What to see in Paris in 1, 2 and 3 days

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world by travelers. About 18 million tourists come here every year! Have you decided to be one of them? Then you’ve probably already wondered how long to stay here and what to see on your own first. We will try to make your task easier and, based on our personal experience (yours truly visited Paris in the summer of 2017), give some valuable advice, as well as provide several options for interesting routes.

Day 1. Route through the historical center

Of course, initially it is better to go to the very heart of the city. Here, at almost every step there is some kind of attraction, and in order not to miss all the most interesting things, it is better to plan your route in advance...or use ours!:)

The route we offer you is a long walk through the historical center of Paris and will be a serious test for your feet, so be strong and wear comfortable shoes.

The first day is purely sightseeing. We will get to know the city, its architecture and main attractions and will not waste time visiting museums for now. It will be very exciting and interesting!

Place de la Bastille
We suggest starting your walk from the famous Place de la Bastille.

At the station of the same name, 3 metro lines intersect - 1st, 5th and 8th, so getting here from anywhere in the city is not difficult. Place de la Bastille is also the intersection of more than 10 streets and boulevards and is of great importance for the city, although from an architectural point of view, I must admit, we were not particularly impressed.

Place des Vosges and Marais district

From Place de la Bastille we move to the small Place des Vosges - the oldest square in Paris.

Next we go out onto Fran Bourgeois Street and move along it. Now you are in the rather famous Parisian colorful quarter of Marais, which was chosen by rich Parisians, the Jewish community, bohemians and sexual minorities.

Center Georges Pompidou

The most popular attraction here is perhaps the Center Georges Pompidou, which is where you are heading. The appearance of the building certainly deserves attention.

If you are planning a visit to this museum, it is better to postpone it until another day so as not to waste time (and there is plenty to spend it on).
Not far from here is the fast food restaurant Flunch. If you want to have a budget-friendly and hearty lunch, this is the place for you.
From the Center Georges Pompidou we turn towards the embankment of the Seine River.
Nearby rises a rather interesting architectural creation - the Saint-Jacques Tower.

Having reached the embankment, we find ourselves in front of the Ile de la Cité, on which the famous Notre Dame Cathedral rises. If you do not plan to go inside the cathedral, you can walk up to it on the first day. If you want to inspect its interior, it is better to postpone the visit to the second day, because there is always a queue of people wanting to get inside near Notre Dame (and there is still something to see on the Ile de la Cité!). It moves quite quickly, but you still have to spend 20-30 minutes. Entrance to the cathedral is free. If you have only one day allotted to Paris, then, of course, move here: Notre Dame is a must-see.

Louvre

If you decide to explore Notre Dame, then after it return to the Seine embankment. We continue moving along it. Ahead of you awaits another iconic landmark of Paris - the Louvre.

As mentioned above, on the first day we propose to take a sightseeing tour of the city, so we will not visit the Louvre itself and will only examine it from the outside. You need to set aside a separate day to visit the famous museum.

Tuileries Garden
In front of the Louvre lies the Tuileries Garden - one of the most picturesque parks in Paris, through which we will take a walk. Here is also one of the two Arc de Triomphe of the city - the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel (this is a small arch, not to be confused with the famous Arc de Triomphe of Paris - it is in front of you :)

Champs Elysees

The Tuileries Garden smoothly flows into the Champs Elysees. They are separated only by the picturesque Place de la Concorde, through which our path lies. The 2-kilometer Champs Elysees stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, along which we will take a walk.

Along the way, you can step a little to the side and look at the Elysee Palace. The final stretch of the Champs Elysees is especially interesting - here you will find shops and boutiques of iconic brands. If you are in the mood for a little shopping, stay here.

Triumphal Arch

Right in front of us is the Arc de Triomphe! Frankly, it turned out to be so huge and majestic that it personally took our breath away. By the way, there is an excellent observation deck on the arch.

Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars

After visiting the Arc de Triomphe, the culmination of our walk awaits you. It should already be getting dark outside, which means the Eiffel Tower is getting ready to turn on its lights. We are heading to the Champ de Mars, where we will finally give our legs a rest and an unforgettable sight for our eyes.

No matter how trivial a pastime may seem to you, visiting the Eiffel Tower, we hasten to assure you that the end result will exceed all your expectations. We run into the nearest store for a bottle of wine, sit back on the grass of the Champ de Mars and enjoy!

We personally do not recommend going up to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower: it is a waste of time and money that is not worth it. There are much more interesting observation platforms in Paris, one of which we will suggest you visit on the 2nd day, but the Eiffel Tower has one significant drawback: from it you cannot see the Eiffel Tower itself :)

By the way, a huge selection of wine is available in the largest wine library in Paris - Lavinia. True, to get there, you will need to take a little walk from the Champs Elysees, and to choose a wine from this countless collection, you will have to spend a lot of time.

