Paris & Around
Paris and Parisians are exactly as one imagines, beautiful, refined and romantic. With its many grand boulevards, romantic bridges stretching along the River Seine, chic designer shops, postcard perfect cafes and world class culture it makes sense why the City of Light is the second most visited city in all of Europe. There is something for every traveler in the French capital city. Art and history lovers will find some of the best museums in the world. Numerous chef inspired restaurants, cafe culture and a bakery on every corner for foodies. And plenty of kid friendly sites and activities for traveling families. The sheer beauty of its architecture and iconic landmarks make Paris a MUST DO! Its central location also makes Paris a great starting or ending point for any European adventure.
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, the twenty arrondissements or districts are arranged in the form of a clockwise spiral often likened to a snail shell. Getting familiar with this system can be of great benefit when navigating the city, the arrondissement of a location (ie. 5 Arr.) is often referenced and will give you a mental image of where things are in relationship to others. Also you will know if something is located on the left bank “La Rive Gauche” or the south bank, versus right bank “La Rive Droite” or north bank of the River Seine.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Paris & Around
This tour starts at The Cluny Museum and ends at the mother of all museums The Louvre, taking you through the heart of Paris and along the River Seine. Each stop is about 15-30 min apart by foot and takes you to some of the most famous sites in Paris. In total this walking tour will take a full day. If you would like to make it a shorter tour, save the Louvre for another day, in that case Cluny Museum to Sainte-Chapelle should take about 4 hours.
Cluny Museum
Cluny Museum is located in the 5th arrondissement, very near to the third century Gallo-Roman baths. This Gothic and Renaissance building was once used as a grand hotel and prior to that, a medieval mansion. The spacious museum houses one of the most expansive Medieval art collections in France. The museum is best known for their antique ivory and tapestry collection.
Website:https://www.musee-moyenage.fr/visiter/english.html
Open every day except Tuesdays, from 9:15 am to 5:45 pm.
Ticket office closes at 17:15pm.
Closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.
Admission: Free under 18. €5 outside of exhibition times. €9 during exhibition times.
Address: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris, France
Île de la Cité
This tiny island is literally the center of Paris. The Île (Island) de la Cité is one of the oldest settlements in Paris and one of the two remaining islands located on the River Siene. Take your time and walk these quaint streets filled with endless French cafes and personality-filled shops. Most visitors don’t realize the landmarks Notre Dame de Paris and Sainte-Chapelle are not only located on an island, but also where the Medieval city of Paris was founded!
Notre Dame de Paris
Completed in 1345, this breathtaking Catholic cathedral fulfills everything you could ever imagine French Gothic European architecture could be. Not only is the outside absolutely stunning and the perfect photo-op, a journey inside is equally magical. Take a stroll through this vast cathedral and listen to the sweet sounds of the age-old organ. Be sure not to miss the circular rose windows located throughout the cathedral, all dating back to 1220. This visit will truly transport you back to fourteenth century Paris!
Website: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/
Open every day of the year from 7:45am to 6:45pm. Open until 7:15pm Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is free.
No luggage is allowed inside the cathedral. Proper clothing covering knees and shoulders is necessary while visiting.
Mass times are frequent throughout the day. Check http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/evenements/ for a list of times.
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Sainte-Chapelle
The next stop on the walking tour will also be on the Île de la Cité near the Notre Dame. Sainte-Chapelle has some of the most gorgeous stained glass in all of Europe, all dated to the 13th century. Constructed by Luis IX in 1248, the chapel was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. This is a true show stopper and a brilliant example of French Gothic architecture.
Website: http://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en/
Open daily 9am to 5pm. April 1st– September 30th open 9aam to 7pm.
Closed December 25 and January 1.
Admission: €10
Address: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
The Louvre
The museums of all museums, you will not want to miss this. If you are in Europe for the history and/or art, you may want to save this beast for a day to itself. If a quick stop will do it for you, include it in the walking tour. This museum is huge and a little difficult to navigate. Take some time and get lost in the history. An audio tour is highly recommended. The Louvre has over 38,000 objects located in 782,910 square feet of winding halls. The massive building was once a palace housed by various French Kings. History inside of history, a true dream.
Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en
Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday open 9am- 6pm. Wednesday and Friday 9am- 9:45pm.
Closed Tuesday.
Admission: €17 online. €15 at museum. Buy tickets ahead of time to avoid lines.
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Paris Museums
With so many great museums to choose from, making good use of your time is important.
TIP…plan your day by choosing museums that are near each other to maximize your time.
The Picasso Museum and Pompidou Center -10 min. walk
The Rodin Museum and Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb – 5 min. walk
Missing from this list is The Carnavalet Museum due to its closure for renovation through the end of 2019.
