Paris Travelers Recommend

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.

Day 1: Cruising, Art and Cabaret Cruise the Seine or take a stroll along the river to explore the famous monuments and museums. Visit the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Pompidou Centre or take the hop-on hop-off bus to see all the sights. Then see the spectacular cabaret shows of the Moulin Rouge, Lido or paradise Latin show. Day 2: Culture, Food & Shopping Explore the ancient streets and lively cafés of the Latin Quarter, and the Left Bank homes of Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Jim Morrison, or the high fashion shops in St Germain des Prés. Day 3: Paris Day Trips Explore France's royal and cultural history on a trip to Monet's garden and Louis XIV's grand palace of Versailles. Discover the magnificent vineyards and world class cellars of the Champagne region home to Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon and Mumm.

The Louvre may be the world's greatest art museum. Don't be daunted by its size and overwhelming richness; if you have even the merest interest in the fruits of human civilization from antiquity to the 19th century, then visit you must. Paris might be renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world, but having to share your sightseeing experience – as it's also one of the most popular cities in the world – with thousands of other tourists can quickly turn a fun trip into a stressful day as you spend hours in line at famous attractions. Thankfully, it’s possible to book Skip the Line tickets for many of Paris' most popular sights like the Louvre, meaning you can head straight to the front of the queue and spend the rest of your time soaking up the atmosphere in the City of Lights.

"On July 14, 1789, the French Revolution kicked off with the Storming of the Bastilles. Today, you can find French nationals and Francophones celebrating this historic event around the globe, with Paris serving as the hot spot for commemorating the momentous occasion. Visitors to the City of Light can kick off Bastille Day with the morning Military Parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. This annual tradition showcases the French military’s regiments and pays homage to an age-old tradition of national honor and protection. The president of the French Republic makes an appearance and tourists are treated to a foot parade, mounted troops and a motorized brigade until noon. Travelers looking for a delightful mix of color, sound and lights can catch an impressive fireworks display launched from the iconic Eiffel Tower. This annual event is one of the most popular highlights of Bastille Day, marking the historic battle with truly epic fanfare. A scenic dinner cruise along

The fromagerie (cheese shop) is another world, with an astounding range of regional varieties accompanied by quince paste, green tomato jam, and fabulous bread. Make your selection and head up to the heart of the Latin Quarter, packed with colorful historic shops and restaurants, and the former home of writer Ernest Hemingway, who wrote in his ode to Paris, A Moveable Feast: "This is how Paris was in the early days when we were very poor and very happy". Finish at the Pâté de foie gras speciality shop with a decadent tasting of this delicacy. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to taste gourmet chocolate and pastries, walking through lovely Parisian neighborhoods. Feeling creative? Make your own fine pastries and desserts, from ice cream (geranium, lavender, chocolate, or caramel) to truffles or learn the secret of the prized French macaroon. Sip champagne as you cruise along the Seine, or visit the magnificent vineyards and world class cellars of the Champagne region.

Whether you’re in the first flutters of young love or thinking about popping the question, honeymooning or looking back on a long happy life together, everyone agrees Paris is the romantic capital of the world. In the daytime, a horse-and-carriage ride starting from the Eiffel Tower and continuing on to the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe is a wonderfully nostalgic way to see this stunning city. Or toast your love while you sample fine French wines in a royal cellar near the Louvre. Once night falls, how about dinner and a show while you enjoy the picturesque highlights of Paris? Cruise along the Seine as you and your significant other are serenaded by a singer and band. The beautiful riverside buildings and monuments are illuminated by spotlights as you pass by. A glass roof ensures great views from wherever you are, but for sightseeing at its finest, book the exclusive prow table.

Inside, the huge palace's 700 rooms are replete with gilded cornices, frescoed ceilings and carved details. Outside, it is surrounded by famously formal gardens with geometrically designed walkways, fountains, canals and terraces. Any visit to Versailles must include seeing the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Chambers, the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's famous estate where she went to play at being a simple country girl. There is a lot to see, so plan your visit based on the chateau's four sections: the multiple-winged palace building, the vast gardens and two smaller palaces, the Grand Trianon and Pteit Trianon. Book your skip-the-line Palace of Versailles day trip from Paris and leave the long queues behind! Skip past the entrance lines with your priority-access ticket and then head inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palace of Versailles.

We have to agree, there’s nothing more French than Champagne. To see where the legend began, visit the sacred town of Reims, known for its role in consecrating the kings of France as well as its importance to the Champagne region’s sparkling wines. In Reims, your guide will take you on a tour of the city’s famous Gothic cathedral, followed by a trip to the world-renowned Mumm champagne cellars for a tour and tasting of Mumm House’s Cordon Rouge champagne. In the afternoon, your tour continues on through the picturesque landscape of vineyards and rolling hills to the town of Epernay, the main entrepôt for the region’s sparkling wines. Here, you’ll visit the prestigious wine cellars of Moet & Chandon for another tasting session.