25 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

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Reflecting on the waters of the Seine across from the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée d'Orsay occupies the former Orsay railway station built for the famous 1900 World Exhibition. The magnificent Art nouveau building, a work of art in and of itself, is the home of the national art collection of France.

It displays the work of some of the most important masters from the art nouveau, impressionist and post-impressionist movements from the 1840s to approximately 1914. Stroll through the rich, subtly lit galleries and see the masterpieces such as Manet’s beautiful On The Beach, Monet’s famous Gardens at Giverny, Cézanne’s lovely Card Players, Renoir’s magnificent Ball at the Moulin de la Galette, several paintings of ballerinas by Degas, and so much more.

Musee d’ Orsay, 62, rue de Lille, Paris, France, Phone: +33 (0)1 40 49 48 14

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Nothing can prepare you for the magic of the Eiffel Tower. Wherever in Paris you are sure to catch the glimpse of Gustave Eiffel’s 324-meter tower built for the 1889 World Exposition, and it will take your breath away. Admiring the tower from the green field that surrounds it is a truly spectacular experience.

You can climb to its first and second floors to get a magnificent view of Paris and spot some of the famous landmarks during the day, or you can see it lit up at night in all its glory. Take a lift to the transparent floor at the top and get a birds-eye view of Paris from the open or closed gallery.

Take a glass of champagne from a little bar high up in the sky or have a gourmet lunch or dinner in one of the two upscale restaurants with the city spread out at your feet. Visit one of the several galleries to learn more about the construction of the tower, its history, the lore, and the buildings around it. The Eiffel Tower is one of the best romantic things to do in Paris.

5, avenue Anatole France – Champ de Mars, Paris, France, Phone: +33 892 70 12 39

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Visiting the Louvre is on everyone’s bucket list; it is an experience that stays with you the rest of your life. Built in 1190 as a fortress, the magnificent Baroque palace was renovated in the 16th century and converted into a royal palace.

Today, it hosts hundreds of thousands of pieces of art by the most important artists of all times, and it is one of the largest museums in the world. At any given time, there are 35,000 works of art on display. The museum is divided into eight distinct departments, and they have everything from Near Eastern and Egyptian antiquities to paintings, prints and drawings.

To help you navigate the enormous museum, download an app for your smart phone or take one of the guided tours to get more in-depth information about the museum's artworks. The popular Masterpieces Tour will take you to see the most important works and locations in the Louvre, including the Mona Lisa, the Apollo Sauroctonus, and the Venus de Milo.

Musée du Louvre, Paris, France, Phone: +33 (0)1 40 20 53 17

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Montmartre is a hill and a historic district in the 18th Arrondissement in Paris on the right bank, or Rive Droite, of the River Seine. Montmartre is known for its fabulous views of the city from the top of the hill and also for its famous Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. The other older church in the district is called Saint Pierre de Montmartre.

This district became famous during the Belle Epoque era at the beginning of the 20th century because it was the place where many painters established their studios. These artists included Dali, Modigliani, Mondrian, Monet, Picasso, Pissarro, van Gogh, and many others. Montmartre is also the home of the world famous Moulin Rouge.

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Located in the Sixth Arrondissement of Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens are a well-known and popular garden between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the 25-acre Luxembourg Gardens were created in 1612 by Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France, as a part of her new residence, the Luxembourg Palace.

Today, the French Senate makes use of the palace, and visitors enjoy going to the park because of its flowerbeds, tree-lined promenades, the beautiful 1620 Medici Fountain, and much more. It is divided into an English Garden and French Garden with a forest and large pond between the two areas.

Sixth Arrondissement of Paris, Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 42 34 23 62

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The River Seine is one of the most famous rivers in the world. It flows from northwest France near Dijon through Paris on its 482-mile (776 km) route to the English Channel; it is a very important commercial waterway. Within Paris, there are 37 bridges that cross the Seine, and the Pont Alexandre III is one of these.

Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, it is one of Paris’ most iconic bridges with its high pylons topped with gilt bronze statues of winged horses. One of the most popular activities for visitors to do in Paris is to take a river cruise that will allow them to see important historical sights like the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Louvre.

