Paris Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Top Attractions, Costs & Tips

Few places live up to their reputation the way Paris does. The French capital is a city of grand boulevards and hidden courtyards, world-class museums and tiny neighbourhood bistros, iconic monuments and riverside walks along the Seine. It has inspired painters, writers and lovers for centuries, and it remains one of the most visited cities on Earth. This Paris travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top attractions, where to stay, how to get there and around, realistic daily costs and the latest entry rules, including new museum prices for non-EU visitors. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Paris always has something new to reveal, from the restored Notre-Dame to the market streets of the Marais and Montmartre.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild springs and autumns, warm summers and cool, grey winters.

Spring (April–June) is the classic time to visit. Temperatures rise from about 12°C to 23°C, the parks and chestnut trees are in bloom, and café terraces fill up. May and June are popular, so book hotels early.

Summer (July–August) is peak tourist season, with temperatures around 22–28°C and occasional heatwaves above 35°C. Days are long and events such as Bastille Day (14 July), Paris Plages and open-air cinema keep the city lively. Many Parisians leave in August, and some small shops and restaurants close.

Autumn (September–November) is one of the best times to visit. September is still warm, cultural life restarts after the summer break, and crowds ease. October and November are cooler and wetter but beautiful with autumn colours.

Winter (December–February) is cold and often grey, with temperatures around 3–8°C. Christmas lights, festive markets and department store windows make December special, and January and February offer the lowest hotel prices and shorter museum queues.

Top Places to Visit in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower is the city's most famous symbol. Book tickets online in advance to go up to the second floor or the summit, or enjoy the view from the Trocadéro or Champ de Mars. At night, the tower sparkles for five minutes at the start of every hour.

2. The Louvre

The world's most visited museum is home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Since 14 January 2026, visitors from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway pay €32 per ticket. Book a timed slot online and plan your route, as the museum is enormous.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

After the devastating fire of 2019, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 following an extraordinary restoration. Entry to the cathedral is free, but expect queues; reserving a time slot online can help. Nearby, the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle dazzles with its 13th-century stained glass.

4. Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d'Orsay holds the world's finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh and Cézanne.

5. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

The hilltop village of Montmartre was once home to Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec. Climb to the white Sacré-Cœur Basilica for sweeping views, then wander the Place du Tertre, where artists still paint, and the quieter lanes behind it.

6. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

The famous avenue runs from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, built to honour Napoleon's army. Climb to the top of the arch for one of the best views of Paris and its radiating avenues.

7. Palace of Versailles

Just outside Paris, the former royal residence of Louis XIV is a masterpiece of French Baroque, with the Hall of Mirrors, the King's and Queen's apartments and vast gardens. Allow a full day and book tickets in advance.

Also worth exploring: the Marais, the Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Centre Pompidou (check reopening status, as it closed for major renovation in 2025), the Seine riverbanks and a Seine river cruise.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), spiralling out from the centre.

• Le Marais (3rd and 4th): Historic, stylish and central, with boutiques, galleries, cafés and a lively nightlife scene.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th): Classic Left Bank elegance, cafés, bookshops and easy access to major sights.
• Latin Quarter (5th): Lively student atmosphere, affordable restaurants and close to Notre-Dame.
• 7th arrondissement: Quiet and elegant, near the Eiffel Tower and Musée d'Orsay. Great for families and couples.
• Montmartre (18th): Village-like and charming, with more affordable hotels and great views.
• Opéra and Grands Boulevards (9th): Central, well connected and close to department stores.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Paris here, and book early for spring, summer and major events.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Paris

Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), about 25 km northeast of the city, and Orly (ORY), about 15 km south. Some low-cost airlines also use Beauvais (BVA), around 85 km away. Search and compare cheap flights to Paris to find the best fares.

