France
Plan a trip to Paris
The classic first-time-in-Europe pick.
Paris rewards slow travel. Between the landmark stops, the joy is drifting through arrondissements, stopping at cafés, and wandering riverbanks. Most first-time visitors try to cram too much into too few days — better to pick one museum, one neighborhood, and one long walk per day.
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October. Spring blooms and autumn light are reliably lovely. July and August are hot and crowded; January is cold but the least touristy. Museums are easier on weekdays.
How long to stay
4–6 days for a focused first visit. 7+ days if you want to include day trips to Versailles, Giverny, or the Loire.
Top things to do in Paris
Louvre Museum
Book a timed slot and pick 2–3 wings, not the whole museum. Most visitors burn out after 3 hours.
Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars
Photos from Trocadéro across the river beat the tower itself. Sunset is magic; midday is crowds.
Musée d'Orsay
Impressionist collection in a converted train station. Smaller and more digestible than the Louvre.
Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame
Walk the island, visit Sainte-Chapelle for stained glass, see Notre-Dame from outside during reconstruction.
Montmartre
Climb to Sacré-Cœur for skyline views. Skip the tourist square (Place du Tertre); wander the back streets instead.
Where to stay
Le Marais
Medieval streets, indie boutiques, great falafel. Best for walking.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Classic Left Bank: bookshops, cafés, quiet elegance. Good base for first-timers.
Canal Saint-Martin
Hipster neighborhood with canal-side bars. Younger, cheaper, less touristy.
Quick tips
- →Buy a Navigo Easy card for metro journeys — cheaper than single tickets.
- →Most museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Check before you plan.
- →Many cafés have different prices for the bar vs. table service. Standing costs less.
Ready to plan your Paris trip?
Tell AIEzzy when you want to go and for how long. We'll find flights, pick hotels, and build a full day-by-day itinerary using the sights above.