Paris City Guide

The City of Light or the city of love, art, literature, good food,… All of these things are associated with Paris, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.

Paris is the capital of France with a population of more than 2 million people, located in the north-central part of the country. For centuries, Paris has been one of the most attractive cities. Currently, it is the second most visited city in Europe with London being the first. That is no surprise considering that it seems like the entire city is made for tourists – its streets, squares, gardens, monuments, it is all so breathtaking and it just beckons you to visit again.

Here is everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip to Paris.

Getting to Paris

By plane

There are four airports in Paris – Charles de Gaulle in the northeast, Orly in the south, and Beauvais in the north. The fourth one, Le Bourget is used for business flights only. The first two are well connected to the centre of Paris whilst the third is quite far up north and is used by budget airlines. However, travelling by plane is still the cheapest, easiest and quickest way to get to Paris thanks to frequent and low-cost flights.

By train

A train ticket will probably cost you more than a plane ticket and the journey will take longer but it is a good option for those who don’t like to fly. There are 9 train stations in Paris situated in different areas, depending on the destinations that the trains serve. All 9 are well connected to the city centre via metro, RER, and/or buses.

Eurostar

Eurostar is a great option if you are arriving from London to Paris. They run frequently and they offer different travel classes, sockets at every seat, and free WiFi. In just over 2 hours after you board the train, you will arrive at the very heart of Paris – the Gare du Nord station, but don’t throw away your ticket yet! A Eurostar ticket gets you a 2 for 1 entry to many museums and galleries.

By bus

Getting a bus to Paris is a relatively cheap and easy option since most capitals in Europe have bus lines to Paris, but it all depends on your departure location. However, sometimes the journey can take a while so make sure to pack some food and wear something comfortable. The main station is Paris-Galliéni international coach station, the biggest coach station in Europe.

By car

Going to Paris by car is definitely not the cheapest option, especially if you plan on sightseeing and parking your car in the city centre as the parking costs around € 25 per day and it is very difficult to find on-street parking.

Getting around Paris

To get from one place to another in Paris, there are several options to choose from. Public transport is well-connected. If you plan on using it regularly, you might want to consider getting a travel pass Paris Visite Pass or ‘carnet’ of 10 t+ tickets.

If you will be using public transport in Paris only, you can get a Paris Visite Pass zones 1-3.

On the other hand, if you plan on visiting the inner suburbs (e.g. Versailles, Disneyland, airports,…) Paris Visite Pass zones 1-5 is the right option. 

However, if you are thinking of using public transport less than 4-5 times a day, a ‘carnet’ of 10 t+ tickets should be enough.

NOTE: Public transport is free for children under the age of 4 and half price for children between 4 and 11 years old.

Metro

Metro is the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to get around Paris. There are 16 metro lines and 300 stations. They start running every day around 6 am and stop around 12:45 am. On weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) they stop running around 1:45 am. Metros are quite frequent, and at peak hours they run every 2 minutes.

The ticket costs about € 1.90 and is valid for zones 1 and 2 but allows you to go anywhere in Paris since it will take you to the end of each metro line.

RER

RER consists of 5 lines that connect Paris and Ile-de-France (Paris region). They start running around 6 am every day and stop around 12:45 am.

The RER train network, if you remain within the city limits, will have the same tickets and prices as the metro (t+ tickets or travel pass). If an RER station has a connection with the metro, it is possible to use the same ticket for the journey. If you are travelling outside the city limits, make sure to have a ticket that covers the whole journey or else you will not be able to go through the automatic barriers and could get a fine.

Bus

There are numerous buses in Paris and the ticket has no limit of distance (with the exception of Balabus, Noctilien and routes 221, 297, 299, 350 and 351). However, the ticket is valid for a single journey which means you will have to get another one if you are changing buses or connecting with another form of public transport. They operate Monday to Saturday from around 7 am until around 8:30 pm. Most of them operate on Sundays and holidays as well. Buses that serve major metro/RER interchanges and 3 outer PC lines operate from 8:30 pm until 12:30 am.

Noctilien (Night bus)

Noctilien is a night bus service that operates in Paris and Paris region from 12:30 am until 5:30 am. There are 47 lines and the tickets are the same as those for metro/RER (t+ tickets or travel pass).

Tramway

This ancient form of public transport, long forgotten in many cities, is still in use in Paris. During the 1950’s they got slowly replaced by metros but were re-introduced at the end of the century. They are not particularly interesting to most visitors as their routes run mainly in the city’s periphery. Tickets are the same as those used for metro/RER (t+ tickets or travel pass).

