Choose from 198 Fun Things to Do in Paris
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 198 listings.
Place de la R epublique
Nearly a dozen streets converge at Place de la Republique—a popular square in the heart of Paris. This historic town center may measure fewer than 10 acres but was once home to impressive military barracks. Though the grounds are relatively small, there are numerous points of interest including intricate fountains, monuments paying homage to the grand republic and artistic relief-panel depicting some of the city’s most impressive political feats.
Practical Info
Place de la Republique is located between the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements and is accessible via the Republique Metro station using the 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11 lines.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 37
Pierre Berg e-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation
While Yves Saint Laurent is an icon of the fashion world, the name Pierre Bergé perhaps doesn't roll off the tongue quite as easily. But it was Bergé, Saint-Laurent's partner in life and business, who helped the YSL brand become synonymous with haute couture–and who, through the establishment of the Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, ensures that the legacy lives on.
In addition to a well-curated roster of temporary exhibitions, visitors can also see and walk through Yves Saint Laurent's studio, which is filled with the items and ideas that inspired him, as well as personal art pieces and several of his award-winning fashion pieces. There is also the meticulously maintained couture salon, where clients would come to see private fashion shows of his latest collections. Some of his famous sketches are on display as well!
Practical Info
A full-price ticket to the Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation is 7€, with discounts for students and those under 25. It is located at 3 rue Léonce Reynaud in the 16th arrondissement and is only open when there is a temporary exhibition, so it is necessary to find out in advance the opening times. It is also closed on every major national holiday.
Address: 3 rue Léonce Reynaud, Paris 75116, France
Hours: Generally Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Adults €7
From $ 27
Place de la Concorde
Situated on the right bank of the Seine River and flanked by the idyllic Tuileries Garden and the grand boulevard of Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. The infamous guillotines of the French Revolution were located here, but today the square is best known for striking monuments, elegant hotels, and elaborate fountains.
The Basics
Given its location between the Champs-Elysées and the Louvre, Place de la Concorde is included on many Paris tours. It’s a popular photo spot for open-top bus tours, with views of the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine River. A walking tour offers the best photo opportunities, and a bike or Segway tour is a leisurely way to explore the square. You can also admire Place de la Concorde from the water on a Seine cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located on and around Place de la Concorde.
- The square is a must-see for those interested in revolutionary French history.
- Place de la Concorde is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located on the right bank of the Seine River in the heart of historic Paris, Place de la Concorde borders the Seine, the Jardin des Tuileries, and the Champs-Elysées. The most scenic way to arrive is on foot, either walking down the Champs-Elysées from the Arc de Triomphe, or strolling through the Tuileries Garden from the Louvre. Alternatively, the closest metro station is Concorde (Lines 1, 8, and 12).
When to Get There
Place de la Concorde is one of Paris’ busiest squares, a lively destination at all hours of the day and night. Head there on a sunny afternoon to make the most of the surrounding park, visit during the day to browse the shops along the Champs-Elysées, or pass through on a night tour to admire Paris’ nighttime skyline.
History of Place de la Concorde
Dating back to the mid-18th century, the Place de la Concorde was originally named Place Louis XV and featured an imposing equestrian statue of the French king. During the French Revolution, the square was known as Place de la Révolution and famously served as the execution site of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, it’s best known for the gigantic Egyptian obelisk—part of the ancient Ramses II temple of Thebes—towering over its central plaza and its two magnificent fountains: Fontaine des Mers and Elevation of the Maritime.
Address: Place de la Concorde, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Reims
With its UNESCO World Heritage–listed monuments, lively student quarter, and a history dating back to 80 BC, Reims is among the most interesting cities in northern France. Today it’s best known for its booming Champagne industry and serves as the unofficial capital of the famous Champagne region.
The Basics
At around two hours from Paris, many visitors opt to explore Reims on a day tour from the capital. Reims’ top attractions—including its massive Gothic cathedral, art and military museums, and historical market—are not to be missed before heading out into Champagne country. In fact, many visitors typically combine a city tour of Reims with Champagne tasting at one or more of the region’s wineries.
Reims is also a strategic starting point for Champagne tours, home to prestigious Champagne houses like Taittinger, Mumm, Veuve-Clicquot, and Pommery. Other popular inclusions on a full-day tour include the Champagne town of Épernay, home to the Moët & Chandon vineyards and cellars, and the village of Hautvillers, the former home of Champagne maverick Dom Pérignon. For a more personalized Champagne-tasting experience, opt for a small-group or private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Reims is a must for lovers of incredibly charming French towns, history, and Champagne.