When the Eiffel Tower begins to shimmer with lights, you will definitely get goosebumps, and the thought that at this moment you are a participant in some great event will firmly linger in your head.

Once you are ready to leave the Champ de Mars, you can head home with a clear conscience and a full set of impressions.

1st day route in Paris on the map

On the second day, having had a good night's sleep, we continue to explore the most interesting places in the city.

Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral

Let's start with the Ile de la Cité. The nearest metro stations are the Chatelet junction or Cite line 4. We do not recommend getting off at Cite, because then you will miss the opportunity to walk along the magnificent Notre Dame Bridge.

The main attraction here is, of course, the famous Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral.

Take your time waiting in line and be sure to go inside. It's worth it!

Also, for an additional cost (8 euros) you can go up to the observation deck of the cathedral, which is reached by 387 steps.
After visiting Notre Dame, take a walk around the Ile de la Cité and explore its incredible architectural ensemble.

Latin Quarter
Then we cross to the other side of the Seine and find ourselves in the Latin Quarter. This is an area of ​​narrow, colorful streets with inexpensive cafes and restaurants, which was formed around the oldest university in Paris, the Sorbonne. If you want to have a budget snack or a full lunch, the Latin Quarter is one of the best places in Paris for this.

Tourists can enjoy numerous fast foods, as well as budget restaurants of French cuisine, where you can try frog legs and snails.
For us, a kind of entrance to the Latin Quarter will be the narrowest street in Paris - La calle mas estrecha de Paris (marked on the map). This, of course, is a kind of “attraction” for tourists - in almost every European city there are similar “narrowest streets”, which, in most cases, lead directly to the entrance of some establishment or, at least, into the arms of the waiting administrator of this establishment: ) But one way or another, the place is quite interesting and it’s worth taking a couple of photos here.

The Latin Quarter, by the way, is a great place to buy souvenirs. In local shops you can find a lot of souvenirs with quite pleasant promotions (buy more, pay less). But we do not recommend spending the entire budget allocated for this important expense item. There will still be a place ahead where you can do this with a clear conscience :)

We won’t give you a clear route through the Latin Quarter, because the whole charm of this place lies in its unique atmosphere, and it doesn’t matter which path you take. The main attractions of the quarter include the Sorbonne University, the Pantheon, the Church of St. Severina.

As well as the well-known tourist street Mouffetard - everything is marked on the map below.

Luxembourg Gardens

After a walk through the Latin Quarter, we head to the palace and park ensemble of the Luxembourg Gardens - perhaps the most favorite recreational park among tourists and locals, after the Champs de Mars.

The Luxembourg Gardens actually also belong to the Latin Quarter, but deserve special attention. The main attraction of the park is the Luxembourg Palace, where the Senate, the second chamber of the French parliament, sits.

Grab a coffee (or something stronger:) and take a short walk through the park, sit on one of its many benches, and admire the beauty of this place.

Montparnasse

The next area on our way is Montparnasse. There are two quite interesting attractions here: the Montparnasse Cemetery and the Montparnasse Tower. The latter is perhaps the best observation deck in Paris, from which you can see the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower, and at the same time, according to one popular local joke, you cannot see the ugly Montparnasse Tower itself. You can climb to the 57th floor of the 200-meter skyscraper for 15 euros.

As for the Montparnasse Cemetery, it is, of course, slightly inferior in popularity to another Parisian cemetery, Père Lachaise, but it is also quite popular. Many famous French figures are buried here.

Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Basilica

After Montparnasse, we take the metro and go to the most picturesque Parisian quarter - Montmartre. It should be getting close to evening, and this is the best time for a walk here.

Montmartre is considered the most picturesque area of ​​the city. The well-known film “Amelie” was filmed here, which brought additional popularity to this place. The hill on which it is located is the highest point in Paris. On this hill rises the Sacré-Coeur Basilica - one of the most magnificent sights in Paris, in our humble opinion.

Montmartre is also home to the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret.

Our main goal is the above-mentioned Sacre Coeur, but there is no need to rush and waste time in Montmartre. This is the most popular place in Paris to buy souvenirs. Be sure to stop by some cafe on the street (if the weather is favorable, of course) to fully experience the spirit of this amazing place.

You can have a small picnic on the grass at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. By the way, you can get into the basilica itself for free and it’s worth doing.

For an additional cost you can go up to the dome.

At the top of the hill, at the foot of the basilica, by the way, there is a magnificent view of the city.

If you are traveling around Paris with your significant other, then while walking in Montmartre, be sure to visit the Wall of Love, on which “I love you” is written 311 times in 250 languages.

So, your busy second day in Paris will come to an end in Montmartre.

2nd day in Paris on the map

3rd day and subsequent

If you clearly followed our route in the previous two days, then we are pleased to inform you that the “minimum” program has been completed!
On the third and all subsequent days, it is quite difficult to advise something specific, because it should already depend on your individual preferences. Those who are partial to art, of course, need to visit the Louvre and the Center Georges Pompidou.
How else can you have fun in Paris?