Taxi

The taxi fares in Paris are quite pricey and sometimes not so convenient. Taxi drivers in Paris sometimes refuse to take clients to their destination if they think the journey is inconvenient or if the client has too much luggage. However, if you choose this form of transport, make sure the taxi is licensed. That means that the car should have a “Taxi Parisien” sign on the roof, a taxi fare meter and a badge with the driver’s license number. The price varies depending on the time of the day, pick-up place, journey length, number of passengers and suitcases. Waiting is charged extra.

Bike

Cycling is very popular in Paris so getting around by bike is a great option. There are almost 1,000 kilometers of cycle paths and the city’s Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the final stage of the Tour de France. Major roads are safe for cyclists and easily accessible by bike. If you choose this form of transport make sure you respect the Highway Code and have the necessary equipment (a bell, 2 brakes, rear lights and insurance).

Sights

If you are looking for things to do or see in Paris, you are in the right place! The list of popular landmarks goes on and on, from famous museums and monuments to unique quarters and parks.

NOTE: Getting a city pass is a great way to explore Paris and save money. There are 7 different passes to choose from: Go Paris Pass, Paris Pass, Paris City Pass Turbopass, Paris Explorer Pass, Paris Museum Pass, Paris Passlib‘ and Seine Art Pass.

Museums in Paris

Paris is, among many other things, a city of art. There are over 150 museums in Paris featuring some of the world’s most famous artworks such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône.

It is possible to get a Paris Museum Pass that provides an unlimited entry to most museums. There are usually 2 options to choose from – a 2-day pass and a 4-day pass.

The Paris Museum Pass is also included in the Go Paris Pass, Paris Pass, and Paris City Pass from Turbopass.

Here are some of Paris’ most famous museums: 

• Musée du Louvre – the most visited art gallery in the world featuring hundreds of thousands of classic and modern masterpieces.
• Musée d’Orsay – the museum contains the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art in the world including works of Delacroix, Gauguin, Cézanne, Monet, van Gogh…
• Centre Pompidou – a museum of modern art featuring over 50,000 artworks by some of the world’s most famous artists, often referred to as “the sewer museum” because of its unusual façade.
• Musée Rodin – located in the Hôtel Biron, this museum contains an impressive collection of Rodin’s works as well as works by other famous artists (e.g. Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh) from his personal collection.
• Espace Dalí (Dalí Museum) – this museum and art gallery showcases Dalí’s most famous surrealist masterpieces including sculptures and illustrations.
• Musée Grévin (Wax Museum) – also known as the Madame Tussauds of Paris; it features more than 300 wax figures of pop stars, sporting heroes, historic characters and fictional characters.
• Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) – located in Les Invalides, the museum features military treasures and paraphernalia, a collection of weapons and uniforms and the Napoleon’s Tomb.
• Musée de l’air et de l’espace (National Air and Space Museum) – one of the world’s finest aviation museums featuring more than 400 aircrafts, 150 of which are on display.
• Choco-Story Paris (Chocolate Museum) – an all you can eat museum which means you can have as much chocolate as you want as long as you don’t eat the sculptures.
• Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (Science Museum) – the biggest science museum in Europe featuring a planetarium, a submarine, an IMAX theater and interactive exhibits.

NOTE: Museums have different working hours and are closed on different days so be sure to check their official site and get all the info you need.

Montmartre

If you are planning a trip to Paris, you must add Montmartre hill to your list of things to see. Not only does it offer amazing views, but it tells a story of the district’s history. It is often called the artists’ neighbourhood. Montmartre hill has a special kind of charm that can be divided into two completely different parts.

The first part is known for its numerous neon lights, sex shops and cabarets with one of them being the renowned Moulin Rouge. In the past, this district was avoided by many Parisians but many famous artists decided to live there and transform it into the one of a kind district it is today.

A 197 steps above (or just a funicular away), you will find yourself in the second part of Montmartre, the artsy part. It is located on the Place du Tertre and it is brimming with cute cafes and wonderful restaurants. Its captivating streets are brimming with artists, easels and painting.

At the hilltop you will see the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur that offers amazing views of the city.

Latin quarter

The Latin Quarter is one of the liveliest and coolest parts of Paris. It is situated on the left bank of the River Seine and is home to Sorbonne University. Its streets are full of student cafes and reasonably-priced restaurants. The area is famous for many attractions such as the Panthéon, the Arènes de Lutèce, the Arab World Institute and the Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens and zoo including the National Museum of Natural History.

Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées is a 1.9 km long avenue in Paris situated on the right bank of the river Seine, between Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. The avenue serves as the site for Tour de France’s last stage and the rest of the year it serves as one of the most beautiful promenades in Paris. Some of the most famous attractions in this area include the Palais de la Découverte, the Petit Palais, the Grand Palais and the Fountain of Rivers.

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe monument is one of the main symbols of Paris. It is 50 meters tall and it represents numerous victories of the French army under Napoleon. At the bottom of the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that represents all French soldiers who died during World War I. 

The Arc is also the meeting point of the city’s twelve avenues and there is an observation deck at the top of it that provides breathtaking views.

Père-Lachaise

Père-Lachaise is a famous cemetery in Paris. Many famous people are buried there and there are many stories about scandals, secrets, love affairs, free spirits and hidden history involving this cemetery. We recommend booking a guided tour to get the most of it.

Catacombs

Visiting the Catacombs of Paris is a one-of-a-kind experience but it is not for everyone. Brace yourself to see some piled up skulls and bones forming massive constructions. It is believed that the Catacombs contain remains of more than 6 million people. There are 300 kilometers of tunnels filled with human remains dating back to the 18th century but only a part of it is open for tourists.

Eiffel Tower

Out of all must-sees when visiting Paris, the Eiffel Tower is definitely the biggest one. This 324 meters tall iron tower is the most recognizable symbol of France and the most visited attraction in the world. Over 7 million visitors a year enjoy the astonishing views of Paris from the tower. There are 2 ways to climb the tower- taking the elevator or the stairs. If you choose to take the stairs you can only get to the second floor (and it will take around 30 minutes) but from there you can get an elevator to the summit.

NOTE: The price of the ticket for the Eiffel Tower depends on which floor you choose, whether you take the stairs or the elevator and your age. For adults that is usually €11-21, youth €6-14, children aged 4-11 and disabled €3-7 and free for children under the age of 4.

Notre Dame Cathedral

You are still not through with searching for the best views in Paris? Luckily, Notre Dame Cathedral’s towers standing at 69 meters tall offer some of the most stunning views over Paris. Unfortunately, the cathedral has no elevator so you will have to take the stairs. The building’s exterior is also quite impressive. Notre Dame is one of the oldest gothic cathedrals in the world and one of the most important historical attractions in Paris. It is the place of the coronation of Napoleón Bonaparte and Henry VI of England as well as the place of the beatification of Joan of Arc.

Paris Zoos

There are 2 zoos in Paris – the Paris Zoological Park, also known as the Vincennes Zoo, and the previously mentioned Jardin des Plantes Zoo, which is a smaller zoo. The Paris Zoological Park covers an area of 14,5 hectares and has around 180 different species.

Activities

Paris has so much to offer and there is no way you will be bored when visiting this mesmerizing city. There are numerous walking tours and bike tours and a lot of them are included in some of the Paris passes. City tours are not just for sightseeing because a lot of them include various activities such as wine and food tastings or learning a new craft. That way you get to see the beauty of the city and try something new to get the most out of your Parisian experience.

Theme parks

Yes, Disneyland! And yes, there are roller coasters! Actually, there are 7 of them. Disneyland in Paris has 2 parks and more than 50 attractions. 

But, Disneyland is not the only theme park in Paris. There are really a lot of them. Unfortunately, no Legoland. However, there is the Playmobil theme park. Playmobil is a great option if you are travelling with small children because it is designed for toddlers and younger children. 

For everyone who enjoys water activities, Aquaboulevard is a perfect option. There are 11 water slides, 2 wave pools, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, lazy rivers, water games, a sand beach and much more. 

Furthermore, one of the most popular theme parks is the Parc Asterix. There are 42 attractions that will take you back in time and show you the magical and fun life of Gauls in a village known for its people’s incredible strength. 

Among other theme parks there are Jardin d’Acclimatation, AccroCamp, L’Île de Robinson, Science Expériences, France miniature…

Romantic things to do in Paris

Literally, anything you do in Paris is romantic. It’s Paris! Still, if you need some help, here are some suggestions.