From CDG, RER B trains run to Gare du Nord and Châtelet in about 30–40 minutes. From Orly, Metro line 14 now connects the airport directly with central Paris. Roissybus, Orlybus, taxis (with flat fares to central Paris) and ride-hailing services are also available.

By Train

Paris is the hub of France's high-speed TGV network and is connected to London by Eurostar, as well as to Brussels, Amsterdam, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain.

Search and book train and bus tickets to Paris on Omio.

Getting Around Paris

• Metro and RER: Fast and extensive, with stations every few hundred metres in the centre.
• Tickets: Use the Navigo Easy card, the Bonjour RATP or IDF Mobilités app, or contactless options where available. Weekly Navigo passes and the Paris Visite pass suit longer stays.
• Buses and trams: Useful for scenic routes and areas not served by the metro.
• Vélib' bikes: Paris has hundreds of kilometres of bike lanes and a large bike-sharing system.
• Walking: The best way to discover Paris's neighbourhoods.

Travel Costs in Paris

Paris is one of Europe's more expensive cities, especially for accommodation. The currency is the euro (€).

Money-saving tips: many municipal museums are free, national museums offer free entry to under-26 EU residents, bakery lunches and formule menus are cheap, and the Paris Museum Pass can save time and money if you visit many sights.

Visa & Entry Requirements

France is a member of the EU and the Schengen Area:

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can enter with a valid passport or national ID card.
• UK, US, Canadian, Australian and other visa-exempt travellers can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
• Other nationalities may need a Schengen visa.
• Passport validity: Typically at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and issued within the last ten years.
• EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Non-EU travellers now register fingerprints and a facial image at the border instead of receiving passport stamps. Allow extra time at airports and Eurostar terminals.
• ETIAS: The EU's new online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers is expected in the last quarter of 2026, costing around €20 and valid for three years.
• Differentiated museum pricing: Since January 2026, non-EU visitors pay higher prices at some major sites, such as the Louvre (€32), Versailles and Sainte-Chapelle.

Always check official French and EU government sources or your own government's travel advice before departure.

Local Tips for Paris

• Say "Bonjour": Always greet shopkeepers and staff with "Bonjour, madame/monsieur" when entering. It makes a big difference.
• Book ahead: Reserve timed tickets for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles and Sainte-Chapelle.
• Tipping: Service is included by law (service compris). Leaving small change or 5–10% for great service is appreciated but not expected.
• Café etiquette: Coffee at the bar is cheaper than at a table or on the terrace.
• Safety: Paris is generally safe, but pickpockets are active in the metro, at major sights and around Gare du Nord. Beware of petition and friendship-bracelet scams.
• Sunday closures: Many shops close on Sundays, though some areas such as the Marais stay open.
• Staying connected: EU visitors can use their home SIM under EU roaming rules, but travellers from the UK, US and elsewhere may face high roaming charges. A travel eSIM is the easiest option. Get your France eSIM here and activate it before landing.

Tours & Experiences

• Seine river cruise: See Paris's landmarks from the water, especially magical at sunset or night.
• Louvre guided tour: Skip the confusion and see the highlights with an expert.
• Eiffel Tower summit tour: Reserve your slot and learn about the tower's history.
• Food and wine tour: Taste cheese, pastries, wine and chocolate in Saint-Germain or the Marais.
• Day trips: Visit Versailles, Giverny (Monet's gardens), Mont-Saint-Michel, the Loire Valley châteaux or Champagne.

Browse and book the best tours and tickets in Paris here.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Paris?

Four to five days are ideal to see the main sights, explore several neighbourhoods and take a day trip to Versailles. Three days cover the highlights.

What is the best time to visit Paris?

Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and slightly smaller crowds than summer.

How much does the Louvre cost in 2026?

Since 14 January 2026, tickets cost €32 for visitors from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Book a timed entry slot online in advance.

Is Notre-Dame open to visitors?

Yes. Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 after restoration. Entry to the cathedral is free, and reserving a time slot online can reduce waiting.

