Welcome to Paris!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
*Video Plays Once~Click 1X to Pause
About Paris
Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,175,601 residents as of 2018, in an area of more than 105 square kilometres (41 square miles). Since the 17th century, Paris has been one of Europe’s major centres of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, gastronomy, science, and arts. The City of Paris is the centre and seat of government of the region and province of Île-de-France, or Paris Region, which has an estimated population of 12,174,880, or about 18 percent of the population of France as of 2017. The Paris Region had a GDP of €709 billion ($808 billion) in 2017. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living Survey in 2018, Paris was the second most expensive city in the world, after Singapore.
Paris is especially known for its museums and architectural landmarks: the Louvre, The Musée d’Orsay, Musée Marmottan Monet and Musée de l’Orangerie and many more. The historical district along the Seine in the city centre has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991; popular landmarks there include the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, now closed for renovation after the 15 April 2019 fire. Other popular tourist sites include the Gothic royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, also on the Île de la Cité; the Eiffel Tower, constructed for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889; the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, built for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1900; the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées, and the hill of Montmartre with its artistic history and its Basilica of Sacré-Coeur. (Wikipedia: Paris)
A special thank you to Mikhail Proskalov for a incredibly beautiful and inspiring video. Every time we watch this video it gives us a chill. He makes you feel like you are right there! Mikhail is onen of the most talented travel videographers you will find. Click on the video link and subscribe to his channel for more amazing videos!
City Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
Rick Steves AUDIO Walking Tour is available on the app or where you can find podcasts. Not only does this audio tour give background and history, but walks you through the city step by step for adeeper look. Be sure to learn more by clicking the button below.
Visit the GPS My City website: for self-guided walks in Paris. This site also contains information on some of the best places to see. You can even read about and choose the sites to create your own custom map. The maps cover everything from historical landmarks to world-class museums, charming neighborhoods and shopping. You will also find many articles that are super helpful as you plan your trip.
“GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or Google Play to your mobile phone or tablet. Each walk comes with a detailed tour map as well as photos and background information for the featured attractions. It also works offline. Find out more by clicking Explore More below.
Eat Play & Stay
For some of our top recommendations and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, check out the slider below. We have vetted these based on past stays or future bucket list goals. There are many other choices that fit each style and taste, so be sure to click the additional links below to narrow down options on things to do, and where to eat & stay.
Feel free to click on the slider or the icon at the top right to stop the slide and the arrow to continue.
This special cafe has a deep history. It was founded in 1852. Famous diners like Hemmingway frequrented the restaurant. It is a little pricey but worth a lunch time meal or even coffee and pastry. Check out the reviews and click on the direct link in Tripadvisor below.
Brasseries are traditional Paris cafes with incredible food at affordable prices. Cafe Les Deux Magot is an iconic favorite. Can you imagine sitting outside with a glass of wine? Great menu selection and terrific reviews.
Jesse and Will from Topjaw rave about this wonderful restaurant in Paris. After reading the reviews, we can see why. The reviews are off the hook! They offer authentic French food at extremely reasonable prices. Be sure to click below for more information.
We always suggest finding a free walking tour when visiting a larger city. It is a great way to get acauainted with the history of the area and get to know the culture through the local guides. It is smart to do when you arrive so that you can modify the rest of your trip depending on what you find out. These guides rely on tips so the reviews are usually very good. This Free tour has a lot of flexibility and great reviews!
One of the best neighbothoods to visit is Ile de la Cité. You will see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle. Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture.
If you don't have a lot of time, it may be something to skip but even if you can spend a few hours, we truly think it is worth it. You truly coudl spend over a week and not see everything but if you know the exhibits ahead of time, you can narrow down where to spend time. Of course, one of the biggest draws is the Mona Lisa but don't be shocked when you see that the painting is only 30x20 inches. There are so many other exhibits that will make your trip worth it. Skip the Line Tickets are 17 Euros. It is advised to purchase ahead.
Paris can be an expensive city, so it is a great find when you can locate accomodation with a view. At night the Eiffel tower is magical! This hotel does offer a side view of the iconic landmark at an affordable price. There are some rooms with balconies as well.
When we stay in larger cities, we like to use our accumulated hotel points. We are big fans of Marriott and Hilton, and have used points all over the world to help the budget. In this case the Marriott Courtyard Gare de Lyon, has reasonalbe points (40K) with some rooms facing the Eiffel tower. Often times if you open a credit card with Marriott or Hilton they will add points as well. It is something to consider when planning.
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight
Top 10 Paris
We love this series by “With Locals” because they pick locals to show you the best of what the city has to offer and do it in an informative and entertaining way. Check out other videos and tours with locals.
Attache~Paris Guide
Attache is a terrific Youtube Travel Series that helps you get in and around a new city. These videos helped us before our trip to London and Rome. To view others click Explore More.
Vaga Brothers
Vaga Brothers always find the gems in a city that are away from tourists. Take a look at this video and click Explore More for other inspiring videos from France and all over the world.
Join Us in France
Before You Go
Host Annie Sargent will draw you in immediately! She truly is the best resource while you plan. For other amazing podcasts visit your favorite podcast platform “Join Us in France”!
More on Paris...
Paris Travel Guide
Paris can be intimidating because of its size. This Guide by Must Do Travel will help you understand the layout of the city and history. Be sure to click Explore More for the Official Travel site of Paris.
Jesse and Will from Topjaw always know how to find the best-hidden gems in the city. They give tips on the best cocktail bars in town. It is their mission to find the best places to eat, drink and do. Since Paris is known for food, you will see an entire section below but we wanted them to get things started with inspiration for your next trip! Also click below for other great videos on Paris, including some of the best bakeries in town.
Join Us in France
First Time
Host Annie Sargent spends time with a guest that visited France for the first time. Annie helped plan the couple’s itinerary so there are some great tips here! Without a doubt, Annie delivers the best information before planning your trip to France.
More on Paris...the Food!
Epic Paris Food Tour
You may have seen James Blick on our Spain pages as he is an expert in finding the most authentic restaurants in town. We have met and just love he and his wife! Check out his youtube channel and click Explore More for tour info.
Travel with Locals
We love this series because they pick locals to show you the best of what the city has to offer and do it in an informative and entertaining way. Check out their other helpful videos below.
Mark Felice finds some of the best “off the beaten path” places to eat in Paris. Mark knows his food, so it is worth a look! also check out his other videos on Paris.
Euro Trotter
This is another take on the amazing food options in Paris. Mark Felice is entertaining and informative. Take a look at this video and his many other food excursions through Europe.
Join Us in France
Cafe Culture
Annie, our favorite French podcaster, shares the cafe culture of France. This is super helpful when you visit cafes and restaurants in Paris.
Off the Beaten Path
Day Trips from Paris
If you can budget it, we always recommend finding at least one private tour with a local to get to know the area on a deeper level. We have made friends over the years when we did this. It can be life changing. Check out the link below for some great nearby tours.
Rick Steves is a staple for all things Europe. This video takes you on some great side trips from Paris. Click Explore More for an extensive travel guide full of podcasts, videos and articles.
Virtual Walking Tour ~ Paris
by Silent Walker