- The historic center of Reims is easy to get around on foot, but there is also an extensive tram system.
- Reims is renowned for its nightlife; most bars, live music venues, and nightclubs are found around Place Drouet-d’Erlon.
How to Get There
Reims is located in northeastern France, not far from the borders of Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. From Paris, it’s about a 2-hour drive or a 45-minute journey by high-speed train—the Reims-bound TGV departs from the Gare de l’Est.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit Reims is during the summer months of July and August, when it’s recommended to book accommodations and tours well in advance. Other atmospheric times to visit are during the springtime Joan of Arc Festival (Les Fêtes Johanniques) and over the holiday season, when a Christmas village and festive markets set up in the city center.
A Walking Tour of Reims
Begin your Reims walking tour at Place Royale, with its imposing statue of Louis XV. From here it’s a short stroll to the city’s trio of UNESCO-listed monuments: the Abbey of Saint-Rémi (Basilique St-Rémi), the Palace of Tau (Palais du Tau), and the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame, whose construction began in 1211 and which once served as a royal coronation site. Be sure to admire the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc on Place Cardinal-Luçon before continuing along Boulevard Lundy, lined with grand 19th- and 20th-century mansions, including the Hôtel de Brimont. Loop around to admire the beautiful Town Hall and pay a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts, then finish your walking tour at Place Drouet-d’Erlon, where many cafés and restaurants make a perfect spot for lunch.
Address: Reims, France, France
From $ 23
Palais Bourbon
Built in 1722 as a private mansion for the duchesse de Bourbon, a legitimized daughter of Louis XIV, the Palais Bourbon has served as the meeting place for the Assemblée Nationale (the lower house of the French parliament) since 1798 when it was called the Council of Five Hundred.
Today, the government building is easily recognizable by the colonnaded facade commissioned by Napoleon to resemble the portico of the Madeleine across the Seine. On display within the Palais Bourbon are cupolas painted by the French Romantic artist Eugene Delacroix, as well as several works by contemporary artists.
By reservation only, visitors can observe a live session of the National Assembly or participate in guided tours focused on the building’s art, architecture and the workings of the French parliament.
Practical Info
If you don’t have time to reserve a visit ahead of time, plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour or session you want to attend in case there are extra spots available.
Address: 33 Quai d'Orsay, Paris, France
From $ 81
Place du Tertre
Place du Tertre is a famous square in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris known for its artists and bohemian crowd. It is located just a few meters from Basilique du Sacré-Coeur and close to where painters like Picasso and Modigliani used to live and work; at the time, Montmartre was called the capital of modern art in the early 20th century. In fact, there is a museum dedicated to the works of Salvador Dali a few steps from Place du Tertre. Its other claim to fame dates back to 1898, when Louis Renault’s first automobile was driven up the steep Montmartre hills, kickstarting the lucrative automotive industry in France.
Practical Info
This square used to be the main thoroughfare of Montmartre village before it got absorbed into the City of Paris and became the 18th arrondissement. Nowadays it’s regarded as one of the most touristy – with 10 million visitors annually - and lively areas in the city, with buskers, painters, and sketch artists. There are also light-filled terraces with great people-watching opportunities, where tourists like to sit down and grab a glass of wine.
Address: Place du Tertre, Paris, Ile-de-France 75018, France
From $ 18
La Sorbonne
The striking edifice presiding over Paris' 5th arrondissement Latin Quarter, the historic La Sorbonne is renowned as one of the first European centers of higher education, housing the prestigious Collège de Sorbonne since its founding in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon.
It’s the building itself that garners the most attention, a sprawling campus rebuilt in 1653 by Cardinal de Richelieu to the designs of architect Jacques Lemercier. A blend of Baroque and Renaissance styles replaced the original medieval structure, but the last remaining building from this period is the iconic domed Romanesque Chapelle de la Sorbonne (the Chapel of La Sorbonne), where the sculpted tomb of Cardinal de Richelieu is housed. A wander through the Sorbonne courtyard and café-lined plaza offers views of the amphitheaters, library and observatory (which was reconstructed by Henri Paul Nénot in the late 19th-century), showcasing a picturesque variety of architectural styles.
