Sights and activities in Paris
Eiffel Tower– Paris' most famous landmark with a stunning view of the city.
Sacré-Coeur – a Roman Catholic church located on top of the Montmartre hill, with beautiful views over Paris. You’ll also find many street artists in the area behind the Sacré-Coeur.
District of Manmartre – known for its nightlife, quaint cobbled streets and pretty houses. It’s also where you’ll find the famous nightclub and theatre Moulin Rouge.
Louvre Museum – the world's premier art collection, with highlights including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Due to its size and the amount of art on display, it’s a good idea to do your research in advance and decide what you want to see.
Pompidou Centre – a spectacular building housing France's Museum of Modern Art.
Opéra Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier – a majestic opera house and theatre that was also used as the setting for the novel The Phantom of the Opera.
Parks – pay a visit to Luxembourg Gardens, Paris’ most visited park (Jardin du Luxembourg), and the Buttes-Chaumont, a public park with more of a local feel.
Shopping in Paris
Paris is the fashion and shopping capital of the world. There is a huge range of boutiques showcasing both famous fashion designers and new talents.
Designer clothes can be found at Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, and you can also discover several new designers in the Bastille district and in Saint-Germain-des-Près. If you’re seeking last year's fashion trends at lower prices on the other hand, Rue d'Alesia is the place to visit.
Printemps & Galeries Lafayette – two large department stores that site side by side.
Place Vendôme – a prestigious square where you can find designer clothes and luxury items.
Troyes – an outlet city 90 minutes from Paris by train.
Marketplaces and flea markets:
Porte de Clignancourt – a famous flea market at the end of a metro line.
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen – the largest flea market in Paris and a mecca for anyone looking for a bargain.
Marché des Enfants Rouges – a fruit and vegetable market that offers fresh ingredients and affordable smaller restaurants.
Rue de Buci and Rue Mouffetard – two market halls where fresh ingredients can be bought.
Tip: On weekends there are market fares hosted on the main street of each district.
French food & drink in Paris
Oysters – served raw in their shell over ice. The oyster season is at its best during the winter months.
Steak tartare – raw beef with egg yolk and spices.
Escargots – cooked snails served with parsley and garlic butter.
Coq au vin – cockerel stew with pork, wine and vegetables.
Boeuf bourguignon – a rich beef stew cooked in wine.
Cheeses – often served between the main course and dessert with biscuits or fruit. The French are proud of their huge variety of cheeses – ask the staff about their selection.
Quiche Lorraine – ham and cheese pie.
Crêpes and galettes – crêpes are thin sweet pancakes; galettes are savoury versions made with sarrasin flower.
Baguette – a long and thin loaf of wheat bread.
Croissant – a flaky pastry named for its crescent shape.
Wines – France is a wine country, and you can enjoy many different kinds. Try to avoid the cheapest table wines in most tourist areas.
Champagne – sparkling wine from the Champagne region, which is just two hours from Paris.
Calvados – a digestive brandy made from apples, normally served after a meal.
Things to see and do near Paris
Disneyland Resort Paris – a resort with amusement parks 35km east of Paris, about an hour away by commuter train.
Palace of Versailles – a historic royal palace, the main attraction of which is the beautiful hall of mirrors consisting of 357 mirrors. Located 20km from Paris, it’s only about 35 minutes away by high-speed train.
