ARCHITECTURE - HISTORY - GASTRONOMY - THEATRE - SHOPPING
In short
There is so much to say about Paris, the City of Lights. Its history goes back to the Ancient times, and you will discover traces of Paris evolution all around the city.
There is a wide amount of cultural events. Among the main and most regular events, remember the Salon de l’Agriculture (“International Agricultural Show”), at the end of February, the Salon du Livre (“Book Fair”) in March, the Foire de Paris (“Paris Fair”) at the end of April and the beginning of May, the Marathon de Paris (“Paris Marathon”) in April, July 14th march and the Biennale d’Art de Paris (“Paris Art Biennale”).
You couldn’t count all Parisian monuments even if you tried: there are so many! The most famous are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Some are less renowned, like the Arènes de Lutèce, the Expiatory Chapel and the Wall of Love (the “Mur des Je t’aime”).
Paris is a city of culture, and it is filled with museums. Everyone knows the Louvre and its galleries, and Orsay Museum with its impressionist collections. Don’t forget to visit the Centre Pompidou, which displays contemporary art collections, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in La Villette, and the Grand Palais. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Opéra Garnier and admire its impressive architecture.
Climate
Paris has a modified oceanic climate which is composed of quite warm summers and mild winters. Every season can be potentially rainy but it happens rarely. Average temperatures are 5°C in January and 19°C in July.
Our best tips
Take a pair of good shoes; Paris is a big city and the best way to discover it is by foot!
Plan a rather important period of time, since there are a lot of things to do in Paris (schedule at least three days).
May and June are generally the best months to plan a sunny visit of the city. In summer, it can be hot (too hot sometimes) and there are a lot of tourists.
The South of Paris (13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th districts) doesn’t have many major touristic sites, but the hotels are cheaper than in other districts.
Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles are only one hour away from Paris. If you have enough time on your hands, they are worth the trip!
Average prices for hotels
Low budget: 62€ per night in low season and 75€ per night in high season.
Mid-range: 112€ per night in low season and 116€ in high season.
Luxury: 360€ per night in low season and 463€ in high season.
Recommended areas for your hotel
You’ll find lots of hotels in every area of Paris… There are more than 6000 Parisian hotels!
The area of Montmartre, which dominates the city and is at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, is very nice and pleasant.
The Seine River banks are outstanding, especially those which face Notre-Dame.
The Latin Quarter is one of the most popular, and rightly so!
