Paris Travelers Recommend - page 2

Springtime in Paris means blooming flowers, clear skies, and enjoyable weather for strolling the boulevards. Here are our favorite ways to take advantage of the joyful, post-winter atmosphere and enjoy the city’s many delights in the fresh air.

• Bike through Paris to cover more ground than you would by walking and see the city like a local.

• Dive fully into the romantic side of Paris on a carriage ride past the Eiffel Tower.

• Take a walking tour of the Luxembourg Gardens to admire flowers, fountains, and greenery.

• Explore the neighborhood of Montmartre on a tour that includes a rare visit to Clos Montmartre, a private vineyard.

• Head to the Palace of Versailles on a day trip to enjoy the expansive gardens in their springtime glory.

Among the many things Paris is known for, affordability is not usually one of them. But you can save on sightseeing by planning a few major attractions and activities in advance. Here are our tips for pinching your pennies in the French capital.

Book a Super Saver

Super Savers combine two bestselling activities into one tour at a discounted price, giving you a convenient way to enjoy top Paris experiences such as exploring the Louvre, visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral, or taking a Montmartre walking tour.

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour to Save on Transportation

Paris is a walkable city, but some attractions are spread out, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, and the Père-Lachaise Cemetery. Instead of spending money on taxis, Ubers, and the Metro, book a hop-on hop-off tour for transportation across the city at one price, plus the benefit of onboard commentary to learn about Paris' attractions as you go.

Book a Combo Tour

Visiting the Eiffel Tower and taking a cruise on the Seine River are two of the most popular things to do in Paris, making them the perfect combo tour activities. With the Eiffel Tower's location on the Left Bank of the Seine, it's easy to hop on a riverboat after your tower visit for a relaxing way to spot waterfront sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Choose a Tour that Includes Lunch or Tastings

If you're going to visit the Eiffel Tower or take a ride along the Seine anyway, opt for a tour that includes lunch to save on meal expenses later. And instead of a booking a regular walking tour, choose one that includes food tastings, which often come with enough items to fill you up.

Buy an Attractions Pass

Ticket packages such as the Paris Pass provide admission to a number of city attractions, in addition to use of the Metro for a certain number of days, giving you a discounted way to do some sightseeing around Paris at your own pace.

One of Paris' most iconic performance venues, the Moulin Rouge has been entertaining audiences since 1889. Enjoy an evening out at the cabaret with a dinner package that includes French cuisine and wine. Here's what you should know before booking.

Highlights

• There's no need to worry about where to eat in Paris with dinner included at the cabaret.

• The evening out lasts four to five hours.

• Dinner is usually three courses; various menu options are available when booking.

• A half bottle of wine or Champagne is typically included in dinner packages, depending on the option selected.

Things to Know

• Elegant attire is required at the Moulin Rouge—while you shouldn't wear shorts, sport shoes, or sportswear, a tie and jacket are not necessary.

• Tables seat six to eight people, so you'll dine with other guests.

• Most packages include hotel pickup and drop-off, but you should check the details of each one to confirm.

As the home of the Eiffel Tower and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, it comes as no surprise that Paris is one of Europe’s most-visited cities. With so many visitors, conditions can be tight, but here’s how to find breathing space in France’s capital.

Avoid the Metro at Rush Hour

During rush hour, commuters pack into the Paris Metro like sardines in a can. If you plan on sightseeing between 8am-10am or 5pm-7pm, it’s quicker and more comfortable to explore on foot. Besides, the handsome Haussmann boulevards of Paris lend themselves well to walking.

Plan Ahead

Decide which key sights you are hell-bent on visiting and then book your admission ticket in advance. Attractions such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Catacombs offer skip-the-line access, which saves you hours of waiting in line.

Think Outside of the Box

If you need a break from the crowds, skip big-name sights and head for lesser-known gems. Try the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower instead of the Eiffel Tower; cruise along the Canal St. Martin or the Marne River instead of the Seine; search for the hidden highlights of the Louvre; or enlist the help of a guide to discover alternative arrondissements.

Escape the City

If you’re sick of being shoulder-to-shoulder with other visitors, escape Paris altogether and head for the French countryside. The capital is within easy reach of Normandy’s beaches, the castle-strewn Loire Valley, and the Champagne region.

