapin Agile Arrow

There are plenty of old things in Paris—some more original than others—but for over 160 years, Au Lapin Agile has managed to maintain its bohemian character. Nestled on a quiet street in Montmartre, this venue feels like a step back in time—and into a cabaret where the likes of Picasso and Modigliani used to haunt before they were, you know, Picasso and Modigliani. It's the perfect stop for an after-dinner drink with a side of entertainment.

Maison Victor Hugo

Since reopening in 2021 after a two-year renovation, Maison Victor Hugo has become a must-visit spot for fans of the 19th-century writer. You can discover the home he moved into the year following the publication of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which is recreated to show the periods of his life pre-exile, in-exile at his home in Guernsey and post-exile along with special exhibitions of his works, including his drawings. A new feature of the renovation is the addition of a garden with a cafe at the exit of the tour.

La Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection

Launched in 2021, one of Paris’s newest spaces for contemporary art was commissioned by Francois Pinault to house part of his vast personal collection, amassed over 40 years. Designed by Tadao Ando, the revitalized commodities exchange building is located just blocks from the Louvre in the 1st Arrondissement. With 10,000 works from the Pinault Collection to be displayed across the 32,000 square feet space, you can expect to see works from the 1960s to the present with artists including Maurizio Cattelan, Urs Fischer, and Rudolf Stingel.

Fouquet's Arrow

Many come to Fouquet's to see and be seen, but the seasonal menu by three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire makes it a worthy stop for more than just a cocktail. The atmosphere is chic and retro, without the pretentiousness you would expect from a celebrity-frequented haunt. It’s easy to spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere of the warm and cozy dining room, which is usually filled with a mix of well-to-do Parisians, film industry veterans, and travelers with an appreciation of classic French gastronomy. Since opening in 1899, the classic brasserie has been a meeting place for those in the arts and culture industry, with past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Jackie Kennedy, and Liza Minnelli. It still hosts the gala dinner for the César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) and has maintained a strong link to the film industry. The restaurant itself has been protected as a historical French monument since 1990 and the classic interiors—complete with warm mahogany wood paneling by Jean Royère—are beautifully preserved.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Arrow

Unlike most of the rest of the major parks in Paris, this is a natural space without any rigid formality. The 62-acre park, opened in 1867 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition, is built on a former quarry; there are rocky elevations to traipse up with amazing views of the city, including Sacre Couer in nearby Montmartre. And seeing as it's in the 19th arrondissement, you can expect an authentic Parisian experience, off the beaten tourist path—you'll likely need to take a quick metro or taxi ride to get there.

Galerie Vivienne Arrow

Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping arcade, originally built in 1823 and designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy. It remains open to the public for shopping in a mix of high-end boutiques (Jean-Paul Gaultier opened his first flagship in the arcade in 1986, for example). The glass and steel roof lets in sunlight down to the mosaic floors, making this a uniquely beautiful way to shop and stroll on your way to the nearby Palais-Royal .

Musée de l'Orangerie Arrow

If you’ve strolled through the Tuileries gardens, you’ve seen L’Orangerie right on the edge, which is visible from the Place de la Concorde and set up in a former greenhouse. The more intimate scale belies the astonishing art housed within. Among the most well-known works are Monet’s "Nymphéas," the water lily paintings he donated to the state in 1918. Also on display: a strong selection of Post-Impressionist works, including Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Arrow

Flea market lore holds that Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the largest antiques and second-hand marketplace in the world. Even if it weren't, the sheer surface area (seven hectares) and number of vendors (around 1,700) suggests it should have its own ZIP code. And it certainly helps explain the 5 million visitors who descend each year in search of rare treasures, everything from home goods to textiles—although bargains are harder and harder to come by.

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Discover Paris

Plan Your Trip to the City of Light

Visit Paris and you'll discover a spectacular city packed with a dazzling array of famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, more museums than you can possibly visit in one trip, wonderful hotels and restaurants, and fascinating historic and modern neighborhoods to explore.

And that's just the beginning.  

Cruises along the tranquil Seine River and Canal Saint Martin, shopping destinations ranging from glitzy designer showrooms to street markets, non-stop summer concerts and festivals, tours and fireworks at the Palace of Versailles, and excursions to Disneyland Paris are just a few of the things you can experience here.

Whether you're planning your first Paris vacation or have traveled here dozens of times, you'll find plenty to explore and enjoy - and all the planning tips you need right here.

Welcome to Paris Discovery Guide, an independent travel website (www.parisdiscoveryguide.com) with everything you need to plan a memorable trip to Paris.

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What to See & Do in Paris

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Ferris wheels, beaches, ice skating, special events - so many things to do in Paris ! Find out more

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Famous parks & and hidden gardens - find your perfect spot to smell the roses Find out more

Plan Your Paris Vacation

Find the perfect Paris hotel for your budget and location preferences, a trip planning guide and checklists, recommended guidebooks, and the essential travel information every Paris visitor needs.

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Hotels & apartments in every price range near top Paris attractions Find out more

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Everything you need to know: best time to visit Paris, where to get Euros, how much to tip, & more Find out more

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Which Paris travel guides are best for new & return visitors?   Find out more

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Paris Holidays & Top Events

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Christmas in Paris

To find all the top events and fun things to do in Paris each month, check out our Paris Event Calendars.

Favorite Paris Attractions

Eiffel Tower

Best ways to visit the Eiffel Tower Find out more

How to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre! Find out more

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Disneyland Paris

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How to explore this famous neighborhood and its crowning jewel, Sacre Coeur Find out more

• How to Get Euros - What are the best ways to get Euros for your trip to Paris?  And how much cash do you really need?
• Why Visit Paris? - Need some inspiration as you plan your trip?  You'll find it here
• Best Places to Shop in Paris - Find out about the city's top shopping districts and their specialties, from luxury couture to a discount village to French cookware to the world's biggest flea market - & more!
• Fun Paris Museums - Want to visit a Paris museum but not really interested in art?  From the Catacombs (old bones) to street art to wine-tasting tours at medieval castles, there's something for everyone!
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Top Attractions & Tours

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Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

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June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

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August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

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October in Paris

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November in Paris

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December in Paris

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Hanukkuh in Paris

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Christmas Markets

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13 Practical Tips for Visiting Paris: How to Avoid Mistakes

Paris is a great city that can never disappoint. You can keep on visiting Paris  again and again and there is always something fantastic to experience, something to see that you haven’t seen before and eat food you haven’t tried yet.

The overwhelming amount of things on offer can be a real challenge for first-time visitors. That’s why everyone needs some practical tips for visiting Paris in order to avoid mistakes.

Why You Should Listen to Me? I’ve been to Paris on several occasions, stayed in many different areas and studied in Paris as well. Let me tell you: each time was different. Despite spending a decent amount of time in Paris I still haven’t seen everything and I also made a few mistakes on the way.

Now I’m confident to give you the best Paris travel tips that will help you avoid some unpleasant disaster.

Tips for Visiting Paris

1. don’t go to paris just for a weekend.

When someone tells me that they’re going to spend just 3 days in Paris I feel like they’re most likely not going to love it. I mean, it’s possible to have a great time but if you do it right and prioritize what do you want to see. During such a short visit most tourists head to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre and some other tourist attractions, and therefore experience crowds, long lines and not the real local Paris.

Take your pick and spend some time to actually enjoy these things instead of rushing through everything. I’m not telling you not to see these famous landmarks, but in order to fully feel the Paris vibe, you need to stay in the city way longer.

There are also so many amazing day trips to take from Paris. You can do them on your own by renting a car ( compare car rental prices here ) or book an organized tour. To name a few options:

• Vaux le Vicomte & Fontainebleau Castles  (a great alternative to crowded Versailles)
• Loire Valley Castles
• Mont St-Michel
• Auvers Sur Oise
• and much more…

2. Eiffel Tower Isn’t a Very Glamorous Experience

Almost everyone is dreaming of getting to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But the moment you start approaching the tower you might realize that it’s not very romantic, as it’s surrounded by a ton of visitors and annoying vendors. The place is crowded, and lines take forever no matter when you visit.

It’s hard to find a romantic spot unless you book a dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower . It’s something you do once, as it’s not the best fine dining you’ve ever had, but again – you’re doing it for the experience.

Again, you won’t like the Eiffel Tower if you just stand in the crowds. However, if you climb the stairs behind the Croatian Embassy you may be able to find a quiet spot overlooking the tower. The view is gorgeous and definitely worth it, especially at night when the tower starts blinking!

Similar to the Empire State Building in NYC, going to the top of the tower is overpriced and not as worth it. I mean, you probably want to see a panorama of Paris with the actual Eiffel Tower in it, right?

I recommend you to see the city from up high from the top of the Tour Montparnasse , Arc de Triomphe, or even a carousel in Tuileries, and actually have the Eiffel Tower in your view.

3. Paris Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Before going to Paris friends were warning me that the city was going to destroy my wallet and almost every person on any travel forum was telling me the same. But, Paris does not necessarily have to be a city that sucks all the money out of pockets and bank accounts.

Paris isn’t cheap, but it isn’t more expensive than other European cities. In fact, visiting London or Amsterdam will cost you way more money.

You can also benefit from locals’ knowledge who can point you out in the right direction and that includes finding the best deals and how not to get into any tourist traps.

4. Stay in Central Location

I cannot emphasize this more! Pinning down the perfect place to stay depends on budget and location, but quite often the second one is way more important as you think. Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods or arrondissements and everything is being referred to 12th, 18th, etc.

Before booking your hotel check whether the area is safe and close to the places you want to visit. If you’re in Paris for a very limited time don’t choose a place on the edge of town, as you definitely don’t want to spend hours commuting in order to save a few bucks.

More on Where to Stay in Paris & Arrondissements Map

5. Parisians Eat Dinner Late

Parisians tend to eat dinner around 8 or 9:00 PM. Many good restaurants won’t be open until 7:00ish PM, as they close between lunchtime and dinnertime.

This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids , as they need to be awake to eat dinner basically.

My personal recommendation for a typical Parisian restaurant would be a historic  Polidor Restaurant founded in 1845. The interior of the restaurant is basically unchanged for over 100 years. They have great escargots  and steak tartare if you want to try some French snails and raw beef mixed with spices and an egg.

Woody Allen used  Polidor as one of the locations for his time travel fantasy, Midnight in Paris, so who knows, maybe you’ll meet Zelda Fitzgerald there too. IMPORTANT: This restaurant is a cash-only establishment.

If you’re planning some Michelin star dining keep in mind that places are booked weeks in advance, especially in the summer.

6. Don’t Think That Paris is a City Just for Lovers

While many romantic comedies portray Paris as the city for lovers, with boyfriends proposing in front of the Eiffel Tower and taking girls on romantic walks along the Seine, this image can often be very far away from reality.

Paris is a great place to travel solo, as you can people watch and appreciate everything in a different way you would with your partner.

You can also easily meet people in Paris too as there are many solo travelers in the city and many families as well – my kids have a blast every time they go !

7. Don’t Be Afraid of Using Metro

Metro in Paris is very easy to use. It might be slightly intimidating at first due to the huge amount of different lines, but once you figure it out you’ll use it all the time .

Keep your Paris metro ticket until you’ve exited the metro system at your final destination because the police might be checking your tickets inside the station.

If you’re planning on using the metro you can buy a carnet (pack of 10 tickets) to save some money, though if you plan on staying for longer than a week, you may want to look into the longer-term passes (Navigo Pass).

On many Metro lines, the doors to the train do not open unless you press a button or lift a handle. Remember it if you don’t want to miss your station or look funny.

My tip: While taxis in Paris are expensive, Uber is definitely affordable and I recommend doing it at least once so you can see Parisian streets during your ride. Just don’t try to take it to the airport as it would take longer than the RER train and cost you 5 times as much… on top of getting stuck in traffic for a very long time.

8. Paris Closes Up in August

Parisians are used to taking a whole month off in the summer months, and as a result, the majority of businesses close in August. Tourist attractions are obviously open and very full of people because of the summer, but many local boulangeries , private stores, and restaurants might be closed.

If you’re opting for a mixture of local and tourist experiences, it might not be the right time to visit. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan, as I like to interact with locals anywhere I go.

9. You Don’t Have to Dress Up in Fancy Clothes

Almost every article on tips for traveling to Paris is going to tell you to dress up very fancy. While I love to wear cute dresses on my travels , it’s not a requirement in Paris.

They almost make it seem like you’re going to be judged for wearing a pair of sneakers or casual jeans (by no means I say you should wear sweatpants – we all know people love to do this in the US).

But, I’d say not to overdo it and there’s no need to try to dress like a supermodel if it’s not who you are.

While I might like wearing my high heels all day you might find it uncomfortable and that’s totally all right. Dress in a chic and simple style, so you can enjoy walking around and not worry about your clothes – just like French people do.

10. Catacombs Aren’t Off the Path Attraction

Various guides to Paris tell you to go off the beaten path and visit the Catacombs – home to the remains of over 6 million people with lots of piles of skulls and bones.

I must say to you that whoever wrote all these guides must have never visited the catacombs because they’re far away from being off the tourist track.

While there are many places that tourists barely visit this isn’t one of them. In fact, I tried to visit them 3 times and every time I ended up giving up because the line was so long or the place was closed. 

The place is amazing, but under any circumstances don’t think that you’re going to be only one of a few tourists there. In fact, I highly recommend purchasing skip the line tickets to the catacombs as you’ll be waiting forever otherwise.

11. Dedicate a Whole Day to Versaille & Don’t Go Without a Skip-the-Line Ticket

Versailles, Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Giverny, or the Loire Valley are only a few incredible places to visit beyond Paris. However, especially if you’re visiting France during the summer the palace can get VERY busy.

Combining two places (for instance Giverny & Versailles) in one day may seem tempting price-wise, it’s not the best idea. You’ll be rushing and running (literally!) through everything and only get frustrated.

I heard many horror stories from people who went to Versailles before it even opened and stood in a line for 2-3h in the sunlight waiting to get it. By the time they got inside, they had to run through the palace to make it back to the bus on time.

Don’t try to do everything and prioritize what do you want to do. I suggest you allow yourself a full day to explore Versailles and purchasing skip the line tickets , its gardens and especially the Petit Trianon. It’s a great place that can’t be missed and you don’t want to be rushed through it.

12. Paris Has More Awesome Museums Than Just Louvre

The Museum Pass isn’t only going to save you money, but also time. You won’t need to stand in the long line to every museum and you could skip the ticket line at both Versailles and the Louvre – the longest lines to wait in.

If you want to include other attractions in your pass you could look up Paris Pass.

Note:  If you’re an EU citizen under 25 you can get to museums around Paris for free. Same if you’re a student.

Speaking of Louvre… if you’re not an art lover and trying to go to Louvre just to see the Mona Lisa: DON’T! Don’t be one of the tourists who go in, takes a photo of the Mona Lisa, and leaves.

The crowds in that room are horrendous and most people aren’t actually even seeing the painting, but just taking selfies with it.

There is a beautiful collection of Dutch 17th-century art (my favorite) that’s almost always completely empty, so you can see it in peace.

Remember that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and the Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays. These museums normally close at 6 PM, but a few times a week they’re open until 10 PM.

Not many people know about it, so it’s way more peaceful to explore. Louvre does it on Wednesdays and Fridays, while d’Orsay does it on Thursdays.

Best Museums in Paris to Visit:

The  Centre Pompidou  – If you’re into modern art.

Musée Rodin  – Beautiful sculpture gardens, so do it during a sunny day.

Musée de la Magie  (Museum of Magic) – Off the path unusual exhibitions.

Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine  (Museum of the History of Medicine) – A museum I enjoyed a lot.

Chateau d’Auvers-sur-Oise  – Right outside of Paris, the best interactive museum I’ve ever visited. If you want to feel like a real impressionist, do make a trip there.

13. Don’t Visit Paris Without Travel Insurance

A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense. While in places like Southeast Asia it’s cheap to pay for things out of pocket, this isn’t the case in Europe.

Travel insurance will refund your medical costs and will get you home for free in you injure yourself. 

The easiest and most reliable travel insurance is  Safety Wing . Get it before your trip to avoid unnecessary troubles that might ruin your holidays!

Best Travel Movies about Paris:

• Midnight in Paris (directed by Woody Allen)
• Amelie (directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet)
• 2 Days in Paris (directed by Julie Delpy)
• An American in Paris (directed by Vincente Minnelli)
• Three Colors: Blue (directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski)
• Marie Antoinette (directed by Sofia Coppola)

Best Travel Books about Paris:

• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (by Victor Hugo) also a Disney movie
• Bel-Ami (by Guy de Monpassant) also a motion picture starring Robert Pattinson & Uma Thurman
• Sarah’s Key (by Tatiana de Rosnay) – also a motion picture starring Kristen Scott-Thomas  (my favorite one!)
• Marie Antoinette (by Antonia Fraser)
• Les Miserables (by Victor Hugo)
• The Dud Avocado (by Elaine Dundy)

Paris is one of the greatest cities on earth. If you follow my tips for visiting Paris and do it the right way, you should have a great experience. You will make you want to come back for more!

READ MORE ABOUT PARIS:

Where to Stay in Paris

Day Trip to Mont St Michel from Paris

Day Trip to Loire Valley Castles from Paris

Day Trip to Vaux le Vicomte Castle from Paris

Day Trip to Giverny from Paris

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Thursday 28th of April 2022

Thanks so much for the information. We're going this summer.

Wednesday 22nd of January 2020

Thank you for sharing this amazing content, I really appreciate your effort.

Saturday 14th of December 2019

Amazing guide, thank you. I plan to visit Paris next year, thank you for the advices!

Sunday 22nd of September 2019

Paris is wonderful, just try to avoid Hotel Westminster. I booked their Deluxe 25m room and received 11,8m room (N. 114) with dirty bathroom instead. France....In any other country this would be unimaginable, but at Hotel Westminster Paris it is a norm. Bait and switch without apologies or price reduction for much cheaper room. You have been warned dear travelers.

Albert Brown

Tuesday 13th of August 2019

Amazing guide thankyou. I am planning to visit Paris early next year and I am bookmarking this article for my future reference.

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Ultimate Paris Travel Guide 2022

Everything you need to know about traveling to Paris in 2022

This Paris Travel Guide was updated on Dec. 4th, 2021 to reflect new testing requirements for France and US.

You have no idea how excited I am to share this Paris Travel Guide with you guys!

I know it’s a bit different from our usual “clean beauty” talk, but I have so much to tell you about my recent birthday trip and hope this guide helps those of you planning a trip to the city of love in the coming months.

A quick overview before we get into it:

We were in Paris for a total of 7 days the first week of November 2021. We broke it down to 2 travel days, 4 full days in the city, and 1 day trip to Epernay for champagne tasting.

We stayed in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower in Hotel La Bourdonnais .

(More on all of this later!)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.

Paris Travel Guide:

• What to expect during Covid-19
• How to get French Health Pass
• Number of days you need in Paris
• Best arrondissements to stay in
• How to get around
• Unique things to do
• How to plan a day trip to Épernay
• Best bistros and cocktail bars
• Cultural tips
• What to pack and wear

Traveling to France from the US During Covid-19

Let’s get the nitty-gritty details out of the way first before we get into the fun stuff.

**Please note, this section is based on my personal experience traveling to Paris in November of 2021. I will do my best to keep this information updated as restrictions and rules change but be sure to do your own research ahead of time so you’re prepared.**

France entry requirements for US travelers

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can fly to France from the US (“amber” country) if they meet these entry requirements:

Fully vaccinated travelers:

• Proof of vaccination (from EU-approved vaccines: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson*)
• Proof of a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival*
• Sworn statement attesting you have no symptoms and are not aware of any contact with a confirmed case in the 14 days prior to travel

*As of Dec. 2, 2021, all travelers arriving in France outside of the EU must provide a negative Covid-19 test. As of Dec. 15, anyone with a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine must prove they’ve received a booster shot.

