France
Paris
France
Paris
Updated Mon, Dec 29, 2025
Overview
Beyond the Eiffel Tower lies authentic Paris. Discover covered passages filled with vintage shops, attend jazz sessions in Belleville caves, browse Sunday morning food markets in Marché des Enfants Rouges, and join locals at wine bars tucked into quiet side streets for an genuine Parisian experience.
Best time to visit. Visit May through June or September through October for mild weather and fewer crowds. Spring brings blooming parks while autumn offers cozy café culture and golden light perfect for wandering.
City stats
Population
2,161,000
Land area
41 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
3rd century BCE
Official language
French
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Île-de-France
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
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Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
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Cities within 8 hours
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Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
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Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
Map
City details
Hotels
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Hotels
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Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45°F - 35°F | 41°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 8:41 am | 5:10 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 48°F - 36°F | 44°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:10 am | 6:00 pm | 9 days 1.7 in | 2 days 0.7 in | 9 mph |
| March | 55°F - 41°F | 52°F - 37°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 6:55 pm | 10 days 1.9 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 9 mph |
| April | 63°F - 46°F | 61°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:05 am | 7:50 pm | 9 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 70°F - 52°F | 69°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 8:35 pm | 10 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 75°F - 57°F | 75°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:50 am | 9:25 pm | 8 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 79°F - 61°F | 80°F - 61°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 9:20 pm | 7 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 79°F - 61°F | 80°F - 61°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:35 am | 8:35 pm | 7 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 73°F - 55°F | 72°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:20 am | 7:30 pm | 8 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 64°F - 48°F | 62°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:05 am | 6:20 pm | 9 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 52°F - 41°F | 48°F - 37°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 5:05 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| December | 46°F - 36°F | 42°F - 31°F | Cloudy | 8:35 am | 4:55 pm | 11 days 2.3 in | 2 days 0.5 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the beginning of the new year. Public holiday with festive atmosphere. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March or April) | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. Day of rest and family gatherings. | Limited services. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights. Public holiday with demonstrations and parades. | Expect closures. Plan alternative activities. | ||
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Official ceremonies held. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Ascension Day | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension. Often creates a long weekend. | Plan for reduced services. Popular travel time. | ||
| Whit Monday | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Often creates a long weekend. | Expect some closures. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Bastille Day | July 14 | French National Day. Celebrations, parades, and fireworks across the country. | Festive atmosphere. Plan for crowds. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. Religious processions in some areas. | Some closures. Popular vacation time. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Honors Catholic saints. Families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. | Expect some closures. Solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Commemorates the end of World War I. Official ceremonies and remembrances. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. Family gatherings and festive spirit. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Week | January and September | Major international fashion event featuring runway shows from top designers and brands. | Hotels expensive, crowds at venues, most attractions open. | ||
| Salon de l'Agriculture | February - March | Massive agricultural fair showcasing French farming, livestock, and regional food products. | Minor impact, good time to visit with fewer tourists. | ||
| Foire du Trône | March - May | Large traditional funfair with rides, games, and food stalls at Bois de Vincennes. | No impact on city tourism, adds fun attraction option. | ||
| Marathon de Paris | April | Major international marathon with 50,000 runners causing widespread street closures. | Significant traffic disruption, plan alternative routes. | ||
| Fête de la Musique | June 21 | Free music festival with thousands of concerts across the city in streets and venues. | Vibrant atmosphere, crowds but most services open. | ||
| Paris Plages | July - August | Artificial beaches created along Seine riverbanks with sand, activities, and events. | Enhances summer experience, no negative impact. | ||
| Tour de France Finish | July | Final stage of famous cycling race finishing on Champs-Élysées with massive crowds. | Central area congested, exciting atmosphere for visitors. | ||
| Fête des Vendanges | October | Wine harvest festival in Montmartre celebrating local wine production with tastings. | Charming local event, minimal city-wide impact. | ||
| Nuit Blanche | October | All-night contemporary art festival with free exhibitions throughout the city. | Unique cultural experience, crowded but worthwhile. | ||
| Salon du Chocolat | October - November | International chocolate exhibition featuring tastings, demonstrations, and competitions. | Great for food lovers, no disruption to tourism. |
1 | Learn basic French phrases like 'Bonjour' and 'Merci'. Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving. It's considered rude not to do so. |
2 | Dress neatly in public. Avoid athletic wear, shorts, or flip-flops in cities. French people tend to dress more formally, even for casual outings. Blend in to avoid looking like a tourist. |
3 | Don't assume everyone speaks English. Start conversations in French, even if it's just to ask if they speak English. This shows respect for the local language and culture. |
4 | Keep your voice down in public spaces. French people generally speak more softly in public. Loud conversations, especially in restaurants or on public transport, are frowned upon. |
5 | Embrace the leisurely pace of meals. Lunch and dinner are social events that can last hours. Don't rush through your meal or ask for the check until you're ready to leave. |
6 | Tipping is not expected as service is included in the bill. However, it's common to round up or leave small change for good service in cafes and restaurants. |
7 | Always say 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me) before asking for help or directions. The French appreciate politeness and good manners in social interactions. |
8 | Learn about French cuisine and try local specialties. Avoid asking for menu substitutions; it's often seen as rude. Instead, embrace the chef's creations as they are. |
Brainstorm ideas, plan your way, then navigate on the ground with personalized recommendations that adapt in real time.
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