Note: there are countless museums in Paris, this is a rundown of our favorites
Orsay Museum
This museum is housed in the gorgeous Gare d’Orsay, once a Beaux-Arts railway station built in the late 1800s. The Orsay Museum is famous for holding a vast French art collection dating from 1948 to 1914. You will find paintings from Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh amongst many more artists. The restaurant at the museum is a perfect place for dinner, just be sure to make reservations.
Website: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html
Admission: Free first Sunday of every month. Free 18 and under. €14 for general admission.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Orangerie Museum
This museum is the home to eight large Water Lilies murals done by Claude Monet. You will also find famous paintings done by Picasso, Renoir, Rousseau, Matisse and many more. The Orangerie is tucked away in the west corner of the gorgeous Tuileries Gardens. Interestingly, the building was constructed in 1852 for a winter shelter for the orange trees brought into the Tuileries Gardens.
Website: https://www.musee-orangerie.fr/en
Admission: Free 18 and under. €9 for general admission.
Open 9am-6pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Address: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France
Rodin Museum
This museum is dedicated to the famous Auguste Rodin, housing his sculpture work. The museum also includes a fabulous garden to stroll through and see the sculptures in a natural setting. Be sure not to miss the charming garden café while visiting.
Website: http://www.musee-rodin.fr/en/musee-rodin
Admission: Free 18 and under. €12 general admission.
Open 10am-5:45pm. Closed Mondays.
Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Jacquemart-André Museum
The Jacquemart-André Museum is an absolute “must” while in Paris. The museum is slightly less known, but nonetheless beautiful. This gallery was created from the private home of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart to showcase their art collection and Jacquemart’s paintings. This museum stop also has a lovely indoor/outdoor café, making for a great lunch stop or even a quick tea and cake. The café does not take reservations for Sunday brunch.
Website: https://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en
Admission: Free 7 and under. €16 general admission. Check website for family fare discounts.
Open 10am- 6pm. Open until 8:30pm on Mondays during exhibitions.
Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
Picasso Museum
If you are a Picasso fan, you will not want to miss this quirky museum. The Picasso Museum houses over 5,000 works from the famous Spanish artist. Here you will find paintings, sculptures, personal papers and notebooks. This museum does a great job at showing a true glimpse into Picasso’s creative mind while creating his masterpieces. If you are lucky enough to visit on a nice day, be sure to visit the stunning rooftop café for lunch or coffee.
Website: http://www.museepicassoparis.fr/en/
Admission: Free under 18. €14 for general admission. You can book tickets ahead of time on the website and skip the line.
Open Tuesday-Friday 10:30am-6pm. Saturday and Sunday 9:30am-6pm.
Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France
Pompidou Center
If you are traveling with kids, definitely add this museum to your list! Here you will find one of the largest modern art collections in Paris. There are a ton of different expos done at the Pompidou Center, be sure to check the website to see if there is one while you are in town.
Website: https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en
Admission: Free under 18. €14 general admission. €11 for 18-25.
Open 11am-10pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb
The Army Museum is for the history buffs out there. This extensive museum houses various collections of French military weapons and uniforms. But, one of the best parts of this museum is the grand display of Napoleon’s Tomb. This extravagant tomb will not disappoint.
Website: https://www.musee-armee.fr/en/english-version.html
Admission: €12 general admission.
Open 1April to 31 October: Monday to Sunday, 10am-6 pm
1 November to 31 March: Monday to Sunday, 10am-5pm
Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France
Paris Sites
Other Important/significant Sites/ things to do off the path of walking tour that are not included in walk of City
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is most iconic stop in all of Paris. Well it may be super “touristy”, if you are a first-time traveler to Paris, be sure to make the stop. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is extremely kid friendly and is something the whole family will appreciate and enjoy. If you would like to go to the top of the tower, be sure to buy tickets ahead of time to cut down on wait times. If you plan on eating dinner at the restaurant at the top, make a reservation and your ticket up will be included. Dinner on the top of the Eiffel Tower is a set price, but a special treat and a memorable experience for a last night in Paris.
Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
Admission: €10.20
Open 9:30am-11:45pm
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
River Seine
The River Seine is the gorgeous river that runs through the middle of Paris. You can take a boat cruise along the river and see the major sites of Paris by boat. Below are links to 2 of the main boat cruise companies to book with. Well typically you may think this a daytime activity, taking the cruise at night can be absolutely exceptional. Paris is amazing at night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles and everything is lit up. If you are visiting Paris in the summer, be sure to Google “Paris Plages” for fun summer time activities along the river.