Unvaccinated travelers:

• Provide this certificate with a “compelling” reason for travel
• Submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure or a negative antigen test within 48 hours
• Must quarantine for 7 days upon arrival

Note: We brought a few printed copies of the sworn statement with us, but Delta did provide these forms on the plane as well. They also made each family fill out a contact tracing form before landing. Make sure you have your hotel address handy and bring a pen!

What to expect when you get to Charles de Gaulle airport

First, it’s important to note, you’re required to wear surgical face masks at the CDG airport. (And really anywhere indoors in France!)

These are the masks we bought and loved! They’re comfortable, breathable, and meet the standards. We brought 20 with us, which was more than enough.

Oh, and if you’re wondering if the color of the mask matters, it doesn’t. They can be black, they can be blue, they can be violet sky, they can be hurtful, they can be purple, they can be anything you like…(sorry couldn’t help myself lol)

Delta was also kind enough to pass around masks before landing in Paris!

You’re going to feel pretty yucky after that overnight flight, so make sure you bring a toothbrush , mini toothpaste, and deodorant to freshen up when you land.

These Colgate Wisps are also great to use in-flight! We always bring them with us because the thought of using airplane water to brush our teeth kinda creeps us out.

Customs process

Next, you meander your way over to border patrol. We waited in line for about 20 minutes and were only asked to show our passports and vaccine cards once we got to the customs officer.

If you’re unvaccinated, I assume you’ll need to show your travel certificate, proof of negative test, and your passport. But I’m not 100% sure!

I cover what to expect coming back to the US later on in this post . (My OCD is making me go in chronological order.)

Take out cash once you arrive

Once you get your stamp of approval, it’s time to grab your luggage and take out some cash. You’ll need it for taxis.

Pro tip: Don’t worry about converting cash to Euros before your trip. The best way to do it is to find a bank ATM at your detination’s airport and take money out when you arrive.

Make sure you check the foreign ATM withdrawal fees with your bank first! We use Chase, and they charge a $5 foreign ATM withdrawal fee along with a 3% transaction fee.

This is still cheaper than going to a currency exchange kiosk or free-standing exchange ATM (not linked to a bank) because they tend to charge service fees and give you worse exchange rates.

But again, do your own research here!

How to get from CDG to your hotel

You have three options: taxi, Uber, or metro.

We opted for a taxi because we had 3 pieces of luggage (2 large suitcases each and 1 carry-on) and didn’t feel like lugging them around on the metro, which required a couple of transfers.

Ubers are also just as easy to get at CDG, so it’s up to you which you prefer.

• Gives you a chance to practice your French! They are honestly so nice about this and will help you pronounce things so don’t be afraid to go for it.
• No waiting – they have tons of cabs waiting outside baggage claim
• It’s typically faster than the metro (~40 min vs. 1 hour)
• Must pay cash
• More expensive than the metro (60 euros vs. 6-8 euros for the metro)

I’ll go over how to use the metro in the “How to Get Around Paris” section!

How to Get the French Health Pass

I’m dedicating an entire section of this Paris Travel Guide to the Health Pass because this was the one thing that stressed me out the most before our trip.

But I’m here to reassure you, you have nothing to be stressed about!

Getting the pass is actually super easy, but first, a little backstory.

You need the Health Pass for pretty much any indoor activity, like eating at restaurants and going to museums.

Up until a week before our trip, vaccinated travelers from outside the EU were able to apply for the vaccine card conversion (a.k.a. Health Pass or Pass Sanitaire) through an online portal.

However, days before our departure, they changed the rules and closed the online portal to everyone except French nationals who were vaccinated in foreign countries.

You can imagine I was freaking out a bit because you really can’t do much without this pass, and there wasn’t a lot of updated information as to what to do next.

Go to a pharmacy in Paris to get your Health Pass

A couple of (stressful) days after the change, we received an email explaining we could just go to any pharmacy in Paris to get our Pass Sanitaire.

We could either show our vaccine cards and have them converted to QR codes, or we could take an antigen test and receive a code with our negative results.

If you opt for the antigen test route, you will need to get tested every 72 hours.

As soon as we got to our hotel, we dropped off our bags and went to 3 pharmacies before we found one that would convert our vaccine cards to QR codes.

I read beforehand many pharmacies were not offering this service, so Alex and I took our own at-home rapid tests the morning before we left for Paris just for peace of mind in case we had to rely on a getting negative test in Paris to get our pass.

Because it’s been almost a month since the online health pass portal closed, I think more and more pharmacies are offering the conversion service now than when we went.

You might have to go to a couple, but the good news is there are pharmacies on literally every corner of the city.

We went to La Pharmacie Parisienne , and they were so nice and helpful. This is also where we took our antigen test to come home, and the whole process was fast and easy.

All you have to do is go up to the counter, tell them you are vaccinated and need the Health Pass, and they will take your card and convert it for you.

It takes 5 minutes and costs 36 euros.

What to do once you have your Pass Sanitaire

The pharmacy will give you a printed piece of paper with your vaccine information and a QR code.

Download the TousAntiCovid app and follow the instructions to upload your pass to your phone.

90% of the restaurants we went to (and all museums and large shopping centers) scanned our passes before entering/being seated. So having the app handy makes it very easy!

I did see several Americans just show their regular CDC vaccine cards instead of the Pass Sanitaire and had no issues sitting at restaurants. But we didn’t feel like worrying about it, so we paid the money to have ours converted.

How many days do you need in Paris?

Wooh! You made it to the fun part of this Paris Travel Guide.

I think 5 full days, not including travel, is the perfect amount of time for a trip to Paris.

Paris is a huge city with an enormous list of things to do. So I would say the minimum is 5 days, especially if you’ve never been and are traveling from afar.

Thinking back, we would have loved to stay one more day just so we could enjoy a more chill day and get lost in the city.

What’s the best arrondissement to stay in?

When I was doing my own research on where to stay in Paris, I was annoyed that no one would spell out clearly which arrondissement (neighborhood) in Paris is the best.

Everyone kept saying, “Well, it depends on what you want your experience to be.”

And unfortunately, I’m here to tell you the same thing!

It really does depend on the type of atmosphere and vibe you want for your trip.

I will say, even though this wasn’t our first time in Paris, neither one of us had been in years. So staying in a slightly more touristy arrondissement, like the 7th (where the Eiffel Tower is), made sense for us. And I highly recommend it if this is your first time in the city.

Our hotel, Hotel La Bourdonnais , was amazing. The room was actually pretty big for Paris standards, the shower was great, the bed was comfortable, and most importantly, the service was impeccable. We loved that they stocked our mini fridge with fresh water bottles and soda every day for free!

Why we liked the 7th:

• 5-10 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower
• Many quintissential French bistros
• 20-30 minute walk to the Louvre and Musée D’Orsay
• Iconic photo opportunities
• Rue de Cler and Rue Saint Dominique are filled with great restaurants and boulangeries (bakeries)
• Felt safe and calm*

*Be aware of pickpocketers in any large tourist areas (like the Eiffel Tower or Champs Elysée) and at train stations. And be extra aware at night! We felt very safe throughout our trip, but like in any city, you need to be smart.

Where we will stay next

When we go to Paris next, we will stay in either Le Marais (3rd/4th) or Saint Germain (6th).

Both of these feel a bit more intimate and “neighborhood-y”, if that makes sense. Like you’re really living the Parisian life. They have incredible food and shopping and are both close to many of the main attractions.

Where to stay for a high-end experience

If you’re feeling extra bougie and want a luxe experience, I recommend staying in the 8th arrondissement.

Particularly on or near Avenue Montaigne where you’ll find iconic 5-star hotels (like Hôtel Plaza Athénée ) and stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, etc.

Keep in mind, you will spend a lot of time in your arrondissement. Even though you will explore other parts of the city during the day, you will most likely want to walk to dinner and/or drinks from your hotel at night. So make sure you pick an area you’ll be happy hanging out in a lot.

For a more in-depth breakdown of each neighborhood, check out Travelletter’s guide . I found it to be very helpful!

How to Get Around Paris

Aside from taking a cab to and from the airport, we spent the rest of our time either walking or taking the metro.

The best, best, best way to get around is to walk. This will allow you to see all the little nooks and crannies of this beautiful city. Getting lost in the streets of Paris is legit magical!

However, as I mentioned, the city is ginormous. So the metro will be your new best friend if you want to make the most of your time.

Use Google Maps for metro directions

Using the metro is super easy!

All you have to do is open Google maps, type in your destination, and then toggle over to the metro icon for directions. You can also download the Bonjour RATP app, but we found using Google Maps was just as easy.

Here’s an example from our hotel to the Notre Dame cathedral:

We picked the recommended route, which requires you to take two metro lines, 8 and 1.

Google Maps will show you the metro station, line number, direction you need to head in, number of stops, and where you get off.

It shows you the same information for the second metro line in this route.

How to buy metro tickets

Because we only used the metro a handful of times (again opt for walking when you can!), we bought single tickets each time.

Every station has self-serve machines where you can buy your tickets. Each ticket is valid for 2 hours after you scan it, so you’ll need one ticket for the way there and another one to come back.

A single ticket costs 1.90 euros . You can also buy a book of 10 tickets for 16 euros. These tickets are valid for zones 1 and 2, which is all of Paris!

Best Things to Do in Paris

There is sooo much to do! It’ll be impossible to do it all in one trip, so it’s important to pick your absolute musts.

To create your very own Paris Travel Guide, make a list of each place you want to visit and plan to see one or two places per day.

This was our list:

Must-Sees in Paris:

• Eiffel Tower / Champs de Mar
• Musée D’Orsay
• Champs Elysée / Arc de Triumph
• Sacré-Cœur
• L’Opera Garnier
• Gallerie Lafayette
• St. Germain and Le Marais

We were able to see 7 of the 9 places on our list, which is pretty good! We missed out on L’Opera Garnier and Gallerie Lafayette, but instead spent some time in Le Bon Marche (the oldest and most luxe department store in Paris) and added modern art museum, Centre Pompidou, to our list.

Having a list is great, but be flexible and take it one day at a time. Don’t force anything you don’t feel like doing, and make sure you plan out at least 1 chill day with no agenda so you can really enjoy the day-to-day of Paris.

Unique things to do in Paris

If you’re looking for unique experiences in Paris outside of the traditional tourist destinations, these were some of our favorites.

Dinner cruise on the Seine

There are several cruises you can take on the famous river Seine, separating the right and left banks of Paris. We chose a 2-hour dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens , and it was magical!

The food was great, the service was fantastic, and the sights were unmatched. It’s a very romantic experience! Great for a special occassion.

Shop for perfume in Le Marais

Le Marais has a ton of cute boutiques and brand name stores to shop in (think Soho in NYC), but my favorite part was the number of perfumeries they have.

If you’re a perfume aficionado, like moi, I highly recommend you go spend an afternoon strolling (and sniffing) your way through Le Marais. Specifically, Rue de Francs Bourgeois where you will literally find 5-6 perfume stores back to back.

Our favorite though was Parle Moi de Parfum on Rue de Sévigné. Alex and I both bought amazing scents for 95 euros a bottle – I got the Haute Provence and Alex the Papyrus Oud .

We enjoyed a one-on-one experience where they walked us through the creation of their scents and the story behind the brand. It was such a special treat to buy a French perfume that will forever remind me of this trip!

See the sunset from Sacré-Cœur

Watching the sunset from the Sacré-Cœur cathedral is a definite must-do.

With one caveat!

If you can, avoid going Friday through Sunday when the crowds are crazy. We went on a Friday and to say it was busy is an understatement. So if possible, try going on a random Tuesday!

Or better yet, if you’re an early bird, try to catch the sunrise instead.

Regardless, the pictures you get are unforgettable. And the walk back down through the winding, old streets of Montmartre is just as (or even more) special.

Go to the “I Love You” wall

While you’re in Montmartre, definitely make a stop at the “I Love You” wall to see the phrase in every language under the sun. It makes for a really cute photo opp!

Visit the 3rd floor of the Louvre at sunset for pictures

Going to the Louvre isn’t exactly “unique”, but I will say it’s 100% worth it. Especially if you go on a random weekday in the late afternoon when the crowds are low. Alex and I went on a Monday at 3pm and had the best time!

You absolutely need multiple days to soak in all the beautiful art at the Louvre, but it’s also fun to hop in on a whim and see specific pieces, particularly if this isn’t your first time there. We were able to see the Mona Lisa with a much smaller crowd than usual.

Also, there are several windows on the 3rd floor (which is really floor 2) where you can snap some incredible photos. See the masterpiece Alex shot below! Plus, there’s literally no one up there so you basically have the floor to yourself.

Other fun things to do in Paris

As I said, there is so much to do in this city, it’ll be impossible to do it all in one trip! Here’s a list of unique things we wanted to do but didn’t get the chance to:

• Moulin Rouge show (highly recommended by a couple we met on our trip!)
• Ballet performance at L’Opera Garnier
• Professional photoshoot around the city
• Have brunch at the top of the Eiffel Tower
• Take a macaron-making class
• Go to the Catacombs
• Take a tour of the sewer system (sounds weird but it’s a thing!)

How to plan a day trip to Champagne

This Paris Travel Guide wouldn’t be complete without a day trip! There are several places you can go to from Paris by train for a fun getaway: Château de Versailles, Bruges, Mont Saint-Michel, or even Disney Paris if that’s your thing.

But being the champagne lovers we are, we couldn’t resist a trip to the famous champagne region.

If we’re talking unique things to do in Paris, this was by far one of our favorites!

Where to go in Champagne

There are two main cities in France’s champagne region, Épernay and Reims, both of which you can reach by train from Paris in about 1-1.5 hours.

If you’re planning just one day trip to this region, you will need to pick one of the two cities to go to because you won’t have time for both. They are about 40 minutes away from each other by car (i.e. an expensive taxi ride!)

Why we chose Épernay

Even though Reims has great champagne houses to visit, like Veuve Clicquot and Champagne Pommery, it felt more like a “city” than a wine-making town.

We were really looking for those vineyard landscapes and a more small-town feel, which is exactly what Épernay (and nearby town Hautvillers) has to offer.

Not to mention, Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne has some of the world’s best champagne houses all within walking distance of one another. It’s the most beautiful street lined with champagne house after champagne house. We’re talking Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouet, Champagne Boizel, and some smaller family names as well (which are even better than the big brands).

How to get to Épernay from Paris

There are several direct trains from Paris to Épernay! I suggest you take an early train so you can make the most of the day.

We woke up Wednesday morning at 6am, got ready, and took the metro to the Gare de L’Est train station at around 7:15am. It took us about 20 minutes to get to the train station from the 7th arrondissement.

Our train departed Gare de L’Est at 8:36am and took about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there.

We returned on the 5:29pm train, which gave us more than enough time to enjoy a full day in Épernay and still have time for a nice dinner in Paris.

The train tickets cost $60 per person ($30 each way). You can buy your tickets here .

Note: They never checked our train tickets on the ride there, but they did check them on the way back to Paris. In other words, don’t try to cheat the system! lol

Do you need to book champagne tours ahead of time?

The answer is…it depends on what time of year you go.

We definitely got lucky and were able to walk into Moët & Chandon and book a tour for 12pm that day. I would say if you’re going to Épernay during high season (summer or early fall), book any tours in advance. It was pretty much a ghost town when we went!

Aside from the Moët tour, we just walked into other champagne houses and paid for tastings. Those, you don’t have to worry about booking in advance.

I will say, though, the Moët & Chandon tour is 100% worth it!

It’s super cool to learn about this historic champagne house (Napoleon’s favorite!) as you walk through their many kilometers of underground caves. We learned so much about the champagne-making process and loved the guided tasting at the end.

We chose the Imperial Moment tour , which simply means you get to try an additional champagne (Imperial Rosé) during the tasting at the end. The tour cost 35 euros per person and lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Iconic tour includes just one champagne tasting and costs 26 euros .

Which champagne houses are worth visiting in Épernay?

Our first tasting at Champagne de Venoge was spectacular! We pretty much had the entire place to ourselves, they played fun music, and the champagne was delicious.

We then did our Moët tour and tasting and took a break for lunch before we headed to Hautvillers (more on this below!)

Other champagne houses worth visiting are:

• Michel Gonet
• Champagne de Castellane*
• Paul-Etienne Saint Germain

*We totally regret not stopping at Champagne de Castellane! Not only is the champagne supposed to be great, but it also houses the Champagne Museum, which we heard from our local taxi driver was an absolute must-do in Épernay.

Make a stop in Hautvillers

Another reason why we chose Épernay is that it’s a 10-minute taxi ride from Hautvillers, an even smaller town set within rolling vineyard hills. This is where you’ll get your views!

This is also where you’ll find Dom Perignon’s tomb, which was a must-see for us. For those who don’t know, Dom Perignon was a French monk who made important contributions to the production of champagne back in the 1600s. And of course, now has the famous Dom Perignon champagne named after him.

Hautvillers also has amazing little champagne houses you can visit for tastings.

We stopped at Champagne G. Tribaut, and it was by far the best champagne we tasted all day! Not to mention, we had the tasting room to ourselves with sprawling views of their vineyard, got to meet and talk to one of the owners, and tasted her special blend – the Grande Cuvée Spéciale 1er Cru, which was *chefs kiss*.

To say the experience was spectacular is an understatement!

Note: Once you’re ready to head back to Épernay, you will need to call for a cab. They don’t have taxis readily available (at least not when we went) so you can either visit the tourism office and ask them to call you a cab, or we asked the family at Champagne G. Tribaut to call one for us. They were happy to do so! It took about 15-20 minutes for the cab to arrive so plan accordingly.

Check out this 3-minute video of our trip!

Best Bistros & Cocktail Bars in Paris

You made it to the most delicious part of this Paris Travel Guide!

OMG the food in Paris is incroyable. We didn’t have a single bad meal the entire time we were there.

Of course, the Paris food scene is just as big as the city itself, so we barely scratched the surface with this one.

Here’s a list of our favorite bistros and cocktail bars. The majority are in the 7th arrondissement since this is where our hotel was. But I snuck some other gems in there as well!

• Kozy Cafe (brunch)
• Zia (brunch)
• Le Septième Vin (French)
• Milagro (French Latin Fusion)
• Bar du Central (French)
• Ciel de Paris (French w/ views)
• La Fontaine de Mars (French)
• L’Avant Comptoir (French tapas)
• Canard & Champagne (French)
• Su Misura (Italian)
• Gatsby (cocktails)
• L’Éclair (cocktails)
• Lavomatic (speakeasy)

Tip #1: Avoid tourist traps

My biggest piece of advice is to avoid cafes and bistros extremely close to main tourist destinations. Otherwise, you can walk in anywhere and have a fantastic meal!

We had a particularly bad experience at Le Champ de Mars right near the Eiffel Tower. (I should have looked at their Google reviews because it’s a total tourist trap! lol) We went for “apero” (happy hour) and got totally ripped off. We paid 75 euros for 3 drinks and 3 waters, AND the waiter added a tip for himself without letting me decide how much to tip. It was partially my fault for not asking for a menu to start, but I still felt taken advantage of.

Either way, that was a one-and-done mistake! Learn from me and avoid tourist traps like this because there is a whole world of delicious food in Paris you won’t want to miss. 🙂

Tip #2: Spend less money on breakfast and lunch so you can go all out for dinner

The food in Paris isn’t exactly cheap. But man, oh man is it worth it!

I suggest you keep it low-key and simple with breakfast and lunch so you can go all out with nice dinners. There are millions of bakeries and sandwich shops you can stop in for a quick bite throughout the day.

