Visit Paris, France
THE ESSENTIAL PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE
Expert guide to Paris
“We’ll always have Paris,” says Bogie in Casablanca, because Paris is at once a film set (Grace Jones on the Eiffel Tower, Audrey Tautou in Montmartre, Audrey Hepburn in a St-Germain jazz cellar), one of the world's most beautiful cities (with its golden stone facades and famous monuments), and a vibrant, densely packed collection of villages.
But however well you think you know Paris, there’s always something new to discover. Districts change, old ones get restored, whole new areas like Seine Rive Gauche around the new Bibliothèque Nationale go up, or the long shabby Faubourg-St-Denis suddenly becomes the latest hipster-hangout. There’s always a new bar or restaurant to check out, a new star baker, the latest gallery. Behind its grand palaces and boulevards, you can discover intimate courtyards and gardens; behind historic façades are craft workshops and eminent research institutions.
Behind the grandiose palaces and boulevards, you can discover intimate courtyards and gardens; behind historic façades are craft workshops and eminent research institutions. Perhaps the true clue to Paris’s appeal is that despite being one of the most visited cities in the world it is also intensely lived-in. With its flats, playgrounds, food markets and cafés, there is no empty heart in the centre; and you, too, can play at being a Parisian.
Visit Paris, France
Best Time to Visit Paris
There is no “right” time—warmer months mean picnics and parks, but also crowds. During colder months skies are grey, but there are fewer tourists. There are events year-round, from outdoor summer concerts to holiday extravaganzas in the winter.
Paris Transportation
The ever-expanding metro and RER train systems transport Parisians just about anywhere they want to go. It’s cheap and efficient; a single ticket costs $2 and day passes start at $14. Taxis and buses are also easily accessible, but locals will walk or grab a Vélib bicycle if they don’t have far to go.
Paris Weather
January is the coolest month with an average temperature of 41°F (5°C). July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 68°F (20°C).
Know Before Visiting
Paris is a diverse, evolving city, so leave many of the Hollywood stereotypes at home. Try to speak French a bit and dress a little nicer than usual, but in the end, relax. Even Parisians wear sneakers—albeit fashionable ones.
Language
French
Electric
Type E (two-prong plug)
Currency
Euro (€)
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