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Le Marais is an area of Paris on the right bank, or Rive Droite, of the River Seine near the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Ile de la Cité. For many years, it has been the historic and aristocratic district of Paris, and so there are many spectacular and significant structures in Le Marais.

Le Marais means “marshland” in French; the area was drained in the 12th century and has been inhabited ever since. Because of its long history and important buildings, it is one of the most popular areas to visit in Paris. But there’s more to Le Marais than just buildings; it is a trendy area with many clubs, restaurants, shops, and more.

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Located on Place Charles de Gaulle on the right bank of the River Seine, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most iconic monuments. Designed in 1806, the monument was not completed until nearly 30 years later. Inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus, it stands at the western end of the famous Champs-Elysees and honors those who fought and died for France during several wars.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I lies under the monument’s vault, and a Memorial Flame burns here. Many bas-reliefs by famous artists decorate the monument, and the most famous is “La Marseillaise” sculpted by Francois Rude.

Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 55 37 73 77

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Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a well-known area in the Sixth Arrondissement of Paris on the left back, or Rive Gauche, of the River Seine. It began as a small village centered around the church of the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, which was consecrated in 558 AD. It is home to numerous famous cafes including the Cafe de Flore and Les Deus Magots.

It is also the area typically associated with post-World War II actors, intellectuals, musicians, philosophers, and writers like Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Francois Truffaut, and especially the existentialist movement of the 20th century.

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Located in the River Seine, the Ile de la Cité is considered by many to be the center and the heart of Paris. It is one of two natural islands in the river, the second being the Ile Saint-Louis. The island has a long history: Roman ruins are located on the island and it remained an important defensive place during the Middle Ages.

A palace has been in place on the western end of the island since Merovingian times during the 5th century, and the eastern end of the island has been the location of a place of worship for an equal amount of time. The popular island is the home of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Sainte-Chapelle, and more.

© Bachaumont Hotel

The Bachaumont Hotel is a sophisticated, art deco-inspired hotel in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris and just a short walk away from the famous Musée du Louvre. The stylish hotel features beautifully appointed and individually decorated rooms with period décor and antique furnishings, grand en suite bathrooms, wood and marble writing desks, and modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions, mini fridges, and complimentary wireless Internet. Luxury suites have bathrooms with free-standing soaking tubs, separate living rooms, wet bars, Nespresso machines, and private balconies with stunning city views. A gourmet breakfast buffet is served in an architecturally inspiring restaurant with a soaring glass ceiling, and a retro-chic bar hosts regular live music in the evenings.

18 Rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris, France, Phone: +33-1-81-66-47-00

© Maison Souquet

Located in the artistic Montmartre district, Hôtel Maison Souquet is set in an exclusive neoclassical Parisian townhouse and decorated in a Belle Époque theme. Just steps from Moulin Rouge in the trendy Pigalle area, the ultrachic hotel was designed by Jacques Garcia and features a blend of exotic and Second Empire–style furnishings, bespoke linens and designer toiletries, smart TVs and minibars, and complimentary wireless Internet. In-room massages, butlers, and 24-hour room service are available, and an elegant lounge boasts a fully stocked library, an ornate fireplace, and a stylish bar that serves light meals. Other amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a Turkish hammam and treatment room, and a pretty courtyard. Hôtel Maison Souquet is a short walk from the Moulin Rouge and the Musée du Louvre.

10 Rue de Bruxelles, 75009 Paris, France, Phone: +33-1-48-78-55-55

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Paris Perfect is a travel design company dedicated to introducing to their clients the secret of fine Parisian living. Their team of experts offers their clients a database of carefully selected, hand-picked Paris vacation apartment rentals to choose from. But, their effort of making a trip to Paris just perfect does not stop there. They also organize a range of tours in order to let you make the most of the Paris experience. The tours cover art, history, culture, and much more. There is something for everyone: Gourmet experiences tours and cooking classes for food enthusiasts, walking tours that explore famous and less-known alleys and secret corners of Paris, romantic tours in the most romantic city in the world, Seine River cruises under magical Parisian bridges, and much more. No need to wait in line or spend hours going through your guidebook, just let the Paris Perfect experts share with you their knowledge of and love for this beautiful city. Phone: 888-520-2087