• Take a cruise down the Canal Saint-Martin. It is not as crowded as a cruise down the Seine and you get to see some of Paris’ top attractions such as the Musée du Louvre, the Tuileries Garden and the Notre-Dame.
• Have dinner in the Eiffel Tower. Yes, there is a restaurant in the tower and who doesn’t enjoy a dinner with a view? Especially if the view is as spectacular as the one from the tower.
• Book a wine tasting tour. There are really a lot of them so you can choose the one that suits you and your partner best. From casual tours to the ones backed with history, you won’t be disappointed.
• Say “I love you” to your special someone…In 250 different languages. On the Montmartre hill, at Jehan Rictus garden square, there is the I Love You Wall. It is 40 square meters big and “I love you” is written on it 311 times in 250 languages.
• Have cocktails at a rooftop bar with a stunning view of Paris. There are many rooftop bars in Paris so you won’t have trouble finding one. And, of course, they all have incredible views over the city.
• Take a cooking class together. The French are known for their gastronomy. You can learn how to make chocolate or master the art of baking croissants, baguettes, macarons, etc.
• See a cabaret show. Enjoy a fun, extravagant, dazzling, one-of-a-kind evening together. The most popular place to see the show is, of course, the Moulin Rouge but there are also other places like Le Lido Paris and Le Paradis Latin Cabaret.

Explore the Palace of Versailles

No Paris getaway is complete without visiting the Palace of Versailles. This impressive 17th- century palace has 63,154 square meters and 2,300 rooms! Everything about this place is miraculous. Its remarkable exterior and gorgeous interior are prime examples of French Baroque, and its famous gardens are absolutely breathtaking.

It is located only 20km away from Paris and it is very easily accessible. Most visitors arrive by taking the RER C train. The journey lasts only about 15min. There is a bus as well but the journey lasts about 30min. 

Watch an opera at Palais Garnier

Or, if you’re not into opera, but you enjoy pretty things, just admire the building’s exterior and interior. This opera house is a true jewel of 19th-century theater art architecture. Heavy ornamentation, numerous sculptures, golden walls and ceiling painted by many famous artists are only a part of what makes this building so special. Fun fact – there is a lake underneath the Palais Garnier but, unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to go down there. However, the underground lake served as an inspiration for the famous Phantom of the Opera’s lair.

Visit Champagne – the famous wine region

Champagne is not just sparkling wine that we enjoy on special occasions. It is a whole region in France! Also, it is the only place in the world where it is possible to produce champagne. Visiting the Champagne region is another great idea for a day trip. The best time to visit is between May and October with September being the busiest month. Reims is the center of production and the biggest city in the region. If you catch a train from Paris, it will take you only 40min to get there. Getting on a bus is another option but the journey lasts more than 2 hours. If you have more than a day to spend exploring this historical region, Épernay has a lot to offer as well. It is a small town located about 40min from Reims. That is where you will find the famous Dom Perignon brand’s headquarters and visitor’s center.

Stroll down the Rue Cler

Rue Cler is a famous market in Paris. It is within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower and the Les Invalides. And what is there to do? Besides shopping for French delicacies and fresh local groceries, you can find pretty much anything on Rue Cler. There are many charming shops, cafes and restaurants. The street is pedestrian-only. It is paved with original cobblestones so it gives the vibe of the old Paris. Sitting in one of its cafes and watching the world go by is a true Parisian experience. The atmosphere is very unique and vibrant.

Free things to do in Paris

If you are travelling on a budget, do not worry, Paris’ got you covered! There are many things you can do in Paris for free. 

• Parisians love picnics and there are many popular places where you can have one. Obviously, Parc du Champ-de-Mars, located just below the Eiffel Tower, is the most popular one. Other popular picnic locations are: Pont Des Arts, Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries.
• Jardin du Luxembourg is also a great place for a free workout. The park is one of top Paris’ running spots. In addition, there is the Parc de la Villette which offers a big outdoor workout area.
• If you want to learn about French cuisine, Fédération française de cuisine offers free cooking classes at food markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region. 
• If you want a new look, at the Franck de Roche Académie you can get a free haircut! All you need to do is ask for a “Relooking coupe de cheveux” coupon.
• Many museums and galleries have free admission to permanent exhibitions. Some of them are Musée de la Vie romantique, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and Maison de Victor Hugo. If you want to see the Louvre, there is no entrance fee every first Saturday of the month and on July 14th (except if it’s a Tuesday).
• If you find yourself in Paris on your birthday, you can get a free cruise on the River Seine! 
• Every summer there are numerous free cinema screenings and festivals (e.g. Cinéma en Plein Air festival, La Chaise et L’Écran, Festival des Canotiers…), and most of them have English subtitles.

