Paris Travelers Recommend

After your visit to the Eiffel Tower, stay in Paris' 7th Arrondissement to take advantage of nearby landmarks and sightseeing areas. Here are your options as you venture toward the city center or cross the River Seine with the tower in sight.

Stroll across the Seine to explore the Trocadéro Gardens.

One of the best vantage points of the Eiffel Tower can be found from the Trocadéro Gardens (Jardins du Trocadéro), a public park directly on the other side of the Seine. Simply walk across the Pont d'Iéna, and enjoy photo ops of the tower, perhaps with the gardens' fountains in the foreground. A stop at Trocadéro is part of a number of Paris sightseeing tours.

Hop on a riverboat for a cruise along the Seine.

Relax your legs before or after climbing the Eiffel Tower with a leisurely boat ride on the Seine. You can admire Paris' other waterfront landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Louvre, at nearly any time of day, as morning, lunch, dinner, and night cruises are available. Tour boats depart at various locations along the Seine, one of which is located at the Eiffel Tower.

Learn about France's military history at Les Invalides.

Just east of the Eiffel Tower sits Les Invalides, a collection of museums and other attractions that relate to the military history of France, most notably the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. From Champ de Mars, walk along Rue de Grenelle or Avenue de Tourville to reach Les Invalides for an independent visit (you can't miss the large gold dome), or opt for a bike tour or night tour that includes the site.

Immerse yourself in art at Musée Rodin.

For a look at the sculptures of French artist Auguste Rodin, check out his eponymous museum, located in an 18th-century mansion just on the other side of Les Invalides from the Eiffel Tower. In addition to Rodin's famous pieces such as The Thinker, the museum is home to paintings by the likes of Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Visit with a Paris sightseeing pass, or opt for a private tour.

Paris is a dream destination for travelers around the world, and that popularity comes with some major crowds. Plan ahead to secure your spot at the very best sites—see below for our top picks and experiences you can't miss in the City of Light.

The banks of Paris' Seine River, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are best explored by water. Relax on a Bateaux river cruise as you glimpse landmarks such as Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower from the water’s edge. Some cruises options include food and drink. Here are the best Bateaux Seine River cruise options to try.

Dining Cruises

Dining cruises offer an ideal, 2-in-1 experience: you can explore Paris and dine in style at the same time. Vessels are equipped with comfortable seating and large windows; many also host live-music performances to help foster that je ne sais quoi ambiance. Both lunch and dinner itineraries are available. Choose to see Paris by day, or explore the City of Lights once the sun sets. Dining cruises can also be booked for special occasions. Plan a different kind of festive outing when you embark on a Christmastime jaunt, see fireworks light up the city during a Bastille Day Seine cruise, plan a romantic Valentine’s Day to remember, or even ring in the New Year with Champagne as you wend your way along the river.

Sightseeing Cruises

If you have only a limited amount of time in Paris, sightseeing cruises offer an efficient way of exploring the city and a relaxing interlude between museum visits and crosstown treks. Even 1-hour itineraries include some of the city’s most famous landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to Pont Neuf and Notre-Dame. Audio commentary provides the stories behind the sights, while open viewing decks help you capture memorable shots of the City of Lights. For an especially celebratory twist, choose an itinerary with on-board Champagne.

As Paris' top landmark, it’s no surprise that the Eiffel Tower comes with a long entrance line. But by booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance, you can spend more time up in the tower than in line on the ground. Here are a few ways to do so.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Get more out of your experience at the Eiffel Tower by visiting with a guide, who can provide insight into the 19th-century landmark’s history and architecture. You’ll get priority access to bypass the main queue and also receive insider tips about the best viewpoints and how to fully enjoy all the tower’s features.

Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower and River Cruise Combos

With the Eiffel Tower’s location on the banks of the Seine, it’s easy to combine a visit with a cruise on the river — a fun way to see waterfront sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and Paris’ many elegant bridges. You’ll receive skip-the-line access to the tower’s second level and a ticket for a one-hour cruise, which can be used the same day or a different day, giving you flexibility.

