After living in Paris for more than 10 years now, I have a lot to share with you. This city has so much to teach us about art, architecture, food, and lifestyle. Here are my favorite things to do, places to go, and some advice on when to visit and where to stay during your trip. I will update this article as much as possible, since every city changes, and Paris is no exception.
When to go ?
One of the best seasons to visit Paris is spring (May - June). If you're lucky enough, you will be granted gorgeous weather and soft temperatures. The trees are blossoming and the sun is almost always there. From March to May, it can also be very rainy, so it really depends.
Fall is also a great time to visit Paris. Especially if you're an art lover. In October, the FIAC International Contemporary Art Fair [Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain] takes place all around the city. Modern and contemporary art is displayed in many gardens and streets of Paris. Fall also means beautiful and warm colors.
Winter can be a great season to avoid tourists. Christmas lights are on during December, and February welcomes lovers for valentines day.
During summer, I would not recommend visiting Paris. It's busy and hot during July and you might only be surrounded by tourists since most Parisian are out vacationing. But I agree, summer in Paris still sounds like a great plan.
Overall, I would never miss a chance to visit Paris, so follow your heart whether you want to come in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, it's still an amazing city !
Where to stay?
Choosing a place in Paris highly depends on what you're planning to do.
For example, if you would like to visit all the main attractions (Louvre, Notre Dame, or Eiffel Tower), I would recommend staying right in the city center: Le Marais, Saint Michel, and the Latin Quarter.
Keep in mind that Paris is a very big city. If you would like to visit every arrondissement, you will need to take the metro. So don't worry if you find a place that is not in the center. Every corner of Paris has its own things to see and do. Book a place in Montmartre if you want to feel like in a movie, in Bastille if you want to enjoy the nightlife, or in The bohemian neighborhood of Ménilmontant.
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What to do?
Besides the classic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Louvre, here are the places I love in Paris.
Art Lovers: Head to the museums. My favorites are Orsay for modern art, especially 19th and 20th-century painters such as Van Gogh, Monet, Lautrec or Manet. I love Rodin museum for his sculptures, some paintings and his garden. Bourdelle is a gorgeous hidden gem filled with amazing sculptures. For impressionism, head to l'Orangerie located in the Tuileries Garden. And for more modern and contemporary art, Centre Pompidou is the place to go!
Nature: Great gardens to escape the busy city include the Serres d'Auteuil, Jardin du Palais royal, Arenes de Lutèce, Tuileries and Luxembourg gardens.
Shopping: Rue de Rivoli for affordable brands. Bon marché, Galeries Lafayette, La Samaritaine and Printemps. Le marais is great for small shops and original brands. For luxury head to Avenue Montaigne or Saint-Germain-des-Prés.