Explore at Night

As darkness descends on the City of Lights, Paris’ bistros and bars fill up, and the crowds on the street thin out. Take advantage of the quieter period with some nighttime sightseeing; the Louvre stays opens late and is typically less crowded after dark.

No visitor to Paris should leave without taking in two of the city's most iconic experiences: a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a night of entertainment at the Moulin Rouge. Check both activities off your list with any of the combo options below.

Highlights

• Experience the ultimate date night with a trip to the Eiffel Tower and a show at the Moulin Rouge.

• Choose a combo tour that includes dinner at the Eiffel Tower's first-floor 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant to look out over the illuminated city over a meal.

• Some Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge combo tours also include a cruise on the Seine River, which allows you to see the City of Light from yet another perspective.

• Wrap up your evening with a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, starting at 9 or 11pm.

• Combo tours typically begin in the early evening and last about seven hours.

Add-On Experiences

For the ultimate night out, book a tour that pairs an Eiffel Tower visit and Moulin Rouge show with a relaxing cruise on the Seine River. And if you're looking to maximize your time, book a combo tour that includes skip-the-line entry or dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

Louis XIV's extravagant Palace of Versailles, where French nobility lived lavishly until France's revolution, is one of the most popular sites in the country—meaning lines can be long. Here are a few ways to avoid waiting with a skip-the-line tour.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Visiting the Palace of Versailles on a guided skip-the-line tour allows you to get more out of your visit with insider commentary about the palace's long history, ornate design, and interesting cast of former residents. For something extra special, opt for a Viator VIP tour that includes access to rooms not usually open to the public.

Skip-the-Line Tours with an Audio Guide

If you prefer to explore the palace on your own but still want to learn about the various rooms as you go, from the Hall of Mirrors to the Royal Chapel, opt for a tour that includes an audio guide. You'll get narration and time to visit the gardens, just without the group experience.

Skip-the-Line Tours with Additional Versailles Experiences

Enhance your visit to Versailles by booking a tour that includes lunch on the Grand Canal or time to explore Marie Antoinette's replica French village and Petit Trianon. Another popular add-on during certain months of the year is entry to the palace's fountain night show, when you can admire the gardens illuminated after dark.

With its emphases on romance, wine, and other sophisticated themes, Paris may not be at the top of your list for a family vacation. But there's actually plenty to do with kids in tow. Here are some tips for creating a Parisian holiday for all ages.

• Take a day trip to Disneyland Paris.

• Explore the city on a kid-centric walking tour tailored to those traveling with children.

• Go shopping with your teenager in the world’s most fashionable city.

• Treat your kids to a pastry and chocolate tour.

• Head to the Parc Astérix theme park just outside the city.

The Eiffel Tower’s location on the Left Bank of the Seine makes it easy to combine a visit to the tower with a cruise on the river—a relaxing way to spot top sights like the Notre Dame. Here’s what you need to know to find the right combo for you.

Highlights

• Check off two of Paris’ top activities in one convenient ticket package.

• Options are available for both day and night, with some featuring dinner.

• Some Eiffel Tower tickets include skip-the-line access.

• Cruise tickets can often be used on a different day to provide flexibility.

Half-Day Combo Tours

Four to five hours in duration, a half-day combo allows you to maximize your time in the city while still getting an overview of the main attractions. This is an ideal way to get oriented with the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods at the beginning of your trip.

Full-Day Combo Tours

See the best of Paris in one day on a tour that includes an Eiffel Tower visit, Seine River cruise, and another must-do activity, such as a guided tour of the Louvre. If you’re looking to learn about the city, a guided full-day tour is the way to go.

Some of the world's most famous wine- and cheese-producing regions lie just outside Paris, but there’s no need to leave the City of Light to indulge in this culinary pairing. Here are a few ways to treat your tastebuds to cheese and wine in Paris.

Group Tastings

Group tastings offer big flavors on a small budget, perfect for sampling a wide variety of the city’s best wines and cheeses while meeting other travelers from around the world. Tastings might take place in a cheese cellar, a chic wine bar, or a market. It’s also possible to pair cheese and wine on a culinary walking tour of a particular Parisian neighborhood such as Le Marais.

Private Tastings

During a private tasting, you'll have a professional oenologist or cheesemonger all to yourself as you learn how French wines and cheese are made and sample several of the region’s most famous varietals, expertly paired with decadent French cheese. A popular option for families and groups of friends, this private experience gives you the freedom to ask all the questions you want about the wines and cheeses you're tasting.

