We have both been to Paris many times and absolutely love visiting this beautiful city. The is something truly special about the 'City of Lights'. Of course, there is plenty to enjoy in the culture, restaurants and bars of Paris, but for the first (or many times) visitor, there are some must-see places.
France: Paris – Palace of Versailles
🌿 The Gardens — Where Versailles Really Shows Off
Situated to the west of the Palace, the gardens stretch across a quite staggering 800 hectares of land, most of which has been landscaped in the classic French formal garden style — and when we say classic, we mean the definitive article. The man responsible was André Le Nôtre, arguably the greatest garden designer who ever picked up a trowel. Born in Paris in 1613 into a family of royal gardeners — his father and grandfather had both tended the Tuileries — Le Nôtre seemed almost destined for the job. Louis XIV appointed him to lead the transformation of Versailles in the 1660s, and what followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Creating these gardens was a genuinely monumental undertaking. The whole project took forty years to complete — roughly the same amount of time it takes to get a decent table at a popular London restaurant, though considerably more impressive in the end result. The work involved shifting enormous quantities of soil to create the fountains, the canals, the terraces and the perfectly symmetrical vistas that stretch seemingly to the horizon. Thousands of workers toiled on the site, and the human cost was considerable — historians reckon the project claimed a significant number of lives, though the exact figures were deliberately kept quiet at the time.
🌸 The Formal Flower Beds — Pretty Enough, But We’ve Seen Better
Right by the main Palace building, you’ll find the formal flower beds, or parterres as the French rather elegantly call them. These sit closest to the Palace facade and are intended to be admired from the upper windows as much as from ground level — a sort of living carpet laid out for the King’s viewing pleasure. And they are, in fairness, perfectly pleasant. Neat, symmetrical, colourful in the right seasons.
That said, and we’ll be honest with you here, we thought they could have been rather more impressive given the setting. When you’re standing in front of one of the grandest Palaces in the world, you do set the bar fairly high, and the flower beds felt just a touch underwhelming by comparison. Nice enough, but not the showstopper you might be hoping for after the walk from the entrance.
🌿 The Parterres — Geometry Meets Grandeur
Lining the garden side of the Palace are three large parterres — the North, South and Water Parterres — each made up of plant beds laid out in those beautifully precise symmetrical patterns the French do so well.
The Water Parterre is a particular treat. Its two large rectangular pools do something rather clever — they catch and reflect the sun’s rays back onto the outside wall of the Hall of Mirrors, effectively using water as a decorative element. Lovely idea, that.
The North and South Parterres wrap around the base of the Palace and are best appreciated from the Water Parterre above. The North Parterre announces itself with a pair of bronze statues cast back in 1688 — The Grinder and Modest Venus — flanking a large circular pool containing the Pyramid Fountain. Designed by Charles Le Brun and taking three years to complete, it’s a gorgeous thing — three tiers of lead basins supported by dolphins, crayfish and Tritons.
🍊 The Orangery — Louis XIV’s Pride and Joy
Built by Louis Le Vau, the Orangery is one of the most unexpectedly exotic corners of the entire Versailles estate. It houses 1,055 trees planted in decorative boxes — Louis XIV’s beloved orange trees alongside lemon, oleander, pomegranate, olive and palm trees. Visible from the Queen’s apartments and much of the South Wing, the Orangery centres on a circular pond from which six intricately patterned lawns radiate outward. Its central gallery stretches more than 150 metres with a vaulted ceiling soaring to 13 metres, leading out into a stunning ornamental garden. Frankly, it’s gorgeous.
🚶 The Walks — Where Versailles Really Comes Alive
If you ask us, the walks through the royal grounds are where Versailles genuinely earns its reputation. The gardens were laid out around two great axes — one running north to south, the other east to west — and within that framework there are several distinct paths worth following, each with its own character.
The Water Walk, sometimes called the Infant Walk, was designed by the great landscape architect André Le Nôtre back in 1664. It’s lined with 14 fountains, each one depicting children clutching small basins of water alongside tritons and satyrs — charming, playful things that feel quite different from the grandeur of the Palace. The walk begins at the Neptune Fountain, passes the Water Parterre, and finishes at the Orangery and the Lake of the Swiss Guards.