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Theatre In Paris breaks down foreign language barriers for international Parisian theater tourists, offering no-hassle booking for musicals, comedies, classics, and operas presented in English at the city's top playhouses. The unique concept company was founded in 2014 and has served tourists from more than 60 English-speaking countries around the world. It provides information for all current productions presented in English, with an English-speaking service team available to assist patrons every step of the way, from ticket booking to the evening of the show. Select shows presented in French also offer easy-to-read English subtitles secured by the company. An English-speaking customer service hotline is available on weekdays. Phone: +33 1 85 08 66 89

© Une Glace a Paris

Une Glace à Paris is the vision of World Pastry Champion Emmanuel Ryon and business partner Olivier Ménard, crafting high-quality ice cream and ice cream-based pastries at their Le Marais shop since 2015. The ice cream parlor is known for its handmade ice cream flavors, which are prepared with top-quality milk, cream, eggs, and internationally-sourced flavor ingredients. Specialty ice cream flavors served up throughout the year include caramel croquant parisien, Cafe d'Ethiopie, crème glacée châtaigne, paired with traditional favorites such as Tanzanian chocolate and Madagascar vanilla. Delectable sorbet flavors are also offered, including fromage blanc, framboise, orange carrot ginger, and pamplemousse.

15 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 49 96 98 33

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There is no wrong way to explore Paris, but a quiet evening on board the elegant Don Juan II as it floats down the River Seine is certainly unique. The Don Juan II was designed to combine opulence with the elegance of an authentic yacht. Its new decor in an art deco style, designed in collaboration with renowned Pierre Frey, brings to life the golden age of luxury transatlantic ocean liners. The cruise includes a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Guy Krenzer, who unveils unique flavors with a touch of extravagance in an inspired unique cuisine that reinterprets the “Palace” spirit. As you enjoy your superb meal and great wines, you will be taken past some of the most iconic Paris structures and attractions, creating a truly unique experience.

Port Henri IV, Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 44 54 14 71

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Learning about French wine will take you a long way towards understanding French people and their culture. Wine pays an important role in the way the French enjoy their meals, socialize, and relax.

Wine Tasting in Paris offers a two and a half hour-long crash course of French wine appreciation. Their tasting room is located in a tiny old house on a narrow cobblestoned street in the heart of the Latin Quarter. An experienced oenologist will greet you and then take you on a virtual tour of the most important wine regions in France, from Burgundy to Champagne and from Cote du Rhone to Bordeaux.

You will learn how to select the right wine in a restaurant, how to appreciate a high quality wine, how wines are made, the major differences between wines, and so much more. Order a plate of cheese of charcuterie to complete your culinary French experience.

14 rue des Boulangers, Paris, France, Phone: +33(0) 676 933 288

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The Jardin des Tuileries, or the Tuileries Garden, is a public garden on Rue de Rivoli between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum in the First Arrondissement of Paris. It was created by Catherine de Medici in 1564 as the garden for her Tuileries Palace. Later, in 1667, it was opened to the public, and it became a public park after the French Revolution.

For several hundred years, especially during the 19th and 20th century, it was a popular place for Parisians to meet, relax, and walk. Features of the garden include numerous sculptures, two ponds, the Musee de l’Orangerie, labyrinths, and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.

© Cook'n With Class

A big part of visiting Paris is eating your way through the colorful markets, charming bakeries, and adorable sidewalk bistros. The French know how to enjoy food, and they certainly know how to cook. So why not take the opportunity to learn to cook some of the delicious goodies you have been enjoying in Paris and recreate the experience when you get back home?

Cook’n With Class offers a range of classes that cover topics from making baguettes and croissants to baking macarons or cakes. You can also opt to learn more about cheeses and pairing cheese with wine, or you can discover the best shopping practices for finding the right ingredients before turning them into a delicious 4-course meal. The school, run by Chef Eric Fraudeau, is state of the art, but it is located in a typical charming Parisian space in colorful, artistic Montmartre.