Today, the building houses four divisions of the prestigious University of Paris -- the Pantheon-Sorbonne University, the Sorbonne Nouvelle University, the Paris-Sorbonne University and the Paris Descartes University -- as well as the extensive Sorbonne Library, and is open to the public only through pre-book guided tours.
It’s the building itself that garners the most attention, a sprawling campus rebuilt in 1653 by Cardinal de Richelieu to the designs of architect Jacques Lemercier. A blend of Baroque and Renaissance styles replaced the original medieval structure, but the last remaining building from this period is the iconic domed Romanesque Chapelle de la Sorbonne (the Chapel of La Sorbonne), where the sculpted tomb of Cardinal de Richelieu is housed. A wander through the Sorbonne courtyard and café-lined plaza offers views of the amphitheaters, library and observatory (which was reconstructed by Henri Paul Nénot in the late 19th-century), showcasing a picturesque variety of architectural styles.
Today, the building houses four divisions of the prestigious University of Paris -- the Pantheon-Sorbonne University, the Sorbonne Nouvelle University, the Paris-Sorbonne University and the Paris Descartes University -- as well as the extensive Sorbonne Library, and is open to the public only through pre-book guided tours.
Address: France
From $ 18
Montparnasse
Home to art museums, major monuments, and Paris’ only skyscraper, eclectic and edgy Montparnasse is one of the city’s most interesting districts. Located in the 14th arrondissement on the Left Bank, it was famously the stomping grounds of artists and intellectuals in the 1910s and 20s, many of whom now rest in the Montparnasse Cemetery.
The Basics
Named after Mount Parnassus—the mountain in Greek mythology where the Muses were said to reside—Montparnasse has long had a reputation for creativity and intellectual daring. The neighborhood experienced its golden age—or its Années Folles (Crazy Years), as the period is known locally—during the 1910s and ‘20s, when internationally renowned artists and writers including Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Man Ray, Max Ernst, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, André Breton, and Marc Chagall called the neighborhood home.
Today, Montparnasse is home to the Tour Montparnasse, the city’s only skyscraper; visitors also flock to the Montparnasse Cemetery, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, and the Catacombs of Paris. You can take a tour of all four; alternatively, hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, and walking tours provide a general neighborhood overview.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tour Montparnasse, which debuted in 1973, is the city’s only skyscraper, and its 56th-floor observation deck provides some of the best views in town.
- The Montparnasse Cemetery is the second-largest in Paris, after Père Lachaise, and contains the graves of many top artists and other creatives.
- The macabre Catacombs of Paris were first established in the late 18th century, and they contain the remains of more than 6 million people.
How to Get There
The Gare Montparnasse is one of Paris’ largest and most important railway stations, and includes numerous train services, including the TGV. Additionally, the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe Métro station includes connections to the 4, 6, 12, and 13 lines. Other stations in the neighborhood include Vavin (line 4), Raspail (lines 4 and 6), Edgar Quinet (line 6), and Port-Royal (RER B). Alternatively, travel by bus or taxi, or explore on foot or by bicycle.
When to Get There
As one of Paris’ busiest and most vibrant neighborhoods, Montparnasse is destination-worthy throughout the year. Explore sights like the Montparnasse Cemetery during the day and venture to the top of the Tour Montparnasse in the evening to savor aerial views of Paris’ neon-lit cityscape.
Restaurants and Cafés in Montparnasse
Montparnasse’s history comes to life at the cafes and restaurants that were once favored by famous artists—La Coupole, Le Dôme, and La Closerie des Lilas are all still open today. The neighborhood is also renowned for its many Breton crêperies; don’t leave without indulging in a salted butter caramel crêpe.
Address: France
From $ 41
Palais de Justice
Located on Île de la Cité, one of the two remaining natural islands in the River Seine, the Palais de Justice is what remains of the former Royal Palace. Situated between the Gothic royal Sainte-Chapelle chapel and the former Conciergerie prison, the Palais de Justice is infamous for its role as a public execution site during the French Revolution.
The Basics
The former Royal Palace is now home to the Paris judicial courts. Since it’s a working judicial building, the building isn’t open for tours, but visitors are free to wander the public halls or just admire the stunning architecture from the outside. Opt for a walking tour the of Île de la Cité to learn more about the history of the Royal Palace and see other famous landmarks like the Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Notre-Dame cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Palais de Justice is the former royal residence of the French monarchy.
