Paris

Travel Guide

Paris
Paris which includes a fountain, heritage elements and heritage architecture
8th Arrondissement showing street scenes and heritage architecture
Paris
Paris

Paris Travel Guide Video

A short break in the French capital is the perfect tonic; arrive feeling jaded and after a few hours you’ll be filled with va-va-voom!

Paris is often said to be the most romantic city in the world. Hugging the banks of the River Seine, it is divided into twenty districts, known as arrondissements, each with its own distinct atmosphere and share of interesting attractions. From the medieval charm of Le Marais to the bohemian Left Bank, the quaint artists’ quarter of Montmartre to the ultra-fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Près, the blend of ancient and modern is seamless.This compact city is easy to get around on foot, with a public transport system that’s simple to use and drops you conveniently close to all the main sights. The famous Paris Metro has some beautifully designed stations which are well worth a look in their own right, while buses are reliable and cheap. For a romantic alternative, consider catching a boat along the river.However you choose to explore, you will soon be seduced by the city’s special charms. Window-shop in the fashionable Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré to see why Paris is the world capital of haute couture, with labels such as Lanvin, Hermès and Dior presenting their beautiful creations in opulent displays. Then treat yourself to a delicately flavoured macaroon at the famous Ladurée patisserie on the Champs-Elysées or a flaky croissant straight from the oven of a street corner bakery.As well as being a world-famous shopping destination, Paris is also revered for its culture. Painters, musicians, writers and film directors have all been inspired by its beauty, and its museums and galleries are among the best in the world. Visitors queue for hours just to see the inscrutable smile of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum or the Picasso masterpieces at the National Museum of Modern Art housed on two floors of the iconic Pompidou Centre. The Palais Garnier is an opulent setting for performances of opera and ballet, while the Musée d’Orsay houses its priceless collection of French Impressionist paintings in a beautifully converted former railway station.No visit to Paris would be complete without taking the lift to the top level of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy panoramic views across the whole city before heading for the champagne bar to drink a toast to romance.

Where to stay in Paris

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Paris City Center

4/5(15 area reviews)

Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame are a few top attractions in Paris City Center. Hop around the city on the metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Station or Louvre - Rivoli Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and charming cafes.

Paris City Center
Marais - Pompidou - Notre Dame de Paris featuring modern architecture and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

Marais

4.5/5(144 area reviews)

Travellers love Marais for its popular shops, and you can see more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Saint-Paul Station or Saint-Sebastien - Froissart Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Carnavalet Museum and Picasso Museum.

Marais
French Academy showing heritage architecture, signage and heritage elements

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

4.5/5(73 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Check out top attractions like Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Place Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and jump on the metro at Mabillon Station or Saint-Germain-des-Pres Station to see more of the city.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés
6th Arrondissement which includes a park and a statue or sculpture

6th Arrondissement

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in 6th Arrondissement. Check out top attractions like Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice Church, and jump on the metro at Saint-Sulpice Station or Mabillon Station to see more of the city.

6th Arrondissement
Les Invalides showing street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

7th Arrondissement

4.5/5(240 area reviews)

7th Arrondissement is highly notable for its charming cafes, and you might want to visit top sights like Eiffel Tower and Rodin Museum. See more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Solferino Station or Assemblee Nationale Station.

7th Arrondissement
Arc de Triomphe showing night scenes, a city and street scenes

Champs-Élysées

You might enjoy the river views while in Champs-Élysées. Champs-Élysées is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Franklin D. Roosevelt Metro Station or Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau Station to see more of the city.

Champs-Élysées

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