The Royal Way is a rather different proposition — a broad, sweeping alley that runs from Leto’s amphitheatre all the way down to the iconic Apollo’s Fountain. It’s flanked by horse chestnut trees, yew trees and hornbeam, with sculptures dotted along the route by Pierre Puget, one of the great Baroque sculptors of the period.
Honestly, the best way to take all of this in is simply on foot. Slow down, wander, and let the place do the work.
🌿 The Groves — Secret Gardens Hiding in Plain Sight
Tucked away behind the grand avenues and sweeping vistas of Versailles, the groves are something of a hidden treat — and honestly, one of the parts of the estate we enjoyed most. They were created by André Le Nôtre, the brilliant gardener and architect to the King, who was also responsible for the formal gardens as a whole. Le Nôtre was, by any measure, an absolute genius at this sort of thing, and the groves are a fine example of his more intimate work.
Over the centuries these little woodland retreats have been modified many times, but their essential character has remained the same. Fountains, ornamental vases and classical statues were dotted throughout, and the kings themselves would regularly wander through them — which gives you a rather pleasing mental image of Louis XIV taking a quiet stroll between all the pomp and ceremony.
What makes the groves so charming is how self-contained they feel. Enclosed by walls of clipped greenery or elegant trellises, each one forms its own little garden world, reached by discreet paths that lead you quietly away from the crowds to their gates. After the grandeur of the Palace, they felt like a proper breath of fresh air.
⛲ The Fountains
Now, if the Palace left us a little cold, the fountains more than made up for it. There are over 50 fountain water features scattered throughout the gardens, every single one of them built around a Greco-Roman theme — gods, nymphs, sea creatures, the whole classical mythology business. The French absolutely loved all of that in the 17th century, and Louis XIV in particular fancied himself something of a Sun God, so it rather suited the mood of the place.
Many of these fountains are spectacular just standing there doing nothing, but from April through to November, they really come alive. During the day the water displays are choreographed to music, which sounds a bit naff when you write it down but is genuinely impressive when you’re standing in front of it. At night they add a full light display on top, which takes the whole thing up another notch entirely.
If you’re visiting during those months, we’d strongly suggest timing your visit to catch at least one of the displays. It’s one of those things that sounds like a tourist gimmick but turns out to be absolutely worth it.
🌿 The Estate of Trianon — A Royal Escape from All That Pomp
If you think about it, even kings get sick of having to behave themselves. All that rigid courtly etiquette, the endless ceremony, the bowing and scraping — it must have been absolutely exhausting. So the kings of Versailles did what any sensible person would do and built themselves somewhere a bit more relaxed just down the road. The result is the Estate of Trianon, which sits adjoining the Petit Parc and contains two smaller palaces — the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon — along with the extraordinary Queen’s Hamlet and a collection of rather lovely ornamental gardens.
We’ll be straight with you: after the main Palace left us feeling a bit flat, the Trianon Estate was an absolute revelation and quickly became the highlight of our entire day.
🏡 The Grand Trianon — Built for Love
Louis XIV, never one to let propriety get in the way of a good time, wanted somewhere discreet to meet his mistress — and later his secret wife — Madame de Maintenon. In 1687, work began on a small palace initially known as the Marble Trianon, which eventually became the Grand Trianon we see today. The central colonnade dividing the courtyard from the gardens is genuinely unlike anything else on the estate.
🏡 The Petit Trianon — A Little Palace of One’s Own
If the main Palace is all pomp and ceremony and thousands of courtiers breathing down your neck, the Petit Trianon is something altogether different. Completed in 1768, this elegant little neoclassical retreat was built for Louis XV, who rather fancied having somewhere he could escape to with his mistress, the Comtesse Du Barry, without half the French aristocracy peering through the windows. And who could blame him, frankly. Privacy was not exactly something you stumbled across easily at Versailles.
When Louis XVI came to the throne, he gave the Petit Trianon to his young wife Marie-Antoinette as a gift in 1774, and she absolutely adored the place. Given that she’d spent years struggling to adapt to the suffocating formality of court life — the endless rituals, the lack of any personal space, even being dressed each morning by a roomful of ladies-in-waiting in strict order of rank — it’s not hard to see why she developed such a deep attachment to it. Here, she could actually breathe.