Festivals & Events

Paris’ calendar is packed with numerous festivals and events throughout the whole year. The list seems to be never-ending but here are some of our favorite picks.

Music festivals

Pitchfork Music Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in Paris. Fun is guaranteed as well as a quality line-up. The festival gathers all indie rock, alternative rock, electronic, and hip hop music fans. It lasts for 3 nights (usually in November) and has been held in La Grande Halle de la Villette since 2011. 

Another not-to-miss festival is Afropunk. It lasts for 2 days and celebrates black identity and female talent. The festival presents amazing musicians, artists, filmmakers and fashion designers. This festival is usually held in July at La Seine Musicale.

Other festivals & events

Tour de France is definitely something to mention. It is a 3,500km long bicycle race that lasts 23 days and the last stage is the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Normally, it is held through July.

The capital of fashion is sure to host a high fashion-related event. And it is not just any event. It’s Paris Fashion Week, one of the most popular events for high fashion. It is held twice a year in different locations. 

Speaking of fashion, the carnival in Paris is something to experience. Every year they pick a different theme and the costumes are runway-worthy. However, this fashion show is free for all, whether you want to just see it or participate in it. It is usually held in February.

Every year, from July to August, Jardin des Tuileries is the place to be. It is the location for Fête des Tuileries, a funfair with over 80 fairground attractions.

Another big event with high importance is Bastille Day. It is held on July 14th and it is a national holiday in France. It marks the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a major event of the French Revolution. Basically, it is the equivalent of the American 4th of July.

If you find yourself in Paris on the first Saturday of October, make sure you use it wisely. It is the day of Nuit Blanche or White Night when artists propose installations, exhibitions, concerts, performances and much more all over the city. Literally the whole city is turned into art.

Le Salon du Chocolat is definitely a special event. It lasts for five days and there is a chocolate fashion show, an exhibition of chocolate sculptures, a pastry competition, chocolate workshops and if that is not enough, there are 250 booths offering chocolate. It is usually held at Porte de Versailles in fall. 

In addition, Paris hosts many jazz festivals and film festivals throughout the year and a lot of them are free. There are also the Summer Festival (usually held through July) and the Autumn Festival (usually held from September until February) with diverse and versatile programs so there is something for everyone.

Food

Paris is well-known for its exquisite choice of restaurants and many delicacies. From Michelin star restaurants to street food places, there is something for everyone’s taste buds and wallet.

Where to eat

If you’re going for lunch or a dinner with the view, know that these places are quite pricey. There are 3 restaurants in the Eiffel Tower (58 Tour Eiffel, Le Jules Verne and Gustave Eiffel Lounge) and a bar (Champagne bar). Also, there are numerous restaurants with the Eiffel Tower view such as Les Ombres, Maison Blanche, Café De L’homme, Monsieur Bleu, etc.

If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant, why not get a table in a restaurant on one of the boats cruising the Seine? Some of them are Capitaine Fracasse, Bateaux-Mouches, Bateaux Parisiens and Paris En Scène.

Montmartre is also brimming with charming restaurants and bistros, some of them being the oldest in Paris. This vibrant neighborhood also provides stunning views of this romantic city. Some of the popular places are La Mère Catherine, Rouge Bis, La Boîte Aux Lettres and Le Cabanon de la Butte.

What to eat

When it comes to food, there are several French specialties you have to try. 

First of all, croissants. But not the frozen ones from supermarkets. You have to get them at true artisan bakeries. One of them is La Maison d’Isabelle and it recently got an award for the best croissant in Paris.

Escargots are another thing you have to try. If you’re not sure what this is, it’s snails. But escargots sound better. And they taste amazing! Usually, they stuff the shells with garlic, butter and herbs, and that can’t taste bad.

Another fancy name for delicious food you’d never try if you heard the English name first is Cuisses De Grenouilles. First, I have to tell you that it tastes like chicken. Keep that in mind because it is actually frog’s legs.

French onion soup is a feast for your mouth. It is pretty heavy, so it can be a main course as well. It is served with a thick layer of cheese on top and some bread dipped in it.

The next food is macarons. It’s not macaroons and it has nothing to do with them. Macarons are famous French sweets that look like tiny colorful cookies and they are delicious.

Soufflé is another absolute ‘must’ when visiting Paris. The name comes from the French word ‘to puff’ and there is no better description. It can’t be pre-made so if you order it, you’ll have to wait a bit for it to bake but it can’t get fresher than that.