Dinner and Champagne Cruise
Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Dinner Cruise
Website: https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/en/meal-cruise.html
Prices vary per cruise selection. Prices start at €69
Sightseeing Cruise
Vedettes de Paris
Website: https://www.vedettesdeparis.fr/?lang=en
Prices start at €10
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysées
Add visiting the Arc de Triomphe to your list, this is another one of those iconic Paris stops. Arc de Triomphe is the monument and Champs-Elysées is the famous avenue leading up to it. The monument is to honor fallen soldiers from the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Below the Arc de Triomphe, lies the vault to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider from World War I. There structure itself stands 164 feet tall. You can purchase admission to the top for great views of Paris. The surrounding area of the monument and Champs-Elysées are excellent areas to walk around, grab lunch and shop.
Website: http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/
Admission: Free for children under 17. €8
Open 10am-11pm (April 1- September 30) 10am-10:30pm (October 31-March 31)
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
Montmartre is a quint and charming area in Paris. Known to be an artist colony, you will find streets lined with talented artists selling paintings and tiny shops filled with exquisite art to purchase. This whole area is very kid friendly! A fun activity here is to stop by one of the local artists hanging out on the street and have a drawing made of your children. At the top of the hill of Montmartre, you will find Sacré-Cœur. Sacré-Cœur is a brilliant Roman Catholic church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Not only is the structure amazing, the views from the front of the church are gorgeous.
Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/
Admission: Free
Open daily 6am- 10:30pm
Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Luxembourg Garden
Luxembourg Gardens is a great family-friendly stop in Paris. Not only filled with history and charming buildings, the 56-acre spread has many kid approved actives. In nice weather you can rent toy sailboats to push around the pond, guaranteed fun for the whole family!
Entry is free
Tuilerie Garden
Tuileries Gardens is a great place for the family to stop for some fresh air and playtime between museum visits and sightseeing. The Tuileries has a very central location in Paris and has plenty of open space, outdoor cafes and ice cream shops. One of the main attractions of visiting the garden is the famous Ferris wheel.
Ferries wheel information:
Open 10:30am-midnight
Admission: €8
Tips
Traveling with kids? Here are some additional Family Friendly Sites.
-Paris Zoo
Website: https://www.parczoologiquedeparis.fr/en
Admission: €20 for adult. €15 for children ages 3-12.
Open 10am-5pm daily
Address: Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
-Paris Aquarium
Website: http://www.cineaqua.com/index.php/en/
Admission: €20,50
Open 10am-7pm daily
Address: 5 Avenue Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris, France
-Musée des égouts (Paris Sewer Tour) *closed for renovations until Jan. 2020
Website: https://www.paris.fr/equipements/musee-des-egouts-5059
Address: 93 Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris, France
Extra Tips
-No tipping in France
-Save time at lunch by eating in some of the carefully selected cafes right inside many of the suggested sites you may already be visiting.
-Bars, restaurants and hotels on this site have no affiliation with Must Do Europe and are selected based on the unique atmosphere and exceptional experience they offer.
Around Paris
Why not take a day trip? If you have several days in Paris and want a little break from the city, there are several great destinations about an hour away by train.
Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was the home to French Royalty from King Louis XIV in 1682 to King Louis XVI in 1789. The Palace sits about 12 miles southwest from Paris city center. There are plenty of buses and trains you can take to get here from Paris for a day trip. The Palace of Versailles is a lovely place to stroll around, emerge yourself in some history and see a beautiful and extravagant palace. If you have an extra day, this is a great option!
Website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/
Closed Mondays. Open at 9am-5:30pm.
Admission: Free under 18. €20 for Palace and gardens. €18 for Palace only.
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Giverny
If you need a breather from the hustle and bustle of Paris, Giverny is a great option. Also, if you are a big Claude Monet fan, then you must go! Giverny houses Monet’s garden and you can see his inspiration for his famous landscapes and lily paintings. This sweet village sits about 50 miles from Paris in the old province of Normandy.
More information: http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm
Disney Paris
Disney Paris is a fun day for the whole family! If you are a huge Disney fan, then this is a must do for you. Disney Paris sits about 20 miles from Paris city center. There are two different parks to visit once there. There are some similarities to the US Disney parks, but also enough that is unique where it makes it fun to compare and contrast.
Website: https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/
Admission: Prices vary depending on the day. One-day tickets start at $63. Check out their website and select the day you wish to visit for the exact price.
Open 10am-6:30pm
**Alsatian Museum
open every day except Tuesdays
noon-6pm, Sundays 10am-6pm
Admission €4
Located just across the river from Palais de Rohan is the Alsatian Museum, dedicated to all things Alsatian. Traditional folk art, furniture, religious and everyday artifacts are all housed in Strasbourg’s oldest house, which lends itself well to the flow of the exhibits, and makes the overall experience especially authentic. Some 30 rooms all have different themes representing the various Alsatian regions. Excellent audio guide included.