Take a boat trip along the Seine (from 16 euros) and admire the beauty of Paris from the water.

You can take a walk around the La Défense skyscraper district and get to know a completely different, modern Paris.

Of course, visit the famous Disneyland, located 40 minutes by train from Paris.

Another popular attraction outside the city is Versailles, which, like Disneyland, will require an entire day.

In Paris itself, among the many attractions, it is also worth noting the Père Lachaise Cemetery - one of the most outstanding monuments of funerary architecture.

Of course, this is not a complete list of Paris attractions. But they are quite enough to spend a few days with interest in this city.

This will be interesting to you:

How to see the most interesting places and attractions of Paris in 1, 2 and 3 days. How to get there and where to stay on a budget.

I’ll say right away that 3 days in Paris is very little if you don’t prepare and plan your route. I've had two trips to Paris, several days each, and I still don't know this city. I can navigate, I know the main attractions, but this is just a ceremonial postcard to show off that I was here.

I will try to combine all the experience and information found on the Internet in order to make life easier for future guests of Paris and systematize memories. This article can be called a small guide to Paris.

Sights of Paris

It is worth preparing in advance for visiting many attractions and purchasing some tickets online. This will allow you to avoid standing in long, hours-long queues and will give you the opportunity to allocate more time to Paris itself.

1. without a queue - 19.5€
2. without a queue - 38€
3. without a queue - 36€
4. skip the line - 12€
5. — 18€
6. — 37€
7. in Russian – 130€

What to see in Paris in 1 day

One of the starting points for a walk around Paris can be Trocadero . This place can be easily reached by metro by getting off at the Trocadero station of the same name.

Why Trocadero? This is where the most famous observation deck in Paris is located, and the views from this platform are shown in many films. It’s worth coming here if you want your first impression of Paris to be exactly as it was from the movies. The only nuance that can ruin everything is the crowds of tourists from early morning until late evening, but this is a drawback of all of Paris.

Eiffel Tower

Arriving at Trocadero, let's start the first day with a symbol that leaves no one indifferent. Some admire her, while others, trying to stand out, express their contempt and still take pictures against her background and climb on her, paying their money, to say something like “Finally, she is not visible.”

We are talking about the most famous and one of the most important attractions of Paris - the Eiffel Tower. You can linger here for a long time, it’s not so easy to get around it, and if you also sit on the grass on the Champ de Mars, it may turn out that half a day has already passed.

The queue for the tower is never small, so if your plans include conquering it, then depending on your budget there are two options - purchase tickets in advance and go to the top without queuing.

1. — 49€
2. — 81€.
3. — 42€.

Statue of Liberty

Not far from the Eiffel Tower there is a small replica of the Statue of Liberty. It is located on Swan Island. Looking at it, one involuntarily recalls the world-famous Statue of Liberty in America, which appeared there thanks to France.

Military school

Having returned from the Statue of Liberty to the Eiffel Tower and having spent some time on the Champ de Mars near it, we need to move on. At the end of the Champs de Mars there is a large complex of buildings, this is the Military School.

Home for the Invalids

Many people associate France with Napoleon Bonaparte, and after visiting Paris it is worth visiting his grave, which is located in the Invalides. This is a whole complex of buildings, headed by the cathedral, where Napoleon’s grave is located, as well as sarcophagi with the ashes of other emperors.

• — 11€.

There is also a museum of plans and reliefs and an army museum. The purpose of this complex has not yet changed; war veterans are still staying here today.

Montparnasse Tower

Now it’s worth heading to the Montparnasse skyscraper, from the roof of which you can take the best photographs of both the Eiffel Tower and Paris itself from a bird’s eye view. This is the highest observation deck in Paris.

• — 15€.

On the 56th floor there is an indoor area with a restaurant, and on the 59th floor there is an open area. The remaining floors are occupied by offices of various companies.

Pantheon

After leaving the tower we head to another majestic building, the Pantheon. Here are the ashes or a piece of soil from the graves of the most prominent people in France. The road to it will lie through the Luxembourg Gardens. The entrance is free.

The Catholic Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is located next to the Pantheon, it is located on the Mount of Saint Genevieve. The church contains a tomb containing the relics of the patron saint of Paris, Saint Genevieve.

This is where the sights of Paris on the first day end. Taking into account the time spent on the Champ de Mars and the Montparnasse observation deck, it should be a whole day of excursion.

Sights of Paris in 2 days

We will start the second day with another well-known symbol, without which not a single film about Paris can do - this is the Arc de Triomphe, and the day will end with a visit to the Louvre.

Triumphal Arch

There is a museum inside the architectural monument, and at the very top there is an observation deck. Entrance to the site is paid. The queue here is much shorter, but if you want to skip it, I will provide a link to tickets.

