Travel Keyring

Paris travel guide

France

Basics

CountryFrance

Time zoneEurope/Paris

CurrencyEUR

Official language(s)French

Using public transportation is convenient when traveling in major cities. It is advisable to book major attractions in advance.

Places to visit

Musée d'Orsay

A major Paris museum famous for Impressionist and 19th-century art. The grand former railway station building is itself a highlight.

Location1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France

Nearest stationMusée d'Orsay / Solférino

HoursUsually Tue–Sun 09:30–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipOnline booking is convenient because queues can be long.

Île de la Cité

A historic island in the Seine where you can enjoy Paris’s old-world atmosphere on foot. Many major sights are clustered nearby, making it easy to explore.

LocationÎle de la Cité, 75004 Paris, France

Nearest stationCité / Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipWalking is the best way to see the area, especially around sunset.

Musée de Montmartre

A small museum focused on the artistic history of Montmartre. Its gardens and historic setting make it pleasant for a relaxed visit.

Location12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France

Nearest stationLamarck–Caulaincourt / Abbesses

HoursUsually daily 10:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipWear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely walk uphill to get there.

Luxembourg Gardens

A classic Parisian park with gardens, fountains, and lawns in the heart of the city.

Location75006 Paris, France

Nearest stationLuxembourg

HoursSeasonal, generally daily from sunrise to sunset

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGreat for picnics and strolls; on sunny days it can be hard to find a seat in the afternoon.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a symbolic site for Paris’s history and religious heritage.

Location6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

Nearest stationCité / Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

HoursHours vary depending on current operations

AdmissionFree or partly paid depending on access conditions

Travel tipThe surrounding riverside area is lovely for a walk, and you should check current access conditions before visiting.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

A landmark on Montmartre hill, offering sweeping views over Paris.

Location35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

Nearest stationAnvers / Abbesses

HoursDaily 06:30-22:30

AdmissionFree

Travel tipSunset views are especially beautiful, and the hill is steep, so wear comfortable shoes.

Champs-Élysées

A famous avenue known for its upscale shops and cafes.

Hours06:00 - 00:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt's even more beautiful in the evening when the lights are on.

Tuileries Garden

A peaceful refuge in the city with beautiful gardens and sculptures.

Hours06:00 - 00:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt's a great place to spend some quiet time.

Louvre Museum

One of the world's most famous museums housing a diverse range of artworks.

Hours09:00 - 18:00

Admission€17

Travel tipCheck for special exhibitions in advance.

Eiffel Tower

The iconic symbol of Paris offering stunning views of the city.

Hours09:30 - 23:00

Admission€25

Travel tipBook tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times.

Arc de Triomphe

A monument built to honor the French Revolution, an important landmark in Paris.

HoursOpen for free

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEnjoy the great city view from the top.

Food to try

Poilâne

A famous traditional Paris bakery known for its sourdough bread and buttery baked goods. It’s a good stop for breakfast or a light snack.

Location8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France

Nearest stationSaint-Placide / Rennes

HoursUsually Mon–Sat 07:00–20:00

AdmissionPrice range: about €5–15 for bread and pastries

Travel tipPopular items can sell out early, so morning visits are best.

Le Procope

A historic restaurant often described as the oldest café in Paris. It’s a good choice for enjoying classic French dishes in a refined setting.

Location13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, France

Nearest stationOdéon

HoursUsually daily 12:00–23:00

AdmissionPrice range: about €20–40 for mains

Travel tipReservations are useful during peak meal times because it’s popular with visitors.

Angelina

A traditional tea room famous for its rich hot chocolate and Mont Blanc dessert, especially popular with dessert lovers.

Location226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Nearest stationTuileries

HoursDaily 07:30-19:00

AdmissionHot chocolate about €10-€12, desserts about €8-€15

Travel tipThe queue can be long during afternoon tea time, so earlier visits are better.

Polidor

A historic bistro with a classic Parisian atmosphere, known for traditional French comfort food.

Location41 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris, France

Nearest stationOdéon

HoursDaily 12:00-23:00

AdmissionMain dishes around €20-€35

Travel tipIt can get busy at peak lunch and dinner hours, so visiting outside those times is more comfortable.