Things to Know

• You can choose a convenient tasting experience based on your personal preferences.

• Tasting tours in Paris can last anywhere from 90 minutes to 7 hours depending on the included activities, with most lasting about 2 hours.

• Participants must be at least 18 years of age to drink alcohol in Paris.

Criss-crossed at all angles by road, rail, and river, Paris is a city explorer’s dream destination—and getting around is all part of the fun. Whether by boulevard, water, or underground tunnel, here are a few ways to see the City of Light in style.

From Above

For the finest views over the French capital, there's one landmark that comes to mind: the world-famous Eiffel Tower. If you've already ticked off this must-see attraction or perhaps want a view with the Eiffel Tower in it, head to the Tour Montparnasse's observation deck. Combine your bird's-eye view with an on-the-ground tour that still has you head and shoulders above the rest with a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour.

From the Underground

From street level, Paris is a busy, bustling city, but delve below ground and you'll discover a whole different side to the capital. Tour the underground Paris Catacombs, which date back to the late 18th century when authorities began struggling with overflowing cemeteries, to get a fascinating look at Paris' history with a guide on hand to bring the story to life.

From the Water

The Seine River winds its way through the heart of Paris, and river cruises offer the unique opportunity to admire the City of Light from the water. Cruise along Paris' UNESCO–listed riverbanks and enjoy stellar views over top attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. For a romantic experience, whisk your loved one onto a dinner cruise and sip Champagne beneath the Pont Neuf.

After Dark

When night falls over Paris and the evening illuminations flicker on, the city takes on a whole new look and feel. Cruise the streets by open-top bus to admire the Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe by night and perhaps finish in style with a trip to the world-famous Moulin Rouge.

France's Palace of Versailles is a must-see at any time of year, but the palace especially comes alive in summer, when fireworks and musical fountain shows add to the magic. Here's what you need to know to experience these special summer events.

When to Go

The palace's summer garden events run from April to October. You can view the stunning fountain show on weekends between 10am and 7pm (plus some Tuesdays) and experience the Music in the Gardens program, which includes a musical promenade running through the formal French gardens, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For an illuminated view, visit after dark and watch the special fountain night show and fireworks display, both of which run from mid–June to mid–September on Saturday evenings. Some tours also offer access to the Royal Serenade, a full period–costumed performance in Versailles’ famous Hall of Mirrors.

How to Go

Versailles is a quick day trip from Paris and one of the most popular. To see the summer shows and make the most of your time at the palace, choose a guided Versailles tour with fountain show tickets; skip-the-line palace tickets with included fountain show entry; or stand-alone royal garden tickets.

Things to Know

• Most tours include roundtrip transportation from Paris.

• The Versailles summer shows present a variety of stunning lights, colors, and water displays set to Baroque music, offering a unique Versailles experience that can only be had in summer.

• Guided garden tours can be added to tours of the palace and state apartments—these options range from half-day to full-day experiences.

As it's often said, one of the best ways to get to know a place is through its food, and there's nowhere better to follow that mantra than Paris, where culinary experiences allow you to be part of the local culture. Here are a few ways to do so.

Small-Group Cooking Classes

Typically limited to 15 people, a small-group cooking class provides personalized attention from a chef or instructor during a hands-on lesson where you might make classic French dishes such as soufflé or coq au vin. Most classes also offer insight into French culinary traditions, such as the proper ordering of courses and the importance of cheese. Wine is often included.

Cooking Classes with a Market Visit

No meal starts without ingredients, so if you're looking for a well-rounded food experience in Paris, book a cooking class that starts with a trip to a local market with a chef or guide to shop for fresh produce, herbs, and meat. You'll see how locals search for the perfect items and might have the chance to chat with vendors yourself.

Cooking Classes with a Meal

Most cooking classes end with eating your creations, but how much you make and eat depends on the class. For a full French meal, book a lesson that includes multiple courses so you can learn how to make a variety of dishes and enjoy lunch or dinner in a more formal setting.

Pastry and Dessert Workshops

Paris is a sugar high, with the array of decadent desserts and other sweet treats on offer at patisseries, boulangeries, and chocolateries all over town. So it's no wonder that many culinary classes focus on how make pastries, from classic baguettes to colorful macarons. You can't go wrong with a croissant lesson, one of the most popular, but for something fancier, you might learn how to make éclairs, tarts, or even crème brûlée.