Save your money for the delicious wine, duck confit, steak frites, foie gras, french onion soups, escargots, chocolate cakes, etc. Trust me, it’s all worth it.

For more trendy restaurants, check out this guide by Julia’s Days Off! It’s amazing.

French Cultural Tips: Dos and Don’ts

First off, let me start by saying everyone in Paris (and Épernay) is soooo nice. Don’t believe the rumors that Parisians are rude.

Sure, you might encounter one or two people who aren’t particularly friendly, but isn’t that true of anywhere you go in the world?

Alex and I didn’t have a single bad experience. Everyone we met was extremely helpful, had no issues speaking to us in English, was happy to help us fumble through our French, and was just all-around funny and kind.

I think it just comes down to showing them respect!

These are the top cultural tips to keep in mind:

• Always say “Bonjour!” and “Au revoir!” – Always be the first to say hello and goodbye when you enter and leave a restaurant, store, hotel, etc.
• Don’t automatically start your conversation in English – Instead say, “Je ne parle pas français. Parlez-vous anglais?” (I don’t speak French, do you speak English?)
• Use your inside voice – The French are particularly quiet, especially on the metro and in restaurants.
• Dress up rather than down – Paris is a literal fashion show! Leave your athleisure at home.
• Act quickly on the metro – Don’t dilly dally. Walk fast, get on fast, get off fast. Allez, allez, allez! Everyone is in a rush to either get to work or get home, so be cognisant of that.
• Tips are almost always included in final price – You can always leave an additional tip (a couple of euros) if you feel the service was extraordinary, but it’s not customary to do so.

What to Pack & Wear in Paris (Fall / Winter)

When I say Paris is a walking fashion show, I’m not kidding.

Don’t be discouraged though! Look at this more like an opportunity to let your inner fashionista (or fashionisto) shine. This is your time to play dress up, have fun with your outfits and accessories, and leave your athleisure at home.

Think beautiful coats, colorful sweaters, wide-leg leather pants, and combat boots.

Paris winter packing essentials

Berets are a must. You might think it’s cheesy or touristy to wear one in Paris, but I promise you everyone has one. I had major FOMO.

How cute is my mom in her beret??

Two neutral-colored coats. It was nice to have one coat for the day and a different one for the night. I opted for two black coats, but a tan coat would’ve been great too (and very on-trend). Just make sure your coats are warm!

Comfortable boots and sneakers. Don’t mess around with uncomfortable shoes. You’re going to walk a lot, so make sure you have good walking boots and a nice pair of sneakers. These are my favorite for trips because they look a bit dressier than your typical sneakers.

Accessories. This is the best way to differentiate your outfits in pictures! Hats, sunglasses , hair clips or headbands, earrings, scarves, belts, purses, etc. And it’s also a fun way to look more stylish and put together.

Crossbody purse

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38) was the best for this trip! It fit everything (passport, masks, credit cards, phone, sanitizer, and lip balms) and was very comfortable to wear all day. I also never had to worry about pickpocketers since it was always close to my body.

Warm layers. Again, Paris is cold (high in the low 50s) in the fall and winter. Bring warm sweaters, turtle necks, and cardigans you can use to layer with. I promise, there’s nothing worse than being cold all day long. Brrrrr.

Tights. Everyone in Europe wears tights in the winter. Under dresses, skirts, leather shorts, you name it. If you want to elevate your outfit, this is the way to go.

For more outfit inspiration, check out my Fashion board on Pinterest!

Other packing essentials

• Type C plug adapters
• Gua sha stone or jade roller (for depuffing in the mornings!)
• Portable phone charger
• Undereye masks / gels (again for depuffing in the mornings!)
• Filtered water bottle

The one thing I wish I brought…

More room in my suitcase or an empty one to put stuff in!

Our bags were a bit too full to bring much back with us, and I totally regret that. We wish we had room for bottles of champagne, cute clothes, shoes, you name it.

So my biggest piece of advice is to not overpack. Leave room to bring back some of that Parisian magic!

What to bring back for friends and family

Because we were tight on space, we opted for boxes of macarons, and they were a hit! They have several macaron stores throughout the city making it an easy gift to buy for family and friends.

Ladurée macarons are by far the best! Everyone will be raving about these mouthwatering souvenirs.

Everything you need to know about getting back to US from Paris

As promised, I outline all the details about your flight back to the US from Paris in this final section of my Paris Travel Guide.

Before traveling to the US, you need to provide:

• Proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day * before travel
• Sworn statement attesting you have no symptoms and are not aware of any contact with a confirmed case

*Rules changed as of Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.

We took our antigen test at the same pharmacy we got our health passes from the Thursday before we left. They were super nice and quick about it, and we got our results via text and email within 30 minutes.

You can also choose to take an at-home rapid test as long as it is virtually administered by a health professional. These are the best kits we’ve found!

As for the sworn statement, Delta provided the forms during check-in at the airport, which we were then asked to present during boarding. Be sure to check your airline’s website for instructions.

Flying out of Charles de Gaulle?

Make sure you leave plenty of room for traffic and long security lines! This is a highly congested airport, so I would suggest you head to the airport ~3.5 hours before your departure time.

Other things to note:

• You will go through border patrol before security (took about 30 minutes to get through)
• Make sure your liquid toiletries are in zip lock bags
• They made everyone take hand sanitizers out of their bags, which was so odd?

Want to chat more?

I hope you liked this 2021 / 2022 Paris Travel Guide! If you have any questions, be sure to comment below or connect with me on Instagram (@uncovertheglow).

Wishing you the most amazing trip to the city of love!

Bon voyage, mes amis!

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The Earful Tower

Paris and France by Oliver Gee

Paris Bucket List 2022: 50 things to do in Paris

Looking for something to do in Paris?

Here’s the 2022 edition of the Earful Tower’s bucket list. Let’s start with a quick look. Here’s the easy-to-read, easy-to-skim version (available as PDF further down).

Now, a few notes before we really get into it. These aren’t 50 new things in Paris. Rather, they’re 50 activities that me and my Parisian friends want to tick off our lists. Things we’ve always wanted to do… as well as a few new things (like the recently reopened Musée Carnavalet, pictured above).

The whole idea is to give yourself a reason to get out and do something in the city you love. I explained the rules, the idea, and my personal additions to the list in this week’s episode of the podcast. I’m joined by Shelly, an art consultant in Paris, who is the reigning champ of the Earful Tower bucket lists.

As I explained in the show, my own personal five items are first on the list below (1-5) followed by Shelly’s five things (6-10), followed by Lina’s (11-15)… then the rest are a mix of my friends’ offerings.

I’ve added links to official websites, and sometimes to my own work from previous visits.

Here we go!

The full list (with links): 50 things to do in Paris

• Get inside Saint Geneviève library
• Visit the Musée des Arts Forains (fairground museum)
• Have a cocktail at Shangri-La hotel
• Play chess with a stranger in Luxembourg gardens
• Dine at le Train Bleu restaurant
• Visit Halle Saint-Pierre art center
• Check out a book from the American Library
• Finally go to the Picasso Museum
• Have drinks at Bar Hemingway at the Ritz
• Try cheese from the MOF fromageries in Paris ( link, in French )
• Have a solo breakfast at a terrace (with a book)
• Visit the Vanves Flea Market
• Hire sail boat in pond at Luxembourg gardens
• Baked potato at Kaspia restaurant
• Play tennis at Luxembourg gardens
• Visit Maison Gainsbourg – opening spring 2022
• Have a drink at the bar of the Lutetia Hotel
• Go to the Munch exhibit at the Musée d’Orsay
• Visit Château Vaux-le-Vicomte (my visit here )
• Go to the Maille shop and taste mustard on tap
• Find Josephine Baker at the Pantheon
• Buy a knife from E. Dehillerin
• Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
• Rent a fancy boat on Seine
• Take a croissant baking class
• Take the tourist train around Montmartre (with champagne)
• Party in the basement of Rex
• Cycle to Giverny (Monet’s gardens)
• Visit a fashion show Paris Fashion Week
• Play basketball at the American church
• Visit the Gendarmerie training facility
• Sneak into the Catacombs (my own visit here )
• Afternoon tea at Le Meurice (my own visit here )
• Visit the l’ Orangerie museum
• Go to the Dali Museum
• Experience Parc Astérix
• Drinks at the Girafe restaurant
• Ballet at Opera Bastille
• Visite Musée de l’armée
• Drink a mint tea at the Grande Mosquée
• Dance all night at a warehouse techno party
• Spend 1 night in a fancy hotel (like fancy fancy)
• Have lunch/dinner at a 1-star Michelin restaurant
• Skateboard at République with all the cool kids
• Visit the newly reopened Musée Carnavalet
• Witness the Moulin Rouge
• Go dancing at Le Caveau de la Huchette jazz club
• Visit Soho House Paris
• Dine at the Cheval Blanc rooftop at la Samaritaine
• Go fishing in the Seine

That’s it! How many have you already done? Now, why not add your bucket list in the comments below?

As for me: I plan to work my way through these activities this year and will be sharing my finds on  Instagram ,  Facebook , and  YouTube .

If you’re looking for further things to do in Paris, explore my website or buy my 2022 Paris PDF guide below.

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6 thoughts on “ paris bucket list 2022: 50 things to do in paris ”.

I was intrigued with your suggestion to take the tourist train around Montmartre (#26 on your bucket list of things to do in Paris). I have been to Montmartre a few times and was unfamiliar with this train.

If you read the (very mixed) reviews of this Petit Train on TripAdvisor.com, it does not sound like this activity is even close to a “must do”. Reviewers say the schedules are erratic, the ride is bumpy, and the commentary unintelligible.

I was curious as to whether you had personally ridden this train ride and what your experience had been.

Visit the Number #1 boulangerie in Paris, L’atmosphere Sunday swing dance under pont Marie/Marcounet Swim at the iconic piscine pontoise with private cabine Sip the famous Chanel cocktail at Hotel Costes Sundays at Kong Walk through Pere la chaise cemetery People watching at Foucault’s on the Champs Élysées Saturday brocantes – vous grenide! Hang out at Place Contrascarpe (where Hemingway often wrote) Shop hard at Bon Marche Grab a velo and cycle to Le Tour Eiffel/Pont Alexandre III Coup de champagne at Cafe Marly at Le Louvre after saying hi to Mona Saturday brunch at St Regis A classic cocktail at George V Best confit de canard at Bistro Valois Kiliwatch for best second hand parisian clothes-buy a hat! Piano hour at Le Louis Trivia night at The Auld Alliance Fois gras from Comtesse du Barry Walk the history trail of Abelard and Heloise A cafe au lait at Cafe Hugo in Place de Vosges Pick up some herbal tea from Dammann Freres Get a stamped book from Shakespeare & Co Dance in the Tuilleries, jump in puddles!

Quite a list! Your show today with Shelly was good, too. I’ve been to a few; plan to do many more!

I’ve done a few as well! Living in Paris for 4 months commencing February 2. So far I’ve adopted some of your recommendations, and added a few of my own: visit 10 lesser known museums (ex: Vie Romantique, Cernuschi, De la Marine); hike in the forests of Fontainebleau (is that Paris?), drink a different bottle of champagne every week (my original goal was to drink every brand displayed in the Galeries Lafayette but I think I would need a liver transplant), and attend a different organ concert every Sunday (or at least when we aren’t on the road) followed by a lovely lunch/brunch. I CANNOT WAIT!

Tell me more about no. 30?!

Lived in Paris for 2 and a half years (2008 – 2011 ish). Just heard you talking on ABC Melbourne Radio with Rob Quin. It is interesting that people don’t do the inside of the Arc de Triomph, it does have the best views of Paris. If it’s still possible, for free you can go up to the 6th floor of Galeries LaFayette, I think it was the women’s store. you have to climb the stairs from the 5th floor to the outside. But lovely views there, and for free. I did the tourist boat ride on the Siene and agree with you. The views from the river are gorgeous. Am going in March for a few days, and will try one or two things on the list if I have time. I am planning to go to Versailles, I went once 16 years ago. Need to go back. it is beautiful. Currently living in the US. (for the 4th time). Thx for your effort in all this. Appreciate it. P.S. Have had lunch at the Le Train Bleu. Def worth going. Have fun.

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The 31 BEST Things to Do in Paris in 2024

Cecilia Rinaldi Last Updated: May 28, 2024

Sure, hitting up the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are Paris 101, but if you’re ready to dive deeper into the city’s soul, let’s talk real insider experiences. We’ve compiled a list of things to do, museums to visit, free activities and even hotels to stay at, and it’s all recommended by people who know Paris best!

• Bookmark this post for easy access during your visit
• Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources
• Look at our top Paris tours for a memorable trip 
• Make sure you’re staying in the right area of Paris .

Related Content

How Many Days Should I Spend in Paris? 

First things first, how much time do you need to truly experience the City of Lights? Easy answer: 3-4 days is perfect to see the must-visit attractions and soak up Parisian life! This timeframe lets you explore all the must-see sights, like museums and monuments, and also enjoy chilling out on bar terraces, enjoying delicious food and wine, and indulging in some top-notch people-watching – a favorite pastime of locals!

When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Paris?

If, like me, you dislike being either super cold or super hot, I highly recommend visiting Paris in the spring or autumn to avoid extreme temperatures. April, May, September, and early October offer a great balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Although I must confess, Paris can sprinkle a bit of extra magic in December, twinkling with all its festive Christmas lights, adding an extra dash of romance to the air!

Top 31 Things You Can’t Miss in Paris

There are many ways to mess up your trip to Paris, but don’t let bad planning be one of them. Those mega-monuments you have to see (think: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles) should get booked way in advance with skip-the-line tours and tickets .

But what else should you do while you’re in Paris? There’s something for everyone on our list, whether you’re looking for a unique activity or a day filled with art museums.

1. Drink Champagne on Top of the Tour Eiffel

Attraction | Ticket Required | Tour Recommended

Get ready for the the ultimate bougie experience: savoring a glass of champagne atop the iconic Eiffel Tower!

At the tower’s summit, you’ll find a Champagne bar offering unbeatable views of Paris, where you can relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. For the best experience, we recommend heading to the bar around sunset.

Here’s a little insider tip: every evening, after sunset, the tower comes to life with a dazzling display of twinkling lights for five magical minutes every hour on the hour. Just imagine: you’re sipping your bubbles surrounded by twinkling lights—it’s the perfect match!

We run many Eiffel Tower tours as well as partner with other local providers so you have tons of options. And if you’re hoping for the best view, then you’ll definitely want to book the more exclusive summit tour !

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it .

2. Take a Selfie in the Hall of Mirrors at Château de Versailles

Attraction | Day Trip from Paris | Tour Recommended

The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of Paris’ most visited attractions for a good reason. While revolutionaries might have ousted the last kings and queens of France, we’re glad they left this magnificent piece of architecture unscathed.

Retrace the footsteps of historical figures like Marie Antoinette  and admire the grandeur of the former royal palace. In the Hall of Mirrors, beautiful chandeliers reflect in over 300 mirrors.

When you visit the palace, make sure you visit the enchanting Gardens of Versailles. The meticulously-manicured gardens occupy a total area of almost 2,000 acres. Destinations like Versailles are brimming with history, gossip, and stories.

Check out our Versailles small group tour for a great tour at a great price. The line at Versailles is also crazy long for at least eight months of the year, so you’ll appreciate the skip-the-line access. See our posts on the top things to see in Versailles and how to visit Versailles for more inspiration.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Versailles tour is worth it .

3. Stand in Front of the World’s Greatest Art at the Louvre

Museum | Ticket Required | Tour Recommended | 1st arr.

The Louvre is the world’s largest museum and home to the very fabric of western civilization, which puts it as a top recommendation on any list. Licensed tour guides of Paris and the Louvre have studied for years to pay tribute to the great artists, sculptors, and even warlords that have molded our society.

This likely is the number one most important thing to do in Paris, but since you already know you have to visit it, we have it higher on our list. That said, joining a guided tour of the Louvre should be the way you visit so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Small group tours are the best way to visit the museum for the price and you’ll walk out happy you did not try to tackle this massive museum on your own. Our small group Louvre walking tours have received hundreds of 5-star reviews and we offer them at many different price points to meet every budget!

Address: Rue de Rivoli

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Louvre Museums tour is worth it .

4. Eat ‘Til You Drop on the Best Value Food Tour in Le Marais

Food Tour | Locally Operated | 4 Stops and Full Meal

Paris is one place where you should indulge in local cuisine. You might have heard people say that bread tastes better in France, and it’s not a myth. Food is the key to every culture and the French believe they know the key to food.

Their belief may or may not be true, but their passion for the culinary arts is unmistakable and definitely admirable. You can witness this for yourself in many ways, but we believe the best way is to join a food tour—and ours is the best!

Why? We have tested many food tours in Paris and most did not enter a single restaurant. Our food tour goes to four locations and includes oysters, champagne, cheese, and wine, falafel, a beef bourguignon dinner, and a classic French dessert!

Not to mention it’s in the trendy Le Marais district of Paris! Take a look at out our Le Marais food tour in Paris .

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Paris Guide for more resources.

5. Stay at the Luxurious L’Hotel for Hammam and Pool Bliss

Hotel | Private Hammam & Pool | 6th arr.

Situated in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this 5-star hotel offers Baroque-style guest rooms and exclusive amenities such as a hammam and indoor swimming pool. It’s not just about luxury here; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences.

You can stay the Oscar Wilde Suite room which is decorated in honor of writer Oscar Wilde! Wilde was staying at L’Hotel when he died in 1900.

You can also indulge in private access to the hammam, pool, and steam room. During your reserved timeslot, revel in the complete freedom of our subterranean oasis with no interruptions or cameras in sight, guaranteeing your privacy for some serious relaxation and fun!

If you’re looking for something different, consider the timeless elegance of the Mandarin Oriental or the trendy, hipster-friendly atmosphere of The Hoxton . 

Address: 13 Rue des Beaux Arts

Booking: L’Hotel

Not ready to book ? Check out our  Paris Guide for more resources.

6. Indulge at a Great Wine Bar

Wine & Food | Outdoor Seating | 6th arr.

It’s no mystery that the libation of choice in France is the nectar of the gods: wine. In Paris, I found a small exciting wine bar called Chez Nous and fell in love with it. Why?

First of all, they don’t feature a menu which means that you don’t have to make many choices! You tell the waiters what mood your in and your budget. Next, they go to work, and you focus on the moment. Many of us go to Paris to find out what everyone is talking about when it comes to artisanal food and wines and Chez Nous is where you will see it come to life!

The only negative is that it is on a busy road, but this didn’t ruin the experience for us at all. We loved how close it was to Place Dauphine, where we were playing petanque, and that it had ample outdoor seating.

Address: 10 Rue Dauphine

Not ready to book a food tour? Check out our  Paris Guide for more resources.

7. Dive Deep into Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay

Museum Attraction | Ticket Required | Tour Recommended

In any other city, the Musée d’Orsay would be the must-see mega attraction, but in Paris, the Louvre undoubtedly casts a shadow! That said, visiting this impressionist gallery may be the highlight of your entire trip. Why?

The gallery is home to some of the world’s greatest artists that re-shaped the canvas of the modern art scene. Influential artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, and more are all featured in this renovated train station. There are lots of great works of art from mega-famous artists that you’ll likely recognize such as:

• Card Players by Paul Cezanne
• Bal Moulin Galette by Renoir
• Luncheon on the Grass by Manet
• Starry Night by Van Gogh

For a complete list with detailed descriptions, please read our article on the top things to see at Musée d’Orsay ! If you want to maximize your experience, book a Musée d’Orsay tour , which will take the guesswork out of booking and deep-dive you into the history, anecdotes, and art with a passionate guide.

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Musée d’Orsay .

8. Eat (or Don’t Eat) Snails at Chartier

Traditional French Cuisine | Restaurant | 9th arr.

