Paris is a city you think you know even before you've been there. Postcards, movies, songs – everyone has an image of Paris in their head. And then you arrive, you look up at the Eiffel Tower for the first time, and you understand why millions of people cross the world to see it.
We went there as tourists, eyes wide open, with an Imagine Dragons concert at the Stade de France on the agenda, and we'll soon be back for a football match. Because Paris is always a pleasure to revisit.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
Paris is beautiful all year round, but each season has its own personality.
Spring (April – June) is the prime time. Gardens are in bloom, terraces come alive, and the light on the Seine is simply perfect. It's also the busiest period — book your essential visits online in advance.
Summer (July – August) is lively and festive, with the banks of the Seine transformed into urban beaches (Paris Plages), open-air festivals, and long evenings. But the city is crowded and accommodation prices soar.
Autumn (September – October) is our favorite. Paris returns to its rhythm after summer, queues shorten, and the colors of the gardens are spectacular. It's also the time for major cultural and sporting events — football matches, concerts, Fashion Week.
Winter (November – February) has a special magic with Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées and a more intimate city. Ideal for museums and good restaurants without waiting.
Our advice: spring or autumn, no hesitation. And if you're coming for an event (concert, match) — go for it, whatever the season.
What to do in Paris? Our must-sees
The iconic monuments, because they are truly worth it
We know what you're thinking: "monuments are for tourists." So what? Embracing your inner tourist in Paris is exhilarating.
The Eiffel Tower, yes, it's everywhere, yes you've seen it in photos a thousand times. And yet, seeing it in real life for the first time, lit up at night, remains a unique moment. Go up to the second floor for the view (shorter queue than the summit) or stay at the Champ-de-Mars to observe it from the ground with a picnic. Entrance to the summit: approx. €28, second floor: €18.
The Louvre, simply the largest museum in the world. A whole day is not enough. Our tip: start with the Mona Lisa early in the morning to avoid the crowd, then get lost in the other wings. Absolutely book online. Entrance: €22, free on the first Friday evening of the month after 6 pm.
Notre-Dame de Paris, the cathedral is undergoing a renaissance after the 2019 fire. Seeing it under restoration is also a living page of history. Free entrance for the exterior, interior visit to be planned according to the progress of the work.
The Musée d'Orsay, if you had to choose just one museum, this would be it. Impressionists (Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh) in a former train station setting, it's a unique experience. Entrance: €16.
The trendy neighborhoods — the true face of Paris
Le Marais is probably the most vibrant and cosmopolitan district of Paris. Contemporary art galleries, designer boutiques, restaurants from all over the world, Haussmannian architecture and 17th-century private mansions — everything coexists within a human-sized perimeter. The Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, is a hidden gem in the heart of the district. And on Sundays, when the rest of Paris is still asleep, the Marais is already buzzing.
It is also in the Marais that Airbnb accommodation has exploded in recent years; renting an apartment in this district means experiencing Paris like a local. If you are considering this option, find out about the providers who manage these rentals: the best Airbnb concierges in Paris make all the difference for a stress-free experience, whether you are a tenant or an owner.
Montmartre — Butte Montmartre is a village within the city. Cobblestone streets, artists in Place du Tertre, the Sacré-Cœur at the summit, and a breathtaking 360° view of Paris. Avoid the funicular (paid) and walk up the stairs for the full experience.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés — literary and intellectual Paris. Bookstores, historic cafes (Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore), art galleries, and discreet luxury boutiques. A neighborhood to wander through without a specific destination.
Oberkampf & Bastille — popular and trendy Paris. Bars, ethnic restaurants, concerts in small venues, and an incomparable nightlife energy. This is where Paris truly comes alive at night.
Parks and walks — taking a breath in the City of Light
The Tuileries Garden connects the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, a linear and majestic walk in the heart of Paris. Ideal in the morning with a coffee in hand.
The Luxembourg Gardens, THE Parisian garden. Green chairs that can be moved around, the octagonal basin with its small boats, pétanque and tennis players. The perfect place to watch Paris live.
The Berges de Seine on the left bank, redeveloped into a 2.3 km pedestrian promenade, is the ideal place to walk along the river, picnic, and watch the Bateaux Mouches go by. Free, accessible, and beautiful at any hour.