It became her personal sanctuary very much, and she made it entirely her own.
🌾 The Queen’s Hamlet — Marie-Antoinette’s Rural Fantasy
If you ever needed proof that the extraordinarily wealthy have always had a slightly odd relationship with “the simple life,” look no further than the Queen’s Hamlet. Built between 1783 and 1786 under the supervision of architect Richard Mique, this peculiar little model village was Marie-Antoinette’s idea of getting back to nature — whilst presumably not getting any actual mud on her shoes.
Inspired by the rustic vernacular architecture of Normandy, the Hamlet included a working windmill and dairy, alongside a dining room, salon, billiard room and boudoir. So, roughing it, but not too much. Officially it was reserved primarily for the education of her children, though Marie-Antoinette also used it for afternoon promenades and entertaining guests in suitably bucolic surroundings.
🎭 The Queen’s Theatre — Curtain Up
Just nearby, the Queen’s Theatre was inaugurated in 1780 and holds the remarkable distinction of being the only building on the entire estate to have survived fully intact and completely unchanged since the 18th century. Marie-Antoinette used it to watch private performances, but — and this rather tickled us — she also took to the stage herself. A queen who fancied herself a bit of an actress. Well, why not.
Planning Your Visit to the Palace of Versailles
Palace of Versailles
| Location | Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France | ||
| Opening Times | Tue–Sun, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Nov–Mar); 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Apr–Oct). Closed Mondays. | Website chateauversailles.fr | |
| Phone | +33 (0)1 30 83 78 00 | Email info@chateauversailles.fr | |
| Notes | Last entry 30 mins before closing. Gardens may have separate admission on Fountain Show days. Advance booking strongly recommended. | ||
Entry Fees
| Palace (Adult) | Under 18s | Gardens only | Passport ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| €21 | Free | €10 (Fountain Show days) | €32 |
Getting There
RER:Take the RER C line to Versailles–Château–Rive Gauche station (approx. 40 mins from Paris centre). The palace is a 10-minute walk from the station.
Bus:Transilien lines L and N from Paris Saint-Lazare or Paris Montparnasse also serve Versailles.
By Road:Take the A13 motorway from Paris, exit at Versailles. Paid car parks available on Place d’Armes directly in front of the palace.
Cycle/Taxi:Taxis and rideshares available from Paris. Vélib’ and rental bikes are popular for exploring the gardens and estate.
Other places to visit while in Paris
1. Banks Of The River Seine
Walking along the banks of the Seine is one of the simpler pleasures Paris offers, and it costs nothing. The stretch between the Musée d’Orsay and Notre-Dame is particularly good, passing booksellers with their green metal stalls, bridges with padlocks still fixed to the railings, and a series of views that look much as they do in postcards. The lower quays, closer to the water, are quieter than the roads above and a reasonable place to sit on a warm day. The riverbanks are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reflects how intact much of the surrounding architecture remains.
2. Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay sits in a converted railway station on the south bank of the Seine, and it is one of the best places in the world to see Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting. Works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh are spread across several floors, and the building itself — with its great glass roof and ornate clock faces — is genuinely worth looking at. It can get busy, particularly in the middle of the day, so arriving early or booking a timed entry slot in advance tends to make the visit more relaxed. There is a café on the upper level with views over the river, which is a reasonable spot to stop for a coffee.
3. The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world by floor area, and it would take several days to see everything inside it properly. Most visitors come primarily to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, all of which are genuinely impressive, though the rooms around the Mona Lisa in particular tend to be very tightly packed. The Egyptian antiquities and the Islamic art collections are considerably less busy and equally worth your time. The glass pyramid entrance in the central courtyard was controversial when it was built in the 1980s and is now considered a landmark in its own right. Pre-booking tickets online is strongly recommended.
4. The Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is the older of Paris’s two opera houses, completed in 1875, and its interior is among the most extravagant in Europe. The grand staircase, the foyer, and the auditorium — with its ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964 — are all striking, and the building is open for self-guided visits during the day when performances are not taking place. Attending an actual opera or ballet performance here is a fairly different experience to simply visiting, and tickets range from inexpensive to very costly depending on the seat. The building provided the setting for Gaston Leroux’s novel about the Phantom of the Opera, and there is something in the atmosphere of the basement levels that makes that easy to believe.