While I find the thought of eating snails stomach-churning (or “dèg” as the French say), many people swear by them.

In France, they’re considered a true delicacy, and I’m told they’re delicious. It’s a must-try in Paris! If you’re feeling brave enough to try this slimy delicacy, keep an eye out for “escargots” on the menu.

For a taste of tradition, I recommend giving them a go at Bouillon Chartier. They also offer a variety of other classic French dishes, catering to those, like myself, who prefer to play it safe.

For more food recommendations, be sure to check out our Parisian food guide !

Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre

9. Find the Barrel of Skulls in the Paris Catacombs

Cryptic Attraction | Requres Ticket | Tour Recommended | 14th arr.

Did you know that underneath the City of Light there are tunnels full of bones? Hundreds of miles of tunnels, actually. The Catacombs of Paris might seem a little spooky or gross, but they are a fascinating part of Parisian history.

One of the best things to do in Paris is to tour the creatively-stacked tunnels. Containing the bones of over six million people, the Paris catacombs are officially the world’s largest grave.

Going on a skip-the-line Paris Catacombs tour is your best option if you don’t want to risk waiting a long time to get in. Plus you’ll get to see restricted rooms that you’re not allowed to see without a tour guide. However, if you want to go it alone, the Catacombs also offer audio guides.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Paris Catacombs tour is worth it .

10. Surround Yourself with Monet’s Water Lillies at the Orangerie

Major Attraction | Ticket Required | Cultural

Head over to The Musée de l’Orangerie for a close encounter with Claude Monet’s magnificent Water Lilies.

As a key figure in the Impressionist Art Movement, Monet generously presented these paintings to the French State after the Armistice of November 11, 1918, as a symbol of peace.

There are eight Water Lillies compositions in total, each covering almost entire walls, offering a truly immersive and breathtaking experience! 

Address: Musée de l’Orangerie

11. Hang Out at Monet’s House

Artist House & Gardens | Ticket Required | Cultural

Just saw the Water Lilies at the Orangerie and want to know where Monet got his inspiration? Then, you’ve gotta visit his home in Giverny!

Monet lived in Giverny for forty-three years, from 1883 to 1926. He loved gardening and created beautiful flower and water gardens there.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Normandy, easily accessible from Paris, it’s one of the most popular day trips you can take. Just hop on a train from Paris Gare St Lazare, and before you know it, you’ll be stepping into Monet’s world. 

While Monet’s gardens at Giverny are normally closed for winter, they’ll be reopening their gates on March 29th, 2024. So mark your calendars! If you’d rather skip the hassle of arranging transport, tours, and tickets on your own, we highly recommend joining a guided tour of Monet’s house.

Address: House of Claude Monet

Not ready to book this tour? Discover even more exciting day trips from Paris here !

12. Beat The Traffic with a Sidecar Motorbike Tour

Adrenaline Attraction | Guided Tour

Explore the highlights of Paris while skipping in and out of traffic on a vintage motorbike and sidecar tour. This is an exhilarating and unique way to see the City of Lights. You’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Domes des Invalides, but the friendly guides are always open to suggestions and happy to customize any experience for you. This really is a bucket list tour and a great option when the sun shines bright.

13. Walk Through Place des Vosges in Le Marais

Free | Park | 4th arr.

Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful squares in Le Marais and even Paris. It is lined by four walls of perfectly manicured trees framed by four more walls of identical Parisian homes. The park is a highlight of many tours that go through Paris and is a must-visit.

Address: Pl. des Vosges

14. Wander Through Daniel Buren’s Columns in Palais Royal

Free | Art Installation | Palais Royal

Ever heard Jack Johnson sing that famous line, “Pave paradise and put up a parking lot.” Well, Paris must have an extended version: “After you put up a parking lot, call a famous artist and make it a monumental modern art installation.”

Would a park full of trees be more beautiful? You decide when you go to Paris and visit Palais Royal. There is a courtyard (free to enter) where you’ll find 260 marble-painted columns. It’s an excellent site and an interesting photo to take!

Address: Galerie de la Cour d’Honneur, 2 Rue de Montpensier

15. Walk Through Montmartre to View Paris from Sacre-Cœur

Basilica | Montmartre | 18th arr. | Ticket Required

Sometimes described as a village because of its winding streets and small-town feel, Montmartre is a neighborhood in Paris perched on a hilltop in the northern part of the city. Make sure you visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica, an often-overlooked religious monument.

Rather than mapping out every detail of your visit, get off at a nearby metro station (Anvers or Abbesses) and wander your way through the streets of Montmartre. This is the best way to get a feel for this charming neighborhood. Our Paris in a Day tour covers Montmartre as well as Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check our free ‘ Neighborhood Guide to Montmartre. ‘

Address: Sacre Coeur Basilica

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Paris tours to take and why .

16. Check Off France’s Most Picturesque Island from Your Bucket List

Day Trip | Medieval City | One of a Kind

For an exciting day trip outside the city, I highly recommend visiting Mont Saint Michel, France’s most picturesque Island and medieval city! Depending on the tides, it’s either surrounded by water or mud flats, and trust me, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss! 

Historically, Mont Saint Michel’s significance grew during the Hundred Years War between England and France, becoming a crucial stronghold and defensive structure. As a military fortress, it played a vital role in fending off British attackers during numerous sieges. 

And guess what? It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! That’s another reason to make sure it’s on your must-visit list. 

Planning your trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris can be a bit tricky so we strongly suggest opting for a guided tour to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. 

Our Best Versailles and Paris Louvre Tours

Top-Rated Tour

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris, which is why it’s on everyone’s bucket list. Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity! Join a passionate guide for a tour of the most famous artwork at the Louvre. Skip-the-line admissions included.

Likely to Sell Out

Skip-the-Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress over the logistics? Meet a local guide in central Paris who will purchase your train tickets and ensure you get off at the right stop. Then enjoy a guided tour of the palace and the unforgettable gardens. Skip-the-line admissions included to the palace and gardens.

17. Dive into the Excitement of July 14th Celebrations!

Free | Fireworks | National Holiday

Mark July 14th on your calendars – it’s a big deal for the French! It’s like 4th of July in the United States!

This day commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a fortress that housed political prisoners and served as the catalyst for the French Revolution.

If you’re in Paris that day, brace yourself for evening fireworks at the Champ-de-Mars, epic events, and bustling crowds.

But wait, there’s more! On July 13th and 14th every year, Parisian fire stations throw open their doors for the legendary Firemen’s Ball. It’s a tradition that started with Sergeant Cournet at the Montmartre fire station in 1937.

Ladies, you definitely don’t want to miss this! Be prepared for some sizzling encounters with French firefighters!

18. Relive Les Misérables in the Paris Sewers

One of a Kind | Not for Everyone | 7th arr.

Yes, you read that right. If you want to do something really unique in Paris, then head to the Paris Sewer Museum, which isn’t far from the Eiffel Tower. Why? Well, Victor Hugo had a fascination with sewers as they were an integral part of the beloved classic Les Misérables . So if you’re a fan of Jean Valjean—or Hugh Jackman, we won’t judge—why not explore a bit of this rather remarkable infrastructure?

Another reason I recommend visiting? All smelly jokes aside (and there will be a bit of a smell), the actual construction and current management of the Paris sewers is quite incredible. The sewer canals are also like a labyrinth beneath the streets of Paris, similar to the catacombs.

This museum will give you a glimpse into how ingenious the architects of Paris were and still are. Fair warning—it’s entirely possible you’ll see a rat or two as you explore the actual sewer tunnels. Oh, the stories you’ll have after this adventure!

Address: Esplanade Habib Bourguiba, Pont de l’Alma Cost: Starting at €7

19. Try the Best Meringue in Paris

One of a Kind | Patisserie | 4th arr.

One dish I absolutely swear by is Meringue, a French classic dessert traditionally made from whipped egg whites and sugar.

For an exquisite taste of this delicacy, I highly recommend visiting Aux Merveilleux de Fred. With several locations around Paris, you have no excuse to miss out on this heavenly treat.

Trust me when I say it’s like eating a cloud! They offer a variety of flavors including chocolate, caramel, cherry, praline, and coffee. 

For more mouthwatering food recommendations, be sure to check out our Parisian food guide !

Address: 24 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe

20. Marvel and Shop at Les Passages Couverts

Free Admission | Shopping | Architecture & Design

Les Passages Couverts are beautiful covered passageways with glass ceilings in the Galerie Vivienne department store. These were some of the first modern department stores, and honestly, things have gone downhill from there.

You can walk through these beautiful works of art and window shop, which almost always leads to real shopping and spending money. For more shopping tips, read our article on the b est shopping in Paris .

After all that shopping, you’ll need to rest and refuel, and the perfect little tea house is waiting for you: Le Valentin Vivienne. From coffee and macarons to kouign amann and quiche, they have just the right treats to satisfy. Definitely buy a jar of lavender honey to take home!

Address: 5 Rue de la Banque | Le Valentin Vivienne

21. Find Debussy in the Quaintest Parisian Cemetery

Free | Non-Touristy | Quieter Activity | 16th arr.

Everyone knows about Père Lachaise Cemetery and the famous people buried there (Jim Morrison, Frédéric Chopin, Oscar Wilde). However, not everyone knows about the little Passy Cemetery located across the street from the Trocadéro, where you get that great view of the Eiffel Tower. For being centrally located, this little spot is a surprisingly quiet oasis to explore.

If you’re a fan of the famous song “Claire de lune” (it’s used during the last scene of “Oceans 11”), you can find Claude Debussy buried here. Thank him by pulling out your phone and playing that beloved tune when you find him. You can also hunt for modernist painter Edouard Manet, Hubert de Givenchy, and members of the Renault family.

Pro Tip: Take a picture of the map at the entrance to help navigate the cemetery.

Address: 2 Rue du Commandant Schloesing

22. Stand in the Jaw-Dropping Palais Garnier Opera House

Major Attraction | Ticket Required | Cultural | 9th arr.

Paris’ opera house is an awe-inspiring monument that is largely skipped over by tourists. Built during the mid to late 1800s, it isn’t hard to understand why this was the place to be seen at the height of its popularity. The interior of the opera house is filled with rich decoration and excessive ornamentation—think gold everywhere!

Guided and unguided tours are available, but if you really want to learn all the history of this amazing place, make sure to stick with a guide. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous Phantom of the Opera.

Address: Pl. de l’Opéra

23. The Classic vs Modern Café…

Right of Passage | Famous Café

You may pay a little more than you wanted to for your drink, but sitting and having a drink at Les Deux Magots or Le Procope is a right of passage in Paris. Each café is on the ritzy Boulevard Saint-Germain, and both are symbolic of what a French café or bistro should be.

You will immediately have something in common with almost everyone who has visited Paris, as these two spots are popular! Your drinks won’t taste much different than anywhere else—but these places are more about their history and service.

OR, you can show your inner contrarian youthfulness and instead choose to take your morning cup of Joe at Caféothèque , which is owned and operated by two successful female entrepreneurs in Paris and renowned for being the best coffee in the city!

Address: Les Duex Magots | Le Procope | Caféothèque

24. Find Your Love Language

Free | Wall Art | Romantic | Montmartre

Ooh la la! You’re in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. What better thing to do than to find the Wall of Love? This heartwarming wall has become a bit of a trendy spot to see in Montmartre. Still, not everyone knows about it, so let me explain.

The words “I love you” are written in perhaps hundreds of languages on this city wall in an effort to remind humanity of the greatest emotional expression of all. Hebrew, English, Spanish, Hindu, German, Swahili, and many others can be found. Snap a pic in front of the wall with your loved one. If you’re lucky, your language could be close enough to be in your picture too!

Address: Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses

25. Count the Stained-Glass Windows at Sainte-Chapelle Chapel

Attraction | Requires Ticket | Tour Recommended | 4th arr.

Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel built in the Gothic style. While the architecture of the building is admirable, the real star is its 1,113 stained-glass windows . The windows measure 49 feet (15 meters) and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

Even on a cloudy day, when the sunlight that comes through the chapel windows is limited, the stained glass is stunning. Sainte-Chapelle is only about a 5-minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral , so kill two birds with one stone and visit both beauties one right after the other.

Address: 10 Bd du Palais

26. View Montmartre’s Only Vineyard in Paris

Vineyard | Montmartre | 18th arr.

Yes, there is a vineyard in the center of Paris. Vignes du Clos is likely the smallest vineyard in the entire world, and it’s right in Montmartre. A rich family or a business does not own a vineyard inside the city of Paris. It is owned by the 18th arrondissement, which is referred to as Montmartre.

Vignes du Clos is basically a park that produces local wine and uses the proceeds for social initiatives. It’s a beautiful way to bring the local Parisian community together around something as sacred as wine.

Sadly, the general public is not allowed to enter the vineyard. But guess what? You could stop by the beautiful gate and learn fascinating stories about its history and controversies with a local guide on our popular Paris in a day tour ! You’ll explore Montmartre and stop to see this charmingly unique bit of French culture that is a serious source of pride.

Address: 18 Rue des Saules

Our Best Guided Tours of Paris

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Champagne Day Trip From Paris with Lunch

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Explore iconic Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot hassle-free. We’ve partnered with top wineries, expert guides, and local eateries to offer personalized tours, complete with round-trip transportation from Paris.

Top Selling

Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

Embark on a culinary journey in Le Marais—one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. Most food tours in Paris offer cheese and wine, but we include a full, sit-down meal! Enjoy a feast of French cheeses, oysters, street food, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and more. This 3-hour food tour combines the best of Paris’ culinary heritage and you won’t find a better deal out there!

27. Eat at La Maison Rose

$$$ | Internet Famous | Restaurant

Before or after you pop into the tiny vineyard above, you should grab a bite to eat at La Maison Rose. The two stops combined will make you feel like you are in a small wine-producing village outside of Paris that just happens to have a killer view of Paris!

La Maison Rose has a history of impeccable dishes that focus on French farm-to-table ingredients. That means you can expect a seasonal menu here, and they even offer a specialty menu for New Year’s Eve like many other fantastic French restaurants do.

Address: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir

28. See Where Heroes Fell on a Day Trip to Normandy

Normandy Beaches | Point Du Hoc | Day Trip from Paris

The beaches of Normandy and Pointe du Hoc bunker are synonymous with World War II, and visiting them in person puts things into perspective. The beaches are in no way “close” to Paris. Considering their importance, however, many people pilgrimage if they have an extra day in Paris.

It is around a 3-hour drive, and there are many things to see along the way, including some fantastic cider (beer) breweries. You’ll visit Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Pointe du Hoc and make a stop for cider! We offer this as a private tour of Normandy, which is an incredible experience. Tours often sell out 30 days before D-Day (June 6th) each year, so book in advance!

Address: Omaha Beach | Utah Beach | Pointe du Hoc Bunker

29. Dine at Derrière

$$$ | One of A Kind Restaurant | Modern French Cuisine

Derriere is currently one of the hottest restaurants in Paris. Tucked away in the heart of the Marais in the 3rd arrondissement, Derriere is a clandestine gem with an unmarked door and a hidden courtyard.

Its ambiance resembles more of an apartment than a restaurant, featuring unique elements like a king size bed (you can eat on!), table football, wardrobe, and cozy couches.

It offers modern French cuisine, a contemporary twist on tradition, along with delightful brunch options.

Pro Tip: Be sure to book ahead of time as it’s in high demand! 

Address: 69 Rue des Gravilliers

30. Then Head Over to Andy Wahloo for drinks! 

$$$ | Experimental Cocktails | Cool

Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away is Andy Wahloo cocktail bar, inspired by the renowned US artist Andy Warhol.

Offering killer experimental cocktails and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to continue your evening after dining at Derrière.  

31. Find Hidden Ponds in Paris’ Best Parks and Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens | Medician | Free to Enter

A favorite Parisian pastime is to flâner or to stroll about aimlessly. So why not use this excuse to act like a local and check out Paris’ parks and gardens?

Among the city’s most manicured and impressive gardens are the Tuileries Gardens next to the Louvre Museum and the Luxembourg Gardens in the sixth arrondissement (featured photo). This is definitely one of the more romantic things to do in Paris, but it can be anything you want it to be.

If you’re looking to escape fellow tourists, head to the Buttes Chaumont Park in northeastern Paris, where locals go to enjoy great views of the city and relax. Paris takes great pride in its green spaces and considers them gems, so taking some time to enjoy them is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris. Check out our post on the top gardens and parks in Paris for more options.

Address: Tuileries Gardens | Luxembourg Gardens | Buttes Chaumont Park

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

Reader Interactions

Comment (1).

October 7, 2020

You really show the city from so many angles i definitely need to make the time to visit sooner rather than later. Great post!

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Is Paris Safe in 2024 and Beyond? And Should You Travel to France Now?

Last Updated on August 19, 2024

Many travelers want to know whether Paris is still safe to visit– and their concerns are understandable. Following isolated terrorist attacks and occasionally-violent street demonstrations in recent years, worries about the safety of the French capital have become more common.

But the truth is that Paris generally remains a safe destination, and with some precautions in mind all visitors should feel comfortable traveling to the capital. Read on for the latest information on travel advisories and precautions to take when visiting France, and for my full safety tips for anyone planning a trip to Paris.

I start by covering some of the topics most likely to be on travelers’ minds, followed by more long-term safety issues and concerns. You can use the “Explore This Article” tab below to directly navigate to the information of most immediate interest and use to you.

Explore This Article

Current Safety Advisories for Paris & France

The US State Department currently shows a yellow, Level 2 travel warning for France, corresponding to the advice “Exercise increased caution” and citing risks including terrorism and potential civil unrest. See the full advisory here .

Traveling from another country? To see current safety advisories for your country of origin and specific safety tips from your Embassy or Consulate in France, see this page.

Statistically Speaking, Paris Remains Very Safe

The Economist-sponsored “Safe Cities” report for 2021 ranked Paris as the 23rd-safest major city in the world out of 60– making it almost exactly middling. And while the city has admittedly taken a significant knockdown in global city safety ratings due to recent terrorist attacks and other factors, violent crime is still generally uncommon in the capital.

OSAC, the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security,  notes tha t tourists are generally safe in the city, and that street crime such as pickpocketing remains the primary concern. These notes are particularly striking and paint a clearer picture of the sorts of crimes visitors need to be most on guard against:

According to the Violent Crime Risk Index (ViCRI), a resource for urban-level violence risk data and ratings, Paris ranks as a class 2 city on an 11-point index scale measuring homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape risks. Street crime, however, is a concern, most notably in areas frequented by tourists. Consular officials throughout France report that U.S. travelers are frequently victims of pickpockets, swarm and grabs, or scams. (OSAC, France Country Security Report, available here )

To summarize the data above, Paris ranks a “2” on a scale reaching up to “11” when it comes to violent crime. Street crime targeting tourists is the greatest concern.

Moreover, violent crimes rates in France are  roughly on par with Canada’s , and are three times lower than in the US.

According to French government statistics, even when taking into account deaths from terrorist attacks, the homicide rate in Paris per 1,000 inhabitants between 2015 and 2017 was only 0.019 (0.014 if you exclude the attacks).

You get my drift. Violent crime, and especially the sort that threatens lives, is relatively rare in Paris.  Gun violence there is astronomically lower than it is in comparably sized cities in the US.

And while the US State Department website advises that tourists remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution due to potential terrorist threats, take note:  they don’t recommend cancelling your trip or avoiding the city.

My conclusion? Yes, there are some risks that can’t be denied.  Most large metropolitan cities, including London and New York, carry similar risks in our globalized world. Should you avoid setting foot in these places altogether?

Everyone has to make choices that they feel comfortable with, but from my perspective, you’d be greatly overestimating the dangers you face by doing so.

