A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Winding cobblestone streets, flower-adorned balconies, and arthouse cinemas are just a few features that enhance the charm of the Saint-Michel neighborhood. Nestled on the west side of the historic Latin Quarter, this area is one of the most visited regions in Paris. Tourists can be seen capturing endless images of the dramatic St. Michel fountain and the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, located just across the Seine River.
Did you know Paris is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet, even surpassing crowded metropolises like Mumbai and Cairo? Coupling this with the fact that the City of Light is the world’s top urban tourist destination, it is no surprise that navigating its streets or using the Paris metro can often feel overwhelming.
Located in Paris’ 13th arrondissement, the Butte aux Cailles district is one of the city’s most charming hidden gems, often overlooked by tourists. Known for its narrow cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and unique boutiques, this area offers a taste of authentic Parisian life.
Walk down the famed Rue des Rosiers in the Marais district of Paris on a half-sunny afternoon, and you’re sure to encounter lines snaking down the street, ending at a restaurant with a bright green and yellow facade. What’s it all about, exactly?
Les Folies Bergère is one of Paris’ most-revered classic cabarets and “theaters of the people.” Opened in 1869 as Les Folies Trevise, this legendary venue has hosted performances by icons like American dancer Josephine Baker, French writer Colette, and Charlie Chaplin. Known for its bawdy, bold acts, Les Folies Bergère has always remained true to its anti-elitist roots.
Discover the history and experiences offered at the Cinémathèque Française Film Center and Museum, a must-visit for cinema aficionados in Paris.
Ideally, you’ll want to be able to spend more than a day in Paris as it’s a rich, diverse, historic city that is on most everyone’s bucket list. However, if you only have 24 hours at your disposal during your first visit, making that day a memorable one is essential.
Paris is renowned for making an art of almost everything—even death and mourning. It’s no surprise, then, that the city’s cemeteries are poetic and inspired places that feel a bit like open-air museums. These historic sites, which opened primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, serve as the burial places for countless writers, philosophers, musicians, politicians, and other famous figures, often providing beautiful spots for reflection and strolls.
Disneyland Paris gets dressed up every winter in dazzling holiday lights. This shot from winter 2009 shows the park’s Main Street and fantasy castle beautifully adorned for the Christmas season. If you’ll be celebrating the holiday season in Paris, Disneyland can offer an enchanting experience for you and your family.
It’s hard to believe that when the Eiffel Tower was first unveiled for the Universal Exposition of 1889, it was deemed a horrible eyesore by many, who found its bold modernity a shock. Now millions of people each year visit the tower, both for its fascinating construction and its superb views over the city, but it’s interesting to look back on the tower’s many guises over the years. We start with the present but make sure to explore some truly intriguing historical shots.
In many ways, Paris in the summertime is the leastParisianof times in the city of lights. Since French people generally have several weeks of paid vacation a year, huge numbers of locals flee town for vacations in the south of France or elsewhere, and the influx of visitors turns the city into a perpetual Babel, with foreign languages heard just as frequently as French in metro cars or cafes.
Founded in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut, Le Bon Marché (originally named “Au Bon Marché”) is a must-visit destination for fashion-conscious Parisians on the left bank. It is not only a department store but also holds a long and impressive history.
First inaugurated in 1893, the Galeries Lafayette department store is a fashion institution in Paris. Located near the stately Opera Garnier, this vast, remarkably ornate complex is an essential stop for fashion enthusiasts. Men and women’s designer collections are consistently kept at the cutting-edge, while the latest trends in jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, and cosmetics can also be explored under one roof. Moreover, it’s a stunning building, with its Belle Epoque architecture featuring in countless books and movies about the French capital.
As one of the world’s fashion capitals, you’d expect to find at least a few good budget shops and designer outlet stores in Paris. Parisians know that finding the perfect pair of slacks from a discount designer shop or antique lamp from a flea market istout un art– a genuine art. Particularly if you’re visiting Paris on a limited and strict budget, make sure to bookmark this page for great ideas on cheap shopping opportunities in the city.
As one of the world’s leading capitals of fashion, you’d expect Paris to have a fair number of malls. Since most Parisians prefer “la lèche-vitrine”—window shopping or, quite literally, “licking the windows”—most shopping areas in the city are found outdoors, in much-coveted shopping districts such as the Marais, the Champs-Elysées, or the “haute couture” district on Rue Saint-Honoré. However, three major shopping centers offer an alternative if you’d prefer a “one-stop” destination or want to browse familiar chain outlets such as Zara or H&M.
If you’re planning a getaway to the French capital with someone special, finding the best spots for romantic walks in Paris is likely to be high up on your to-do list. Paris is a city that naturally exudes romance, so meandering aimlessly (or purposefully, for that matter) is definitely recommended. Naturally, though, some places have more potential to set the mood than others. Here are a few of our favorite places in the city to steal away to with your beau or belle.
Discover the lesser-known canals and waterways of Paris, stepping away from the more conventional Seine River cruises to explore a unique side of the city.
Housed in thePalais du Louvre(Louvre Palace), the former seat of French royalty, the Louvre emerged in the 12th century as a medieval fortress, gradually evolving into a public arts museum during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. Since then, it has become the globe’s most-visited museum, and an enduring symbol of French excellence in the arts.
If you’re at all familiar with impressionist painting, which so often depicts Parisians at lazy picnics in romantic green settings, you know that Paris’ myriad parks and gardens have long been a source of inspiration. In Paris, a park is almostnevera mere plot of grass reserved for sports, and a garden is rarely a random selection of flowers and plants. Parisians pride themselves in making their city’s parks and gardens places of elegance, artistic detail, and symmetry—even the romantic gardens have been carefully planned to imitate nature. Take a stroll, picnic, and revel in these idyllic green spots.
Many people visiting Paris for the first time wonder whether they’re allowed to bring dogs or other pets along for the ride in public transportation, including in metro trains, buses, and trams. Some tourists do opt to bring their pets overseas for longer stays, so this is likely to be an important question for them. Here’s what to keep in mind.