Épernay or Reims in Champagne
MUST DO! For any champagne lover and you have an extra day in Paris.
Épernay is a 1.5-hour train ride but can be done as a day trip, TIP! You must book your tours and tastings ahead of time. Unlike American wineries you cannot just book a tasting, allow about 1.5 hours for each house you plan to visit. TIP! Be sure to make booking for Champagne houses located in the city you are traveling to Épernay or Reims. They are some distance from one another and you would spend a lot of time and money on a taxi traveling between the two.
Reims is doable as well, 2-hour train ride from Paris. Depending on the houses you want to visit, it may be worth the extra 30 minutes. Plus, Reims offers Reims Cathedral which can be added into your day.
Champagne houses located in Épernay on the famous Avenue de Champagne:
Moët & Chandon/Dom Perignon
Mercier
Castellane
Boizel
Champagne houses located in Reims:
Veuve Clicquot
Pommery
Mumm
Taittinger
For more detailed information on the Champagne Region or to plan a few days there
Paris & Around Hotels & Restaurants
$$ Hotel Da Vinci & Spa (6th arrondissement)
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and central to all of Paris. The hotel has 24 comfortable Renaissance inspired rooms. Excellent breakfast and espressos (not included) in the hotels stunning cafe. Some rooms with small balconies facing Rue des Saints-Pères. Amazing staff.
Address: 25 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
Website: http://www.hoteldavinciparis.com/
Phone number: +33 1 55 35 41 88
$$ Hotel de l’Abbaye
Very central location and walking distance to big sites such as Notre Dame. Rooms are tastefully decorated and charming. Staff is extremely attentive and friendly. Breakfast is included in a quaint garden in the back of the hotel. The hotel sits slightly off the main road and is perfect for a quiet place to relax after a busy day exploring.
Website: https://hotelabbayeparis.com/en/
Address: 10 Rue Cassette, 75006 Paris, France
Phone number: +33 1 45 44 38 11
$$ Hotel Monge
This hotel is a modern twist on classic France. All rooms are adorable and quirky. The staff here is very friendly and there to help. Located very close to metro stations and walking distance to big sites around Paris. There is a lovely honor bar stalked at night in the common area.
Website: http://www.hotelmonge.com/
Address: 55 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France
Phone number: +33 1 43 54 55 55
$$$ Hotel Relais Christine (5th arrondissement)
Truly feel at home in this elegant mansion house with tons of character. Decorated with a perfect balance of period furnishings and modern finishes. Friendly staff. Excellent location in the heart of Paris Latin Quarter. Honor bar located in the cozy hotel living room. Well decorated and comfortable rooms, some with private gardens. Excellent breakfast included.
Address: 3 Rue Christine, 75006 Paris, France
Website: https://relais-christine.com/en/
Phone number: +33 1 40 51 60 80
$$ Cafe Branly
WHY GO… Garden setting lunch with Eiffel Tower views. Heavenly lemon meringue pie and chocolate fondant. Located in front of the entrance of the Musée du Quai Branly.
TIP… Arrive before 12:30 to avoid a wait.
Address: 27 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris, France
Phone number: +33 1 47 53 68 01
$$ Relais de L’Entrecote
WHY GO…Traditional French Experience. Great with kids, lots of hussel and bussel. The secret steak sauce is amazing.
TIP… No reservations accepted, arrive 30 min. before opening. Be prepared to wait in line, it is worth the experience! Not good for vegetarians, only one thing is served; salad with steak frite. If you don’t like crowded places or eating close to your neighbors this may not be the place for you.
Several locations, our favorite:
Address: 20 rue Saint Benoit, 75006 Paris, France
Phone number: +33 1 45 49 16 00
$$ Tannat
WHY GO… Seasonal menu with a fresh and inviting atmosphere for foodies. Excellent wine experience, friendly sommelier service with wonderful French small to mid-size producer selections with perfect pairing suggestions. The desserts are worth going for on there own. A bit off the beaten path, but you know it’s good when your surrounded by locals.
TIP…Go at lunch and the €20 prix fix starter plus main of the day or main plus dessert of the day!
Address: 119 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France
Phone number: +33 9 53 86 38 61
$$$ The Rooftop Bar at Les Ombres
WHY GO…Located inside the Musée du Quai Branly with one of the best rooftop terraces to go for a cocktail or glass of champagne in Paris, beautiful views of Eiffel Tower. Best time to go… sunny afternoon and evenings in good weather. Open daily, regardless of museum hours. Admission to museum not necessary.
TIP…Skip the expensive restaurant, and take in the atmosphere at the bar.
Address: 27 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 47 53 68 00