Evening Visits with Skip-the-Line Access

By visiting at sunset or after dark with a skip-the-line ticket, you can enjoy priority access and a new perspective on the Eiffel Tower and the city’s evening lights. For an even more enhanced visit, opt for a VIP dinner experience that includes Champagne and a 4-course meal at 58 Tour Eiffel, the gourmet French restaurant on the first level of the tower.

Paris’ 20 arrondissements (districts) are well served by public transportation, and the central districts that house the main attractions are a quick Metro ride or walk away from each other, meaning a car isn’t necessary in the bustling French capital. Here are a few ways to explore the city with ease.

Public Transit

Paris’ public transportation network includes the Metro (subway), buses, trams, and the RER. With 16 lines and roughly 300 stations, the Metro covers most of your needs for sightseeing in the city, and it’s the fastest; pick up a free map at any station. The RER is a suburban train line that you can use to get to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport. For getting around when the Metro is closed overnight, use the Noctilien, a night bus service.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours and Cruises

A hop-on hop-off tour is often the easiest way to get oriented to a new city. See the sights from high above the ground on a visitor-friendly route that stops at top attractions and neighborhoods—with the option to get off and explore independently. Paris offers these tours on typical double-decker buses as well as riverboats on the Seine, which runs through the city center.

Walking and Biking Tours

With a photo op around every corner, Paris is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. Themed walking tours that center around Parisian food, architectural styles, or a specific neighborhood such as Marais or the Latin Quarter are popular, with pastry tastings a highlight. Bike tours allow you to cover more ground and often see things you might miss without a guide.

Paris ranks among the most visited cities in the world—spend just one day in the City of Light and it’s easy to see why. With its surfeit of monuments, extraordinary museums, and romantic je ne sais quoi ambience, Paris more than lives up to its stellar reputation. Here’s how to make the most of your 1-day trip.

Morning: Enjoy Panoramic Paris Views

One of the best ways to discover Paris? Find a lofty perspective and take in the picturesque city views. Scoring a rooftop seat on a hop-on hop-off bus is one of the simplest ways to see the sights (and traverse around town). Then there’s the Eiffel Tower’s topmost observation deck—poised 906 feet (276 meters) above the ground, it ranks among the highest viewing platforms in Europe and can be seen quickly with skip-the-line tickets. Alternatively, make your way to Montmartre and its hilltop Sacré-Coeur Basilica on a walking tour. Though you must climb numerous stairs to reach the top, the views are well worth the effort.

Afternoon: Explore Paris’ Museums

A trip to Paris, where the arts reign supreme, isn’t complete without a museum excursion. The Louvre is an essential stop, and for good reason: home to the Mona Lisa and other world-famous masterpieces, it’s a cultural juggernaut. Don’t try to conquer it all in one day—instead, pick a preferred gallery or go on a guided Louvre highlights tour. Either way, be sure to secure skip-the-line tickets to save time. Alternatively, the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station, is ideal for fans of impressionism, while the modern Centre Pompidou offers avant-garde architecture and of-the-minute exhibitions.

Evening: Cruise the Seine (and More)

After a busy day of exploration, relax on a Seine river cruise. From your comfortable perch on board, sightsee as you float by Notre Dame, the Pont des Arts, and numerous other top landmarks. To make a meal of it, book a dinner cruise that combines elegant French gastronomy and seamless sightseeing. And if you’d like to extend your outing into the wee hours, pair your dinner with a trip to the Moulin Rouge, where a cabaret show and glasses of Champagne make for a festive celebration of your unforgettable day in Paris.

Home to the famous UNESCO–listed Mont St-Michel and the World War II D-Day beaches, the Normandy region makes for the perfect side trip for visitors to Paris. Here are a few ways to escape the busy capital and explore the French coast in style.