Pierre Hermé

A high-end pastry brand famous for macarons and fine pastries, popular for gifts and quick treats.

LocationRue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Nearest stationPalais Royal - Musée du Louvre

HoursUsually daily 10:00-19:00

AdmissionMacaron about €2-€3 each, higher for assortments

Travel tipPopular items can sell out in the afternoon, so earlier visits are better.

Café de Flore

A traditional Paris café frequented by famous authors.

Hours08:00 - 22:00

Admission€5 - €15

Travel tipSipping coffee outside is great for people watching.

Le Jules Verne

A fine dining restaurant located in the Eiffel Tower serving French cuisine.

Hours12:00 - 15:00 / 19:00 - 22:30

Admission€40 - €80

Travel tipReservation is a must!

Events

Paris Photo

A world-renowned photography fair and exhibition where you can see leading contemporary photo works and gallery booths.

WhenUsually around October each year

LocationGrand Palais Éphémère, Paris, France

Nearest stationChamp de Mars - Tour Eiffel / École Militaire

HoursHeld annually in the autumn season

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipPopular booths can have queues, so it helps to plan your route in advance.

Paris Plages

A major summer event that creates beach-like areas, outdoor activities, and relaxation spaces along the Seine and around the city.

WhenSummer (July-August)

LocationSeine riverbanks and various sites in Paris, France

Nearest stationHôtel de Ville / Châtelet

HoursOpen during the summer season

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt can be hot at midday, so early morning or sunset visits are more comfortable.

Fête de la Musique

A major music festival with free performances across Paris, from streets and squares to concert halls.

WhenUsually in June each year

LocationVarious venues throughout Paris, France

Nearest stationVarious stations

HoursAround June 21 every year, all day

AdmissionFree

Travel tipCrowds can be large late into the night, so it’s wise to check the last transit times in advance.

Paris Fashion Week

A flagship fashion event featuring global brands and designers, turning the city into a fashion hub.

WhenUsually in September-October each year

LocationVarious venues throughout Paris, France

Nearest stationVarious stations

HoursHeld during the autumn season each year

AdmissionVaries by event

Travel tipPublic access is often limited, but related exhibitions and pop-ups are great to enjoy.

Paris Art Exhibition

A large-scale art exhibition inviting top artists from around the world.

WhenEvery November

HoursHeld in the spring season each year

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipReservation may be required.

Paris Flower Festival

A colorful flower festival in Paris featuring various plant exhibitions.

WhenEvery May

Travel tipConsider the weather when you visit.

Subway lines

CDGVAL : Terminal 2 - Gare → Terminal 1Ligne 1 : La Défense (Grande Arche) → Château de VincennesLigne 10 : Gare d'Austerlitz → Boulogne - Pont de Saint-CloudLigne 11 : Châtelet → Rosny - Bois-PerrierLigne 12 : Mairie d'Issy → Mairie d'AubervilliersLigne 13 : Châtillon-Montrouge → Saint-Denis-UniversitéLigne 14 : Aéroport d’Orly → Saint-Denis – PleyelLigne 2 : Nation → Porte DauphineLigne 3 : Gallieni → Pont de Levallois - BéconLigne 3bis : Porte des Lilas → GambettaLigne 4 : Bagneux-Lucie Aubrac → Porte de ClignancourtLigne 5 : Bobigny-Pablo Picasso → Place d'ItalieLigne 6 : Charles de Gaulle-Étoile → NationLigne 7 bis : Louis Blanc → Pré Saint-GervaisLigne 7 : La Courneuve - 8 mai 1945 → Mairie d'IvryLigne 8 : Pointe du Lac → BalardLigne 9 : Pont de Sèvres → Mairie de MontreuilOrlyval : Orly 4 → AntonyTram T13 Express : Saint-Cyr → Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Basic travel phrases (French)

Bonjour

Bonjour · Greeting

Merci

Merci · Thanks

Enchanté

Enchante · Nice to meet you

Bonne journée

Bonne journee · Wishing a good day

Bienvenue

Bienvenue · Welcome

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