• — 12€.

Champs Elysees

Immediately after the Arc de Triomphe the Champs Elysees begin. Many will be disappointed that there are no fields here, and today it is just a street with expensive shops connecting the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe.

Place de la Concorde is hard to miss, as it is located in the center of the city between the Tuileries Garden and the Champs Elysees, its fountains attract attention, and the obelisk is visible from afar.

Tuileries Garden

Located between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, the garden has become a must-see on tourist routes. If you're lucky, one of the many outdoor exhibitions will be taking place during your visit.

One of the favorite pastimes of tourists in the Tuileries Garden is to sit around the fountain, basking in the sun and feeding the birds.

After feeding the birds, don’t forget to snack on a French baguette, which in Paris tastes fantastic, especially if you’re even a little hungry.

Place Vendôme

One of the famous squares of Paris and it is located a few minutes from the Tuileries Garden. You can only take good photographs of this area from a height, because... it just doesn't fit into the lens.

The Louvre is one of the main attractions of Paris, one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. The most famous exhibits of the museum are the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

It can take a whole day to explore the entire museum, as its huge collection numbers about four hundred thousand exhibits. Here you can get acquainted with the art of ancient Egypt, the ancient East, see sculptures, study the art of Islam, and also visit halls with fine and graphic arts.

The queue at the Louvre is often no worse than the queue at the Eiffel Tower, so it’s also worth purchasing tickets here in advance, although it costs a little more online.

• without a queue - 19.5 €.

What to see in Paris in 3 days

Day 3 can start with the Sacré-Coeur Basilica as one of the most remote attractions in Paris and gradually move towards the city center to the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

Basilica of Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre

To get to the basilica you need to take one of 3 metro lines - M2, M4 or M12 and get off at Anvers, Chateau Rouge or Abbesses stations, respectively. To the left of the basilica there is a funicular to the top of the mountain, for those who find it difficult to climb the steps.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Christ or Sacré-Coeur is a decoration of the Montmartre region and is considered one of the main Catholic churches in the country. The area in front of the basilica allows you to enjoy views of Paris and its surroundings.

Since the basilica is located on a mountain, this is another observation deck with views of Paris from where most of the city is visible.

5 minutes from the basilica in the vicinity of the Montmartre district, you can find an unusual monument in the form of a man half stuck in a wall. This is the hero of Marcel Aimé's story "The Man Walking Through Walls."

Show-Cabaret Moulin Rouge

Coming down the mountain from the basilica, it is difficult to pass by another symbol of Paris, because it was here that the famous Cancan dance was first performed. The cabaret is located on Boulevard Clichy; the building is easily recognizable due to its red mill.

There was a period when this establishment enjoyed a negative reputation, but now even children from 6 years old are allowed to attend the show and you can visit the establishment with the whole family.

Although this is the most famous establishment in the city, there are several other cabarets in Paris that are in no way inferior to the Moulin Rouge. Below is a selection of tickets for alternative cabaret shows. - 11€.

After the opera, we head towards the Ile de la Cité and along the way we will see the lonely Tower of Saint-Jacques.

What kind of ancient city would it be without the Town Hall? The Paris City Hall has seen a lot, there were various kinds of riots and revolutions, during which it managed to survive, but with the proclamation of the Paris Commune it was completely burned down.

The square and the town hall located on it have the same name Hotel de Ville, which means city palace.

Now you can cross the bridge and explore the Ile de la Cité, where you can see the second most important symbol of Paris, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris or Notre Dame de Paris. This is not only an important building in Paris, but above all the soul and heart of the city. It was built on the island of Cité on the site where there once was a former pagan temple, and after it the Church of St. Stephen.

Palace of Justice and Conciergerie Castle

The huge palace complex, which includes the courts, prosecutor's office and police, is located on the same Ile de la Cité as Notre-Dame de Paris. Today the palace is a huge complex of buildings, the main of which are the Conciergerie Castle (prison), the Sainte Chapelle chapel and the Palace of Justice itself.

The story turned out to be very long, but these are only the main attractions of Paris and a few less significant ones that came across along the road or were nearby. Now you will understand that Paris and 3 days is very little.

Trip to Paris

Paris is the city of dreams. The number of world-famous attractions here is simply off the charts: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre, Moulin Rouge, Montmartre... Add to them cozy restaurants, charming narrow alleys, picturesque parks and colorful townspeople - and you will understand why. Great writers and artists sought and found their inspiration in Paris.

However, we should not forget that this is a multimillion-dollar city with busy traffic, vast distances and a large number of visitors, and not at all the scenery from a movie. A trip to Paris is full of contrasts: it is at the same time a city of pompous palaces and shabby facades, romantic love and cruel revolutions, high art and the simple joys of life. It may not turn out to be what you imagined, but give it a chance and Paris will enchant you!

