Holidays in Paris: Take a break in the city of love
Paris, of all the cities in the world, is probably the world's most famous destination for a romantic getaway. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the bohemian Montmartre district are just some of the sights to admire. Many hotels offer a central place to stay and first-class restaurants for your dining pleasure.
When is the best time to travel to Paris?
Paris in summer is irresistible, but the summer months are the time when many Parisians leave the city and millions of tourists flood in. If you want to experience a more authentic Paris, travel in spring or fall. Paris is in bloom from April to the beginning of June and in autumn the leaves turn red and orange, adding an extra kick of romance to the city. In winter, Paris exudes its undeniable charm: in the run-up to Christmas, the Christmas markets draw you in and the large department stores decorate their shop windows.
The best areas to stay
As Paris is easy to get around, there is no specific area that is best to stay in. Just make sure your hotel is close to a metro station so you can move freely around the city. If you are looking for somewhere hip, stay in Marais where young Parisians come to have a drink or shop. For accommodation closer to Paris’ famous sites, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Seine, the 7th Arrondissement is a perfect, luxurious option.
Culinary delights in Paris
In France, you can eat like a god: Paris is the capital of gourmets and countless restaurants invite you to try a diverse selection of delicacies. If you want to eat authentic French food, choose a restaurant that is not very close to any major attractions.
You should definitely plan a visit to one of the typical cafes to experience a real French breakfast. Whether you are in a tiny café on Montmartre enjoying café au lait and croissants or in Le Marais student district, simply sit back with your breakfast and soak up the atmosphere. Among the most famous cafés in Paris are:
Café de Flore at Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Café des Deux Moulins (Café de Amélie) on Montmartre
Les Deux Magots at Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Shopping - the best addresses
Paris is the city of fashion and a true shopping paradise. Whether you are a fan of small, specialty boutiques or want to explore the large department stores, you will stumble upon shopping opportunities around every corner. Some of the most popular shopping destinations are the megastores, especially the Galeries Lafayette: you'll find big designer labels as well as smaller brands, and it is also the ideal place to look for a souvenir. Rue de Rivoli is one of the main shopping streets with both international shops and French boutiques.
Our pirate tip: Combine a visit to the museum with a shopping trip. Rue de Rivoli leads directly from the Hotel de Ville to the Louvre. Even if you only visit the city of love for a few days, you should take some time to shop and bring back a fashionable souvenir.
The Eiffel Tower, shopping, and more
Whether you are on a short trip to Paris and only have a mini break or whether you have the full week to explore, there are certain things worth seeing and doing in the French capital.
The Eiffel Tower: Even if you do not climb all the way up (the view from the second platform at 275 meters is breathtaking!), this 324-meter-high iron tower is a fantastic sight, especially at night.
Cathédrale Notre Dame: This church is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in France. Our pirate tip: Climb up the 387 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy the magnificent view of the city and the nearby Seine.
Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica: The atmosphere of this former artists' quarter, especially around the Place du Tertre, is still unique, reminiscent of the days when Paris was the center of modern culture and the home of famous artists such as Monet and Picasso.
The Louvre: Even the square in front of the most famous museum in the world is breathtaking—consider the iconic glass pyramid, where the entrance is located. Inside you can marvel at the mysterious smile of Mona Lisa and eight exhibitions of famous art from all over the world.
From day to night: nightlife in Paris
A quiet cocktail at the bar or an evening of wild dancing? In Paris you will find plenty of venues that promise you an unforgettable night. But that has its price—going out in Paris can be very expensive. Use the happy hours of the bars to your advantage (happy hour usually falls between 6pm and 7pm and between 9pm and 10pm. You'll find a high density of bars and clubs in these areas:
Oberkampf: Get away from the tourist crowds and discover numerous bars and cafes, many of which have lower price ranges.
Rue Mouffetard: You can expect typical Parisian bars and restaurants and a casual atmosphere.
Bastille: This nightlife district is equally popular with tourists and locals alike, especially around Rue de Lappe. There's a reason it's called "the longest bar in France."
Paris breaks for couples
Paris is known as the City of Love for a reason: The architecture, the streets, the Eiffel tower and the many movie landmarks create an image that attracts lovers from all over the world. Paris has always been a hotspot for artists and writers who have contributed to the romantic atmosphere of the French capital. At Montmartre‘s Wall of Love, you will find “I love you” in every language and, of course, a picture in front of the Eiffel tower is the ultimate love goal.
A romantic walking-tour
Auguste Rodin is famous for sculptures such as “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”. The best place to admire his art is in the Sculpture Garden of the Rodin Museum. Visit the gardens and have a coffee in the cafe, the entrance fee is just a few Euros – so is also a good option for travellers on a budget.
The Champs Elysees is often described as one of the most beautiful avenues in the world and a walk down the majestic street is indescribable. If you are looking for a good place for shopping, you can find something for every taste on the fashion metropolis’ most impressive thoroughfare.
You would never imagine a cemetery as a romantic tourist attraction, but in Paris, the Pere Lachaise is an exception. With its mystic atmosphere, time seems to have stopped. Home to the burial sites of icons such as Edith Piaf, Chopin and Oscar Wilde, the cemetery has a unique and sublime character, leaving you to wander through Paris’ streets with a sense of calm serenity.
A day trip with Eurostar
A great option to get from London to Paris is to take the Eurostar. In only 2 hours and 15 minutes, the train will drop you off in the heart of Paris, at the Gare du Nord. If you always wanted to visit the Louvre and admire the Mona Lisa, you could even plan to visit Paris for the day on a combined London/Paris city-break. If you book ahead, a return ticket is around £60 and seats come with plenty of legroom!
An hour out of Paris, the Palace of Versailles offers majestic scenery and a historic atmosphere that invites you to stroll through the magnificent house and gardens. Stop off to enjoy a café au lait with an amazing view. If love is a language we all speak, then Paris is the city where we can become fluent. Take a few days to ignite the romance on a city break in Paris.