Paris, France – Destination Guide
Paris is one of the world’s most iconic cities, beloved for its romantic ambiance, elegant boulevards, timeless landmarks, and rich culture. From sipping espresso at a charming café to standing beneath the glittering Eiffel Tower, Paris delights at every turn. A dream destination for group trips, it offers a beautiful balance of art, fashion, gastronomy, and history. Whether you’re meandering through Montmartre, exploring world-famous museums, or tasting your way through local markets, Paris invites you to slow down and savor la vie parisienne.
📍 Key Areas of Paris
Right Bank
- Le Marais: Trendy boutiques, art galleries, and Jewish heritage
- Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe: High-end shopping and iconic views
- Louvre & Palais Royal: Cultural and artistic heart of Paris
Left Bank
- Latin Quarter: Student vibes, bookshops, and Roman ruins
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Intellectual café culture and jazz history
- Eiffel Tower & Invalides: Monument-lined avenues and museums
Montmartre
- Bohemian hilltop district, home to Sacré-Cœur and panoramic views
Île de la Cité
- Historic island at the heart of Paris, with Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
✨ Highlights
- Eiffel Tower, day and night
- Louvre Museum and Mona Lisa
- Charming cafés and patisseries
- Cruise on the Seine River
- Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
- Sunset from Sacré-Cœur
- Luxury shopping in Le Marais or Saint-Honoré
- Famous flea markets and vintage stores
- Day trips to Versailles or Disneyland Paris
🏃♀️ Activities
- Wine tasting or French cooking classes
- Art walks and museum tours
- Seine river cruise by boat or batobus
- Vintage shopping and local markets
- Picnicking in Luxembourg Gardens
- Exploring secret passageways (passages couverts)
- Photoshoots at iconic landmarks
- Guided bike tours of the city
✈️ Arrival & Transportation
- Airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY)
- Train: Eurostar (from London), Thalys (from Amsterdam/Brussels)
- Local transport: Metro (extensive), buses, trams, and walk-friendly neighborhoods
- Transit tip: Consider a Navigo Easy Pass or Paris Visite Pass for unlimited rides
📊 Practical Info
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Cards vs Cash: Cards accepted almost everywhere, but small cash helpful in markets
- Language: French (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Tipping: Service included in restaurants, but rounding up is appreciated
- Power: Type C and E plugs, 230V
- SIM/eSIM: Affordable prepaid SIMs from Orange, SFR, or Bouygues. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.
👜 Packing List (Seasonal Summary)
Spring (Mar–May):
- Light layers, umbrella, trench coat, comfortable shoes
Summer (Jun–Aug):
- Breathable clothes, sunglasses, hat, dressy outfit for dinners
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
- Layers, scarf, stylish coat, closed-toe shoes
Winter (Dec–Feb):
- Warm coat, gloves, beanie, boots, thermal layers
🛍️ Visa & Entry
- Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days for travelers from many countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)
- Schengen visa: Required for travelers from some countries
- Visa info: Check eligibility at France Visas
🍽️ Cuisine
Paris is a culinary playground. From croissants to coq au vin, French food in the capital ranges from cozy bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Must-try foods:
- Croissants and pain au chocolat
- Crêpes from a street stand
- Steak-frites at a brasserie
- Escargot or duck confit
- Cheese & charcuterie platters
- Crème brûlée, macarons, and tarte Tatin
- Local wine, champagne, and apéritifs
🌟 Why Visit?
Paris is always a good idea. Whether you’re chasing art, architecture, food, or fashion, the City of Light has something unforgettable in store for every traveler. It’s the perfect base for a group trip full of shared moments, fine dining, and inspiring culture. So pack your bags, brush up on your bonjours, and get ready to fall in love with Paris.