5. Château Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is about an hour south of Paris by train and is noticeably less visited than Versailles, which makes it a quieter option for those who find very large crowds tiring. The château was used by French kings from the twelfth century onwards, and the mixture of architectural styles reflects the many different periods of building and renovation it has undergone. The state apartments are well preserved and the horseshoe-shaped staircase in the main courtyard is one of the most photographed features. The surrounding forest, which is very large, is popular with walkers and climbers and offers a reasonable contrast to a day spent inside a palace. The town of Fontainebleau itself is pleasant and has several good places to eat.
Getting to and Around Paris
🚆 Eurostar — The Train Under the Channel
For most UK visitors, the Eurostar is the clear first choice, and for good reason. The service runs from London St Pancras International directly to Paris Gare du Nord in around 2 hours 16 minutes, with up to 18 daily departures. You pass through UK and French border control at St Pancras before departure, so you simply step off at Gare du Nord and go — no queuing at the other end. Door-to-door, it comfortably beats flying once you factor in airport faff.
Standard class fares start from around £39 when booked well in advance (three to four months is ideal). Standard Premier adds an included meal service at your seat, while Business Premier offers full flexibility and lounge access at both ends.
Children under 4 travel free; child fares apply from ages 4 to 11 inclusive.
✈️ Flying to Paris
Several airlines serve routes between UK airports and Paris, with flights landing at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to the north-east of the city, or Orly to the south. On paper a flight takes around an hour, but when you add in getting to and from the airport at both ends, security, check-in, and baggage, the total door-to-door time is typically 4.5 to 5.5 hours — often slower than the train. That said, flying can make sense from regional UK airports with direct routes, or if you find particularly low fares.
Bear in mind there is an additional cost to reach central Paris from either airport. Worth checking: www.skyscanner.net
🚌 Coach — The Budget Option
If cost is your top priority, coach is the way to go. Flixbus and BlaBlaCar Bus both operate daily services between London Victoria and Paris, with fares as low as £20 one-way if booked ahead. The trade-off is time — expect around 8 to 10 hours, including the Channel crossing. Modern coaches are air-conditioned and some offer free Wi-Fi. Tickets are flexible and can usually be exchanged up to 15 minutes before departure.
Note that since December 2025, some Paris arrivals and departures use the Pershing bus station at Porte Maillot.
🚗 Driving and the Channel Crossing
Driving gives you complete flexibility, especially useful if you plan to travel beyond Paris. You have two options for crossing the Channel: Le Shuttle (formerly Eurotunnel), which carries your car through the tunnel from Folkestone to Coquelles near Calais, or a car ferry. The Dover to Calais crossing is the most popular route for Paris-bound drivers. For Le Shuttle, the crossing itself takes around 35 minutes, but plan to arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure.
🌐 Le Shuttle: www.eurotunnel.com
🌐 Ferry options: www.directferries.co.uk
🏙️ Getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport into Paris
If you fly in, here are your main options:
RER B Train — The most practical option for solo travellers or those travelling light. The train runs direct from two stations within the airport to central Paris stops including Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, taking around 30 to 45 minutes. As of January 2026, a special airport ticket (Ticket Paris Région ↔ Aéroports) costs €14 for adults and must be purchased separately — a standard Metro ticket does not cover the CDG journey. Load it onto a Navigo Easy card or via your smartphone.
Taxi — Flat fares apply from CDG: €56 to the Right Bank, €65 to the Left Bank. The most direct option if you have luggage.
Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Free Now) — Available from designated pickup zones at each terminal. Fares are comparable to taxis but can surge at busy times.
Night buses (Noctilien) — If you arrive after 12:30 AM when trains have stopped, Noctilien buses connect CDG with central Paris. The fare is €8 per person.
🚇 The Paris Métro
The Métro is the backbone of getting around Paris, with 16 lines covering virtually every neighbourhood. It runs from approximately 5:30am to just after 1am (later on weekends). Signs for correspondance guide you between connecting lines within stations — follow them carefully to avoid having to exit and buy a new ticket.