Pickpocketing is the Most Common Crime Affecting Tourists in Paris

I’ve already discussed the unlikelihood of tourists becoming victims of violent crime in Paris. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t risk being targeted for petty street crimes that can still make your trip a nightmare.

As already touched on above, pickpocketing is by far the biggest threat to visitors, so before your trip you should learn how thieves operate and take all the precautions necessary to avoid being targeted.

How to Avoid Pickpockets in Paris? 

Pickpockets operate in predictable and often highly organized ways, targeting tourists in crowded and popular areas. Often, they get away with your wallet or purse so quickly that you barely feel a thing. To keep this from happening, take these steps: In any crowded place (busy lines, congested metro cars, open spaces full of tourists snapping photos), take extra care with your belongings.

It’s best to carry a bag or purse that you can wear crisscrossed around your chest, with pockets and valuables hugged to your front and in plain view. If you wear a backpack, don’t leave wallets, cash, passports or other valuable items in the front compartments.

Only bring as much cash as you’ll likely need for the day, and maybe even less.  100 Euros or so is a good limit to aim for. Traveler’s checks can easily be exchanged for Euros at the American Express office on Rue Scribe (Metro: Opera).

If you must carry larger amounts of cash, consider wearing a money belt .

It’s always preferable to leave passports , large amounts of cash and other valuables in a hotel safe, if possible.

Never leave your bags or suitcases unattended , even for a minute or two. Not only do you run the risk of them being swiped up by thieves between two blinks of an eye: they can also be legally confiscated and destroyed by security forces, under current safety regulations in public spaces.

What About ATM Thefts and Other Scams? 

In addition to pickpockets, tourists are often targeted by scammers and thieves in other ways. ATMs/cashpoints are particularly vulnerable spots. Never allow anyone to linger nearby when you take out cash, and guard against prying eyes.

Never let anyone “help” you with a transaction at an ATM, or otherwise interfere with it. Ask the intrusive person to back off, and if they refuse, find another place to take out cash.

Around popular tourist attractions including the Sacre Coeur, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, merchants operating illegally are known to aggressively “persuade” tourists to buy their wares.

This often involves putting an object or trinket in your hand or inviting you to “try on” a bracelet.

{Our Top Tips for Avoiding Common Tourist Scams & Traps in Paris}

Once you give in, a demand for payment often follows. Avoid this by refusing all advances from such “vendors” and not allowing them to place any items in or on your hand.

General Safety Concerns: Putting Your Risks Into Perspective

With what seem to be frequent reports of violent incidents in the capital over the past few years, it can indeed feel scary to be a visitor these days. But there have been exaggerated accounts in some media outlets about the dangers tourists face when visiting Paris.

But in a modern world where there are many complex risks to weigh and negotiate all the time, it’s important to put those risks into perspective. It’s not about discounting potential danger. It’s about recognizing that life must go on– and that living in fear shrinks your world and its possibilities.

So before you cancel your trip or decide on another destination out of fear that you may be the victim of a terrorist attack or some other form of violent crime, read through my advice below.

As I’ve said elsewhere, Paris greatly depends on tourism to thrive as a city. It would be catastrophic to its livelihood to see too many people stay away and renounce all the capital has to offer out of a disproportionate sense of fear.

That said, staying informed about potential risks is an important part of feeling empowered as a traveler. Below are a few notes on recent incidents and safety concerns for tourists in the capital, with guidance on whether they warrant postponing or canceling your trip.

Covid-19 Cases & Deaths in France & Current Travel Safety Regulations

In France, according to updated  data from the French government , there have been over 40.1 million confirmed cases since January 2020.

As of August 2024, over 167,642 people have died from COVID-19 in France. Most patients were elderly and/or had pre-existing conditions. Please note that the government is no longer regularly offering updated statistics, so these may not be entirely accurate at the time of reading.

On August 1st, 2022, France lifted most Covid-related restrictions on travel and travelers . There are no longer any paperwork or formalities to complete to arrive in mainland or overseas France, and no Covid-19 certificates or proof of vaccination are required at this time, irrespective of country or area of origin.

However, should a dangerous variant become of major concern, France reserves the right to reinstate health measures such as vaccine certificates or passes for travelers from at-risk countries.

You can find updated information on current entry requirements and restrictions for France at this page on the France Diplomacy website . Please do consult that site in addition to this page for the most recent guidelines; while we do aim to update this page as frequently as possible, the regulations have been changing frequently.

“Gilet Jaune” (Yellow Vest) Protests & French Transport Strikes

Starting in late December 2018, smaller groups of “gilets jaunes” (yellow vest) protestors  staged demonstrations in Paris, almost exclusively on Saturdays. Some saw demonstrators throw rocks, burn cars and break store windows. But starting in late May 2019, the protests simmered out , in part due to a much heavier police presence.

Since late 2019, the protests have occurred sporadically and at a much smaller scale. They are not currently a concern for travelers to the capital or elsewhere in France. Even when civil unrest was at its peak in 2018 and 2019, it’s important to remember that tourists have not been injured or otherwise endangered by these protests.

Protecting Your Health in Paris

No one intends to get sick or suffer from an accident while traveling, but preparing for such unfortunate events will give you peace of mind and save you from outlandish medical costs.

Many international travel insurance policies cover up to millions of dollars in medical costs and liabilities, and can offer peace of mind.  You can compare and purchase travel insurance policies here (via World Nomads).

[World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using the link above. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.]

Emergency Numbers to Keep With You in France If you run into a medical or other emergency, call one of the toll-free numbers below from any phone, and contact your embassy. It’s wise to print out these numbers and keep them with you at all times: Medical Emergencies & Accidents: 15 Fire brigade: 18 Police: 17 SOS Médecins (on-call doctors): 01 47 07 77 77 SOS Dentaire (dentists): 01 43 37 51 00 SOS burns: 01 58 41 41 41

Note that in most cases, calling “15” is the best thing to do in a medical emergency. If you have been the victim of a violent crime or other crime, it will be necessary to both inform the French police and to file a report with your embassy.

If you need a pharmacy in Paris, identify them by their green flashing crosses. Most neighborhoods in the city have at least one pharmacy within a few blocks’ radius. These pharmacies are open late or 24 hours a day , in case you need to seek advice from a pharmacist or purchase medical supplies late at night.

This can especially be useful to know if you’re traveling with a young baby or toddler, since young ones sometimes require quick treatment, and pharmacists are often able to provide expert advice or recommend and sell over-the-counter medications that you can’t buy directly off the shelves.

Safety for Pedestrians in Paris 

While Paris is generally a very pedestrian-friendly city– the local government has been working to increase the number of car-free zones around the capital in recent years– drivers can be aggressive, posing a danger to walkers.

My advice? Take a defensive approach when crossing streets and busy intersections, checking for cars even when the light is green and/or when you have the right of way.

In areas that appear to be pedestrian-only, watch out for cars and aggressive motorcylists: some areas that are “car-“free” still allow motorcyclists, service vehicles and cyclists.

What About Driving in Paris? 

I generally advise against trying to drive in central Paris. Parisian drivers can be aggressive and unpredictable (by many standards), and traffic conditions are often congested and unpleasant.

If you have to drive, your international driver’s license and insurance must be up to date. Also make sure you understand the local rules of the road.

And unless you’re used to European traffic circles, you should avoid, at all costs, driving around busy traffic circles such as the one at the Place de l’Etoile on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

If you do opt to take a taxi, whether within the city or to the airport and back, make sure you only use reputable companies. Never accept a ride from a taxi that doesn’t have an official “Taxi Parisien” sign atop its roof and a visible meter inside. You may be overcharged or otherwise scammed, if you do…

Read related : How to Use Airport Taxis in Paris (& Avoid Getting Overcharged)

Why to Register & Keep in Touch With Your Embassy?

It’s always wise to register with your embassy ahead of your trip and to keep their contact details with you at all times.

In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, you experience a medical emergency or a crime, or are in the city at the time of a dangerous event, registering will ensure that you’ll be able to get in touch more quickly with your embassy and to receive help from them. This is a good list of world embassies and their contact details. 

Once at your embassy’s site, read through any relevant travel advisories for Paris and France and find out how to register as a citizen traveling abroad before your trip.

Are There Dangerous Places to Avoid in Paris?

I wish I could argue that Paris is entirely safe in all circumstances, but sadly, there are a few places that you’d probably be best off avoiding at night, especially for women and solo travelers.

Gangs are known to operate in some of these areas, and hate crimes have been reported around them in the past.

Take special caution late at night around the following metro stops and surrounding areas (and perhaps avoid altogether when traveling alone after dark) : Chatelet les Halles, Les Halles, Pigalle, Couronnes, Belleville, Place des Fetes, Porte de St Ouen, Porte de Clichy, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, and Crimée. Please note that this is not a definitive list: you should probably be cautious in all areas of the city after nightfall, or when crowds disperse.

Also note that this is NOT a list of so-called “no-go” zones in Paris. From my perspective (and it’s one shared by most locals), these simply don’t exist within the city limits.

All 20 arrondissements in Paris (city districts) are generally safe , as long as you take some precautions in the areas mentioned above, and do so everywhere at night. Remember, “posh” areas can be remarkably empty after dark, so paradoxically you may be more vulnerable in these.

Unfortunately, I also advise against traveling to the Northern suburbs of Paris after nightfall.  Violent crimes and hate crimes are more frequent in these areas, as is gang activity.

It pains me to advise this as I don’t wish to stigmatize any communities or places, but from a standpoint of tourist safety, these areas are probably best avoided at night.

Advice For Women, LGBTQ+ and Minority Travelers

While Paris is generally a tolerant and diverse place that is welcoming to people of all colors, creeds, sexual orientations and gender expressions, there are occasional cases of harassment or even assault.

Women , especially when traveling alone or in small groups, should take extra care at night, especially when alone. Avoid places with poor lighting and few people roaming the streets. Safety is in numbers.

Also, be aware that French men sometimes read smiles or extended eye contact as permission to flirt or make sexual advances. With strangers, it’s best to assume a neutral stance that clearly says “I’m not interested”.

If a man makes unwelcome or aggressive advances in the street or in other public places, firmly say “non”, refrain from smiling, and walk away. Call the police if you are followed or the harassment continues, and retreat to a public cafe or other crowded place if necessary.

People of color generally have nothing to fear in Paris, a city with remarkable ethnic diversity. Nevertheless, hate crimes are not unheard of.

If you are a victim of an attack that you feel is racially motivated, report it to the police, your embassy, and if necessary to French watchdog SOS Racisme: + 33 (0)1 40 35 36 55

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-binary visitors are generally safe and welcomed in the capital, which harbors a large and vibrant LGBT community. That said, there has sadly been a spike in reports of homophobic attacks in Paris over the past couple of years, and in the areas I mention above as being potentially less safe after dark, it is advisable to be extra cautious.

Read this guide for more tips on staying safe, including for LGBT couples. If you are attacked, report it to the police and to your embassy, and state clearly if you believe the attack was a hate crime.

Related: How to Celebrate LGBT Pride Month in Paris? 

Advice for Jewish and Muslim Travelers

Jewish visitors may have read that Paris has become unsafe for them. It can’t be denied that antisemitic attacks have been on the rise in recent years, with targets including synagogues, places of business and Jewish individuals.

Sadly, from 2018 such attacks are reported to have risen sharply . And they have unfortunately skyrocketed in France since 2023, against the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict that broke out in October of that year. As a result, it pains me to say that visitors should take extra precautions at this time.

These attacks have been met with increased police protection of Jewish schools, places of worship and other sites important to the Jewish community.

While safety concerns are warranted, I want to stress that Paris has one of the largest Jewish communities in the world: one with a deep history that’s very much part of the cultural fabric of the city.

The vibe is generally welcoming and you shouldn’t fear visiting the city. It’s also important to know that there have been no recent reports of attacks against tourists of Jewish faith (nor am I aware of any to have occured in recent history). Nevertheless, it’s probably a good idea to take some precautions, particularly in the areas I mention above.

While I regret advising it, it may be best, late at night and in the aforementioned areas, to remove visibly religious symbols and clothing items. Always report it to the police and to your embassy if you are a victim of an antisemitic attack. SOS Racisme can also help.

Muslim visitors may also fear attacks from Islamophobic individuals . Since 2015, there has been, according to numerous organizations, a sharp rise in attacks on Muslim places of worship and individuals.

Tourists of Muslim faith should not fear visiting the capital, however. Again, there is a large community here and most people are welcoming.

As always, though, if you experience harassment or violence make sure to report it to the police, your embassy, and perhaps to SOS Racisme: (+ 33 (0)1 40 35 36 55).

While attacks on tourists of Muslim faith are exceedingly rare, it is important for victims to be heard, have their experience accounted for, and to seek the help they need.

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book products or services though this site, it comes at no cost to you, but will help fund more free, in-depth content here at Paris Unlocked. Thank you. 

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

13 thoughts on “ Is Paris Safe in 2024 and Beyond? And Should You Travel to France Now? ”

can one travel a few days bw 16-23 dec 2019, flying from paris to nice, then flying back to paris without too much trouble or expense?

Yes, that’s entirely feasible. The flight is only about an hour long and many low-cost carriers offer very good fares if you book in advance. Check Easyjet, Iberia, and even Air France for sales on that route. Bon voyage!

This is positive news. Thanks for the update. Hopes are high that things return to normalcy soon. I love to travel to France during the summer, and I think it will be easier by then. I do go through travel blogs to understand the precautions we need to take enough steps to travel safely.

Considering that I want to travel to Europe one day this really helps me. Who doesn’t want to save money especially when you’re already on a trip. Thanks for the tips.

The topic of this blog is a question in my heart right now. I am eager to know this since I am getting bored at my home. Finally I came to an answer that yes it is safe to travel to France now. I will know find the list of best places to visit in France and after that I will start the process of online France Visa UK so that I can get it one time for my travelling with my kids and family.

I am from Singapore and am considering visiting France with my wife and 2 toddlers (ages 2 and 4) at the end of this year 2021 for Christmas. Thought it would be nice to let me kids experience a winter Christmas for a change. However I am concerned with how French people or Parisians view Asian tourists. Do they stigmatise them given how COVID-19 has been dubbed the “China virus” in the US? And are there any safe distancing measures in place for restaurants or museums in France (e.g. dine in no more than 2 pax at a table etc)? Are there any other pointers I should be aware of if we want to explore visiting beyond Paris to other parts of France during December? Thanks!

Hi Eric, thanks for reading and for your comment. While prejudice does sadly exist in Paris/France, tourists are very rarely the subject of attacks and harassment, and you can be rest assured that with some sensible precautions, you will feel safe and secure traveling there. I do understand your anxiety, but please know that Paris in particular is an incredibly diverse, cosmopolitan city, and again, as long as you follow some essential safety tips and guidelines , you have nothing to fear.

As to your second question, yes, there are currently safety measures in France to prevent the spread of coronavirus. “Health passes”, or vaccine passports, are required to enter most public spaces (or visitors must show proof of negative tests). Masks are also still required in all indoor public spaces including public transportation, shops, museums etc. You’ll find all the relevant, updated info in the link above.

Have a wonderful, safe trip, and thanks again for reading! –Courtney

This article is so helpful and thank you for your time in writing this. I am from the US and traveling to Paris with my boyfriend February 2022. We both are fully vaccinated and may get booster shots if recommended to travel Paris. However, friends are telling me that France might go in lockdown again. What are your thoughts?

So glad to know you’ve found this helpful, Jessica. I wish I could predict what might happen next, but the Omicron variant of the virus is a real wild card. I don’t think anyone knows what might happen in the coming weeks and months in terms of travel restrictions. If you’re not comfortable with the uncertainty of that, I do recommend delaying your trip. Typically, since the pandemic began winter and spring have proven tough, with a reprieve in late spring through early fall. Perhaps if at all possible it would be best to try to reschedule your trip for that period? All the best!

My husband and I are visiting France in late March/early April 2022, spending time in Paris, Bordeaux, and the Dordogne. Your site has been so helpful as we plan our trip. We are both fully vaccinated against COVID and received our boosters in mid-October. As I understand the current vaccine pass requirements, we are okay to travel to France (we’ll need to get the vaccine pass either before we leave or when we arrive). Is that right? Thanks for your help.

I’m sorry to bother you as I know you yourself asked a question you would like answered….my husband and I are traveling to Paris late May. We are fully vaccinated and boosted, what is the “vaccine pass” you are referring to? Thank you in advance for your reply

You may want to reconsider your advice in light of the recent European elections and in light of the upcoming results of the “législatives” elections. According to a French newspaper: “Since the extreme right’s victory on June 9, racist, sexist and LGBTphobic violence has swept across France.” So another victory of RN next week may make things worse…

Thank you for your comment. I will consult any latest statistics from SOS Racisme and other bodies who monitor violence against vulnerable populations and update as necessary.

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Paris Unlocked

Paris in summer: 6 questions to ask yourself before visiting this year

Jul 11, 2022 • 7 min read

Visiting Paris this summer? Here are six questions to ask yourself to ensure your trip runs smoothly © Getty Images

Paris tourism is back. You can see it in return of long, snaking lines outside the Louvre , the crowds of tourists snapping selfies with the Eiffel Tower , and the packed terraces of outdoor cafés.

The numbers also tell the same story . According to the Paris tourism office, international airline arrivals for the month of July are expected to fall just 10% shy of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, while hotel occupancy is projected at 70% for the week of Bastille Day, July 14.

In short, if Paris is on your travel itinerary this summer, brace yourself for the crowds and book ahead, advises Kate Schwab, media relations manager at France's national tourism development agency Atout France in the US.

"If you're traveling this summer and this fall, book everything in advance, your hotels, restaurants, and museums ahead of time, because things are getting busy," she said.

Where to stay in Paris: find the neighborhood that's right for you

While the pandemic situation is always subject to evolving, unlike last year, visits to museums and restaurants no longer require proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test, or proof of recovery in the form of a health pass. French authorities have likewise  ruled out its return  when the state of emergency ends across France on July 31. 

With all of that in mind, here are a few questions to ask yourself if you're planning a trip to Paris in 2022:

1. Have you checked ahead for airport strikes, flight cancellations, and public transit works?

On top of general travel chaos at airports across Europe due to staffing shortages and a huge spike in post-lockdown travel, labor disputes had forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris-Orly in June. Fortunately, no further airport strikes are expected this summer following a round of successful labor negotiations. Follow the Paris airport authority's Twitter account and website for the latest updates on strikes, flight cancellations, and disruptions.

If you're planning on using public transit to and from the airport, keep in mind that the regional train line RER B , which services both main airports, is under construction and will experience scheduled disruptions until 2025 . If you're flying internationally, arriving three hours before your flight is recommended. The recommendation is two hours before departure if your flight is domestic or within Europe.

2. Have you planned for business closures in July and August?

If there's a Paris restaurant on your must-eat list this summer, book as far in advance as possible. Because more often than not, reservations at the most popular restaurants across the city are out for a few weeks, if not a few months. Also, take note that France is divided between two camps: Juillettistes , or those who take the bulk of their holidays in July, versus Aoûtiens , those who leave in August. If you leave it to chance, you risk being disappointed if your restaurant is closed for the entire month of July or August. 

I've authored more than 50 Lonely Planet guidebooks: my top recs for the best street food in Paris for 2022

3. How do you plan to get around?

Last fall, the city began phasing out packs of 10 paper tickets in favor of rechargeable passes. For visitors, your best bet is the Navigo Easy Pass which you can buy at all station counters for €2. The cards can be loaded and reloaded on the Bonjour RATP app or at station kiosks. Single trips are €1.90, but if you buy a pack of 10 for €14.90, you save €4. 

