Paris

Overview

Paris rewards slow travel. The city's arrondissements spiral outward from the Louvre in a pattern locals still use for directions, and almost every one of them holds a market street, a park bench worth sitting on, and a view of the Seine. You don't need a packed itinerary here — a long walk along the river, a coffee at a corner café, and one great museum a day is enough to feel like you've seen Paris properly.

Getting There

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) both connect to the city center by train in 30–45 minutes. The RER B line runs directly from CDG to central stations like Châtelet–Les Halles. Avoid driving; the Métro covers the entire city and a weekly Navigo pass is the most economical option for stays over three days.

Top Things to Do

• Walk the Musée d'Orsay before the Louvre — it's smaller, less crowded, and holds the Impressionist collection most people come to Paris to see.
• Cross to Île Saint-Louis for ice cream at Berthillon, then walk the length of Île de la Cité.
• Climb Sacré-Cœur at dusk for a view over the rooftops of Montmartre.
• Book a same-day ticket for the Sainte-Chapelle; the stained glass is best seen in mid-morning light.

Local Tips

Most museums are free on the first Sunday of the month from October to March — expect longer lines. Restaurants typically don't serve continuously through the afternoon, so plan lunch before 2pm or dinner after 7:30pm. A simple 'bonjour' before any request, even in a shop, goes further than fluent French without it.