How do I get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris?

Take the RER B train to Gare du Nord or Châtelet (about 30–40 minutes), the Roissybus to Opéra, or a flat-fare taxi.

Conclusion

Paris combines iconic monuments, world-class art, riverside walks and unforgettable food, and it keeps reinventing itself with every restoration and reopening. Whether you're climbing the Eiffel Tower, wandering Montmartre or taking a day trip to Versailles, it rewards every kind of traveller.

Plan ahead: book your tours, tickets and day trips on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover the City of Light.

Trip.com France Hotel Guide: Cheap Stays in Paris, French Riviera & Provence

France is the world's most visited country, and it's easy to see why. You can wake up in a Haussmann-era hotel overlooking a Parisian boulevard, spend the afternoon on a beach in Nice, and fall asleep in a stone farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields in Provence. But popularity comes with high demand: Paris hotels are among the most expensive in Europe, and Riviera resorts can sell out months ahead in summer.

Trip.com France (fr.trip.com) helps you find better deals on French hotels and combine them with flights and train tickets, all in one app. In this Trip.com France hotel guide, you'll discover the different accommodation styles in France, how to find exclusive hotel deals and train combinations, how to save money in peak season, which partner tools to use, and a step-by-step guide to booking your stay.

Find cheap hotels in France on Trip.com

Accommodation Styles in France

Parisian boutique hotels

Paris is famous for its small, characterful boutique hotels, often in 19th-century buildings with wrought-iron balconies, compact rooms and stylish interiors. Popular areas include:

• Le Marais (3rd–4th arrondissements): Historic streets, galleries, cafés and nightlife.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th): Classic Left Bank elegance.
• Latin Quarter (5th): Lively, student atmosphere near Notre-Dame.
• Montmartre (18th): Village charm and views from Sacré-Cœur, often cheaper.
• Near the Eiffel Tower (7th and 15th): Iconic views and quieter streets.
• Opéra and Grands Boulevards (9th): Central, with good transport and shopping.

Tip: Parisian hotel rooms are often small. Check room size if you're travelling with large suitcases or children.

French Riviera resorts

The Côte d'Azur offers glamorous seaside stays:

• Nice: Hotels along the Promenade des Anglais and in the charming Old Town.
• Cannes: Luxury hotels on La Croisette, plus more affordable options a few streets back.
• Antibes and Juan-les-Pins: Family-friendly beaches and stylish hotels.
• Saint-Tropez: Exclusive boutique resorts.
• Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer: Quieter, colourful coastal towns.
• Monaco: Just next door, with luxury hotels.

Provence and countryside châteaux

Provence is ideal for a slower, more rural escape:

• Mas and bastides: Traditional Provençal farmhouses converted into guesthouses and boutique hotels.
• Châteaux: Historic castles and manor houses turned into hotels, found across Provence, the Loire Valley, Burgundy and Bordeaux.
• Villages: Stay in Gordes, Roussillon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
• Cities: Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Arles offer historic hotels and easy rail access.

Other options

Chambres d'hôtes (B&Bs), aparthotels, budget chains like ibis and B&B Hotels, and gîtes (holiday cottages) offer good value outside the main tourist centres.

Finding Exclusive Hotel Deals & Train Packages on Trip.com France

Hotel deals

• Member prices: Log in to see discounted member rates on selected hotels.
• App-exclusive deals: Compare app and website prices.
• Coupons and flash sales: Check the Deals page before booking.
• Trip Coins: Earn coins on completed bookings (100 Trip Coins = US$1 in value) and use them on future trips.
• Hotel price match: In selected markets, Trip.com refunds the difference in Trip Coins if you find a lower eligible price before check-in, subject to conditions.

French train tickets

Trip.com sells European train tickets, including routes in France. France's high-speed TGV network connects Paris with:

Book train tickets alongside your hotels for a smooth multi-city trip, for example Paris → Avignon (Provence) → Nice (Riviera). Availability of specific operators and fare types on Trip.com may vary, so compare options before booking.