6 rue Baudelique, Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 42 57 22 84

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There is so much to see in Paris and never enough time to see it all. The best way to take in as much as possible is by walking through narrow cobblestone streets, the various parks and cemeteries, and the many quarters.

And if you take one of the Sight Seeker's Delight Unique Walking Tours, you will not only visit some of the most important spots in Paris, but you will also learn about the attractions’ history and anecdotes, walk through secret passages, and discover much about this fascinating old city. All tours are walking and take from two and half to four hours.

There is also a limo tour if you have very little time and just want to see everything in one sweep. Choose to stroll along the Seine, visit Montmartre or the Jewish quarter Marais, take a night attraction tour, visit the famous Pere Lachaise Cemetery, or indulge in a food tour. The guides are knowledgeable and speak excellent English, so ask away.

© Pictours Paris

Pictours Parisoffers visitors to Paris much better souvenirs of the City of Light than what you would get from your selfies. Professional photographer Lindsey Kent and her husband Justin, originally from Colorado, offer to take you to the most romantic spots in Paris and take beautiful, memorable photos of you and your travel companions.

It is a great opportunity to have life-long memories of your trip preserved in photographs, whether you are there on your honeymoon, just got engaged, or are travelling alone and would like to have high quality photo to send to your friends at home. The Kents also offer a combination of a photo session and gourmet picnic, as Justin is a professional, Paris-trained chef.

5 rue Joseph Granier, Paris, France, Phone: +33 6 42 47 42 48

© La Fromagerie Beaufils

La Fromagerie Beaufils is a gourmet Parisian cheese shop along the Rue de Belleville, selling one of the city's best selections of fine French cheeses, including goat, sheep, and cow cheese varieties that are matured within the shop's own cellars. Foreign cheeses are also sold, including Dutch, Swiss, Greek, Spanish, Italian, British, and American varieties. Visitors can choose from high-quality cheeses like Stilton, Montgomery's Cheddar, Camembert, and Oregon Rogue River Blue cheese, paired with upmarket butters and yogurts from around the world. A selection of wine, beer, and grocery items is also sold, along with cheese accompaniments such as chutney, marmalade, and crackers.

118 Rue de Belleville, 75020 Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 46 36 61 71

© Paname Brewing Company

Paname Brewing Company is a hip craft brewing company opened in 2015 along the banks of Paris' splendid Bassin de la Villette, open to the public seven days a week. The company strives to craft approachable artisanal brews for beer novices and connoisseurs alike, offering indoor brewery, glass veranda, and outdoor terrace seating on a gorgeous floating patio. Excellent brews offered throughout the year include the company's Le Barge du Canal Blonde Ale, L'Oeil de Biche Pale Ale, Un Singe en Hiver pre-Prohibition-style lager, Casque d'Or Saison, and Bête Noir Black IPA. A full slate of seasonal and experimental brews are also released throughout the year, highlighting fruit flavors and imperial styles. Guests can enjoy delicious street food at the brewery's restaurant, including artisanal pizzas and shareable charcuterie platters.

41 bis Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 40 36 43 55

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Why not end your day of exploring Paris with a more relaxed but no less exciting tour: let Calife Dinner and Cruise show you the city from the deck of the renovated super luxurious steam boat Kromhout built in 1939. As you slowly float under the famous Paris bridges and admire the historic buildings that are hundreds of years old, you will enjoy the opulent décor and indulge in Chef Dadi’s famous cocktails and cuisine.

Choose between classic French dishes or exotic dishes from all over the world. If you think Paris is magical during the day, you will be mesmerized by its charm as the lamps light up the banks of the City of Light.

+33 1 43 54 50 04

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The Avenue de Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous and one of the most beautiful avenues in the world. It is located in the Eighth Arrondissement of Paris and runs for 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from the Obelisk of Luxor at Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe at the Place Charles de Gaulle.

The avenue is known for its cafes, restaurants, theaters, and upscale boutiques and shops, and for the military parade held each year on July 14 to celebrate Bastille Day. Champs is French for “fields” and Élysées refers to the paradise for dead heroes in Greek mythology. The avenue was also the scene of victory parades to celebrate the end of World War II.