Since January 2025, the ticketing system has been simplified to a flat fare across all central zones, replacing the old Ticket t+. A single Métro-Train-RER ticket now costs €2.55, while a Bus-Tram ticket costs €2.05. Paper tickets are phased out — you’ll need a Navigo Easy card (see below) or a smartphone app.
🎫 Travel Cards and Passes
Navigo Easy Card — The essential reusable contactless card for most visitors. It costs €2 and you load tickets or passes onto it at station machines. You can add single tickets, a pack of 10 (€16.90), or a day pass (€12.30). The day pass is good value if you’re making five or more journeys in a single day.
Paris Visite Pass — Designed specifically for tourists, this pass offers unlimited travel across all five zones including the airports, for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. Prices in 2025/26 range from €30.60 (1 day) to €78.00 (5 days). Children aged 4 to 9 travel at half price. It’s now loaded digitally onto a Navigo Easy card or smartphone rather than issued as a paper ticket. It also comes with discounts at some tourist attractions.
Navigo Découverte Weekly Pass — Worth considering for stays of a week or more. At €32.40 (as of January 2026), it covers unlimited travel across all zones (1–5) from Monday to Sunday. There is a one-off €5 card fee, and you’ll need a passport-sized photo. It runs Monday to Sunday regardless of when you buy it, so purchasing mid-week means you pay for days you may not use.
🌐 www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr
🚌 Paris Buses
The bus network fills the gaps the Métro doesn’t reach, and also gives you something the underground can’t: views. It’s a genuinely pleasant way to get around, especially in good weather, though services are slower during peak hours due to traffic. Bus lines connect all the main arrondissements, and night buses (Noctilien) keep things moving after the Métro closes. The same Navigo Easy card and tickets used on the Métro are valid on buses.
🚤 Batobus — The River Bus
For a more scenic alternative, the Batobus operates as a hop-on, hop-off river shuttle along the Seine, with nine stops beside the city’s most famous landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Hôtel de Ville, Champs-Élysées, and more. Boats run every 25 to 40 minutes throughout the day. Summer operating hours are typically 10am to 8pm; check the website for seasonal timetables.
Day and two-day passes are available, and it’s a practical way to combine sightseeing with getting from A to B along the river corridor. Audio commentary in multiple languages is included.
🚲 Cycling — Vélib’ Bike Share
Paris has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, with over 1,000 km of marked bike lanes, and Vélib’ is the city’s well-established bike-share scheme. There are approximately 19,000–20,000 bikes across 1,400–1,800 docking stations. There are two types: standard green bikes (manual) and blue electric-assist bikes.
For occasional visitors, the V-Libre pay-as-you-go option costs €6 to subscribe (valid for a year), then €1 per 30 minutes for green bikes and €3 per 45 minutes for electric blue bikes. Cycling between major sights can actually be faster than taking the Métro — the ride from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, for example, takes around 12 minutes along the Seine’s bike lanes versus 30 minutes on public transport.
Use the Vélib’ app to find stations nearby. Avoid peak commuting hours (7–10am and 5–7:30pm) when docks fill up quickly.
🚕 Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Official Paris taxis are metered and regulated. Flat fares apply for airport journeys (see above). Within the city, fares vary by time of day and zone. Uber, Bolt, and Free Now all operate in Paris, available from dedicated pickup zones at airports and via app throughout the city. Note that ride-hailing prices can surge during busy periods, and sometimes the official taxi works out no more expensive and considerably less hassle.
🚶 Walking
Don’t underestimate Paris on foot. The historic centre is surprisingly compact, and many of the most celebrated sights — the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Marais, the Seine embankments — cluster close together. Walking between neighbourhoods is often the most rewarding way to explore, and Paris’s streets, squares, and riverside walkways are very much part of the experience themselves. A comfortable pair of shoes will take you further here than almost anywhere else in Europe.
Vegan Dining in Paris
Paris has undergone a remarkable plant-based revolution. Once notorious for its butter-laden pastries and rich meat dishes, the French capital now boasts a thriving vegan scene, with everything from elegant bistros reimagining French classics to casual cafés and vibrant street food carts.