For something a little different and classically French, book a Paris tour by Citroën 2CV, a vintage car that dates back to the 1940s. Heads will turn as you cruise the streets in one of these brightly colored vehicles—here are your options.

Highlights

• Tour options run between 90 minutes and four hours.

• A driver is included so you don't have to worry about navigating Paris traffic yourself.

• By traveling in a small car, you can explore narrow streets and squares that tour buses can't access.

Private Tours

Each 2CV can carry a small group of people typically limited to three, but you'll travel in a convoy of cars unless you book a private tour. By booking for your group only, you'll gain the flexibility to tell your driver what you'd like to see and when you'd like to stop. A number of tours are available to suit your interests, whether you want an overview of the top Paris attractions or prefer an in-depth exploration of a specific area such as Montmartre or the Champs-Elysées. Book a romantic tour if you're traveling as a couple or a secret Paris tour if you'd like to see sights off the beaten track.

Combo Tours

Most Citroën 2CV tours don't include stops except to pause for photo ops, but there are a few that combine the car tour with a visit to a Paris attraction. Perhaps pair your 2CV ride with a half-day tour to Château de Versailles; a fashion-themed tour that includes a visit to Galeries Lafayette, a famous Parisian department store; or a city tour that includes a sweet treat from a patisserie.

In a city known for its architectural landmarks and joie de vivre, you might not think to go underground. But venturing below street level introduces you to intriguing Paris history as well as the Métro, the easiest way to get around the city.

Touring the Paris Catacombs

Beginning in the late 1700s, bones from Parisian cemeteries were transferred to a former limestone quarry that became the Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes). Located 135 feet (20 meters) underground, the ossuary holds the remains of millions of Parisians, displayed in a maze of illuminated tunnels. The Catacombs aren't typically part of Paris city tours, so make a special trip to the 14th arrondissement if you’re interested in this macabre attraction.

Just 200 visitors are allowed inside the Catacombs at any time and the line can get long, so book a skip-the-line tour to make sure you don't waste time in the queue. Exploring the Catacombs takes about 45 minutes and involves walking down 130 steps and back up 83 steps—comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

Exploring the Paris Sewers

The Paris sewer system dates back to the 14th century, with its current incarnation designed in the mid-1800s, and offers the chance to see a different side of the city. In this subterranean world, you can explore tunnels that mirror the streets above and learn about Paris' water supply, engineering, and protection against flooding from the Seine.

For an in-depth look at the underground labyrinth, take a tour with a guide who shares historical facts and stories—something most tourists miss—or visit the Sewer Museum (Musée des Egouts de Paris), which is located on the Right Bank near Pont de l'Alma.

Using the Paris Métro

The Paris Métro, or Métropolitain, is one of Europe's busiest subway systems with 16 lines and more than 300 stations. It's come a long way since the first line opened in 1900 during the Paris World's Fair, and it's the easiest way to travel around this busy city, especially when you want to get to the other side of the Seine. Some stations still have original Art Nouveau Métropolitain signs—a great photo op.

Ticket packages such as the Paris Pass combine admission to city attractions with use of the Métro for a certain number of days, providing a convenient way to do some sightseeing around Paris at your own pace. You can also buy a Métro pass or individual tickets at each station. If you're using the transit network to go to the airport or travel outside the city to a location such as Versailles, the RER commuter line operates fluidly with the Métro.

The Eiffel Tower may be Paris' most-visited attraction, but not everyone knows you can dine within its glass walls. Here's how you can enjoy a meal in stylish surroundings with stellar city views and a unique perspective of the icon’s architecture.

Highlights

• Admire views of Paris while you eat on the first or second level of the Eiffel Tower.

• Meals take place at either 58 Tour Eiffel or Alain Ducasse's Le Jules Verne—the tower's two restaurants.

• Options are available to combine your tower visit with a city tour or Seine River cruise.

• Tours last anywhere between two hours and a full-day, depending on the chosen activities.

Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

Located on the tower's first floor, 58 Tour Eiffel offers a lunch service that's more casual and kid-friendly than dinner, with light meals served as a 'chic picnic' in a picnic-style basket. On the second level, Le Jules Verne is a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can savor a three-course lunch overlooking the city.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower

58 Tour Eiffel's dinner service features a posh atmosphere and sophisticated dishes, perfect for a date night. Up a level at Le Jules Verne, dinner is made up of six courses with wine pairings. Dinner options at the tower offer a more romantic setting, with fewer crowds and an illuminated view of the city spread out before you.

