Paris, the city of light, is a destination of choice, whether for a short or long stay. It is one of the few cities in the world to offer so many monuments, museums and sites in such a small area. The banks of the Seine are classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Paris also has its trends which vary according to those who make and break the fashion. At the moment, crafts are making a comeback, breakfast outside the home is very popular, food street is a hit, beer and coffee are the top drinks, neo-bistros are on the rise and pop-up stores are welcoming designers looking for customers. Visiting Paris is a journey as intense as it is rich in activities, monuments and events. Once you've seen the must-sees, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées, theArc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais, the banks of the Seine, the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Gardens, the bateaux-mouches, Luxembourg, Montmartre and the Place du Tertre, you'll be able to discover the best addresses in the Latin Quarter, the Marais or the Place des Vosges, to dance in the new alternative places of the capital aroundOberkampf, Jaurès, République, to go off the beaten track by trying less touristy and more immersive experiences, to shop in the finest grocery stores and to build up your dream library in the most specialized bookshops. A travel guide to Paris will help you navigate the constant supply and innovation.

What to see, what to do Paris?

When to go Paris ?

When to go? It goes without saying that Paris is alive all year round, but if you're aiming for a particular activity or event, you'll need to choose your time of year. Here are some tips on when to visit Paris.

High tourist season: from May to September, tourists flock in great numbers. This is when the weather is the best and many festivals and events take place, such as Roland Garros or the Fête de la Musique. Note that in August, Parisians desert the city to go on vacation, which gives a strange atmosphere. Many shops are closed and only the tourist centers are animated. The Christmas period is also very popular, especially for the illuminations and the animated windows of the department stores.

Mid-season: in October-November and from March to April, tourism slows down slightly, but not the number of visitors. Indeed, Paris is a dense city and there are almost always people in the transport and in the attractions.

Low tourist season: there is not really one, except in January and February, when hotel rates drop slightly. Paris attracts tourists all the time!

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Discover Paris

You'll find everything you need in this part of your guide! Whether you're here for the first time in your life, a regular visitor, or even a local, perhaps, in all modesty, you could learn even more about Paris and its surroundings. In order, you'll discover (or rediscover) the geographical and historical aspects of the area - with the historical section taking you from antiquity to the present day. Want to know more about architecture, fine arts, sports, gastronomy or culture? The pages you'll be browsing successively evoke these key points of the capital region's identity! Finally, if you're short of ideas on what to bring back from the City of Light, for yourself or your loved ones, you'll find a few duly referenced ideas, from the most iconic to the most surprising. Happy reading!

Pictures and images Paris

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. frlegros - Shutterstock.com
Le Pont Mirabeau. mshch - iStockphoto.com
Jardin du Luxembourg. Ekaterina Pokrovsky / Shutterstock.com
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Christian Mueller - iStockphoto.com

The 12 keywords Paris

1. 5 hours..

... Paris awakens! If Dutronc's lyrics haven't aged a day, it's because his description of them remains true: at this hour, the atmosphere is unique, with revelers heading home, sweepers starting their day and commuters in the stations. Every early riser must stroll through Paris at this hour.

2. Love

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A romantic city par excellence, the capital of love for the most enthusiastic, the city has no shortage of magical places to celebrate love, from the quays of the Seine to small restaurants, for a weekend, a week or more. A city of today's lovers, it can also be a city of tomorrow's lovers: it's easy to meet people.

3. Budget

It's true: life in and around Paris is a little (a lot, for some) more expensive than elsewhere in the provinces. Housing, food, restaurants: the budget can indeed jump compared to the rest of France. Fortunately, we've got the solution: the multitude of good deals you'll find in this guide. Keep your eyes peeled!

4. Capital

Because Paris is the capital! A world metropolis, it has benefited from French centralization. Disadvantage: the rest of the country doesn't have a city this big. Advantage: in France, it's here that (almost) everything happens, and this edition of the Petit Futé should, once again, help you discover its secrets.

5. Party

Paris is a party! It's a phrase that's been bandied about for centuries. Let's face it: Paris is not just one big party! From the "guinguettes" on the banks of the Marne to the dance halls on the banks of the Seine on sunny days, not forgetting the countless clubs in the city... it's hard not to find something to do.

6. Metro

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Iconic here, the metro is part of the local landscape: the 16 lines that criss-cross the capital and its inner suburbs have given rise to some typically Parisian expressions: "on se retrouve sur le quai de la 1", "le dernier métro"... Whether it's overhead or underground, whether its trains are new or date back to the 60s, its charm is intact.

7. Mode

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Everywhere in the world, when people say "fashion capital", they think of Paris! Of course, the capital is the place of inspiration par excellence, with the greatest concentration of designers, but also - and for many - the greatest concentration of shops. Department stores, ateliers, showrooms: there's no shortage of them here!

8. Museum

From the smallest to the largest, whether they concern painters, sculptors, particular periods or historical events, there are hundreds of museums: you'll find a selection validated by us here. But don't forget to plan ahead, for example, by buying tickets in advance!

9. Nature

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Get off the beaten track, take the RER to the terminus, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city: Paris and the surrounding region also offer this possibility! The Fontainebleau forest, the Cergy leisure park, the Château de Versailles or the Val de Bièvre green corridor: dozens of natural areas are just a few minutes away.

10. Sociability

It's said that Parisians aren't sociable: the bustle of life here can indeed give that impression. But that's also ignoring the hundreds of associations, sports and arts clubs and initiatives that exist all over the city. What's more, the city's festive life offers countless opportunities for a good time!

11. Sport

It's been said: 2024 will be the year of sport par excellence here. Because in addition to the usual competitions, the Olympic and Paralympic Games will of course bring all the world's cameras to Paris. But on a daily basis, Paris is home to thousands of clubs, competitions and associations that give you a thousand possibilities.

12. Street-art

It's contemporary art par excellence: street art, which first appeared in the 80s, has acquired its letters of nobility over the last decade, much to the delight of enthusiasts. Vitry-sur-Seine, Cergy and Paris's 13th arrondissement, for example, are brimming with these works.

You are from here, if...

You name the metro lines by their numbers, which you know by heart!

You brunch at least every other Sunday.

You recommend a small organic caterer to all your friends.

You can happily pay €10 for a pint of beer on the terrace.

You've learned to optimize a living space of just 20m2.

Part of your wardrobe comes directly from thrift shops and small local boutiques.

You never climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

You're the city's scooter and bike pro.

You're the kings and queens ofafterwork.

You know all the restaurants that close at 5am.

You know the best happy hours in your neighborhood!

You have your favorite museums and know their opening hours by heart.

You don't hesitate to help a lost tourist (contrary to popular belief!).

Card Paris

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