🌙 Wild & The Moon
One of Paris’s most beloved vegan café chains, Wild & The Moon is a lifestyle movement founded in 2016 by a team of chefs, nutritionists, and naturopaths with a mission to make plant-based eating cool, delicious, and accessible. With multiple locations across the city, the cafés have an industrial-meets-greenhouse aesthetic and serve an entirely organic, gluten-free, and plant-based menu. Expect cold-pressed juices, açaí bowls, turmeric lattes, gluten-free banana bread, and inventive seasonal dishes. The menu even features activated charcoal and CBD-infused options for the truly adventurous.
- Location: Multiple locations across Paris, including 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 (Le Marais flagship)
- Website: wildandthemoon.fr
- Phone: +33 1 86 95 40 46
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 am–10:30 pm
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 am–10:30 pm
(Hours vary by location; check the website for your nearest branch)
🥐 VG Pâtisserie
Founded in 2016 by Bérénice Leconte, VG Pâtisserie holds the distinction of being France’s very first fully vegan patisserie. Located in the 11th arrondissement, this beloved bakery-café has made it its mission to prove that the sacred French pastry tradition need not involve a single drop of dairy or egg. From flaky croissants and pain au chocolat to cinnamon rolls, fruit tarts, éclairs, and show-stopping stuffed macarons, VG Pâtisserie consistently dazzles both vegans and devoted omnivores alike. Savoury options, set breakfast meals, and coffee are also available.
- Location: 123 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris (near Métro Voltaire)
- Website: vgpatisserie.fr
- Phone: +33 9 67 80 13 42
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday–Friday: 8:00 am–7:00 pm
- Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
🌱 Jah Jah by Le Tricycle
Born out of Le Tricycle, Paris’s first vegan hot dog food bike, Jah Jah is the full restaurant sibling — an Afro-Caribbean, Rastafarian-inspired eatery in the 10th arrondissement, right in the heart of what locals affectionately call “Veggietown.” Co-founded by Coralie Jouhier and Daqui Gomis, the restaurant takes its name from the Rastafari deity Jah, and the philosophy behind it is “Ital” — the Jamaican practice of eating unprocessed, natural, and plant-based food. The décor mixes reclaimed furniture with crates of fresh vegetables, set to a world music soundtrack. Dishes include BBQ cauliflower wings, tempeh tacos, curried quinoa bowls, and the iconic vegan hot dog piled with guacamole and crispy fried onions. No reservations — arrive early or join the queue.
- Location: 11 Rue des Petites Écuries, 75010 Paris (Métro Bonne Nouvelle or Château d’Eau)
- Website: jahjahparis.com
- Phone: +33 1 46 27 38 03
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: 12:00 pm–2:30 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday–Saturday: 12:00 pm–2:30 pm and 7:00 pm–10:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
🥗 Le Potager du Marais
One of Paris’s most longstanding vegan institutions, Le Potager du Marais has been serving plant-based French cuisine since the early 2000s, originally as a vegetarian restaurant before switching to a fully vegan menu in 2012. Situated in the historic Marais district, the restaurant is intimate and cosy, with stone walls, candlelight, and rustic wooden furnishings. The menu is a love letter to classical French gastronomy reimagined entirely without animal products — think vegan French onion soup, seitan bourguignon, moussaka, crème brûlée, and carrot cake. Ingredients are largely sourced from organic and fair trade suppliers. Booking ahead is strongly advised as the restaurant fills up quickly.
- Location: 26 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris (Métro Sully-Morland)
- Website: lepotagerdumarais.fr
- Phone: +33 1 57 40 98 57
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday–Sunday: 12:00 pm–3:00 pm and 7:00 pm–10:30 pm
☁️ Cloud Cakes
A cheerful, bright blue-fronted vegan café and bakery tucked away in the 2nd arrondissement, Cloud Cakes has built a loyal following for its exceptional all-day breakfast and brunch menu. Everything is 100% plant-based — and the pastry selection is seriously impressive, from croissants and pain au chocolat to vegan macarons, mango cheesecake, and red velvet cupcakes. Savoury options include avocado toast topped with pomegranate and balsamic glaze, grilled “cheese” sandwiches, and pancakes. Specialty coffees and oat milk lattes are crafted with care, and the café also caters for nut-free diets. It’s also laptop-friendly, making it a popular spot for digital nomads.