Combo Tours

A combo tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the Eiffel Tower in addition to another popular Paris experience, such as a cruise on the Seine, a city tour, a visit to Moulin Rouge, or even a trip to Versailles.

The City of Lights is suffused with romance all throughout the year—but during the winter months, Paris becomes especially festive. Make the most of the holiday season and explore Paris’ light displays, visit holiday markets, plan unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations, and more. Here’s how to plan the perfect wintery getaway in Paris.

• Snag a top seat on an open-top double-decker bus, snuggle down with a blanket and hot beverage, and enjoy the unbeatable perspective on Paris’ holiday light displays.

• Go on a Christmas-themed cruise along the Seine River, complete with a multicourse meal, live music, and Champagne.

• Make like a flâneur and explore Paris’ enviable Christmas foods and decorations on foot.

• Couple a Notre-Dame tour with a visit to a traditional Christmas market (samples included).

• Admire Paris’ light displays when you ride the Champs-Elysee’s magical ferris wheel.

• Enroll in a small-group cooking class and learn how to make festive French delicacies.

• Attend a glamorous and luxurious New Year’s Eve cabaret show.

• Enjoy a countdown to remember aboard a New Year’s Eve Seine River boat tour.

• Experience a timeless Paris attraction at the always-entertaining Moulin Rouge.

Macarons are the quintessential French confection—light, cream-filled, and a favorite of Parisians for centuries. There's no better place than Paris to make and taste them, so here are a few ways to try these stylish cookies in the City of Light.

Macaron Pastry Classes

From taking a formal French pastry class to receiving instruction from a local chef in a private apartment, learning to make macarons is a great way to try out Parisian culinary arts. Most classes are taught in English and last about three hours, covering the traditional treat’s history, essential pastry-making techniques, and step-by-step instructions to master the recipe.

Macaron Walking Tours

Foodies can embark on a walking tour to find the best macarons in France and hear about Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, and Fauchon, three famous pastry makers that helped bring the macaron to fame. You'll get an introduction to the city’s most famous sights and its connection to the dessert while tasting your way around some of the top macaron boutiques and bakeries with a guide. Most tours explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Montmartre, or the Marais, some of Paris' most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods.

With their effortless style and supreme taste in literature, food, and wine, true Parisians are easy to spot. Here are a few ways to travel like a local and take in French culture in Paris, from learning the language to playing some pétanque.

• Go beyond oui and s'il vous plait with a casual French language class that involves conversation in a classic café and a short city walking tour.

• Hone your kitchen skills in Paris during a semi-private, two-hour baguette and croissant workshop taught by a professional French cooking instructor. Learn how French masters knead dough, and discover the secrets to baking the perfect buttery croissant and classic baguette.

• Taste the traditional flavors of a four-course French meal, complete with wine, cheese and rich French sauces, in the local home of English-speaking Parisians.

• Learn to play the local game of pétanque —also known as lawn bowling—while sipping French wine and nibbling charcuterie during a half-day walking tour of Paris' most famous neighborhoods.

• Gain an edge by taking in a showing of Oliver Giraud's hit comedy show How to Become a Parisian in One Hour. Using his unique brand of comedy, Giraud instructs the crowd on how to think, dress, talk, and walk like a real Parisian.

From the 1840s until World War I, an artistic bohemian culture spread around Paris. The movement left behind generations of fans, and lucky for them, it is still possible to find bohemian charm in the City of Light. See below for your options.

• Tour the historic Montmarte neighborhood to see Bohemian haunts such as Café de Amelie and Café des Deux Moulins.

• Combine a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise with a cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge for a memorable night out on the town.

• Learn about Impressionist art and get skip-the-line access to some of the city's finest museums on a walking tour led by a local guide.

• Taste charcuterie and learn to play pétanque (lawn bowling) on a private half-day tour.

• Admire illuminated landmarks such as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower on a guided walking tour through the City of Light, ending in the trendy St-Germain neighborhood.

Two of Paris' most popular and historic districts, Marais and the Latin Quarter are best explored on foot. Take a neighborhood walking tour to try Parisian dishes, discover the area's street art, or sharpen your photo skills. Here are your options.