The Canal Saint-Martin, less known to tourists, more popular with Parisians. Barges, locks, metal footbridges, and outdoor cafes give this corner of Paris a truly unique atmosphere.
Paris for concerts and major events — our experience
We've experienced it, and we can tell you: seeing a concert at the Stade de France is an experience in itself. We were there for Imagine Dragons, and what struck us beyond the show was the collective energy of 80,000 people gathered for the same reason. If you have the opportunity to go for a concert or a match, go for it.
Some practical tips for the Stade de France:
- Take the RER B or D from central Paris, it's the fastest and simplest way, forget the car.
- Arrive 45 minutes before doors open to avoid queues at security checks.
- The brasseries around the stadium are crowded before events, eat in Paris before coming.
- After the concert or match, wait 15-20 minutes before taking the RER, the platforms are saturated in the first few minutes.
We'll soon be back for a football match in Paris, and if you're in the same boat, Parisian stadiums (Parc des Princes for PSG, Stade de France for the French national team's matches) are experiences we highly recommend. The atmosphere in the stands, the chants, the communion with other supporters, is a way to experience Paris that no tourist guide will give you.
What to eat in Paris without breaking the bank?
Paris has a reputation for being expensive. This is true in tourist areas. It's false everywhere else.
Affordable essentials:
- The butter croissant in a neighborhood bakery — €1.20 to €1.80, the real Parisian breakfast.
- The jambon-beurre (ham and butter sandwich) — the national French sandwich, €3 to €5 in a good bakery.
- Steak-frites in a neighborhood bistro — €14 to €18, a timeless classic.
- Cheese platter at the market — self-assembled for less than €10.
- Falafels in the Marais (rue des Rosiers) — €6 to €8, among the best in the world.
The tip: lunch menus (starter + main course or main course + dessert) in Parisian bistros are unbeatable, between €14 and €22 for often excellent cuisine. In the evening, the same dishes cost 30 to 40% more.
How to get around Paris?
The Paris Metro is one of the densest in the world, 16 lines, 300 stations, a train every 2-3 minutes during peak hours. A single ticket costs €2.10, but a book of 10 tickets (carnet t+) or the Navigo Semaine pass (about €30) are much more economical if you stay for several days.
Vélib', Paris's self-service bike system is excellent and very well developed. €1.80 for 30 minutes on a classic bike, free for the first 30 minutes with a subscription. Perfect for exploring neighborhoods without worrying about transport.
Walking, Paris is a city made for walking. Between the Marais and Notre-Dame, between Saint-Germain and the Musée d'Orsay, between Montmartre and the Grands Boulevards — everything can be done on foot with pleasure.
Is Paris expensive?
Yes and no. Paris can be very expensive if you let yourself be lured into tourist traps. With a minimum of organization, it's entirely manageable.
Some benchmarks:
- Night in a 3-star hotel in the city center: €120 to €200 (less in Airbnb in neighborhoods like the Marais).
- Meal in a neighborhood bistro: €15 to €25.
- Single metro ticket: €2.10.
- Entrance to the Louvre: €22.
- Entrance to the Musée d'Orsay: €16.
- Concert/match ticket at Stade de France: €40 to €150 depending on seating.
Smart tip: the Paris Museum Pass (2 days: €55, 4 days: €70, 6 days: €85) includes over 50 museums, including the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay — and lets you skip the queues. It pays off after visiting 3 museums.
Paris in summary — what you need to know before you go
Some practical benchmarks:
- ✈️ From France: TGV or car — Paris is accessible from all major cities
- 🗓️ Ideal duration: 3 to 5 days
- 💶 Average daily budget: €80 to €120 (excluding accommodation)
- 🌡️ Best time: April-June / September-October
- 🗣️ Language: French (and a little English in tourist areas)
- 🎸 Bonus: check the concert and match schedule during your stay — Paris hosts the biggest global events all year round
Are you planning a trip to Paris? A favorite address or an unmissable event? Share it with us by email, we're all ears. And if Paris inspired you as much as it inspired us, we promise that the rest of the HVA CO. collection will speak to you.
HVA CO. 🗼
Clothes that travel with you.