Day Trips

Paris lies within easy reach of the Normandy coast by road, and day trips allow visitors to explore the sites of interest in comfort. Explore Bayeux and the D-Day landing beaches of World War II and perhaps pay your respects at the cemeteries and memorials along the way, or visit Mont St-Michel—a medieval Benedictine abbey widely considered among France's top attractions.

Multi-Day Tours

Two-, three-, and four-day Normandy tours give travelers the chance to delve deeper into the French countryside and discover a world far removed from the capital, all with an expert tour guide. Explore Honfleur or Rouen, discover the rugged beauty of Caen and Brittany, and visit ancient castles hidden in the hills of the Loire Valley.

Things to Know

• Normandy's Utah Beach, the American Cemetery, Ponte du Hoc, and Omaha Beach lie about 175 miles (280 km) west of Paris, a drive of about three hours.

• Day tours from Paris typically last from 12 to 14 hours, including travel time, so be prepared for a long day.

• Be sure to bring your camera, seasonal clothing, water, and snacks for the journey.

• Tours typically include pickup and drop-off in central Paris, roundtrip transportation, and entrance fees.

The Eiffel Tower is arguably Paris’ best-known landmark, and there are plenty of ways to discover the architectural marvel. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can ascend to its summit, skip the lines to save time, visit after dark for romantic views, and even enjoy a gourmet meal as part of your tour. Here’s how to explore.

For the First-Timer

If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower for the first time, make the most of your trip to the world-renowned icon: Venture all the way up to its lofty summit, perched 906 feet (276 meters) above ground level. You won’t just have access to the tower’s three main levels as part of your admission—you’ll also enjoy a rare, bird’s-eye view of Paris.

For the Budget Traveler

Even if you’re keeping a close eye on your wallet, you can make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower. While pricier tours include access to the tower’s summit observatory, you can book a tour that takes you to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor. The level is located 377 feet (115 meters) up and still offers exceptional Paris panoramas.

For Those Short on Time

The Eiffel Tower can attract formidable lines—particularly during the summertime high season. If you’ve only got a short time in the City of Lights and need to make the most of your limited sightseeing schedule, then book a priority-access tour. You’ll pay slightly more for the privilege, but you’ll also prevent any hassle or stress.

For the Romantic

Paris is known around the world for its amorous reputation, and few landmarks personify that better than the Eiffel Tower. For a romantic way to discover the landmark, visit after dark and admire the city’s glittering lights from on high. Alternatively, book a gourmet dinner at one of the Eiffel Tower’s exceptional restaurants for a meal to remember.

Three days in Paris is ample time to visit world-famous museums, sample culinary delicacies, discover the Seine riverbanks, and see the city’s other top attractions. It also lets you travel beyond the city limits—Versailles, the Loire Valley, and other popular destinations are all within day-tripping distance. Here’s how to plan the perfect 3-day Parisian stay.

Day 1: The City of Light’s Famous Sights

From its cathedrals and palaces to its monuments and museums, Paris is replete with must-see attractions. Dedicate your first day to discovering the city’s most popular landmarks. Hop-on hop-off bus tours provide a seamless way to explore—climb aboard where and when you wish, and wend your way past sights ranging from Notre Dame and the Moulin Rouge to the Champs-Élysées, Opéra, and Grand Palais. Alternatively, a Seine river cruise or hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise provides an idyllic way to relax and take in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed riverbanks. Cap off your day with the most classic of Parisian activities: a trip to the luminous Eiffel Tower’s observation deck. Stay long enough to capture photos of the panoramic cityscape, or extend the evening with dinner at one of its on-site restaurants.