Highlights

• Learn about the history, culture, and food of Paris while strolling through the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank of the Seine River or Marais, set on the Right Bank.

• Choose a tour that includes skip-the-line entry to top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Picasso Museum to maximize your time.

• Walk around sampling the best of Parisian cuisine, including wine, cheese, macarons, and other delicacies on a food walking tour.

• Capture the area through your camera lens with a professional photographer and learn where to take the best shots.

• Neighborhood walking tours generally last between two and four hours.

• Choose between small-group and private tour options.

Food Walking Tours

Departing in the morning or afternoon, food walking tours make eight to 10 stops at food shops, restaurants, or markets. Learn about the history of French cuisine while trying some of the local specialties, from wine and cheese to tasty macarons. Some tours focus solely on food, while others combine popular attractions in Marais or the Latin Quarter with a couple of food tastings.

Street Art Walking Tours

Join a knowledgeable guide to learn about the Parisian street art scene and some of the city’s best-known street artists. Limited in size, these small-group tours are great for friends, couples, and families interested in seeing a unique, creative side of Paris. For a personalized experience, book a private street art walking tour.

Photography Walking Tours

Photo walking tours take you past some of the most iconic sights in the Latin Quarter or Marais with a professional photographer who can offer photography tips along the way. Learn how to improve your lighting, composition, and camera control while capturing your memories.

The Eiffel Tower is a must for any traveler to Paris, and you can make your visit truly unique with a lunch experience above the city at one of the tower's restaurants. Read on to learn how to spend an afternoon dining at the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Highlights

• Enjoy panoramic views over the Seine River and the Trocadero while dining at the first-floor 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, 311 feet (95 meters) up.

• Jump to the front of the queue with skip-the-line entry to the tower’s first floor.

• Taste classic French dishes paired with Champagne or wine during a picnic-style lunch.

• Escape the tower’s usual crowds and get more out of your visit with advance reservations.

Eiffel Tower Lunch Combo Tours

To make the most of an afternoon in Paris and see the Eiffel Tower from all angles, choose a tour that combines lunch at the tower with a city sightseeing bus tour and a Seine River cruise. You can also pair your lunch above Paris with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, or, if you’d like to see the city independently, choose a package that includes lunch at the Eiffel Tower as a stop on a hop on, hop off bus tour.

Exclusive Eiffel Tower Lunch Experiences

Book an exclusive lunch at the Eiffel Tower for a one-of-a-kind experience. Not only will you skip the line to go up to the first-floor 58 Tour Eiffel, but you're guaranteed one of the most sought-after reservations in the city—a picnic-style meal at a table by the giant bay windows looking out over the Trocadero. Sip a glass of champagne as you enjoy your unobstructed city views and dig into your decadent lunch.

Paris is a city that appreciates green. From its beautifully ornamental, classical gardens to its lush public parks, there are plenty of urban oases where you can take a break from the city’s frenetic pace and play the role of the French flâneur. Here are the Parisian parks and gardens you can’t miss.

Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)

Arguably Paris’ best-known green space, the Jardin du Luxembourg, located between the bohemian Latin Quarter and elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés, captures all the romanticism of Paris. Dating to the 17th century and flanked by Luxembourg Palace (which now houses a branch of the French government), it features pretty ponds, ornamental terraces, and plenty of picnicking locals.

Botanical Garden (Jardin des Plantes)

Founded in the 17th century as a medicinal garden for the king, the Jardin des Plantes is today the preeminent botanical garden in France. Poised in the fifth arrondissement abutting the Seine, the landmark hosts numerous ornamental gardens, as well as several museum buildings and even a petite zoo.

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

Comprising elegantly plotted grassy banks—and located directly between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde—the Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris’ legendary gardens. Poised in the very heart of Paris, in the first arrondissement, the garden is also a backdrop for Fashion Week, and models are frequently photographed on its stately avenues.

Champ de Mars

The broad swath of greenery located just beneath the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars numbers among Paris’ most-photographed parks. Though it was once used for military drills, today the area hosts visitors from around the world, as well as Parisian families.

Buttes-Chaumont Park (Parc des Buttes-Chaumont)

Off the typical tourist trail due to its far-flung, 19th-arrondissement location, the gorgeously designed Parc des Buttes-Chaumont feels worlds away from the urban crush. Featuring a lake with a rocky island and a replica Greek temple, it’s popular among locals as a tranquil retreat.