Over the last few years, Paris has made good on an ambitious plan to become one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world with the aggressive expansion of cycling lanes. The city's official bike-sharing system, the Vélib , has 20,000 mechanical and electric bikes but is not without its drawbacks. Foreign credit card holders are subject to a €300 deposit per bike , and some Canadian and American cardholders report that their cards are repeatedly declined . Alternatives include Lime for electric bicycles (rates start at €1, then €0.25 per minute); Paulette (day rates for touring bikes around €22); and Fat Tire Bike Tours , where bike rentals start at €4 per hour. Bikers also share cycling lanes with electric scooters, which can be rented from Lime, Dott , and Tier.

4. Do you know measures to safeguard against being pickpocketed?

Overall, Paris is a safe city, and you shouldn't have any problems when visiting. But along with the return of tourists, police warn that pickpockets have also made a significant comeback in post-lockdown Paris this year. Hence, it's a good idea to take practical precautions when out and about. Visitors should be especially vigilant in the neighborhoods designated by local police as the most popular areas for both tourists and pickpockets: the Champs-Ėlysées ; the Eiffel Tower ; Trocadéro; Montmartre ; Opéra /Boulevard Haussman; the Louvre ; the Latin Quarter ; and the banks of the Seine, a new addition to the list this year.

To minimize the chances of being targeted, police advise visitors never to leave their smartphones out in the open (on a terrace table, for instance), to opt for cross-body over-shoulder bags, and to avoid leaving wallets and phones in back pockets. If traveling by bus, head straight to the luggage compartment and retrieve your bags no matter how excited and tempted you may be to take your first photo of the Eiffel Tower. 

Paris airports have introduced flat-rate systems for official taxis so that passengers can calculate how much they owe before leaving the airport to avoid overcharging. Know that the fixed rates as of February 2022 are applicable to taxi rides to and from the airports:

• €53 between Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and anywhere on the Right Bank
• €58 between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and anywhere on the Left Bank
• €37 between Paris-Orly and the Right Bank
• €32 between Paris-Orly and the Left Bank

5. Does your itinerary include the latest museum reopenings?

During the pandemic, a handful of museums and landmarks underwent major renovations and (re)opened in time to welcome the first post-lockdown visitors last year. Some of the most noteworthy reopenings include the Musée Carnavalet, where visitors learn about the history of Paris; La Maison de Victor Hugo , where Hugo wrote large parts of Les Misérables; and Hôtel de la Marine , which houses the furnishings of the royal court. The most anticipated opening in the French art world last year was the Bourse de Commerce , a contemporary art museum housed in a former grain exchange and storage building.

In time for peak tourist season this year,  Musée de Cluny , the national museum of the middle ages, reopened this spring after 11 years of renovations. While reconstruction efforts continue at Notre Dame Cathedral following the devastating fire of 2019, tourists can visit via an immersive, 45-minute VR experience called Eternal Notre-Dame which launched this year.

Though online bookings are no longer mandatory as they were at most of the big museums last year, they're highly recommended. Also, remember that major museums require you to book a specific time slot for your visit.

6. Have you added seasonal outdoor, day trips events to your itinerary?

Parisian summers herald the return of outdoor cultural events and festivals that bring music and art to its stunning cityscape. This year marks the anticipated return of the Rock en Seine festival after a two-year, pandemic-forced hiatus (August 25-30), with acts like Rage Against the Machine and Arctic Monkeys. Paris Plages, or Paris Beaches, turns the banks of the Seine and the Canal de l'Ourcq into urban beach fronts, complete with parasols, deckchairs, palm trees, and water sports (July 9-August 21). 

Kate Schwab from Atout France also recommends venturing beyond Paris to explore sites like Auvers-sur-Oise , where Van Gogh spent the last few months of his life; Reims , the capital of the Champagne region; or Châteaux Vaux-Le-Vicomte , which puts on candle-lit garden visits throughout the summer (May 1 to October 1).

"There's so much in the greater Paris region and beyond that is easily accessible within an hour or two by train," she said.

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What’s New in 2022

In Paris, Grand Openings and Gourmet Meals Await

Big spaces and boldface names lead a stylish comeback for the City of Light. “We’re looking at a lovely year,” one chef says.

By Seth Sherwood

The future is looking bright for the award-winning chef Thibault Sombardier.

Last year, under financial pressure from successive coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions on hospitality businesses, the owners of Antoine restaurant on the Right Bank — where Mr. Sombardier had won a Michelin star for his inventive seafood dishes — decided to sell the decade-old establishment, which had regaled everyone from French politicians to tennis star Serena Williams.

But on an afternoon in April, Mr. Sombardier struck a remarkably positive tone about the current Paris dining scene and his latest project, a chic Left Bank bistro called Les Parisiens.

“People are keen to discover the latest spots,” he said. “Things are going well in Paris. The crowds are out. I’m optimistic.”

“We’re looking at a lovely year,” he said.

It is a sentiment that one hears more frequently in Paris these days. Masks are off (except in hospitals and retirement homes), and proof of vaccination is no longer required in restaurants, bars, museums, concert venues and public transportation. (Updated information on coronavirus measures can be found on the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau website .) Pressing between the weekend crowds in the Marais or Saint Germain-des-Près neighborhoods, you might almost believe that it was 2019 again.

New retail temples and art à go-go

The most long-awaited Paris project has been the rebirth of Samaritaine , a classic belle epoque department store perched along the Seine. Owned by the global luxury group LVMH (whose chief executive, Bernard Arnault, is France’s richest man), the 19th-century landmark closed in 2005 to address structural issues and wound up sitting idle for the better part of 16 years.

Unveiled in June of last year, the multibuilding, multilevel new version is a cathedral of consumption, encased in Art Nouveau and Art Deco detailing. If the idea of exploring the building’s more than a dozen restaurants, a 5-star hotel ( Cheval Blanc ; doubles in May from around 1,450 euros, or about $1,500), a spa, a perfume atelier, a VIP lounge and scores of shops selling around 700 brands sounds too intimidating on your own, consider a 90-minute guided tour (15 euros).

Not to be outdone, France’s second-richest man, François Pinault, last year opened his own magisterial establishment in a historical icon. Housed in the centuries-old circular building that was once Paris’s stock exchange, his new museum, known as the Bourse de Commerce-Collection Pinault (14 euros admission), was renovated by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando and contains works from Mr. Pinault’s vast holdings in contemporary art, including Sigmar Polke canvases, Dan Flavin lighting tubes and Urs Fischer sculpture.

The fashion mogul Agnes B. took a different tack, choosing a white modern building in Paris’s unfancy 13th Arrondissement to display her own extensive art collection, which runs the gamut from photographs by Man Ray to subway-style graffiti by Futura. Known as La Fab (7 euros admission), the space is currently showing “L’Enfance dans La Collection Agnes B.” (till June 30), a look at childhood through paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures and installations.

Old favorites, real and virtual

Paris’s two marquee museums, the Musée du Louvre (17 euros admission) and the Musée d’Orsay (14 euros), are very much open.

Among the special exhibitions are “Yves Saint Laurent at the Louvre,” showcasing some of the French fashion designer’s most exquisite creations (through Sept. 19) at the former royal palace, and “Pharaoh of the Two Lands,” dedicated to the 8th-century B.C. Nubian-Egyptian empire of King Piankhy (through July 25). Across the Seine at the Musée d’Orsay, “Gaudì” (through July 17) offers a wide-ranging retrospective of the Spanish architect though artworks, furniture and more.

And while Notre Dame cathedral remains closed for reconstruction in the wake of a 2019 fire , a virtual-reality recreation in the La Defense neighborhood offers an alternative chance to visit the iconic medieval Gothic structure. Known as “ Eternelle Notre-Dame ,” the 45-minute “tour” (from 20.99 euros per ticket) immerses visitors in fully digitized renderings of the cathedral from the Middle Ages up to the present.

Haute cuisine and gourmet street food

On the dining front, the loftiest new experience might be Les Ombres restaurant atop the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, which combines the skills of France’s biggest name in architecture and the nation’s most famous restaurateur. Conceived by Jean Nouvel and now run by the Alain Ducasse team, the avant-garde, glass-roofed dining room serves up a 110-euro dinner menu of French classics (including white asparagus, foie gras and duck breast) amid the shifting natural light and shadows that Nouvel’s design accentuates. But the main attraction is the view of the Eiffel Tower.

Mr. Ducasse and other Paris culinary stars have also been busy creating new spots that attempt to elevate street food, fast-food and desserts. To assemble an affordable Paris-wide meal, try the signature item (15 euros) at Yannick Alléno’s upscale grill ( Burger Père et Fils par Alléno ) and a superloaded croque monsieur (8.50 euros) at one of the new Croq’Michel outlets from “Top Chef” judge Michel Sarran. For dessert, you can hit the Bastille district for sorbet and more (6.50 euros) from Mr. Ducasse’s first ice-cream shop ( La Glace Alain Ducasse ) and an oven-fresh choux (2 euros) from Tapisserie pastry shop, the latest neighborhood offering from Septime chef Bertrand Grébaut.

Luxury lodgings and cinematic stays

Big things are also afoot in the world of lodging, and not just the gargantuan new 32-story, 957-room Pullman Montparnasse (doubles in June from around 280 euros) or the 10,700-square-foot penthouse atop the 76-room Bulgari Hotel Paris (1,700 euros) along fashionable Avenue Georges V.

Hotel Paradiso (from 170 euros), owned by the MK2 movie-theater chain, was conceived with input from local creatives — including the street artist J.R., the musician-director Woodkid, and the coffeehouse developer Marc Grossman. The property, near Place de la Nation, features 36 rooms equipped with video screens, high-tech projectors and a library of films. Additional entertainment awaits on the rooftop bar and in the private karaoke room.

Petite Paris: Indie, intimate and international

To find Paris’s smaller new gems, follow the scent of roasting vegetables and foreign culinary accents. In Bastille, you might just find yourself at a candlelit table, loaded with African-influenced pescatarian delights, at Persil . The menu from the chef Kumpi Lo may feature Mikaté (Congolese fried dough balls of shredded cod with violet purée; 22 euros) and a lush sweet-potato gratin with truffle butter, Cheddar and tofu (19 euros).

Or you might end up in the dark confines of Stéréo wine bar, near Pigalle. Though not strictly vegetarian, the menu will win over carnivores with meatless morsels — roasted carrots with coconut curry (10 euros); grilled pumpkin with honey, tahini, hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds (10 euros) — cooked up by the Bangladeshi chef Swaran Joshi.

And if you can’t afford a round-the-world airline ticket, book one of the 31 colorful, ethno-chic rooms at Babel , whose lobby and restaurant in Belleville feel like a combination of a Rajasthan tent camp and a Moroccan tea salon (nightly rates in June around 135 euros). After a meal of Middle Eastern hummus (6 euros), Aleppo terrine (lamb, dried apricots, spices; 12 euros) and Croatian wine, you might reasonably ask: Am I getting frequent-flier miles for this?

“The Tower of Babel brought together all the nationalities of the world,” said the manager Johan Diony on a recent afternoon. “This is what we are trying to do here at the hotel.”

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this story misspelled the given name of a coffeehouse developer in Paris. He is Marc Grossman, not Mark.

How we handle corrections

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.

Salzburg, Austria:  The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .

Here's Why Paris is Our Top Destination for 2022

A perennial favorite destination among the VERANDA staff, the City of Light will shine even brighter next year.

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Back then, we were planning our first-ever Paris Issue (essentially a love letter to the world's most stylish city ) and we thought: how better to bring to life the pages of the magazine than with a trip to Paris hosted by yours truly, with visits to some of our favorite private homes, most beautiful restaurants , most inspiring museums , most breathtaking gardens , and, of course, best shops ?

Originally planned for October 2020, the trip has been on hold ever since. Now it's set for March 19-26, and while the wait has been difficult, I'm thrilled to say there truly has never been a better time to travel to Paris than this spring. Several important multi-year restorations have completed, there is a bevy of highly anticipated museum exhibits slated, and some truly spectacular shops and restaurants have opened since our original tour dates.

Below, find the 5 reasons why Paris is officially at the top of my must-visit list of 2022 destinations—and click here for more information on how you can join me on the trip of a lifetime in March!

Farrar, Straus and Giroux Letters to Camondo

• The Musée Nissim de Camondo is hosting a major exhibition of the work of Edmund de Waal. It's the British artist and author's first solo show in France, and the first contemporary exhibit hosted by the museum. The exhibit shows works inspired by de Waal's acclaimed book Letters to Camondo (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021) collection of imaginary letters from Edmund de Waal to Moise de Camondo, the banker and art collector who created a spectacular house in Paris (now the Musée Nissim de Camondo) and filled it with the greatest private collection of French eighteenth-century art.
• French artist and designer Marin Montagut has opened a new shop . Equal parts Old World and Parisian bohemian, the Left Bank emporium is a mecca for the modern Francophile, offering everything from textiles and tabletop to accessories and gifts curated and infused with Montagut's playful point of view. Just as charming as the wares themselves are the environs: the shop, housed in a former tapestry workshop in a 19th-century building near the Luxembourg Gardens, comprises a series of rooms that feature original architectural details like the parquet and terra-cotta floors.

• The Bourse de Commerce has finally opened. After the 2017 announcement that French billionaire Francois Pinault would transform the former Paris Stock Exchange into a contemporary art museum to house his personal collection, the museum finally opened in May of this year. But the stunning art collection, which includes works from the 1960s to today, is only part of the attraction. Pinault, who is the founder of luxury conglomerate Kering (parent company of fashion houses Gucci and Saint Laurent, among others), brought on Japanese architect Tado Ando to transform the 18th-century building. Don't miss: Halle aux Grains, the museum cafe, with a menu that pays homage to the building's origins the grains exchange for the city.

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Paris Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 24 July 2024

Paris , known as the “ City of Light “, continues to be a top destination for travelers with its beautiful landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture.

How many tourists visit Paris each year?

Around 50 million tourists explore Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region each year, with 47.5 million visits recorded in 2023.

• In 2019, 50.6 million people visited Paris and the Île-de-France region.
• The number of visitors dropped to 17.4 million in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• The recovery in tourism in Paris began in 2021 with 22.6 million tourists, grew to 44.1 million in 2022, and reached 47.5 million in 2023.
• The arrivals in Paris and the Île-de-France region in 2023 included over 21.6 million domestic tourists and 25.9 million international visitors. 1
• The 2024 forecast expects a return to the 50 million visitor mark, boosted by the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

How many tourists are expected to visit Paris in 2024? 

Paris is expected to reach near pre-pandemic levels of over 50 million visitors in 2024.

• The Olympic Games will impact Paris to a greater degree than the rest of the country. International arrivals in Paris are expected to be 15% higher than in 2019, while France will see an 11% increase. 2

• Read more: Paris Tourism Statistics: 2024 Forecasts

How much do tourists spend in Paris each year?

Visitor spending has changed in recent years, aligning with broader economic trends and global events.

• In 2019, visitor spending contributed €21.9 billion to the French economy. However, in 2020, this number decreased to €6 billion due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• As the world started to navigate through and recover from the pandemic, there was a noticeable rebound in 2021 and 2022, with spending climbing to €8.4 billion 3 and €19.6 billion 4 , respectively.
• The 2023 annual tourism revenue figure is not yet available.

Where do visitors to Paris come from?

• In 2021, tourists from Belgium topped the list of international visitors to Paris. With 11% of the total number of visitors, followed by the United Kingdom with 10% of total visits. The United States with 9% of total visits, the Netherlands with 8% of total visits, and Germany with 8% of total visits.

How many tourists visited Paris in 2022?

• In 2022, Paris and the Île-de-France region tourism industry bounced back, with 44.1 million visitors. This includes 19.4 million domestic visitors and 24.7 million international tourists, showing a 95.13% increase compared to the previous year.
• The total number of overnight stays in Paris reached 41.9 million , an 82.51% jump from 2021. International guests contributed to 26.3 million of these nights, with domestic visitors accounting for the remaining 15.6 million nights.

How much did tourists spend in Paris in 2022?

• Paris generated €19.6 billion in tourism revenue in 2022, this was a 134% increase compared to 2021 but still 10% less than 2019 (pre-pandemic).
• International visitors accounted for €12 billion of the tourism revenue of 2022.

Coronavirus Pandemic Impact – Paris Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021

• The year 2020 marked a significant downturn in tourism for Paris with only 17.4 million arrivals, a 65.62% decrease from 2019. This total included 5.1 million domestic and 12.3 million international visitors, reflecting the pandemic’s impact.
• Overnight stays, often a vital part of the tourism economy, felt the pandemic’s impact as well. The city recorded only 14.8 million overnight stays in 2020. 5
• In 2021, Paris and the Île-de-France region experienced a resurgence in tourism despite global travel challenges. The area welcomed over 15.9 million international tourists and 6.7 million domestic travellers, marking a 29.89% increase from 2020.

Paris Inbound Travel Statistics for 2019 – International & Domestic Tourism

In 2019, Paris welcomed 29 million 6 international visitors.

• Most international visitors came from nearby European countries like the United Kingdom ( 9% of total visits), Spain ( 7% of total visits), Italy ( 7% of total visits) and Germany ( 7% of total visits). But tourists from the United States topped the leaderboard with 11% of total visits.
• In addition to international tourists, Paris and its regions also attracted a substantial number of visitors from different parts of France. This included 13% from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , 10% from both Normandie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine ,and 9% from both Hauts-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur .

How long do visitors stay in Paris?

• In 2022, international visitors spent an average of 2.7 nights in Paris. Domestic visitors were found to have slightly shorter stays, averaging 2 nights . 7
• This is a contrast to 2021, where the average night stay was notably longer, at 5.1 nights .

How popular is Paris as a tourist destination?

• Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. In 2022, Paris ranked #1 as the world’s best tourist destination. 8

Economic Impact – Paris Tourism Statistics

• Paris is France’s economic powerhouse, accounting for 31% of the national GDP and 23.1% of France’s workforce.
• Paris’s GDP contribution was $38 billion in 2019 but in 2022 it recovered to just 6% below pre-pandemic levels at an estimated $35.7 billion . 9

France Travel Resources

• Car rental prices in Paris – comparison
• Car rental prices in France

What are the top destinations to visit in Paris?

In 2022, the most-visited Paris attractions included the Louvre Museum , with 7.7 million visitors, the Eiffel Tower , attracting nearly 5.9 million , and the Musée d’Orsay , drawing 3.3 million art lovers. The Centre Pompidou also saw a rise in visitors, while Disneyland Paris topped the charts as Europe’s favourite amusement park, welcoming 9.9 million visitors. 4

• Louvre Museum : The Louvre Museum is the largest museum in the world. Millions of tourists visit the museum to see the Mona Lisa .
• The Eiffel Tower : Built in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower has become the main symbol of Paris. It’s also the most visited attraction in the city attracting millions of tourists every year.
• Musée d’Orsay : A museum in Paris which houses a collection of art from the period 1848 to 1914 . The museum itself can be considered as a work of art.
• Disneyland Paris : Disneyland Paris is an entertainment resort located in Marne-la-Vallée . It includes two theme parks, hotels owned by Disney, a golf course, and a complex of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues and is considered Europe’s top tourist destination .

What are the reasons people visit Paris?

• Tourists are drawn to Paris for its cultural landmarks, culinary delights, fashion scene, and the romantic ambience that pervades the city’s streets and boulevards.
• In 2021, 75% of tourists visited Paris for their leisure trips , while the remaining 25% visited for business or mixed trips .