- The site is must-see for French history buffs.
- The Palais de Justice is a working judicial building, so access to the building is limited.
- Purchase admission tickets to other Île de la Cité sights in advance to save time in lines.
How to Get There
The Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge across the River Seine, provides access to Île de la Cité from the center of Paris. Metro line 4 will take you directly the island, and the Palais de Justice is only a few moments walk from the Cité station.
When to Get There
Attractions along Île de la Cité are some of the most visited in Paris, so start your morning early to avoid the crowds. There really is no bad time to visit Paris, but spring and fall see vastly smaller crowds than mid-summer, and winter can be a delightful time to visit as long as you pack plenty of layers.
Visiting the Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle
Although tours of the Palais de Justice are unavailable, you can, in fact, tour neighboring La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. La Conciergerie is most notable as the principal prison during the French Revolution, when it was used to detain famous revolutionaries like Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre. Admission is required to enter both sights, but a combination ticket will save you money.
Address: 10 Boulevard du Palais, Paris 75001, France
From $ 27
Montmartre
A large hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, the historic district of Montmartre is crowned by Sacré-Coeur Basilica, attracting visitors who come to walk the cobblestone streets and imagine what life was like during the Belle Epoque, when artists such as Dalí, Renoir, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso lived and worked here from the late 19th to early 20th century. Today, artists still gather at Place du Tertre to sketch tourist portraits—a favorite souvenir.
The Basics
Montmartre is included in many city sightseeing tours, so if you just want a brief glimpse, that’s a popular way to check the area off your list. For an in-depth look, select a more tailored experience that suits your interests, such as a Montmartre food tour or an art-themed walking tour. For nighttime fun, head to a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, located down the hill in Pigalle.
- Montmartre is a highly visited part of Paris, so be prepared for crowds in the busy summer season.
- The neighborhood is a must-see for art history buffs and those looking for postcard views.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the many stairs and cobblestones.
- If visiting in the warmer summer months and plan to walk uphill, bring water to stay hydrated.
How to Get to Montmartre
If you’re up for it, start at the base of the hill and walk up, enjoying views along the way, or cheat by taking the funicular to the base of Sacré-Coeur. Visitors also love the staircases for photo ops; try the one that runs along the funicular line or the one up Rue Maurice Utrillo. By public transit, the Abbesses metro station deposits you a few blocks from Place du Tertre, and the Anvers metro station puts you below Sacré-Coeur. Any taxi driver will also know how to get to Montmartre.
When to Get There
Just like the rest of Paris, Montmartre will charm you at any time of year. If you’re there in summer, go in the morning to beat the masses and enjoy the neighborhood’s architecture and atmosphere in relative tranquility.
Visit Paris' Only Working Vineyard: Montmartre Vineyard
Less a secret than it used to be but still an interesting hidden gem, Le Clos Montmartre is the only working vineyard in Paris. Set on the slopes of the hill, north of Place du Tertre, the vines were originally planted to defend the area from property development and are owned by the city. Catching a glimpse of the vineyard is a nice respite from Montmartre’s crowds; it’s not open to the general public, but you can book a tour.
Address: Paris, Ile-de-France, France
From $ 13
Pigalle
Cue up a chorus of 'Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?,' pull on your Moulin-Rouge-esque fishnet stockings and head down to the Parisian district of Pigalle, where the notoriously raunchy French cabaret has catapulted the city’s red light district to the top of many must-see lists.
The Pigalle quarter is located in Montmartre and has long nurtured its reputation for the risqué, even taking its name from the 18th-century artist Jean-Baptise Pigalle - famed for his nude sculptures. Pigalle is Paris' red light district, a lively area crammed with neon-lit sex shops, peep shows, expensive strip clubs, and of course, the city's now-legendary cabarets. Leave the kids at home and head out for an evening of adult entertainment, or at least, the opportunity to gasp and giggle at the outrageous displays of tongue-in-cheek erotica.
Don’t be put off by the area's seedy reputation -- a number of hip music clubs and less provocative venues are slowly revolutionizing the area. Many tourists simply want to peek at the infamous shop fronts or pay a visit to the fascinating Musee d'Erotisme (erotic museum), so there's no reason to stay away. Better yet, go back to where it all began by watching a show at one of the famous cabarets. Glittering costumes, bawdy humor, tasteful part-nudity and up-tempo dancing (including the famous cancan) are all part of the show at the world famous Moulin Rouge, still running after over a century.