Day 2: Parisian Art, Culture, and Gastronomy

Spend your second day in Paris enjoying the finer things: the city’s wealth of culture, high-end shopping, and top-notch gastronomy. Dive into the Louvre—the largest art museum in the world—and its collection of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. To help focus your visit, consider a Louvre highlights tour. Alternatively, head to the smaller-scale Musée de l’Orangerie, located just across the Jardin des Tuileries, to view Monet’s Water Lilies. Complement your dose of culture with retail therapy when you venture next to the city’s luxe shopping enclaves. The Galeries Lafayette, founded in 1895, remains one of Paris’ most esteemed department stores. Book an exclusive experience to shop at your leisure, enjoy panoramic views from its roof deck, and admire its stained-glass dome. Finally, round out your day of indulgence with a culinary excursion. Sign up for a pastry cooking class, take a food-oriented walking tour, or toast to your trip during a Champagne-tasting session.

Day 3: Day-Trip Destinations from Paris

While Paris offers no shortage of attractions, it’s worth leaving the city for a day to discover the surrounding region. One of the most popular day trips from Paris is to the Palace of Versailles, the former home of the French monarchy. Famously grand and opulent, the palace’s highlights include the chandelier-bedecked Hall of Mirrors and its sprawling gardens. Accessibly located southwest of the city, you can reach Versailles via RER train, private vehicle, or coach, depending on the tour you select. Some full-day tours pair Versailles with picturesque Giverny, a scenic village along the Seine that was once home to Claude Monet. Alternatively, venture to the Loire Valley, where you can visit numerous luxurious, UNESCO-listed châteaux and indulge in internationally renowned wines.

Home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and other renowned works of art, the Musée du Louvre is at the top of most Parisian itineraries—with lines to match. Fortunately, there are ways around the wait. Here are our tips for skipping the line.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

As the world's largest museum, the Louvre can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. Opt for a guided tour for two big perks: skip-the-line access and a guide who makes sure you see the most important pieces of art in the most efficient way. Plus, you'll get more out of your visit with commentary about the history of the museum and artwork. Options vary, so you can select a tour that matches your preferences, from an express tour that covers just the highlights to a family tour with a kid-focused itinerary.

Evening Skip-the-Line Visits

With an evening skip-the-line tour of the Louvre, you'll avoid the daytime crowds and have the chance to admire the former palace and its glass pyramid in a romantic glow. An included wine tasting can provide another French cultural experience to round out the night.

Louvre and Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Combo Tours

See not just the Louvre but also another top Paris art museum with a skip-the-line combo tour. Select a small-group or private experience for a well-rounded look at the city's classical art, from the Louvre's Egyptian antiquities and Roman statues to the Musée d'Orsay's Impressionist masterpieces. Located inside a former train station, the D'Orsay is also known for its elegant Beaux-Arts architecture.

Paris is neatly bisected by the Seine River, which is convenient for visitors staying for two days. Spend one day discovering the highlights of the Left Bank—home to the Latin Quarter and renowned for its bohemian reputation—and the next exploring the dynamic and eclectic Right Bank. Here’s how to maximize your 48 hours in the City of Light.

Day 1: Discover Paris’ Left Bank

**Morning:**Ease into the day with a coffee and croissant at a local bakery, then head to one of Paris’ elegant green spaces. The Luxembourg Garden, with its accompanying palace and formal gardens, is one of the city’s most popular parks. Alternatively, find a comfortable perch on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and watch the world go by.

**Afternoon:**Visit the Left Bank’s banner museums. Save time with skip-the-line access to the Musée d’Orsay, or book a tour of the macabre Paris Catacombs. A walking tour of the Latin Quarter is another good way to get acquainted with essential cultural stops such as the Panthéon and the much-mythologized Shakespeare & Company bookstore.

**Night:**The Eiffel Tower may well be the crown jewel of the Left Bank. Book nighttime tickets to see the whole of Paris illuminated after dark and add a reservation at one of the tower’s elegant restaurants to take care of dinner too.

Day 2: Explore the Right Bank’s Charms

**Morning:**Book a walking tour of the Right Bank, which offers plenty of on-foot sightseeing opportunities. Discover the Marais—once the city’s Jewish district and now home to trendy designer boutiques—or window-shop on the Champs-Élysées.