Paris Travel Statistics Resources

• Paris Statistics 2024 – Olympic Games Impact
• Paris Olympic Games 2024 Facts and Statistics

France Travel Statistics Resources

• Disneyland Paris Statistics
• Eiffel Tower Statistics
• Louvre Museum Statistics

Europe Travel Statistics Resources

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• CCI : Paris Region Facts & Figures – 2019 to 2023 ↩︎
• OE : 2024 Paris Olympics: Impact on Tourism and Beyond ↩︎
• VPR : Key figures of the Paris Region ↩︎
• BT : Most-visited city in the world – Paris in 2022 ↩︎
• EuroStat : Nights Spent at Tourist Accommodation Establishments – Paris ↩︎
• Apur : Assessment and Trends – Paris and Greater Paris ↩︎
• INSEE : Tourism Occupancy ↩︎
• TLFR : World’s Best Tourist Destination ↩︎
• WTTC : Travel and Tourism Sector ↩︎
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The 20 things you must do in Paris

The 10 Best 'Emily in Paris' Episodes, Ranked

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With the fourth season of Emily in Paris showcasing even more vibrant adventures, it is the perfect time to rewatch the show's best episodes. Emily in Paris is the perfect mental vacation, a TV comedy about a woman who gets a marketing job in Paris. Against all odds, Emily Cooper has managed to thrive in Paris, with both her career and her social life.

Emily in Paris is a very fun show that has captivated viewers with Emily's romantic drama, her glamorous work events, and the beautiful and dreamy Paris setting. The show has had many great episodes, ranging from ones that focus on Emily's work and love life, and with settings from Paris to Provence . These are the 10 best episodes of Emily in Paris .

Emily in Paris

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10 "How to Lose a Designer in 10 Days"

Season 3, episode 7 (2022).

Emily in Paris has always been a fun show, but Season 3 managed to really shake things up with interesting new characters, a clever way of tying in the work and personal life of Emily, and higher emotional stakes in what has turned into a messy drama show . Season 3, episode 7, "How to Lose a Designer in 10 Days" saw Emily's world getting mixed up when her client, Nicholas, revealed that he was planning to fire Pierre, right after he and Mindy became romantically involved.

This episode was fun and funny, but it also put Emily in a very interesting and difficult position of being torn in multiple directions due to her career. It also continued to complicate things between Emily and Gabriel. That relationship has gone so close to getting stale, but the show manages to keep them interesting, and this episode was no exception.

9 "Cancel Couture"

Season 1, episode 10 (2020).

Season 1 of Emily in Paris was solid, but it took the show a while to find its rhythm until mid-Season 2. There was one real standout episode of the season, which was its season finale, "Cancel Couture." In this episode, Emily was able to see a bit of work success by helping Pierre with a pop-up launch of his new collection. It also saw Emily and Mindy become roommates.

The biggest shift in this episode was in the relationship between Emily and Gabriel . After a season of tension and neither fully acting on it, they finally hooked up when they both thought that Gabriel would be moving back to Normandy. Of course, because this is Emily in Paris , Gabriel got an opportunity that kept him in Paris, setting up some explosive romantic tension for Season 2.

8 "The Cook, the Thief, Her Ghost and His Lover"

Season 2, episode 7 (2021).

The introduction of Alfie in Season 2 was a true breath of fresh air for the show, giving Emily a love interest who challenged her and helped her grow. Additionally, Alfie has brought more humor to the show, and has pulled Emily a bit out of her usual circles. This episode was great to get to see their connection grow quite a bit, and to see them move towards being together.

Of course, Gabriel was very jealous, and once again there was that push-pull between Gabriel and Emily. This made for an episode that had a good balance of drama and tension, as well as a new and interesting romance due to Alfie . This was a fun episode to see the show continue to play on the romantic tension, while showing Emily and Alfie's relationship grow.

7 "Fashion Victim"

Season 3, episode 8 (2022).

The overarching work-central plot line of Emily in Paris Season 3 involved the competitive rivalry between Pierre Cadaut and Grégory Duprée. This finally came to a head during an explosive fashion show in Season 3, Episode 8, "Fashion Victim." With Emily caught in between her loyalties to Pierre and Nicholas' family, she finally took a side, leaving complications due to Mindy's relationship with Pierre.

The episode had an epic event scene that turned into Pierre's big comeback, which was a great scene and which led to some ramifications for Emily's career and her relationships. Additionally, the love triangle between Emily, Gabriel, and Camille has, for better or for worse, been central to the show since the very beginning. This episode played on that tension well, once again pulling Emily and Gabriel towards each other before then showing him and Camille seemingly happier than ever.

6 "French Revolution"

Season 2, episode 10 (2021).

Emily in Paris has always delivered with its season finales, and Season 2, episode 10, "French Revolution" was a great example of this. The episode really ramped up the drama in both Emily's personal and professional lives. On the work front, Madeline's arrival really shook things up, leading to a turf war with Sylvie that ended with everyone leaving Savoir except for Madeline and Emily.

On the personal front, Emily considered a long-distance relationship with Alfie, while also realizing that she could not hide from her feelings for Gabriel anymore. However, as Emily went to confess, she discovered that Camille had already broken her pinky promise and beat her to the punch. This was an excellent season finale , showing Emily caught between Sylvie and Madeline, and Alfie and Gabriel .

5 "Ooh La Liste"

Season 3, episode 5 (2022).

Emily in Paris ' third season really had the perfect formula, with Emily in a relationship with Alfie, working for Sylvie, and juggling her feelings for Gabriel. The second half of the season had some amazing episodes, starting with Season 3, episode 5, "Ooh La Liste." In this episode, the big event was Alfie's housewarming party, which, of course, led to quite a bit of drama.

Emily catching Camille with Sofia certainly created some tension, as did Mindy's breakup with Benoit. There was also the wonderful twist of Emily being added to the List. Season 3 did a great job of tying Mindy into Emily's work life, by having Mindy reconnect with former classmate Nicholas , who became a client of Emily's. This episode set that spark.

4 "Bon anniversaire!"

Season 2, episode 3 (2021).

Emily in Paris had a genuinely solid and fun first season, but the show did not truly reach its full potential until Season 2, episode 3, "Bon anniversaire!" Up until that point, Emily had been coasting along with work, her friendships, and her love life. The show did not become truly great until Emily had to face real consequences in "Bon anniversaire!" The episode changed the entire show for the better.

After a full season of hiding her feelings for Gabriel and past with him from Camille, and even hooking up with him in secret, Emily had to deal with a wreck. At Emily's birthday dinner, Camille found the pan and realized that Gabriel and Emily had a history. She in turn felt very betrayed, and confronted Emily about it publicly at her birthday dinner. It was messy and dramatic and exactly what the show needed.

3 "Champagne Problems"

Season 2, episode 8 (2021).

Some of the best moments of Emily in Paris have taken place at Camille's family's estate in Champagne. There is just something about the dreamy, secluded setting, coupled with just enough isolation to force the characters together during moments of high drama. The episode saw an uncomfortable date between Emily and Alfie, featuring a jealous Gabriel, before Emily ended up back in Champagne.

Somehow, things always get awkward for Emily when she goes to Champagne, and this was no exception , with Camille and her mom strategizing against Emily. Couple that with an unfortunate and kind of hilarious injury for Camille's dad, and Camille and Gabriel starting to make their way back to each other, and it made for a wonderfully dramatic episode.

2 "Charade"

Season 3, episode 10 (2022).

One of the best episodes of Emily in Paris was its last episode before the upcoming season. Season 3, episode 10, "Charade," saw three seasons worth of tension and drama come to a head in a truly satisfying and horrifying way. It saw the climax of many storylines including Emily's quest to help Gabriel get a Michelin star, Mindy and Nicholas' conflict over Emily, and Mindy's past relationship with Benoit.

The true highlight of the episode was definitely Gabriel and Camille's absolutely wild engagement party turned impromptu wedding. It led to the dropping of multiple bombshells: that Camille and Emily had made the pact , and that Gabriel and Emily loved each other, and Alfiie dumping Emily, but Camille was pregnant. This episode was very entertaining, and full of drama and romance, complete with the beautiful setting of Camille's family home .

1 "Ex-en-Provence"

Season 3, episode 6 (2022).

The best episode of Emily in Paris is Season 3, episode 6, "Ex-en-Provence." This episode is Emily in Paris at its best: all of the characters in one beautiful setting, forced into a small enough space together that they have to start to deal with all the feelings that live under the surface. It also really played up the dreamier romantic aspects of the show, and the one-on-one romantic scenes.

The slowburn romance between Emily and Gabriel is at its worst, absolutely infuriating, and hurting everyone around them . At its best, though, they really understand each other, and they work very well as a pairing. This was most evident in the meal they had together in this episode. Additionally, it was great to see Emily save the day with her idea about Antoine's perfume.

NEXT: 'Emily in Paris' Characters and their 'Sex and the City' Counterparts

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Brad pitt heads to italy to visit bff george clooney as daughter shiloh drops famous last name.

As Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s teen daughter Shiloh Jolie officially dropped her dad’s famous last name Monday, Pitt was spotted over the weekend headed to hang with his Hollywood BFF George Clooney, we hear.

Spies told Page Six they saw Pitt arriving via private jet in Milan — and that the “Fight Club” star was overheard telling a private greeter at Linate Airport that he was “headed to Lake Como to visit Clooney and his wife, Amal,” according to our source.

The insider added that the star was solo without gal pal Ines de Ramon , and that, Pitt, 60, “wore a beige bucket hat, aviator glasses, a navy, casual jacket and blue jeans and sneakers.”

The star allegedly was flanked by “a team of security guards” as he “rushed through passport control and practically jogged past bystanders who had gathered to see him.”

“One of the guards approached several groups of people hanging out, and said, ‘Are you all supposed to be here?’ ” we hear, as “Pitt ran by and into a waiting Range Rover.”

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“Brad Pitt’s a ghost!” quipped the impressed jet-setter who’d landed on a private flight ahead of the star.

Pitt and Clooney , 63, were just on the cover of GQ together for a story titled, “George Clooney and Brad Pitt are Hollywood’s BFFs.”

The GQ piece stated, “They’ve spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they’re more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the ’80s.”

Clooney has a 25-room villa on Lake Como after he combined two properties in the chic area. Pitt owns his own French estate, Château Miraval , which has been at the center of his divorce battle with Jolie.

A rep for Pitt did not comment.

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Tom Cruise wraps Olympics closing ceremony by jumping from the stadium roof

The 2024 Paris Olympics are ending with a last hurrah from Mr. "Mission: Impossible."

Tom Cruise brought his A-game to the Games' closing ceremony on Aug. 11 held at Stade de France, the country's largest stadium that held some of the Olympics' top events.

After H.E.R. concluded singing "The Star-Spangled Banner," the camera panned to Cruise, who was s tanding at the top of the stadium .

The action star then jumped off the roof and descended to the stadium floor. He walked through the sea of athletes to take the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, representing the passing of the torch from the Paris Games to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Turning the closing ceremony into a film, Cruise hopped on his motorcycle and drove out of the stadium. He cruised down the streets of Paris before taking a mysterious phone call.

Suddenly, the ceremony cut to footage of Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles to usher in the next Summer Games. He passed on the flag before the camera zoomed out for the next big reveal. Cruise stood in front of the iconic Hollywood Sign that was altered to include the famous five Olympic rings.

Thomas Jolly, artistic director for the 2024 Paris Olympic ceremonies, told Olympics.com in July that the closing ceremony, titled "Records," will pay homage to how the Games once "disappeared," but were later restarted. The exact year of the Olympics' inception is not known but is often cited in written sources as 776 BC, according to Olympics.com . They were revived in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin, with the first Games of the modern era occurring in 1896 in Athens.

"We want to celebrate, but consciously," Jolly told Olympics.com. "This moment of celebration will also be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Olympic Games in our society. So I’ve designed a show in which the Olympic Games disappear once again, and someone comes along and founds them."

Team USA rounded out the Paris Olympics with the most medals of any nation , with 126 in total. China finished second with 91, followed by Great Britain with 65.

Among USA's Olympic champions are gymnast Simone Biles, who brought home three gold medals and a silver, swimmer Katie Ledecky, who took home four medals in total — and became America's most decorated female Olympian of all time — and sprinter Noah Lyles, who won gold in the men’s 100 meter dash in a dramatic photo finish.

Ledecky and rower Nick Mead were tapped as Team USA's flag bearers for the closing ceremony.

Randi Richardson is a reporter for NBC News' TODAY.com based in Brooklyn.

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• Introduction
• Conclusions
• Article Information

eTable 1. Characteristics of the Study Population and the CONSTANCES Population

eTable 2. Comparison of the Characteristics of Participants With Positive Belief and Negative Belief

eTable 3. Comparison of the Characteristics of Participants With Positive Serology and Negative Serology

eTable 4. Characteristics of Participants by Belief and Serology Status

eTable 5. Self-Reported Confirmation of the Diagnosis Among Participants Who Believe They Have Had COVID-19

eTable 6. Associations Between Persistent Symptoms, Belief and Serology, Further Adjusting for Self-Rated Health (Model 4) or Depressive Symptoms (Model 5)

eTable 7. Associations Between the Serology Test Results or the Confirmation of the Diagnosis by a Test or a Physician and Persistent Symptoms Attributed to the COVID-19 Among Individuals Who Believe They Have Had the Disease

eFigure. Timeline of the Study

Nonauthor Collaborators

• Belief in Having Had COVID-19 Associated With Long COVID Symptoms JAMA News From the JAMA Network January 4, 2022 Anita Slomski
• Serology Test Results and Other Important Characteristics of Patients With Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms—Reply JAMA Internal Medicine Comment & Response May 1, 2022 Cédric Lemogne, MD, PhD; Joane Matta, PhD; Olivier Robineau, MD, PhD
• Serology Test Results and Other Important Characteristics of Patients With Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms JAMA Internal Medicine Comment & Response May 1, 2022 Michiel Tack
• Serology Test Results and Other Important Characteristics of Patients With Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms JAMA Internal Medicine Comment & Response May 1, 2022 Yochai Re’em, MD; Menelaos Symeonides, PhD; Lisa McCorkell, MPP
• Numerical Errors and Clarification of Study Participants With Undefined Responses, Missing Data, and Complete Data JAMA Internal Medicine Correction May 1, 2022

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Matta J , Wiernik E , Robineau O, et al. Association of Self-reported COVID-19 Infection and SARS-CoV-2 Serology Test Results With Persistent Physical Symptoms Among French Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Intern Med. 2022;182(1):19–25. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.6454

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Association of Self-reported COVID-19 Infection and SARS-CoV-2 Serology Test Results With Persistent Physical Symptoms Among French Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• 1 Université de Paris, “Population-based Cohorts Unit,” Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris Saclay University, Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMS 011, Paris, France
• 2 Université Lille, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, ULR 2694-METRICS: Évaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicales, Lille, France
• 3 Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Département de Santé Publique, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
• 4 Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, Inrae U1125, Cnam, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center–University of Paris (CRESS), Bobigny, France
• 5 Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, CESP U1018, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
• 6 Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications “G. Parenti,” University of Florence, Florence, Italy
• 7 Unité des Virus Emergents, UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
• 8 Centre d’Etude du Polymorphisme Humain, Fondation Jean Dausset, Paris, France
• 9 AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Département Médico-Universitaire Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Service de Psychiatrie de l’adulte, Paris, France
• 10 Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Service de Psychiatrie de l’adulte et du sujet âgé, INSERM, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris (IPNP), UMR_S1266, Paris, France
• 11 Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, DMU endocrinologie, ophtalmologie, médecine infectieuse, médecine interne & immunologie, médecine sociale, Service de Médecine interne, Paris, France
• 12 Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Service de Psychiatrie de l’adulte, INSERM, IPNP, UMR_S1266, Paris, France
• News From the JAMA Network Belief in Having Had COVID-19 Associated With Long COVID Symptoms Anita Slomski JAMA
• Comment & Response Serology Test Results and Other Important Characteristics of Patients With Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms—Reply Cédric Lemogne, MD, PhD; Joane Matta, PhD; Olivier Robineau, MD, PhD JAMA Internal Medicine
• Comment & Response Serology Test Results and Other Important Characteristics of Patients With Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms Michiel Tack JAMA Internal Medicine
• Comment & Response Serology Test Results and Other Important Characteristics of Patients With Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms Yochai Re’em, MD; Menelaos Symeonides, PhD; Lisa McCorkell, MPP JAMA Internal Medicine
• Correction Numerical Errors and Clarification of Study Participants With Undefined Responses, Missing Data, and Complete Data JAMA Internal Medicine

Question   Are the belief in having had COVID-19 infection and actually having had the infection as verified by SARS-CoV-2 serology testing associated with persistent physical symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Findings   In this cross-sectional analysis of 26 823 adults from the population-based French CONSTANCES cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic, self-reported COVID-19 infection was associated with most persistent physical symptoms, whereas laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection was associated only with anosmia. Those associations were independent from self-rated health or depressive symptoms.

Meaning   Findings suggest that persistent physical symptoms after COVID-19 infection should not be automatically ascribed to SARS-CoV-2; a complete medical evaluation may be needed to prevent erroneously attributing symptoms to the virus.

Importance   After an infection by SARS-CoV-2, many patients present with persistent physical symptoms that may impair their quality of life. Beliefs regarding the causes of these symptoms may influence their perception and promote maladaptive health behaviors.

Objective   To examine the associations of self-reported COVID-19 infection and SARS-CoV-2 serology test results with persistent physical symptoms (eg, fatigue, breathlessness, or impaired attention) in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants   Participants in this cross-sectional analysis were 26 823 individuals from the French population-based CONSTANCES cohort, included between 2012 and 2019, who took part in the nested SAPRIS and SAPRIS-SERO surveys. Between May and November 2020, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Between December 2020 and January 2021, the participants reported whether they believed they had experienced COVID-19 infection and had physical symptoms during the previous 4 weeks that had persisted for at least 8 weeks. Participants who reported having an initial COVID-19 infection only after completing the serology test were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures   Logistic regressions for each persistent symptom as the outcome were computed in models including both self-reported COVID-19 infection and serology test results and adjusting for age, sex, income, and educational level.

Results   Of 35 852 volunteers invited to participate in the study, 26 823 (74.8%) with complete data for serologic testing and self-reported infection were included in the present study (mean [SD] age, 49.4 [12.9] years; 13 731 women [51.2%]). Self-reported infection was positively associated with persistent physical symptoms, with odds ratios ranging from 1.44 (95% CI, 1.08-1.90) to 16.61 (95% CI, 10.30-26.77) except for hearing impairment (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.76-2.51), joint pain (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.98-1.80) and sleep problems (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.87-1.44). A serology test result positive for SARS-COV-2 was positively associated only with persistent anosmia (odds ratio, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.57-4.28), even when restricting the analyses to participants who attributed their symptoms to COVID-19 infection. Further adjusting for self-rated health or depressive symptoms yielded similar results. There was no significant interaction between belief and serology test results.

Conclusions and Relevance   The findings of this cross-sectional analysis of a large, population-based French cohort suggest that persistent physical symptoms after COVID-19 infection may be associated more with the belief in having been infected with SARS-CoV-2 than with having laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Further research in this area should consider underlying mechanisms that may not be specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A medical evaluation of these patients may be needed to prevent symptoms due to another disease being erroneously attributed to “long COVID.”

After infection by SARS-CoV-2, both hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients have an increased risk of various persistent physical symptoms that may impair their quality of life, such as fatigue, breathlessness, or impaired attention. 1 - 3 Although the term “long COVID” has been coined to describe these symptoms 4 and putative mechanisms have been proposed, 3 , 5 , 6 the symptoms may not emanate from SARS-CoV-2 infection per se but instead may be ascribed to SARS-CoV-2 despite having other causes. In this study, we examined the association of self-reported COVID-19 infection and of serology test results with persistent physical symptoms. We hypothesized that the belief in having been infected with SARS-CoV-2 would be associated with persistent symptoms while controlling for actual infection.