The Pigalle quarter is located in Montmartre and has long nurtured its reputation for the risqué, even taking its name from the 18th-century artist Jean-Baptise Pigalle - famed for his nude sculptures. Pigalle is Paris' red light district, a lively area crammed with neon-lit sex shops, peep shows, expensive strip clubs, and of course, the city's now-legendary cabarets. Leave the kids at home and head out for an evening of adult entertainment, or at least, the opportunity to gasp and giggle at the outrageous displays of tongue-in-cheek erotica.
Don’t be put off by the area's seedy reputation -- a number of hip music clubs and less provocative venues are slowly revolutionizing the area. Many tourists simply want to peek at the infamous shop fronts or pay a visit to the fascinating Musee d'Erotisme (erotic museum), so there's no reason to stay away. Better yet, go back to where it all began by watching a show at one of the famous cabarets. Glittering costumes, bawdy humor, tasteful part-nudity and up-tempo dancing (including the famous cancan) are all part of the show at the world famous Moulin Rouge, still running after over a century.
Address: France
From $ 80
Orly Airport (ORY)
Orly Airport (ORY; official name, Aéroport de Paris-Orly) was built in 1932 and has always served as a secondary airport, first to Le Bourget and now to Charles de Gaulle. However, with almost 30 million passengers per year, it could hardly be considered a lesser airport. Orly mostly serves low-cost and regional airlines that fly within Europe, with many flights to former and current French colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. One airline goes to North America (Open Skies to New York's JFK).
Travelers should note that because of its regional dominance, Orly serves as a major connecting flight hub. This means that although a long-haul flight may land at Charles de Gaulle, the connecting flight could take off from Orly. Check itineraries carefully before booking, and make sure that there is at least six hours between flights to ensure proper immigration/customs/baggage claim/check-in time.
Practical Info
Orly Airport is located in the town of Orly, eight miles southeast of Paris. It is accessible via car on the A106 off the A6; via train on the RER B and the Orlyval shuttle; and RER C plus a regular shuttle. The Orlybus has direct routes from the airport to the 14th arrondissement in Paris. Note that the ticket machines in the airport do not accept foreign credit cards; cash must be paid at the manned ticket booth.
Address: Orly 94390, France
From $ 14
Palais de Chaillot
The Palais de Chaillot is located on the Place du Trocadéro in Paris’ 16th neighborhood (arrondissement). Because it is just across the river Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the terrace of the Palais de Chaillot provides one of the city’s best views of the tower — it is a great place to snap photos of the famous landmark. Visitors can easily spend an entire day visiting the Palais de Chaillot, the Eiffel Tower, and walking or taking a cruise along the Seine. The Palais’ surrounding gardens (Jardins du Trocadéro) are ten hectares surrounding Paris’ largest fountain, which is well worth viewing at night while lit up.
The Palais de Chaillot was originally built for the 1937 World’s Fair/Universal Expo, and today houses the national theater (Théâtre National de Chaillot) and a number of different museums: the Musée de la Marine (Naval Museum), the Musée de l'Homme (The Museum of Man), and a museum of architecture (Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine). As if this weren’t enough to keep an inquisitive visitor occupied, the Palais de Chaillot also has an aquarium (called Cinéaqua), accessible from the Trocadero gardens. The aquarium is home to 10,000 fish and invertebrates, a shark tunnel, and its own movie theater.
Practical Info
No admission fee for the Palais de Chaillot and the Jardins du Trocadéro, admission fees and opening hours for each of the museums at the Palais vary.
Address: 1 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, Paris 75016, France
Hours: Opening hours for each of the museums vary.
From $ 39
Laduree Paris
Light and fluffy, in pretty colors, Ladurée macarons are a symbol of Parisian elegance. The bitesize pastries, sold at beautifully styled stores across Paris (and the world), attract crowds of shoppers day after day. A visit to Ladurée for afternoon tea and a box of sweet treats to take home is a must-do for many tourists in Paris.
The Basics
The Ladurée story began in 1862 when Louis-Ernest Ladurée opened a small bakery on rue Royale, close to modern-day Place Vendôme. Over the years Ladurée expanded the space to include a tea shop, but the now iconic pastel-colored macarons were not introduced until the mid-20th century.
