Paris

Paris, the city of light, has many of the world's most visited attractions,. Among them, the Eiffel tower, the Louvre palace, the Notre-Dame cathedral and the near-by Versailles palace are truly unique. The business district of La Defense with the Grande Arche from Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen testifies to the economic and artistic vitality of Paris.

Paris probably has more familiar landmarks than any other city in the world. As a result, first-time visitors often arrive in the French capital with all sorts of expectations: of grand vistas, of intellectuals discussing weighty matters in cafés, of romance along the Seine, of naughty nightclub revues, of rude people who won’t speak English. If you look hard enough, you can probably find all of those. But another approach is to set aside the preconceptions of Paris and to explore the city’s avenues and backstreets as if the tip of the Eiffel Tower or the spire of Notre Dame wasn’t about to pop into view at any moment.

Our Top Picks for Paris

Paris' new museums
Introduce yourself to one of Paris’ new museums: the architecturally stunning (and content-rich) Musée du Quai Branly or the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine
Sainte-Chapelle
Be stunned (and inspired) by the veritable wall of sublime stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle, one of the most beautiful houses of worship in Christendom
Musée d'Orsay
Marvel at the incomparable collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art at the waterfront Musée d'Orsay
Centre Pompidou
Enjoy the collections and the spectacular rooftop views at the Centre Pompidou, the world’s most successful art and culture centre

Under the Eiffel Tower
Go not to the top but the bottom of the Eiffel Tower and look up for a new take on the landmark that’s more Parisian than Paris itself
The Seine
Enjoy the views of the timeless Seine from the banks or on an evening cruise
The Marais
Check out the stately hôtels particuliers (private mansions) in the Marais by day and the district’s throbbing bars and clubs after dark
Montmartre
Relive the ooh-là-là Paris of cancan and windmills on a walking tour of Montmartre

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Paris. We will propose a restaurant for a light lunch near the hotel. After lunch we suggest a stroll in an historic quarter of Paris, including visit to a public garden, an historic site, and a popular street market.
Day 2 For your first full day in Paris, we recommend a stroll to view one of the grandest public gardens of the city, with spectacular views of Paris from its esplanade. Our itinerary will take you along one of the city's most beautiful boulevards. After lunch, you will continue to explore this area. We will give you recommendations for visits to public monuments.
Day 3 Today's itinerary will focus on an area where gourmet food shops abound. Two spectacular monuments that visitors to Paris should not miss are located here. After lunch, you will continue exploration of the area.
Day 4 On your last full day in Paris, our itinerary will guide you to the more interesting "off-the-beaten-path" spots away from the crowds. In the morning, you will stroll through a residential area where you will see several examples of buildings decorated in the Art Nouveau style. In the afternoon, visit the charming "passages of Paris" as well as a beautiful garden hidden away from the view of tourists strolling by.