The French CONSTANCES population-based cohort study 7 received ethical approval and included approximately 200 000 volunteers who were aged 18 to 69 years between 2012 and 2019 and who consented to be followed up through annual questionnaires and linked administrative databases. 8 A total of 35 852 volunteers responding to annual questionnaires through the internet were invited to take part in the nested Santé, Pratiques, Relations et Inégalités Sociales en Population Générale Pendant la Crise COVID-19 (SAPRIS) and SAPRIS-Sérologie (SERO) surveys. 9 , 10 Ethical approval and written or electronic informed consent were obtained from each participant before enrollment in the original cohort. The SAPRIS survey was approved by the French Institute of Health and Medical Research ethics committee, and the SAPRIS-SERO study was approved by the Sud-Mediterranée III ethics committee. Electronic informed consent was obtained from all participants for dried-blood spot testing. No one received compensation or was offered any incentive for participating in this study. Quiz Ref ID The present study is a cross-sectional analysis of data from the SAPRIS and SAPRIS-SERO surveys nested in the French CONSTANCES cohort.

Between May and November 2020, self-sampling dried-blood spot kits were mailed to each participant. Each kit included material (a dried-blood spot card, lancets, and a pad), printed instructions, and an addressed, stamped, and padded envelope to be returned with the card to a centralized biobank (CEPH Biobank). Received blood spots were visually assessed, registered, punched, and stored in tubes (0.5 mL, FluidX 96-Format 2D code; Brooks Life Sciences) at −30 °C. Eluates were processed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Euroimmun) to detect anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG) directed against the S1 domain of the virus spike protein. A test was considered positive for SARS-CoV-2 when the results indicated an optical density ratio of 1.1 or greater (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 97.5%). 11 The participants received their serology test results by mail or email.

Between December 2020 and January 2021, the participants answered this question from the fourth SAPRIS questionnaire: “Since March, do you think you have been infected by the coronavirus (whether or not confirmed by a physician or a test)?” Participants answered “Yes,” “No,” or “I don’t know.” At the time they answered this question, the participants were aware of their serology test results (eFigure in Supplement 1 ). A total of 2788 participants (7.8%) who answered “I don’t know” were excluded.

The participants who answered “Yes” additionally answered this question: “When did you get the coronavirus? Between March and June; In July or August; Between September and now.” Participants who indicated having been initially infected after serologic testing (n = 1312 [3.6%]) were excluded. The participants who answered “Yes” also answered this question: “Has this been confirmed? Yes, by virological or PCR test (based on nose swab; results provided after at least 24 hours); Yes, by antigenic test performed (based on nose swab; results provided within 1 hour); Yes, by serological test (based on a blood test; results provided after at least 24 hours); Yes, by rapid diagnostic test (based on blood test; results provided within 1 hour); Yes, by saliva test; Yes, by chest CT scan; Yes, by a physician (without testing); No, but I think I had it; I don’t know.”

In the same questionnaire, symptoms were measured by the following question: “Since March 2020, have you had any of the following symptoms that you did not usually have before?” On the basis of the literature, 1 - 3 the following symptoms were explored: sleep problems, joint pain, back pain, muscular pain, sore muscles, fatigue, poor attention or concentration, skin problems, sensory symptoms (pins and needles, tingling or burning sensation), hearing impairment, constipation, stomach pain, headache, breathing difficulties, palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, anosmia, and other symptoms.

Two additional questions were asked for each symptom: “Has this symptom been present in the past 4 weeks?” Participants answered “Yes, but not present anymore,” “Yes, and still present,” or “No”; “How much time did this symptom last? Or how long has it been since you have had this symptom (if it is still present)?” with possible responses ranging from “Less than a week” to “More than 8 weeks.” To avoid considering symptoms that were no longer present or only transient and to limit recall bias, only participants who responded “Yes” and “More than 8 weeks” to these 2 questions were considered as having persistent symptoms. Because we aimed to compare participants who self-reported having had COVID-19 infection with those who did not, we did not distinguish between persistent symptoms that were similar to those experienced at the time of the initial episode and potentially new symptoms.

Participants who declared having any of the listed persistent symptoms also answered the following question: “Do you attribute the current symptoms to COVID-19?” and participants answered “Yes, all”; “Yes, only a few”; “No”; or “I don’t know.” Participants who answered “Yes, all” or “Yes, only a few” were considered to attribute their symptoms to COVID-19 infection.

Age, sex, educational level, income, and self-rated health in 2019 were obtained from the inclusion questionnaire and the 2019 CONSTANCES questionnaire. Depressive symptoms during the pandemic were measured as part of the SAPRIS survey by using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. 12

The crude prevalence of persistent physical symptoms was first calculated for 4 groups of participants according to both belief (i.e., self-reported COVID-19 infection) and serology test results: belief negative and serology negative; belief positive and serology negative; belief negative and serology positive; and belief positive and serology positive. We used χ 2 tests to search for between-group differences. To specifically test our hypothesis, we used separate logistic regressions for each persistent symptom as the outcome computed in models including either belief (model 1), serology test result (model 2), or both (model 3), adjusting for age, sex, income, and educational level. Only participants with complete data for model 3 were included in models 1 and 2. Additional models searched for belief by serology test result interactions. In sensitivity analyses, the models were further adjusted for self-rated health or depressive symptoms. Exploratory analyses were restricted to participants attributing their persistent symptoms to COVID-19 infection. A 2-sided value of P  < .05 was considered statistically significant. All analyses were conducted using SAS, version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc).

Of 35 852 volunteers invited to participate in this cross-sectional analysis, a cohort of 26 823 (74.8%) with complete data for serologic testing and self-reported infection were included (mean [SD] age, 49.4 [12.9] years; 13 731 women [51.2%]; and 13 092 men [48.8%]) ( Table 1 ). Missing data for each covariate are given in Table 1. The crude prevalence rates of persistent symptoms by belief and by serology test result categories are given in Table 2 , taking into account 1-2% missing data for each symptom. Compared with participants in the CONSTANCES cohort, the participants in the present study were more likely to be older, men, more educated, have higher levels of income, and have better self-reported health (eTable 1 in Supplement 1 ). Quiz Ref ID The prevalence of persistent physical symptoms ranged from 0.6% (146 participants with anosmia) to 10.4% (2729 participants with sleep problems). A total of 1091 participants had a serology test result positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 453 participants (41.5%) who subsequently reported having had COVID-19 infection before the serology test. A total of 914 participants reported having had COVID-19 infection before the serology test, including 453 (49.6%) with a serology test result positive for SARS-CoV-2 ( Table 2 ). Differences in covariates according to the serology test results, the belief in having had COVID-19 infection, and both are reported in eTables 2, 3, and 4 in Supplement 1 . Whether or not the diagnosis was confirmed by a laboratory test or by a physician among the participants with a positive belief is reported in eTable 5 in Supplement 1 .

Before adjustment, the belief in having had COVID-19 infection was associated with 14 of 18 categories of persistent symptoms ( Table 3 , model 1), whereas a positive serology test result was associated with 10 categories of persistent symptoms ( Table 3 , model 2). Quiz Ref ID After mutual adjustment, positive belief was significantly associated with higher odds of having all persistent symptoms, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.44 (95% CI, 1.08-1.90) to 16.61 (95% CI, 10.30-26.77) except for hearing impairment (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.76-2.51), joint pain (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.98-1.80) and sleep problems (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.87-1.44) ( Table 3 , model 3). Quiz Ref ID By contrast, a positive serology test result remained positively associated only with anosmia (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.57-4.28) and was negatively associated with skin problems (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.27-0.80) ( Table 3 , model 3). There was no significant interaction between belief and serology. Adjusting for self-rated health or depressive symptoms yielded similar results except for back pain (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.00-1.77), which was no longer associated with belief when adjusting for depressive symptoms (eTable 6 in Supplement 1 ).

Restricting the analyses to participants with a positive belief and attributing their persistent symptoms to COVID-19 showed a positive serology test result to be associated only with anosmia (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.43-5.11) (eTable 7 in Supplement 1 ). Similarly, confirmation of the diagnosis by a laboratory test or by a physician (vs the response, “No, but I think I had it,” and excluding participants who answered “I don’t know” or “No, but I think I had it” in combination with another response) was also associated only with anosmia (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.86-9.32) (eTable 7 in Supplement 1 ).

This cross-sectional analysis of data from a population-based cohort found that persistent physical symptoms 10 to 12 months after the COVID-19 pandemic first wave were associated more with the belief in having experienced COVID-19 infection than with having laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In previous studies, the association between persistent symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 serology test results may be explained by the belief in having experienced COVID-19 infection. 13 Furthermore, most previous studies assessing “long COVID” included only patients who had COVID-19 infection, thus lacking a control group of patients who did not have the infection. 3 , 14 Indeed, our results showed that the persistent physical symptoms observed after COVID-19 infection were quite frequent in the general population. Because our study also included participants who reported not having had COVID-19 infection with either positive or negative serology test results, we were able to compare the prevalence of persistent physical symptoms according to these 2 variables. We were also able to perform analyses restricted to participants attributing their persistent symptoms to COVID-19 infection. Although our study did not assess long COVID per se because we also included participants without COVID-19 infection, these specific analyses may be more representative of the long COVID clinical issue in real-life settings 15 than the picture provided by cohorts of patients with a laboratory-confirmed or physician-documented COVID-19 infection.

Although the participants were aware of the serology results when they reported having had COVID-19 infection or not, less than half of those with a positive serology test reported having experienced the disease. Conversely, among those who reported having had the disease, approximately half had a negative serology test result, consistent with some findings in clinical settings. 15 These results, which allowed for disentangling the correlates of the serology test results from those of the belief in having had COVID-19 infection, were not unexpected. First, patients with a positive serology test result but no or only mild symptoms of COVID-19 infection may not believe that they had the disease. Because persistent symptoms may be more frequent among patients who experienced a higher number of acute COVID-19 symptoms, 16 the severity of the initial episode may partially confound the association between the belief in having experienced COVID-19 infection and persistent symptoms among participants with positive serology test results. However, this belief was associated with persistent symptoms to a similar extent among participants with negative serology test results as shown by the lack of any interaction between belief and serology. Even if this belief could be explained by the experience of a COVID-19 infection–like episode among some of these participants, these results support the idea that persistent physical symptoms attributed to COVID-19 infection may not be specific to SARS-CoV-2. Second, patients who believe that they have had COVID-19 infection may reject a negative serology test result for several reasons, including perceptions about the frequency of false-negative tests and data suggesting that a weak anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibody response could be a risk factor of long COVID. 17 Indeed, since the first definitions of long COVID, it has been proposed that the associated antibodies profile is “uncharacterized.” 18 Among participants in the present study who believed that they had experienced COVID-19 infection, anosmia was the only symptom associated with the confirmation of the diagnosis by a laboratory test or a physician. In other words, those who responded, “No, but I think I had it” were 4 times less likely to have anosmia, with no differences regarding all other symptoms, further suggesting that these other symptoms were not specific to actual infection by SARS-CoV-2.

Two main mechanisms may account for our findings. First, having persistent physical symptoms may have led to the belief in having had COVID-19, especially in the context of a growing concern regarding long COVID. Although adjusting for self-rated health before the pandemic did not affect our results, another disease may underlie symptoms attributed to COVID-19 infection. Second, the belief in having had COVID-19 infection may have increased the likelihood of symptoms, either directly by affecting perception 19 , 20 or indirectly by prompting maladaptive health behaviors, such as physical activity reduction or dietary exclusion. These mechanisms are thought to contribute to the long-described persistence of physical symptoms after acute infections. 21

In addition to a large, population-based sample, the strengths of our study included the joint examination of self-reported COVID-19 infection and serology testing results while controlling for several covariates, including self-rated health—a robust indicator of physical health—and depressive symptoms.

This study had limitations. Quiz Ref ID First, selection biases limit the representativeness of our sample. Second, our study may not have investigated all of the symptoms that patients with long COVID are reporting. However, the symptoms we studied were among those that are frequently explored in studies investigating long COVID 3 and reported by patients with long COVID. 22 Third, we analyzed persistent symptoms separately; different outcomes may be tested by clustering symptoms. In addition, because our study also included participants who did not report having had COVID-19 infection, we did not distinguish between symptoms that were experienced at the time of the initial episode of COVID-19 infection and new symptoms that occurred afterward. Fourth, we cannot exclude the possibility of misclassification regarding serology test results, including false positives and false negatives. The lack of any interaction between belief and serology test results suggests that persistent symptoms were associated with belief to a similar extent in participants with positive and negative serology test results. This finding makes our results unlikely to be explained solely by false-negative results. Furthermore, serology test results were associated only with persistent anosmia, a hallmark of COVID-19 infection, strengthening our confidence in the serology test results. This result held true even when restricting our analyses to participants attributing their symptoms to COVID-19 infection. Fifth, participants were aware of their serology test results when they reported having had COVID-19 infection or not. This factor may have reduced our ability to disentangle the associations of the 2 measures with persistent physical symptoms.

The results of this cross-sectional analysis of a large, population-based French cohort suggest that physical symptoms persisting 10 to 12 months after the COVID-19 pandemic first wave may be associated more with the belief in having experienced COVID-19 infection than with actually being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although our study cannot determine the direction of the association between belief and symptoms, our results suggest that further research regarding persistent physical symptoms after COVID-19 infection should also consider mechanisms that may not be specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. From a clinical perspective, patients in this situation should be offered a medical evaluation to prevent their symptoms being erroneously attributed to COVID-19 infection and to identify cognitive and behavioral mechanisms that may be targeted to relieve the symptoms. 23

Accepted for Publication: September 17, 2021.

Published Online: November 8, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.6454

Correction: This article was corrected on March 21, 2022, to fix errors in the article and Supplement 1.

Corresponding Author: Cédric Lemogne, MD, PhD, Service de Psychiatrie de l’adulte, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, 1 place du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris, France ( [email protected] ).

Author Contributions: Drs Matta and Lemogne had full access to all of the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Matta, Wiernik, Robineau, Carrat, Touvier, de Lamballerie, Blanché, Deleuze, Hoertel, Ranque, Goldberg, Lemogne.

Drafting of the manuscript: Matta, Lemogne.

Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Matta, Wiernik, Robineau, Carrat, Touvier, Severi, de Lamballerie, Blanché, Deleuze, Gouraud, Hoertel, Ranque, Goldberg, Zins.

Statistical analysis: Matta, Robineau, Hoertel.

Obtained funding: Blanché, Zins.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Blanché, Deleuze, Gouraud, Goldberg, Zins.

Supervision: Carrat, Touvier, Blanché, Gouraud, Goldberg, Lemogne.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Robineau reported personal fees and nonfinancial support from Gilead, ViiV Healthcare, and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp outside the submitted work. Dr Carrat reported personal fees from Sanofi outside the submitted work. Dr de Lamballerie reported grants from the French Ministry of Research and the French Institute of Health and Medical Research during the conduct of the study. Dr Hoertel reported personal fees and nonfinancial support from Lundbeck outside the submitted work. Dr Lemogne reported personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen-Cilag, Lundbeck, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

Funding/Support: The CONSTANCES cohort benefits from grant ANR-11-INBS-0002 from the French National Research Agency. CONSTANCES is supported by the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie, the French Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Research, and the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM). CONSTANCES is also partly funded by AstraZeneca, Lundbeck, L’Oréal, and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. The Santé, Pratiques, Relations et Inégalités Socials en Population Générale Pendant la Crise COVID-19 (SAPRIS) and SAPRIS-Sérologie (SERO) study was supported by grants ANR-10-COHO-06 and ANR-20-COVI-000 from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche; grant 20DMIA014-0 from Santé Publique France; grant 20RR052-00 from the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale; and grant C20-26 from INSERM.

Role of the Funder/Sponsor: The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Group Information: A complete list of the members of the SAPRIS-SERO study group appears in Supplement 2 .

Additional Contributions: Céline Ribet, PhD, Mireille Pellicer, MD, Laura Quintin, MSc, Stephane Le Got, MSc, all from the CONSTANCES cohort, and Céline Dorival, PhD, and Jerôme Nicol, MSc, from INSERM Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, substantially contributed to data collection for this work.

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Morning Rundown: Biden's bittersweet torch-passing, bodies of hostages recovered from Gaza, and what went wrong on Boeing's space capsule

Olympics closing ceremony 2024: Everything you need to know, how to watch, start time

After weeks of intense and exciting competition, international athletes are about to say “au revoir” to the 2024 Paris Games.

Unlike the ambitious opening ceremony , the closing ceremony will take a more traditional route. Rather than the open-air venue of the Seine River, the closing ceremony will be held in the 80,000-seat Stade de France.

The stadium has hosted a number of events over the course of the Games, including world-record-breaking track races and a historic first for the American women’s rugby team . Now, the venue will be filled with artists, dancers, acrobats and surprise performers to celebrate the end of this year’s Olympics and look ahead to the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Here’s what you need to know about the ceremony.

What time does the Olympic closing ceremony start?

The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday. NBC will air a live preshow at 2 p.m. ET, which will include a recap of some of the most unforgettable moments from this year’s Olympics.

The actual ceremony will start at 3 p.m. ET, and an encore telecast will play for U.S. viewers during prime time. The ceremony is expected to last a little over two hours.

A broadcast about the 2028 G ames will air at 10 p.m. ET.

How can you watch?

The ceremony will be available to stream on NBC, Peacock and NBC Olympics. (NBC News shares a parent company with those entities, NBCUniversal.)

Viewers can also watch on their local NBC channel. Full TV listings for the ceremony can be found on the NBC Olympics schedule page .

What happens during the closing ceremony?

Similar to the opening ceremony, many details about the closing ceremony have been kept under wraps.

The Paris 2024 Olympic committee said the closing ceremony will feature “over a hundred performers, acrobats, dancers and circus artists.” Artistic director Thomas Jolly, who also planned the opening ceremony, said the theme is “Records.”

Viewers can expect the usual parade of athletes, a display of the participating nations’ flags and the lowering of the Olympic flag. A portion of the closing ceremony is dedicated to the host city handover from Paris to Los Angeles, in which Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will give the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Some final medals are often handed out during the closing ceremony. The Olympic flame is extinguished.

The flame for the Paralympic Games, which take place Aug. 28-Sept. 8, “will be lit shortly after the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Stoke Mandeville, the historic birthplace of Paralympic sport,” according to the Olympics website . From Aug. 25 to Aug. 28, about 1,000 forerunners will carry the Paralympic flame to 50 cities throughout France as part of the the Paris 2024 Paralympic torch relay, the website states.

Who are the ceremony hosts? Who is performing?

NBC’s Mike Tirico will return as a host alongside late night host Jimmy Fallon. They will be joined by sports commentator Terry Gannon and former Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, all of whom previously served as hosts during the PyeongChang, Tokyo and Beijing Games.

The ceremony will feature prominent performers representing California, a nod to the next host city. Rapper Snoop Dogg — who has become a fixture of this year’s Games — will play a role in the handover segment. R&B artist H.E.R. will perform the U.S. national anthem at the ceremony.

The full slate of performers remains unconfirmed.

However, there has been speculation that Los Angeles natives Billie Eilish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be a part of the event. Meanwhile, French bands Phoenix and Air are expected to perform, according to a Variety interview with ceremonies director Thierry Reboul.

Actor Tom Cruise, who attended various events at the Games and is currently filming “Mission: Impossible 8” in Europe, is also rumored to be part of the closing celebration.

Who are the flag bearers for Team USA?

Swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead will be the flag bearers during the closing ceremony.

Ledecky is the most decorated female Olympian of all time, snagging her 14th medal after the 800-meter freestyle on Aug. 3. She won a gold medal in the event, securing her ninth gold overall.

Mead won a gold medal alongside teammates Liam Corrigan, Michael Grady and Justin Best in the men’s four rowing event. It was the first time since 1960 that Team USA won the event.

Daysia Tolentino is a culture and internet reporter for NBC News.