How to get to Paris?

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Paris from Moscow, St. Petersburg or Kyiv is by air. The non-stop option is provided by several airlines: Aeroflot, Transaero, Air France, Aigle Azur. Travel time from Moscow to Paris is about four hours, from St. Petersburg even less. Ukraine International Airlines or Air France will take you from Kyiv to the French capital in 3.5 hours. Many airlines offer options with one or more transfers, which will take longer, but will cost much less than direct flights.

The Aviasales service will help you speed up your selection of the most convenient and affordable flight. It provides flexible filter settings that will allow you to specify various parameters: departure dates and times, number of transfers, desired airports. But the main thing is, of course, the opportunity to compare prices among dozens of offers from various airlines and ticket sales agencies. Read more about this in the Ever.Travel review.

Where to stay in Paris?

Paris is beautiful all over - from the tip of the Eiffel Tower to the Luxembourg Gardens, from Montmartre to Montparnasse, any of the 20 administrative districts of this great city has its own charm. But still, there are areas that are more suitable for staying during a tourist visit, especially if you are visiting for just a few days and want to see as much as possible.

Map of Paris districts

City center

The ideal option would be to find housing in the central part of Paris, on the banks of the Seine. Districts 1 to 7 form the historical and tourist center of the city. Here you'll visit some of Paris's most famous landmarks and museums, admire its stunning architecture, and understand why this city is considered the most romantic in the world. The Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Orsay Museum, the Tuileries Gardens, Les Invalides, the Latin Quarter, the Saint-Germain district and, of course, the Eiffel Tower - all this will be within walking distance if you choose a hotel in the center of Paris.

Visa to France

France is one of the countries of the Schengen zone, so to enter its territory you will need to obtain a Schengen visa. To receive it, you must provide a package of documents. We advise you to check what is included in it and how much this pleasure will cost on the official websites of the French Visa Center in Russia and the France Visa Service Center in Ukraine.

As a rule, when you first apply to French visa centers, you will receive a six-month visa with a period of stay in the country of up to 90 days. For repeated applications, the validity period of the visa may be increased to a year or two.

Applying for a Schengen visa usually looks like a rather intimidating and troublesome task, especially if this is your first time. In addition, to guarantee a positive result, all your documents must be in perfect order, because if you are denied a visa, your vacation plans may be hopelessly ruined. If you are not sure that you can cope with bureaucratic tricks, or you just don’t have time to deal with the hassle with documents, use the VisaToHome service. You will only need to take photos, answer a few questions on the website and give a package of documents to the courier, and then the specialists will do everything for you. A few days later, your passport with the coveted visa will be delivered directly to your home!

How to get from Paris airport to the city

Paris - Charles de Gaulle Airport (L"aéroport de Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle) or Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle (Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle)- one of the largest airports in the world. Located 25 km from the capital. A trip to Paris by public transport will cost about 10 euros.

High-speed trains RER (line B) connect the airport with the city center and Gare du Nord station, where you can change to the metro or trains of other lines. The movement interval is 12-15 minutes, the trip duration is about half an hour.

There are also several bus routes from the airport to different areas of the city, including at night. This trip will take about an hour.

Taxi ranks are located at the terminal exits. A trip to the center of Paris by taxi during the day will cost approximately 50 euros, from 17:00 to 10:00, and on weekends and holidays - 15% more. Low-cost airlines fly to Beauvais Airport (Aéroport de Beauvais-Till). It is separated from Paris by about 70 km. By bus this distance can be covered in 1.5 hours and 15 euros.

Arriving in Paris late at night, with large suitcases or small children, finding a taxi or public transport is not an easy task. To save yourself the stress, it is better to book a transfer from Paris airport to your hotel in advance. We recommend using the KiwiTaxi service for this. On their website you will not only choose the car you want, but also immediately find out the exact cost of the service. 100% meeting at the airport guaranteed!

Car rental in Paris

If you want to visit not only Paris, but also its surroundings, such as Versailles, Fontainebleau or Disneyland, we recommend that you consider renting a car. It will be a little more expensive than using public transport, but imagine the freedom you get! By renting a car, you can go to the Cote d'Azur or even to one of the neighboring countries for a day. It is most convenient to use the RentalCars service to rent a car. It compares prices from several companies at once, allowing you to choose the most attractive option. Read more about this in the Ever.Travel review.

Paris city transport

In Paris there is an extensive network of bus routes, including night routes, and several tram routes. However, the most popular and convenient transport is the metro. Actually, the word “metropolitan” itself originally meant Parisian underground transport.

Paris Metro- record holder for the density of stations: from any point in the city to the nearest station will be no more than 500 m. The average travel time between them is 2 minutes. The RER high-speed train network operates within Paris similarly to the metro, the only difference being that there are fewer stations and trains run less frequently but faster. Navigation is well organized - you can easily reach your destination if you carefully follow the signs. The outputs are labeled “Sortie”.