Bois de Vincennes

Though located on the far eastern edge of Paris, the Bois de Vincennes is worth traveling to. Referred to as one of “the green lungs of Paris,” the park is the largest in the city. Amidst its meadows and forests, it offers walking and biking trails, sporting and concert venues, a zoo, a historical château, and much more.

Paris was always a hub for 19th-century Impressionist trendsetters—think Monet, Morisot, Degas, Lebourg, and Gaugin—many of whom went on to be some of the most popular artists in history. Read on to find out where to see their famous works.

Musée d'Orsay

Originally a train station, this Impressionism museum pays homage to artists such as Picasso, van Gogh, Monet, Modigliani, Renoir, and Manet, all of whom lived or worked in France. Book a skip-the-line ticket to spend less time waiting and more time inside admiring the greats.

Musée de l'Orangerie

Most famous for being the permanent home of eight of Monet’s Water Lilies murals, this museum is located in Paris' atmospheric Tuileries Gardens. Dive into its collections and history on a private guided museum tour.

Musée Marmottan Monet

Housed in the former hunting lodge of the Duke of Valmy, the Musée Marmottan is as impressive from the outside as it is inside. Skip the line on a guided tour to see the world’s largest collection of Monet's works.

Montmarte

The Impressionists found a wealth of subjects to paint in Paris, with the banks of the Seine River providing endless possibilities to satisfy their artistic genius. On a tour of the bohemian Montmartre neighborhood, stroll by the landmarks that inspired these legendary artists.

Chatou

This now-affluent Parisian neighborhood is home to Île des Impressionnistes, an island in the Seine River that was a popular spot for the Impressionists to sit and paint. A walking tour is a great way to learn more about the area.

Giverny

As Monet gained recognition, he moved from Paris to Giverny, embracing a laidback country life and painting the great outdoors in idyllic peace. Walk through his famous gardens on a tour and head inside his house to see artifacts from his daily life.

With Paris' long history and long list of renowned residents, it's no surprise that cemeteries are among its top attractions. Here are four where you can take a quiet walk, see the tomb of your favorite writer, or even explore a maze of bones.

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes)

In a labyrinth of tunnels 135 feet (20 meters) underground, the Paris Catacombs are home to the remains of millions of Parisians, transferred here from cemeteries around the city starting in the late 1700s.

**How to Visit:**Set in the 14th arrondissement, the Catacombs aren’t far from Montparnasse Cemetery, making it easy to visit both. Visitors are limited to 200 at a time at the Catacombs and the line can get long, so book a skip-the-line tour to avoid the queue.

Père-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Pere-Lachaise)

The largest cemetery in Paris, Père-Lachaise is a major destination due to its ornamental tombs and famous "inhabitants," such as Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Marcel Proust. It's also known for its garden-style design, making it a popular place for a peaceful stroll.

**How to Visit:**Père-Lachaise is in the 20th arrondissement, near the city's eastern edge. You can explore on your own, but at 110 acres (44 hectares) and with more than 70,000 plots, the cemetery can be hard to navigate. By booking a walking tour—either private or small-group—you'll gain insight from a guide about the history and tombs.

Montparnasse Cemetery (Cimetière Montparnasse)

Dating back to 1824, Montparnasse Cemetery is the second-largest grave site in Paris at 47 acres (19 hectares). It's known as the eternal home of musical and literary figures such as Serge Gainsbourg, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Charles Baudelaire.

**How to Visit:**In the 14th arrondissement, the cemetery is located just southeast of Montparnasse Tower, making it easy to visit when you're in this neighborhood. From the Metro, get off at the Raspail station. You may enter and wander at your leisure, or book a private Paris sightseeing tour with the option to customize your itinerary. This gives you the opportunity to explore the cemetery with a knowledgeable guide.

Montmartre Cemetery (Cimetière de Montmartre)

Paris' third-largest cemetery opened in 1825 in the hilly, bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Its notable burials include Edgar Degas, Emile Zola (his original burial), and Gustave Moreau.

**How to Visit:**Head to the 18th arrondissement to explore the cemetery's 27 acres (11 hectares) on your own, or book a Montmartre walking tour to combine a stop at the cemetery with the rest of the neighborhood's historical sights, seeing it all with a guide who can provide insight and tips.