And finally, there is the French Fromage. After all, this is the land of cheese. Some say there are over 400 different cheese types in France, some say the number goes up to 1,000. In any case, it’s a high number and the most important thing is that it is so good it’s mouthwatering.

Nightlife

What to do in Paris at night? Enjoy the views of the illuminated city in one of its many rooftop bars and go clubbing of course!

Mama Shelter Hotel has one of the most popular rooftops and, although during the day it is reserved for guests of the hotel only, from 5.30pm anyone can come grab a cocktail and enjoy the view.

Terrass Hotel Rooftop Bar is another famous place that provides a view over pretty much the whole city. It is a perfect place for sipping champagne and admiring the city lights.

Le Jardin Suspendu has the biggest rooftop deck in Paris and it hosts numerous events. This rooftop garden has a real party atmosphere to it at night time and, of course, amazing views of the Eiffel Tower and the city’s skyline.

The Shed is a cozy rooftop bar with charming decorations. It is the perfect party place with a long list of creative cocktails as well as mocktails.

Besides the rooftops of Paris, a lot of the nightlife happens in the Pigalle (a neighborhood in Montmartre) and in the Latin Quarter. Pigalle is known for its rich nightlife and numerous unique nightclubs and concert halls such as La Machine du Moulin Rouge. Nightlife in the Latin Quarter is very vibrant and there are many bars and clubs with affordable prices such as 2 Bis Café and Le Piano Vache. In between Pigalle and the Latin Quarter you will find one of the oldest nightclubs in Paris. It is called the Rex Club and it is one of the best places for partying to techno and electronic music.

Shopping

Paris is THE place for shopping. From independent boutiques, antique and designer shops to shopping centers and outlets, there is something for everyone’s budget and taste. Here is a list of the best places to shop in Paris.

Champs D’Élysées is the most popular shopping street with some of the best shops in Paris. This is where you will find famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, and Sephora. Besides that, there are some more affordable brands like Zara, H&M, and Gap.

If you’re looking for a less crowded place to go shopping for some expensive goods that you will find nowhere else in the world, there are two streets within only a couple of minutes of walk from Champs D’Élysées.

Rue Du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne are streets known for haute-couture boutiques. These are the places where you will find some of the most exclusive and luxurious shops in Paris.

Galerie Vivienne and Galerie Lafayettes are some of the best shopping destinations but it is worth paying them a visit even if you’re not shopping, simply to admire the architecture. Galerie Vivienne is a lot smaller than Galerie Lafayettes but they could both be described as “luxury bazaars”.

If you’re looking for some famous brands but don’t want to spend too much, La Vallée Village is the perfect place for you. There are over 100 famous brands and outlet prices throughout the whole year. There are two ways to get there. The first one is to simply get a direct shuttle bus from Paris. The journey will take about 40min. The second one is to get to Val d’Europe, located only 35km from Paris. There is a direct train departing every 10 min and the journey lasts about 40min. Once there, it will take you around 20min by foot to get to La Vallée Village.

All flea market lovers should check out the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen market. This is a place with many cool shops where you can find antiques such as books, furniture, art, etc.

Accommodation

The list of places to stay in Paris is endless which means there is definitely something for everyone but it also means it might take you a long time to pick your perfect Paris accommodation. Luckily, we are here to help you. Here is a list of our top picks.

There are many hotels with breathtaking views of Paris, and as we all know, breathtaking always costs more. The best area to stay in Paris is, obviously, near the Eiffel Tower. Not only are these hotels in Paris’ city centre, but they also provide the best views. Some of the best hotels with Eiffel Tower view are Shangri-La, La Comtesse, and Hôtel Eiffel Trocadéro. 

If you’re looking for something more affordable, there are plenty of choices too. Besides numerous Best Western hotels, there are many other hotels that are located fairly close to the centre and have reasonable prices.

There are many hostels in Paris as well, and most of them are quite low-priced. 

Useful Contacts

Country dialing code: +33

Emergency: 112

Police: 17

Hospital: 15

Fire brigade: 18

24/7 pharmacies:

Pharmacie Lafayette de la Porte de Montreuil +33 1 43 73 81 04

Européenne de la place de clichy +33 1 48 74 65 18

Pharmacie de la Porte Maillot +33 1 45 74 17 31

Pharmacie Bastille +33 1 47 00 49 44

Citypharma +33 1 43 43 13 68

Pharmacie de la Place de la République +33 1 47 00 18 08

Map of Paris