Nowadays Ladurée has several shops across Paris, including the original location on rue Royale and a flagship store on the Champs-Élysées. Visitors can book a tour that includes a stop at Ladurée, reserve a table for brunch or afternoon tea, or simply fill a green and gold box with tasty macarons to enjoy later in the day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ladurée stores can be found across Paris, and also at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.
- The macarons are made with almond flour so may not be suitable for people with nut allergies—other pastries and sweets are available.
- The stores are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Ladurée has a number of locations across central Paris, including at 16 rue Royale and 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement. These stores and others are readily accessible by metro, bus, taxi, or as part of a private tour of the city with transport provided.
When to Get There
The Ladurée store on rue Royale is open 8am–8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am–7pm on Sunday. The Champs-Élysées store is open 7:30am–11pm Monday to Saturday and 7:30am–10pm on Sunday. For other stores, check before visiting.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe
At the head of the Champs-Élysées stands the impressive Arc de Triomphe, a Parisian icon recognized around the world. The arch’s construction was ordered by Napoleon in 1806, but by the time it was finally finished, Napoleon had abdicated and the royal Bourbon family was back on the throne. The Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated by King Louis-Philippe in 1836. Climb to the top and you’ll get a panoramic view over the entire city, all the way to the Seine river.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 133
Quartier Latin
Paris’ Quartier Latin is a popular, historical area of the Left Bank. Home to the main Sorbonne campus, this dynamic, student-filled neighborhood was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other revolutionaries. Today it’s distinguished for its buzzing cafés, lively restaurants, and must-see landmarks.
The Basics
One of the oldest districts in Paris and home to ancient Roman ruins, the Quartier Latin has long fostered a reputation for creativity, intellectual daring, and radical politics. Its name comes from the fact that students here once spoke in Latin; founded in the 13th century, the storied Sorbonne University is still the beating heart of the neighborhood.
The area, which stretches across parts of the fifth and sixth arrondissements, is also home to a heavy concentration of destination-worthy attractions. Visitors frequent the Musée de Cluny (which is dedicated to medieval art and holds the world-famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries), snap photos of the Panthéon, and stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg. As for culture, no Quartier Latin visit is complete without browsing the shelves at the storied Shakespeare & Company bookstore, strolling past the bouquinistes (booksellers) along the banks of the Seine, or taking in a live jazz performance. Numerous walking tours, bike tours, hop-on hop-off bus itineraries, and Seine river cruises provide other ways to soak up the area’s one-of-a-kind ambiance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Quartier Latin is a must for all first-time visitors to Paris, especially literary buffs.
- The area is known for its beautiful churches; Saint-Séverin and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont are both worth a visit.
- See another side of Quartier Latin life when you venture to the Grand Mosquée de Paris. Its café serves delicious fresh mint tea.
- Numerous cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs abound for all your dining and nightlife needs.
How to Get There
There is some debate over the exact boundaries of the neighborhood. Roughly, the Quartier Latin is bounded by Boulevard Saint-Michel to the west, Boulevard du Port-Royal and Boulevard Saint-Marcel to the south and east, and the Seine to the north. The area is served by numerous Métro lines and buses; Saint-Michel station is a good starting point.
When to Get There
No matter the time of year, the Quartier Latin is teeming with a buzzing mix of students, locals, and visitors. As with the rest of Paris, it is at its quietest in August. The area is still host to impassioned demonstrations and protests; keep up-to-date with the news if you wish to avoid large crowds. May Day (May 1st) is a particularly popular time for such events.
Best Neighborhood Eats
Ignore the quarter’s chain eateries and tourist traps. For a delicious, casual meal and an authentically Parisian experience, head to Rue Mouffetard. Its open-air street market is home to cheese vendors, bakers, fruit sellers, and other purveyors of marvelously tempting treats.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 17
La Madeleine
La Madeleine church in Paris is one of the most striking building in the entire Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Rumour has it that it was built in order to mirror the Palais Bourbon – which houses the French National Assembly - on the opposite bank of the Seine river in order to create harmony between the clergy and the republic.