Flight + Hotel packages

For trips from abroad, Flight + Hotel bundles to Paris or Nice can save money compared with booking separately.

How to Save on Peak Season Travel in France

Know the peak periods

• July and August: Peak summer, especially on the Riviera and in Provence. Many Parisians leave the city in August, and some smaller businesses close.
• Easter and May bank holidays.
• Christmas and New Year in Paris.
• Major events: Cannes Film Festival (May), Monaco Grand Prix (May/June), Paris Fashion Weeks and big trade fairs.

Smart strategies

1. Travel in shoulder season: May–June and September–October offer great weather and lower prices, especially in the south. Lavender in Provence typically blooms from late June to July.
2. Book early: For summer on the Riviera, book several months ahead.
3. Choose free cancellation: Book early, then re-check prices and rebook if they drop.
4. Stay just outside hotspots: Stay in Antibes or Villefranche instead of Cannes or Monaco, or in Avignon instead of hilltop villages.
5. Consider Sunday nights: Hotels in business-oriented cities and areas can be cheaper at weekends.
6. Check tourist taxes: French cities charge a taxe de séjour per person per night, which was significantly increased in Paris and the Île-de-France region in 2024. It's often paid at the hotel.
7. Skip hotel breakfast: A coffee and croissant at a local café is often cheaper and more authentic.
8. Book trains early: TGV fares rise as departure approaches.

Sample hotel budgets (per room, per night)

Prices are indicative and rise significantly in July and August.

Tiqets, Omio and Kiwitaxi

Tiqets for Louvre and Eiffel Tower tickets

Tiqets offers instant mobile tickets and tours for France's top attractions, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Musée d'Orsay, Seine cruises and Disneyland Paris. Timed entry is essential at the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in peak season.

Omio for French trains

Omio compares SNCF trains, including TGV INOUI and OUIGO, with buses and flights, so you can find the cheapest and fastest way between French cities, or onwards to Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium.

Kiwitaxi for airport transfers

Kiwitaxi offers pre-booked private transfers at fixed prices from Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice Côte d'Azur and Marseille Provence airports, with drivers waiting in arrivals. It's ideal for families, late arrivals and transfers to Riviera resorts.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Booking French Accommodation

1. Search your destination: Go to Trip.com France or open the app. Enter your city or region, dates and guests.
2. Filter results: Filter by price, guest rating, star rating, free cancellation, breakfast, property type (hotel, B&B, apartment, château) and amenities such as air conditioning (important in summer), parking and pools.
3. Use the map: In Paris, choose hotels close to a Métro station. On the Riviera, check the distance to the beach and train station. In Provence, consider whether you'll need a car.
4. Read reviews: Look for comments on room size, noise, air conditioning and cleanliness.
5. Compare rates: Compare refundable vs. non-refundable rates, breakfast options and whether city tax is included.
6. Add trains or flights: Book TGV tickets or Flight + Hotel packages in the same app.
7. Apply discounts: Use member prices, coupons and Trip Coins.
8. Pay and confirm: Pay securely and save your confirmation. Contact the hotel for early check-in or luggage storage if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best area to stay in Paris for first-time visitors?

Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter or near the Eiffel Tower. Montmartre is a charming, often cheaper alternative.

When is the cheapest time to visit the French Riviera?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer good weather and lower prices than July and August.

Do French hotels charge a tourist tax?

Yes. Most French municipalities charge a taxe de séjour per person per night, often paid at the hotel. Paris raised its rates significantly in 2024.

Can I book French trains on Trip.com?

Trip.com sells European train tickets, including routes in France. Compare with Omio and SNCF to find the best fare and schedule.

Do I need a car in Provence?

For villages and countryside, a car is very useful. Cities like Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Arles are reachable by train and bus.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.