- Location: 6 Rue Mandar, 75002 Paris (near Métro Sentier)
- Website: cloudcakes.fr
- Phone: +33 1 42 33 95 45
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 9:00 am–7:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am–3:30 pm
The Best Time to Visit Paris
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Spring is widely regarded as one of the finest times to visit Paris. Temperatures rise gradually from around 8°C in March to a comfortable 20°C by May, and the city blooms with colour. Parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Tuileries burst into life, and the legendary cherry blossoms along the Canal de l’Ourcq and in the Parc de Sceaux draw visitors from across the world. Rainfall is moderate, so a light waterproof is advisable, but prolonged downpours are rare. Crowds are noticeably lighter than in summer, particularly in March and April. Easter and the French school holidays in April bring a short surge of visitors, so booking accommodation in advance is wise.
What to Pack: Light layers including a medium-weight jacket, a compact umbrella or packable waterproof, comfortable walking shoes, a light scarf, and one smart-casual outfit for evening dining. Sun cream is worth including for May.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Summer transforms Paris into a vibrant, bustling city humming with energy. Temperatures range from 23°C to 27°C, though heatwaves can push this well beyond 30°C. The days are long, with daylight stretching past 10 pm. Bastille Day on 14 July brings spectacular fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, while Paris Plages turns the Seine’s banks into urban beaches. Summer is unquestionably the busiest and most expensive season, with lengthy queues and peak hotel prices.
What to Pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sun cream, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a compact fan for heatwave days, and comfortable sandals or trainers. A light cardigan is useful for air-conditioned museums and restaurants.
🍂 Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is a true hidden gem in the Parisian calendar. September offers summer warmth without the peak-season crowds (19–22°C), and October dresses the city in russet, gold, and amber. The cultural season resumes in earnest, and Prêt-à-Porter fashion weeks bring a creative buzz in September. November turns cooler (~8°C) but signals the start of the festive build-up. Autumn delivers exceptional value, with hotel prices falling sharply after mid-September.
What to Pack: A versatile mid-layer such as a wool or fleece jumper, a waterproof or trench coat, ankle boots or waterproof walking shoes, a warm scarf, and gloves for November evenings.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Winter in Paris carries an undeniable romance. December is transformed by Christmas markets, glittering festive lights, and the warm glow of brasserie windows. Major attractions are far less crowded, and hotel rates drop significantly outside the Christmas and New Year period. Temperatures range from 2°C to 8°C, with occasional frosts and rare snowfall. January and February are the quietest months, offering an authentic, unhurried experience of Parisian life.
What to Pack: A warm winter coat, thermal underlayers, waterproof boots with good grip, hat, gloves, warm scarf, and thick socks. Layers are essential, as shops and restaurants are very well heated inside.
🗓️ Overall Best Time to Visit
For most travellers, late spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to early October) represent the sweet spots for visiting Paris. Both offer genuinely pleasant weather, lower crowd levels compared to peak summer, competitive hotel prices, and the city in outstanding scenic form — clothed in fresh spring blossom or autumn gold. If budget is the primary concern, January and February deliver the lowest prices and the shortest queues, with a quiet, intimate version of the city that many find deeply appealing. Summer remains worthwhile for those drawn by long days, outdoor events, and the electric peak-season atmosphere, provided they book well in advance and are prepared for heat and crowds. Ultimately, Paris rewards visitors in every season — the question is simply which version of the city speaks to you most.
Where to Stay in Paris
🏘️ Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)
Le Marais blends medieval architecture with a vibrant, cosmopolitan energy. Centred on the magnificent Place des Vosges, its cobbled streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, and superb restaurants. Home to the Musée Picasso and the Jewish Quarter, it is also Paris’s LGBTQ+ heartland. Notre-Dame, the Centre Pompidou, and the Hôtel de Ville are all within easy walking distance, and the Saint-Paul métro puts the whole city within reach.
- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Upscale — Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa — A sumptuous five-star retreat hidden behind ivy-clad walls on the Place des Vosges, with elegant rooms, a peaceful garden, and a renowned spa. Book on Booking.com
- 🌟🌟🌟 Mid-Range — Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais — A beloved three-star hotel on a quiet street two minutes from the Place des Vosges, consistently praised for its charming décor, helpful staff, and unbeatable location. Book on Booking.com
- 🛏️ Budget — MIJE Marais Hostel — A well-regarded hostel set within exceptional historic buildings at the very heart of the Marais, offering clean, spacious rooms and an on-site restaurant at remarkably affordable rates. Book on Booking.com
🎨 Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
Perched on a hilltop in northern Paris, Montmartre retains a romantic, village-like charm unlike anywhere else in the city. The gleaming Sacré-Cœur Basilica crowns the hill with sweeping panoramic views, while Rue Lepic winds down past café terraces and fromageries. The legendary Moulin Rouge sits at the foot of the hill, and artists still gather at the Place du Tertre. It is bohemian, beautiful, and surprisingly well connected to central Paris by métro.
- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Upscale — Maison Souquet, Hôtel & Spa — A breathtaking five-star boutique hotel in a restored Belle Époque townhouse steps from the Moulin Rouge, with just 20 intricately decorated rooms, a private spa with pool, and an intimate cocktail bar. Book on Booking.com
- 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Mid-Range — Terrass” Hotel — A highly regarded four-star hotel in a 19th-century building at the heart of Montmartre, celebrated for its stylish rooms, NUXE spa, and an iconic rooftop restaurant with sweeping Eiffel Tower views. Book on Booking.com
- 🛏️ Budget — Hôtel Regyn’s Montmartre — A charming and intimate budget hotel right beside the Abbesses métro station and the celebrated “Mur des je t’aime”, offering comfortable rooms, some with wonderful panoramic views across the Paris rooftops. Book on Booking.com
📚 Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the intellectual soul of Paris, synonymous with Left Bank elegance and literary culture. The legendary Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots still serve café crème to knowing visitors, while ancient bookshops, prestigious galleries, and fine antique dealers line the boulevards. The Jardin du Luxembourg offers a refined green escape, and both the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre are within a comfortable stroll. It is sophisticated, safe, and supremely walkable.
- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Upscale — L’Hôtel — A legendary five-star boutique hotel on the Rue des Beaux-Arts and famously Oscar Wilde’s last home, with 20 individually designed rooms by Jacques Garcia, a subterranean pool and hammam, and a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Book on Booking.com
- 🌟🌟🌟 Mid-Range — Hôtel Saint Germain — A beautifully appointed three-star hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offering elegantly furnished rooms, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and an excellent location within walking distance of the Musée d’Orsay. Book on Booking.com
- 🛏️ Budget — Welcome Hotel — One of the very few two-star hotels sitting directly on the Boulevard Saint-Germain, this charming property offers authentic Parisian character with exposed beams, comfortable rooms overlooking the lively Rue de Seine, free Wi-Fi, and a daily breakfast buffet — all steps from the Luxembourg Gardens and Notre-Dame. Book on Booking.com
🗼 The 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower & Invalides)
The 7th arrondissement is arguably the best base in Paris for first-time visitors. The Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Hôtel des Invalides — with Napoleon’s tomb — are all here, alongside the Champ-de-Mars gardens and the charming pedestrian market street Rue Cler, lined with boulangeries, wine merchants, and fromageries. The area is quiet, safe, and genuinely residential in feel, yet multiple métro lines make the rest of the city easily accessible.
- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Upscale — Hôtel Montalembert — An iconic five-star Left Bank boutique hotel since 1926, offering 50 elegantly designed rooms steps from the Musée d’Orsay, with exceptional Clefs d’Or concierge service, a spa, and top-floor suites boasting Eiffel Tower views. Book on Booking.com
- 🌟🌟🌟 Mid-Range — Hôtel Muguet — A beloved family-run three-star hotel on a quiet street between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, consistently praised for its warm staff, charming rooms — some with Eiffel Tower views — and a wonderful glass-ceilinged breakfast room. Book on Booking.com
- 🛏️ Budget — The 3 Ducks Eiffel Tower by Hiphophostels — Paris’s oldest private hostel, housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn, offering colourful rooms, a lively bar and outdoor terrace, free Wi-Fi, and a location within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. Book on Booking.com
More to Explore