**Afternoon:**Trade boulevards for galleries and spend the afternoon exploring other world-class museums. A guided highlights tour of the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum, is perfect for short-term visitors. Alternatively, visit the modern Centre Pompidou, known for its boundary-pushing exhibitions, or the Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso), an homage to the cubist master.

**Night:**Spend the final hours of your Paris stay in the hilltop Montmartre neighborhood. Admire the white facade of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and then turn to watch the sunset over the city. End your stay on a festive note with tickets to the Moulin Rouge for dinner, Champagne, and a cabaret show.

With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, award-winning vineyards, and fairy-tale castles, the Loire Valley is one of France's most enchanting regions, stretching along the banks of the Loire River. Leave the busy streets of Paris behind and set out to explore the most famous chateaux (castles) of the Loire—here are your options for Loire Valley tours from Paris.

Full-Day Tours

For those short on time, the most popular way to visit is on a full-day tour from Paris, with round-trip transport and skip-the-line castle entrance. The most-visited castles include Chenonceau Castle (Chateau de Chenonceau), Cheverny Castle (Chateau de Cheverny), and Chambord Castle (Chateau de Chambord), and it's possible to visit all three on a day tour, perhaps combined with a Loire Valley wine tasting or bike tour. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group or private tour, and enjoy the undivided attention of your tour guide, plus free time to explore independently and take photos.

Multi-Day Tours

With so many Loire castles to choose from, a multi-day tour means you can add on a visit to other regional highlights such as Chateau de Blois, the royal Gardens of Villandry, or Chateau du Clos Lucé. Perhaps combine your time in Loire Valley with a tour of the island monastery of Mont St-Michel in Normandy, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Multi-day tours typically include accommodation and some meals.

Things to Know

• The Loire Valley is located in central France, about 134 miles (215 kilometers) southwest of Paris.

• The easiest way to get to the Loire castles is by road, a scenic journey of about 2.5 hours.

• Day tours from Paris typically last 12 hours or more, so prepare for a long day.

• Be sure to bring your camera, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress according to the weather—parts of the castle and garden tours will be outside.

• Most tours provide hotel pickup and entrance fees.

With fireworks, parades, and a host of events, Paris is at its most atmospheric on Bastille Day. Every July 14 is a celebration of France's history and heritage, and there's no better time to immerse yourself in everything français. Here's how.

• Join the party with a special Bastille Day dinner cruise to admire the fireworks while gliding down the Seine River.

• Take part in a garden party reenactment at Claude Monet's Guinguette.

• Take the National Day holiday to catch the Eiffel Tower's famous views with a skip-the-line ticket.

• Embrace your inner Francophile and learn some French history at Versailles or Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace.

France's Champagne region is famous the world over for producing sparkling white wines made from chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier grapes grown in the area’s chalky soil. Here’s how to tour this beautiful and historic wine region from Paris.

Group Tours

Small-group tours to the Champagne region offer a budget-friendly and convenient way to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this historic region, all without the hassle. Depending on the tour you choose, you might visit underground cellars, learn about the winemaking process, enjoy a multi-course lunch, or taste several varieties of Champagne. Typically limited to 10 people or less, these tours maintain a personal feel.

Private Tours

Popular among families, couples, and groups of friends, private tours to the Champagne region give you the full attention of your own guide and a flexible itinerary to suit your interests. Visit major producers such as Moët & Chandon and Dom Perignon, or opt for smaller, lesser-known houses of Champagne.

Things to Know

• With a guided tour, you can leave the driving to someone else and indulge without worry.

• The Champagne region lies 80 miles (128 km) east of Paris.

• Day trips to Champagne from Paris last upwards of 8 hours.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris.

One of the most popular things to do in Paris is seeing one of the city's cabarets, all of which offer glitzy adult entertainment in the form of dance and acrobatics. From the Moulin Rouge to Le Lido, here's your guide to Paris cabarets.