But in reality, La Madeleine was designed as a temple to Napoleon’s army and its glorious victories back in the early 1800s – which would certainly help explain why the church doesn’t actually look like a church (it doesn’t have a spire or bell-tower) but rather a lavish Greek temple. It was completed in 1828 and built in the Neo-Classical style and was inspired by an exceptionally well preserved Roman temple named Maison carrée in Nîmes; it now dominates the entire Faubourg Saint-Honoré, with its 52 20-meters high Corinthian columns.
Practical Info
La Madeleine is located on Place de la Madeleine in Paris. It is not advised to get to La Madeleine house by car as parking is scarce and complicated; instead, Madeleine métro station is located right next to the church and is serviced by lines 8, 12, and 14. The church is open every day from 9:30am to 7pm and religious service is scheduled at 12:30 from Monday to Friday, and at 9:30am on Sundays.
Address: Place de la Madeleine, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-7pm
From $ 27
Montparnasse Cemetery (Cimetière Montparnasse)
Opened in 1824, the Montparnasse Cemetery (le Cimetière du Montparnasse) is the city’s second-largest cemetery after Père Lachaise. It is a cultural highlight of the Montparnasse neighborhood, thanks to its history and famous residents; after all, it’s the final resting place of Jean-Paul Sartre, Serge Gainsbourg, Charles Baudelaire, and more.
The Basics
Originally known as the Cimetière du Sud (the Southern Cemetery), Montparnasse is one of Paris’ three largest and most important cemeteries. Established on what was formerly farmland, the cemetery is today renowned as a final resting place of artists, writers, and other important cultural figures. High-profile graves (including those of Charles Baudelaire, Simone de Beauvoir, Julio Cortázar, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant, Susan Sontag, and Man Ray) have made it one of the neighborhood’s most popular tourist attractions.
Although the Montparnasse Cemetery is free to enter, guided walking tours of the landmark help draw attention to its highlights and make its scale manageable.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Montparnasse Cemetery stretches across 47 acres (19 hectares) and contains more than 35,000 graves.
- The cemetery, currently divided into 30 sections, is still expanding: roughly 1,000 new residents are added each year.
- One highlight is the Tower of the Mill of Charity, a listed Historic Monument and the sole remaining piece of an 18th-century mill that once stood on-site.
How to Get There
Take Métro lines 4 or 6 to the Raspail station, which is located at the corner of the cemetery. The major Gare Montparnasse is also nearby and is served by the TGV and other train lines, while the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe Métro station connects to the 4, 6, 12, and 13 lines. Alternatively, take bus lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, or 96 to reach the site. The cemetery is also accessible on foot, by taxi or car, or by Vélib’.
When to Get There
Montparnasse Cemetery is open daily; depending on the season, it opens at 8, 8:30, or 9am and closes at 5:30 or 6pm. The cemetery is a scenic destination throughout the year, whether flanked by golden leaves, dappled with sunlight, or dusted with snow.
Montparnasse Highlights
Use your visit to the Montparnasse Cemetery as an excuse to see other neighborhood highlights. Visit the observation deck at the top of the Tour Montparnasse, explore the adjacent Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, or see the subterranean Catacombs of Paris.
Address: 3 Boulevard Edgar Quinet, Paris 75014, France
From $ 41
Place Dauphine
Place Dauphine is an iconic public square wedged between lavish townhouses on the western tip of Ile de la Cité in Paris. The square was the second project of the “royal squares program” instigated by Henri IV – the first one being what is now known as Place des Vosges – and was named after his son, soon-to-be Dauphin of France Louis XIII. To this day, it remains one of the most prestigious areas in the city.
The square’s – which is actually triangular in shape – westernmost corner connects to Pont Neuf, linking the right and left banks of the Seine River. Although the houses surrounding Place Dauphine were built in the early 1600s, only two have preserved their original features, i.e., the two located on either side of the narrow entrance leading to Pont Neuf. Nowadays, the oddly three-sided square is popular with both locals enjoying apéro and photographers searching for a quintessential Paris atmosphere.
Practical Info
Place Dauphine is located on Ile de la Cité in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. It can be reached on foot from Pont Neuf and Cité metro stations (serviced by lines 4 and 7), just a few hundred meters from Notre-Dame-de-Paris Cathedral. It is not advised to get to Place Dauphine by car as parking is scarce and complicated.
Address: Place Dauphine, Paris, Ile-de-France 75001, France
From $ 34
Place Des Vosges
Paris has been around for millennia; but it wasn't until 1605, when King Henry IV built what was then-called Place Royale, that a public square was planned into the city's landscape. It's now known as the Place des Vosges, and to this day remains largely unchanged since its inauguration in 1612.