It is very convenient that a universal T+ ticket costs 1.7 euros for all types of public transport in Paris. A set of 10 tickets - “carnet” - is sold for 13.3 euros, which allows you to save money. Almost every station has a ticket vending machine with a menu in English.

Bicycle rental Velib

The city's bike-sharing network is considered part of the public transport system. It is very popular and easy to use. First you need to register in the system using a credit card. The cost of registration for 24 hours is 1.7 euros, for a week - 8 euros. 150 euros are blocked on the card as a deposit until the bike is returned. The first half hour you ride for free, then every 30 minutes the cost increases from 1 to 4 euros. However, no one forbids you to change your bike every half hour - there are really many rental counters.

Tourist maps of Paris

And those who don’t like to think through anything can use ready-made guides to Paris:

Main telecom operators: Vodafone, Orange, SFR, Bouygues. Tourists can buy a SIM card for about 10 euros, of which 5 will be credited. To register a SIM card, you usually need to provide your local address (for example, a hotel). The same card can be used when traveling around Europe - the tariffs are practically the same.

Shopping in Paris

It’s difficult to name the best place for shopping in the capital of world fashion, but we can say with confidence: here you can find everything - from haute couture masterpieces to affordable youth brands, from inexpensive souvenirs to works of art. Flea markets, small designer clothing stores, luxury boutiques and outlets - there is something for every taste and budget. The department store Galeries Lafayette is even considered a city landmark in its own right.

Sales with discounts up to 60% are held twice a year: in January-February and July-August. Most stores are open from 9:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Saturday. In tourist areas (Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Carrousel du Louvre) boutiques of famous brands are open on Sundays. On weekends, numerous street markets are open until lunchtime.

French cuisine

The number of cafes and restaurants in Paris seems impossible to count. The townspeople know how to enjoy food and do not refuse gastronomic pleasures. Everyday food is quite simple but tastes very good. In addition to wine and cheese, they love all kinds of soups: onion, tomato, potato, cream soup “Saint-Germain” from green peas, meat soup in a pot “potofeu” and bouillabaisse from different types of fish. Parisian chefs cook excellent meat and fish, the taste of which is enhanced by a variety of sauces. Moroccan cuisine is very popular, especially couscous. Hot flavored crepe pancakes (Crêpe) with or without filling, which can be bought on almost every corner - a wonderful snack while walking around the city.

According to the official Paris website, all prices already include a 15% service surcharge, so tipping is not necessary. However, if you want to personally thank the waiter, it is not forbidden to leave him 5-10% of the bill. By the way, the price of food and drinks may vary depending on where the table is located: indoors is cheaper, on the terrace more expensive.

History of Paris

It is believed that the capital of France was named after the Celtic tribe of Parisians, who lived on the Isle of Cité even BC. At the beginning of the new era, Julius Caesar built a military fortification and a city here. Until the 4th century, these places were called Gaul and belonged to the Romans - before the leader of the Franks, Clovis I, annexed them to his kingdom, making Paris the capital.

In the 12th-13th centuries, a period of rapid development began: new buildings were built, streets were paved, trade developed, and a university appeared. Since then, Paris has slowly but surely developed - hampered by plagues, wars, and uprisings. Craftsmen and officials, scientists and artists came here. At the beginning of the 18th century, half a million people already lived in the city.

In 1789, Paris thundered throughout the world: under the slogan “Liberty, equality, fraternity,” the townspeople seized the Bastille, giving rise to the French Revolution. After several decades of terror and chaos, power passed to Napoleon I. The ten-year reign of the emperor left many masterpieces as a legacy to the capital.

Napoleon III gave Paris its modern appearance. The actively developing city needed redevelopment. In the second half of the 19th century, most of the dense medieval buildings were destroyed, giving way to spacious boulevards and modern houses. The project was led by police chief Eugene Haussmann and, as they say, he had his own interest. On the wide streets, explosive Parisians could no longer build barricades, but it became very convenient for the authorities to disperse demonstrations.

It is important to know:

• Official language: French
• City area: 105 sq. km. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, numbered in a clockwise spiral from the center. In the very heart is the island of Cité, full of attractions, where the city itself was once born.
• Population: 2.2 million people. Together with nearby cities, it forms the so-called “Greater Paris” - an agglomeration with a population of about 10.6 million people. About 15% of the residents are foreigners.
• Visa: Schengen, standard requirements. The cost of a tourist visa for Russian citizens is 35 euros.
• Currency: Euro
• Time difference with Moscow:-2 hours in summer, -3 hours in winter
• Climate: The best times to visit Paris are spring and autumn. It can be very hot here in summer, but quite cool and rainy in winter and late autumn. Temperatures rarely drop below zero, but frequent rain and high humidity can make walking the streets uncomfortable. Officially, the high season is considered to be the period from April 1 to October 31.