**Moulin Rouge **Certainly the most famous of all of Paris' cabarets, the Moulin Rouge invented the cancan dance. The theater can be seen from blocks away thanks to its trademark giant red windmill, and you can experience this slice of history on a romantic evening out. Opt for just the show or combine the ticket with a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise. To enjoy your time here like the stars of the past once did, choose a Viator VIP tour, offering a Moulin Rouge show with exclusive VIP seating and a three-course dinner.

**Le Lido **This cabaret has the best location, right on the Champs Elysées. While still an adults-only show, Le Lido is less suggestive than other cabarets, with tap dancing, clowns, laser effects, a cowboy show, and sometimes acrobatic ice skating. This performance is closer in style to a Las Vegas spectacle than a traditional cabaret, and many celebrities have performed at the Lido, including Elvis Presley and Edith Piaf. Opt for dinner and the show for a perfect evening.

**Paradis Latin **Perhaps the most historic of the city's cabarets, Paradis Latin was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s before being destroyed by a fire and rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair. Experience the historical venue and brilliant show with an evening of dinner and entertainment.

**Crazy Horse **With a respectable, upscale reputation, the Crazy Horse cabaret has a long history of famous performers including Dita von Teese, Carmen Electra, and Pamela Anderson. The show has a focus on magic tricks and illusions, both in between and during the nude acts, with a Broadway feel to the performance.

Nouvelle Eve

Set in the Montmartre neighborhood, Nouvelle Eve is especially popular for its rendition of the cancan. The show has been around since 1898—its modern incarnation since 1949—and has an interior of deep blue velvet stars and coverings that is based on the heady times of the Belle Epoque, when cabaret was invented in a whirl of glitter and feathers.

Less than 15 miles (25 kilometers) southwest of Paris, Versailles is easy to visit whether you travel independently or on a tour. Here are your options to reach the town and its famous attraction, the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On a Tour

The benefit of booking a tour to Versailles is that the transportation logistics are taken care of for you. Depending on your preferences, you can choose an excursion with hotel pickup, skip-the-line entry, a guided tour of the palace, a bike ride in town or on the palace grounds, an included lunch, and other features.

By Train

The RER C line runs to the Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche station, which is a 10-minute walk from the palace. SNCF trains from Paris’ Montparnasse and St. Lazare stations run to Versailles’ other train stations—Chantiers and Rive Droite, which are each a 20-minute walk from the palace.

By Bus

Versailles Express is a daily transfer service that departs from the Eiffel Tower on double-decker coach buses. It’s recommended that you purchase your ticket at least 24 hours in advance.

By Car

If you prefer to rent a car and drive yourself to Versailles, you can park in a paid lot in front of the palace—the Place d’Armes. It’s about a 40-minute drive from central Paris.

Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre is one of the world’s top art museums, home to a collection of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities that spans from the 7th millennium BC to the 19th century. With three wings and five levels, the Louvre can be overwhelming for visitors, but here are five sections you won't want to miss.

Italian Paintings, 13th to 18th century (1st floor Denon wing)

When you spot the mass of people gathered around a painting that’s smaller than you expect, you know you’re in the right place. This is where Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa can be found, as well as The Wedding Feast at Cana and works by Raphael and Caravaggio.

Napoleon III Apartments (1st floor Richelieu wing)

Part of the museum’s Decorative Arts collection, the tucked-away Napoleon III Apartments are overlooked by many visitors who head straight to the big-name paintings and sculptures. This respite from the crowds highlights the lavish, gilded decor of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities (ground floor Denon and Sully wings, 1st floor Sully wing)

Spread across three floors, this large collection includes two Greek sculptures that draw most of the attention— Venus de Milo (Aphrodite), circa 100 BC, on the ground floor and The Winged Victory of Samothrace, circa 200 BC, on the first floor.

French Paintings, 14th to 19th centuries (2nd floor Richelieu and Sully wings)

The Louvre’s art collection stops just before the start of the Impressionist period in the mid-1800s, so don’t expect to see Monet. The French paintings here include works by La Tour and Delacroix.

