Things to Do in Paris, France
- It is far easier to visit Paris in the low season of winter, but far more pleasant to be there when the clouds begin to scoot away. Aim for the shoulder season of May and early June, right before the crowds descend upon the city. Late August can be surprisingly mellow, too, though many Parisians escape the city during this month. As with many cities, Paris costs less in the low season.
- Paris is the ideal city for walking, with its networks of charming arrondissements. You will need to take the metro or cabs to cover even the basic points of interest. Some key neighborhoods are the first arrondissement, the center of Paris and home to the Louvre and Palais Royal; the fabled Marais district, diverse and full of hip bars and boutiques; the Latin Quarter, which houses the Sorbonne; the upscale St. Germain, with its shops, galleries and cafes; the moneyed 7th arrondissement, site of the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d'Orsay; the street of Champs Elysee, with designer shopping and bustling businesspeople; Montparnasse and the Cite Universitaire, with its famous sites and happening restaurants; and the bohemian, village-like Montmartre.
- There are many types of events in Paris, France, from art openings to wine-tastings and festivals to theater. Some visitors start with a sightseeing tour, such as a dinner cruise on the Seine River or a guided walking tour. Must-see sights are the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Couer cathedral, Notre Dame cathedral (including the precarious climb to the top), the Bastille and Opera Garnier. Cabarets, nightclubs, jazz clubs, bars and cafes keep night owls satisfied.
- Art lovers can have a field day in Paris. The museums, such as the Musee du Quai Branly, Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Picasso Museum, Pompidou, Rodin Sculpture Garden, National Gallery, and Orangerie hold some of the world's famous paintings, from the "Mona Lisa" to Monet's "Little Haystacks." Invest in La Carte Musees et Monuments which gives you free entry to over 60 museums and monuments in Paris and its environs. The card also permits holders to enter the site without waiting in the queue. You can purchase these cards at the site, at major metro stations, and in the Paris Tourism Office.
- Foodies adore Paris for its tradition of rich cuisine incorporating fresh, seasonal produce. Gourmands recommend the following restaurants: Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee, Taillevent, Le Bristol, Le Cinq, Guy Savoy, Le Auberge Quincy, Pierre Gagnaire, Le Meurice, Hiramatsu, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Les Ambassadeurs, Pavillion Ledoyen, Les Orchidees and Le Grand Vefour.