Holidays:

Also celebrated in Paris:

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) - the European analogue of Maslenitsa

The third weekend of September is cultural heritage days. Many historical buildings open their doors to visitors.

The third Thursday of November is Beaujolais Nouveau, the holiday of new wine.

Every first Sunday of the month is Museum Day. Entry to most museums is free.

This concludes our review of the French capital. The next step is yours: select the places and walking routes that interest you on the map, synchronize your travel plans to Paris with the Ever.Travel mobile application and go to conquer this beautiful city!

Photos used in the review Lola Pidluska,

If Jules Verne's heroes managed to travel around the globe in 80 days, then 72 hours to get to know Paris is quite enough time. We agree that visiting a million attractions and museums requires much more time. However, if the visit is short, but you want to see the city, an express tour will help out. Short, but fascinating. Get your cameras ready: ZagraNitsa offers a great option for a quick date with Paris!

When you want complete freedom and unforgettable adventures, the best solution is to throw thoughts about tour operators out of your head and conquer the French expanses as a free tourist. No sightseeing buses, guides or tourist “patrols” - we will get to know the city on our own.

The most convenient way to book a hotel room or individual apartment in Paris is online: through the popular ones.

We have compressed the program for exploring Paris to the most famous and “juicy” places. If desired and possible, you can add additional items to the list (or remove unnecessary ones). Go for it, and bon voyage!

The first day

No sooner said than done. One fine morning you have arrived in Paris and are walking down the plane to Orly. From the airport to the capital it is only 14 km. The most convenient way to get to the city is by taxi; the journey to the starting point of the route - the Luxembourg Gardens - will take about half an hour. You can also take the Orlybus to the Denfert-Rochereau metro station, which is only a couple of stops away from Luxembourg station. Ticket prices: bus - 7.7 euros, metro - 1.8 euros.

Photo: hotel-design-secret-de-paris.com

Second day

After a stressful first day, we suggest you relax in a more relaxed mode. First, let's visit.

Photo: patrimoine-environnement.fr

From the theater we will head to a huge shopping center on Haussmann Boulevard. This is a real paradise for shopping lovers! We also recommend checking out the terrace on the ninth floor, which offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the city. The complex has many cafes and restaurants for every taste - from fast food to a sophisticated establishment under a dome, serving haute cuisine.

The second half of the day is possible (more about it below). Or visit the aquarium with an area of ​​more than 3.5 km², and then take a romantic walk along the Seine on a river bus. An hour cruise costs 13–14 euros per person.

Photo: roughguides.com
Photo: worldfortravel.com

You can also go to the La Défense area to get acquainted with modern Paris, the Grande Arche de la Defense and futuristic high-rise buildings with spectacular evening lighting, and take a walk through the shopping center. Please note: the last one closes at 20:00.

Photo: grandparis-mipim.com

If you're not a fan of long shopping trips, head directly to Montmartre from Opéra Garnier. It’s better by metro: on line 12 Trinité - d"Estienne d"Orves it takes only four stops to Abbesses station (about 20 minutes). A 40-meter Wall of Love with love declarations in different languages ​​is hidden two steps from the exit. Why not pop here for some spectacular photos?

Photo: darkroom.baltimoresun.com

Then along Yvonne le Tac street, which turns into Rue Tardieu, we get to the funicular. It will take you to the highest point of the city and the basilica. Entrance to the cathedral is free.

Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock

Those who want to end the evening “like an adult” after a walk through the streets of Montmartre are invited to go down to Boulevard Clichy. It will lead to revelation

After seeing the palace with the brilliant Mirror Gallery and other luxurious halls, be sure to take a walk through the park, laid out as if under a ruler.

Photo: fasttrackticket.fr
Photo: mountainsoftravelphotos.com

You can get to Parc et Château de Versailles from Paris by taxi, RER (line C, Paris - Versailles Rive Gauche station), SNCF trains (run from Paris Montparnasse and Paris Saint Lazare stations) or by Versailles Express bus, departing from the Eiffel Tower daily at 8:00 and 14:00.

Our excursion has come to an end - three days in Paris flew by in a flash! We will be glad if you share in the comments the “star” places that every foreigner who first arrives in La Ville Lumière should see.

Also pay attention to where you won’t meet tourists.

Route 1

Are you in for 4-5 days? Is this your first trip to the capital of France? Follow us! We've selected the most famous places in Paris: must-see museums, famous monuments and neighborhoods where you can stroll and do things. The proposed plan for exploring Paris is quite intense. If you prefer a relaxed pace, you can safely divide one day into two - in any case, these are just a few ideas of where to go in Paris.

And if you are looking for excursions in Paris, then this is the place for you.