It's easy to call any public area in a major city an “oasis,” but Place des Vosges truly lives up to the description. It's in Le Marais, which is already a relatively quiet arrondissement; but once you step through the arches, the stately residences seem to absorb any city noise and the arcades that cover the sidewalks add to its hushed ambiance. It's a good place to go to take a load off after trekking around the city all day.
It's easy to call any public area in a major city an “oasis,” but Place des Vosges truly lives up to the description. It's in Le Marais, which is already a relatively quiet arrondissement; but once you step through the arches, the stately residences seem to absorb any city noise and the arcades that cover the sidewalks add to its hushed ambiance. It's a good place to go to take a load off after trekking around the city all day.
Practical Info
The border of the third and fourth arrondissements divide the Place des Vosges; take the M7 to Sully-Morand, then head down Rue Beautrellis, which ends at the exterior of the homes that surround Place des Vosges.
Address: 14 Place des Vosges, Paris 75004, France
From $ 29
Palace of Versailles
Formerly a (comparatively) humble hunting lodge, the Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles) is the extravagant creation of Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. Embellished to epitomize ultimate royal decadence, the inequality of which tindered the French Revolution, Versailles Palace is a feast for the eyes — its 700 rooms are replete with frescoed ceilings and carvings, while the Versailles Gardens (Jardins de Versailles) brim with geometrically designed walkways and fountains. No visit to Paris, or France for that matter, is complete without experiencing the grandeur of Versailles.
The Basics
Visiting every one of the palace's 700 rooms would take days, so a Versailles guided tour that encapsulates Chateau de Versailles' highlights is indisputably the best option. In the Hall of Mirrors, gold-framed windows let in heavenly light, while priceless antique furniture decorates the King's Grand Chambers. The Royal Chapel's seemingly interminable columns are divine to behold, and in the Gardens of Versailles, the colossal Grand Canal dominates while the Musical Fountains dance to classical music at regular intervals.
The Basics
Visiting every one of the palace's 700 rooms would take days, so a Versailles guided tour that encapsulates Chateau de Versailles' highlights is indisputably the best option. In the Hall of Mirrors, gold-framed windows let in heavenly light, while priceless antique furniture decorates the King's Grand Chambers. The Royal Chapel's seemingly interminable columns are divine to behold, and in the Gardens of Versailles, the colossal Grand Canal dominates while the Musical Fountains dance to classical music at regular intervals.
Lines can be long, often exceeding two hours, so purchase a skip-the-line ticket to spend less time waiting and more time exploring the Versailles Palace and Gardens. Various combo tours include skip-the-line entry at both the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum and a Versailles Palace tour, allowing travelers to maximize their time in Paris. History buffs should consider a private tour for tailored insight into the residence's history, particularly Marie Antoinette's exile in the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, while active travelers can tour Versailles by bike to cover more ground in less time. On a full-day tour, fans of Impressionist art can combine Versailles with a visit to Giverny, the village that inspired the water lily paintings of Claude Monet.
How To Get to the Palace of Versailles
The palace is located in the small township of Versailles, 13 miles (21 km) outside of Paris, and is easy to reach by train. Catch RER C from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche station, only a 10-minute walk away from the palace. You can also catch the SNCF train from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station.
- The palace is incredibly popular — book a skip-the-line ticket to save time.
- The majority of tours from Paris include hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Select a tour that combines round-trip transport with an audio guide for a self-guided experience.
The palace is located in the small township of Versailles, 13 miles (21 km) outside of Paris, and is easy to reach by train. Catch RER C from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche station, only a 10-minute walk away from the palace. You can also catch the SNCF train from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station.
When to Get There
At night, when the palace lights are illuminated and the sun has set, the gardens' Musical Fountains are at their most magical. Visit the Versailles Gardens on a Saturday evening between June 17 and September 16 to see a particularly special fountain performance crowned with a fireworks display.
Address: Place d'Armes, Versailles, Ile-de-France 78000, France
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am – 6:30pm in summer; 9am – 5:30pm in winter. Gardens and park open daily. Closed Jan 1, Apr 5, May 1, May 24, Nov 1, and Dec 25.
Admission: €18 for all-access pass (includes audio tour)
From $ 33