Northern European Paintings, 14th to 19th centuries (2nd floor Richelieu wing)

Further down the Richelieu wing from the French paintings, you find Dutch masters Rembrandt and Vermeer with works such as Bathsheba at Her Bath, The Lacemaker, and The Astronomer. German and Flemish pieces are also on display.

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.

Summer is when Paris’ gardens come into full bloom, and when the city is at its most festive. Visit earlier in the season to see Paris at its most vibrant, or explore during the tranquil month of August, when Parisians head to the coast and leave a peaceful city in their wake. Here’s how to make the most of your warm-weather visit.

• Enjoy a walking tour of one of Paris’ major parks, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Champ de Mars.
• Venture up to Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre to see the sun set over the city.
• Secure a coveted seat on the sun-drenched upper deck during a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour.
• Go for a bike ride along the Seine to admire the riverbanks—which together make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and enjoy the refreshing breezes.
• Take a cue from Monet and venture to the artist’s flower-filled gardens in Giverny.
• Escape to an elegant château : Versailles, Fontainebleau, and the castles of the Loire are all within day-trip distance.
• When the thermostat soars, cool down—and enjoy a dose of culture—at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay.
• Dress to impress and go window shopping on the Champs-Élysées.
• Follow the locals to the hip Canal Saint-Martin, and relax in one of the cafés or wine bars along its banks.
• Ascend to the summit of the Eiffel Tower for extraordinary city panoramas.

When you've had your fill of Mona Lisa and the Musée du Louvre's thousands of cultural treasures, some fresh air and open space will be in order. Here are four nearby spots where you can wander and take in the elegance of Paris' Right Bank.

Walk across Pont des Arts for views of the Seine.

Connecting the Palais du Louvre to the Institut de France across the Seine, Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge best known for its love locks, the padlocks that couples once hooked to the bridge before throwing the keys in the river. From the bridge, enjoy 360 degrees of photo ops that include captures of Ile de la Cité, the area's architecture, and the Seine's bridges.

Visit Palais Royal for a quiet escape.

Just on the other side of Rue Saint-Honoré from the Louvre, the Palais Royal was once home to members of French royalty and aristocracy. Today, it offers a respite from Paris' busy 1st arrondissement with its public garden. Explore on your own, or book a tour to visit with a guide.

Stroll through Jardin des Tuileries.

A better known public garden, Jardin des Tuileries, just west of the Louvre along the Seine, provides another tranquil spot for stretching your legs after braving the museum crowds. Make your way on foot toward Place de la Concorde, passing ponds, sculptures, and the Musée de l'Orangerie, a museum housing Monet's Water Lilies murals.

Go window shopping at Place Vendôme.

Northwest of the Louvre, just off Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme is a large public square known for its luxury establishments. Get a look at the Vendôme Column, topped with a statue of Napoleon, and then circle the plaza, passing by the Hotel Ritz Paris, high-end jewelry stores, and other boutiques.

The magnificent Palace of Versailles is one of France's most famous monuments, and Giverny is renowned as the birthplace of Impressionism and the home of artist Claude Monet. Both sights make popular day trip destinations from Paris, but to save time and money, you can visit both on one tour. Here are your options.

Group Tours

Maximize your time with skip-the-line tickets and comfortable round-trip transport from Paris. Tour Monet's house and gardens in Giverny, then follow in the footsteps of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette on a Versailles tour that includes highlights such as the Hall of Mirrors, the Queen's apartment, and Louis XIV's suite. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group tour with numbers limited to 15 people or fewer.

Private Tours

Private tours offer a tailor-made experience so you can benefit from a flexible itinerary and the undivided attention of a tour guide and driver. In addition to touring Giverny and Versailles, you'll have plenty of free time to admire the water lilies in Monet's Garden or stroll around the Gardens of Versailles and watch the famous Musical Fountain Show.

Things to Know

• Versailles is located in the Ile-de-France region, 14 miles (23 kilometers) southwest of Paris (about 40 minutes away by road) and 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of Giverny. 