Day 1

Let's start our acquaintance with Paris with its most famous symbol -. The best view of the tower opens from, and the metro station of the same name is located here (lines 6 and 9 Trocadéro station). Go down, cross the Seine on the Jena Bridge - and here you are under the Eiffel Tower. If you manage to find the center under the top of the tower, ! If you plan to go upstairs (7 - 17 euros), be prepared for a long line. You can reduce your waiting time by purchasing an electronic ticket for official website of the Eiffel Tower .
Then we will go to the most famous museum in the world - (by metro from Bir-Hakeim station on green line No. 6 in the direction of Charles de Gaulle - Etoile to Charles de Gaulle - Etoile station, change to yellow line No. 1 in the direction of Château de Vincennes to Palais- Royal). Here are masterpieces of the Renaissance, as well as departments dedicated to history (the Middle Ages, Ancient Egypt, the Ancient World). It will take at least 2 hours to visit the museum. A regular ticket costs 15 euros. Can buy electronic ticket online . The card is valid. Attention! The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Then we will take a walk in the beautiful Tuileries Garden, located near the Louvre. If you appreciate the art of the impressionists and post-impressionists, you can go to the one located here (9 euros, card valid). Behind it is the Place de la Concorde, from which the famous ones originate. In the Fields you will find many shops and boutiques - a great opportunity for shopping. And at the other end of the boulevard stands another symbol of Paris. You can climb the arch and see the capital from above (12 euros, card valid).

Useful links:

Please note - this is convenient and profitable if you are in Paris for several days.

Day 2

We will start the second day from the “heart” of Paris - its historical center (metro number 4 station Cité or lines 1, 11 station Hôtel de Ville, or RER B, C station Saint-Michel Notre Dame). If you get off at the Hôtel de Ville metro station, you will see this very “city hotel” - the town hall, or city hall. The building is very beautiful, and there is usually something going on in the square in front of it.
We go to, entrance to the cathedral is free, the queue is usually long, but it moves quickly.
Here on the Ile de la Cité is located a pearl of Gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass windows (10 euros).
Let's continue our walk around the nearby island of Saint-Louis. All guidebooks strongly recommend trying Berthillon's signature ice cream here, one of the most delicious in Paris.
We will devote the second half of the day to Montmartre (metro line 12 station Abbesses).
Just a hundred years ago, on this hill there was a village with mills, vineyards and inexpensive housing rented by bohemians - artists, poets and painters. To this day, Place du Tertre is occupied by artists selling finished paintings and painting portraits right in front of spectators. Wander around Montmartre and you will find a market (they say they are the cheapest in Paris), cafes and restaurants, museums (Dali, Montmartre Museum), former cabarets (Moulin de Galette and Lapin Agil), Picasso's atelier (Bateau Lavoir), and, of course, the famous (visiting is free) and a beautiful view of Paris. You can leave Montmartre from the Blanche metro station, and then you will see.

Day 3

We will spend this day on the left bank of Paris. Let's start with the masterpieces of Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh (RER C station Musée d'Orsay or metro line 12 station Assemblée Nationale, or metro line 1 station Tuileries). Plan at least 2 hours for the museum.

After the museum we will take a walk around the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.
If you want to go shopping, take a walk along the rue de Rennes, rue de Sèvre, boulevard Saint-Germain.
The Luxembourg Gardens will be an ideal place for rest and relaxation. Here you can stroll along the shady alleys, admire the beautiful flower beds, or just sit - there are many chairs in the park.
We will spend the second half of the day at. You can also have lunch/dinner here. Let's start our acquaintance with the Latin Quarter with the Saint-Michel fountain. This is a favorite place for Parisians to meet and date.
Nearby is one of the oldest universities in the world - the Sorbonne. Thanks to her, the quarter got its name - Latin. For a long time, all education at the university was conducted in Latin.
And long before that, on the site of the Latin Quarter there was the ancient Roman city of Lutetia. There is little left of him. For example, the Baths of Cluny. And next to it is the Museum of the Middle Ages. And a little further, on the top of the hill des bois, is the Pantheon, the burial place of the great people of France.
Place Monge and rue Mouffetard are some of the busiest places in the capital with numerous cafes and reasonable prices.

Day 4

We will spend the first half of the day in the Haussmann Opera quarter (metro lines 3, 7, 8 Opéra station). Here are the “big shops” - the famous department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printham. And art lovers can visit the Opera Garnier; even during the summer holidays, visitors are allowed inside the palace and tours are organized in English and French. This architectural masterpiece of the Belle Epoque will not leave you indifferent.

Next we will walk to Place de la Madeleine, Place Vendôme and (here you will find a lot of interesting things).
And we will spend the evening in the Marais quarter, the most dynamic in Paris, combining boutiques, restaurants, bars (metro line 8 Chemin Vert station or line 1 Saint-Paul station). The Carnavalet Museum is also located here - a museum of the history of Paris (its visit is free, but until the end of 2019 the museum is closed for reconstruction) and (12.50 euros, card valid).
In the evening you can go to.