Paris | Tra-vel

When to go

Spring and early autumn are particularly good for long walks, when the weather is usually milder. Summer days are warm and well suited to walks around the city and its parks, although this is also the busier tourist season. Winter is cooler, making it a good time to combine walks with museums and other indoor sights.

Things to see and do

Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral, walk along the Seine and allow time for Montmartre. To avoid overloading a day, combine one major museum or monument with a walk around one of the city's neighbourhoods.

Practical tips

Check official websites in advance for popular museums, exhibitions and sights, and book tickets where a time slot is required. When planning your route, consider distances between neighbourhoods and allow enough time for walking and public transport.

Getting there and getting around

Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. The metro, buses and RER trains are useful for journeys within the city. In the historic centre, many sights can also be combined conveniently on foot.

Where to stay

For a first short visit, consider the central 1st arrondissement near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden. The Marais suits travellers who value historic streets and a lively urban atmosphere. The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are practical for walks on the Left Bank of the Seine.

What to try

Try a fresh French baguette and a croissant from a bakery, croque monsieur and traditional onion soup. For something sweet, choose macarons or other pastries from a Parisian pâtisserie.