• Giverny is located in Normandy, 47 miles (75 kilometers) northwest of Paris (about 75 minutes away by road) and 40 miles (65 kilometers) northwest of Versailles. 

• Day tours from Paris typically last between 10 and 13 hours, so prepare for a long day.  

• Be sure to bring your camera, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress according to the weather—parts of the tour will be outdoors.

• Most full-day tours include hotel pickup, lunch, and skip-the-line entrance.

Enjoy a meal while viewing some of Paris' most beautiful architecture on a lunch cruise along the Seine River. This is a relaxing way to meet other travelers and take advantage of waterfront photo ops. Here's what you need to know before you book.

Highlights

• Lunch cruises generally last 1.5 to 2 hours, leaving you with plenty of time for more sightseeing.

• Cruises typically feature a three-course lunch.

• Champagne and wine is often included, depending on the cruise option chosen.

• Routes take you past Paris landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Musée d'Orsay.

Things to Know

• Depending on the cruise, you may have options for table placement, a window seat, or included drinks or Champagne.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off is usually not provided, so check the departure locations, which vary along the river from the Eiffel Tower to Ile de la Cité.

Don't just climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower—revel in the ambiance and take in sweeping panoramic views over Paris as you indulge in French cuisine at one of the tower's restaurants. Read on for the top dinner experiences at the Eiffel Tower.

Highlights

• Choose between Alain Ducasse's 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant on the tower’s first floor or the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne on the second level.

• Savor the Eiffel Tower’s famous views over the Parisian capital during a gourmet dinner of classic French cuisine paired with wine.

• Opt for a tour that combines a romantic dinner at the tower with a Seine River cruise or a show at the iconic Moulin Rouge for the ultimate night out.

VIP Eiffel Tower Dinner Experiences

Enjoy VIP treatment in Paris with a tour that allows you to skip the long lines at the Eiffel Tower and head right up to the first-floor 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant for a dinner to remember. You'll get an exclusive window table offering stellar views of Paris' world-famous landmarks, a customized menu, and a gourmet, four-course meal paired with Champagne or wine.

Eiffel Tower Dinner Combo Tours

For an unforgettable night in Paris, choose a tour that pairs a gourmet, three-course dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel with a cruise along the Seine River, where you can see the illuminated tower from a different perspective. Alternatively, opt for an experience that includes both dinner at the tower and an incredible show at the Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse Cabaret. You can even combine all three of these top Parisian experiences for an adventurous evening that hits all Paris' top spots.

Constructed in the 17th century by King Louis XIII, the UNESCO–listed Palace of Versailles is one of the brightest jewels in France's crown. See below to learn how to visit the palace's gilded suites and manicured gardens on a trip from Paris.

Guided Day Trips from Paris

Choose a guided day trip for insight from an attentive guide, roundtrip transport from the city, and the chance to admire the regal splendor of some of the palace’s 700 rooms, the State Apartments, and the Hall of Mirrors. For a truly special experience, treat yourself to a tour that offers VIP palace entry and private access to the Royal Quarters as your tour guide brings centuries of rich French history to life.

Independent Tours with Transport from Paris

Travelers who would prefer to explore the Palace of Versailles at their own pace but don't want to have to figure out transportation can book an independent tour from Paris. Skip the hassle and take advantage of included transport from the city before enjoying free time at Versailles.

Things to Know

• The Palace of Versailles lies 14 miles (23 km) southwest of central Paris, and the journey takes about 40 minutes by road.

• You can beat the crowds and enjoy hassle-free entry to Versailles by choosing a tour or ticket that offers skip-the-line admission.

• Don't miss the pristine gardens surrounding the palace (time your visit to coincide with one of the estate's impressive fountain shows for an extra treat).

• You can see corners of the palace grounds many visitors miss—including Marie Antoinette's country-style Hameau, the Petit Trianon, and the Grand Trianon—on a guided bike tour.