Visit Paris April–June or September–October for mild weather without summer crowds. Fly into CDG (international) or ORY (budget Europe). Get a Navigo Easy or Paris Visite Metro pass. Major museum days: Tuesday Louvre closed.
At a Glance
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Main airport | CDG |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | French (English in tourist areas) |
| Best time to visit | April–June, September–October (mild, fewer crowds) |
| Visa for US citizens | US citizens enter Schengen visa-free for up to 90 days. The new ETIAS authorization is being phased in (~€7, simple online form). |
Top Things to Do in Paris
- Eiffel Tower — book ahead, sunset visit recommended
- Louvre Museum — book timed entry, see Mona Lisa early/late
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (reopened) + Sainte-Chapelle
- Arc de Triomphe — climb for sunset views
- Versailles day trip (40 min by RER)
- Musée d'Orsay (Impressionists)
- Walk the Seine from Île Saint-Louis to Trocadéro
- Montmartre + Sacré-Cœur
- Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens
- Day trip to Champagne region or Giverny
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- 1er arrondissement — Louvre + Tuileries
- 4e (Le Marais) — historic Jewish quarter, gay scene
- 5e (Latin Quarter) — Sorbonne, Panthéon
- 6e (Saint-Germain) — cafés, Luxembourg Gardens
- 7e — Eiffel Tower, Invalides
- 8e — Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe
- 18e (Montmartre) — Sacré-Cœur, artists' square
Our recommendation: Le Marais, Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter for charm; Montmartre for views; near Gare du Nord for cheaper hotels.
What to Eat
- Croissants and pain au chocolat from a real boulangerie
- Steak frites at a bistro
- Coq au vin and beef bourguignon
- French onion soup
- Crêpes (sweet and savory)
- Macarons (Pierre Hermé > Ladurée per most Parisians)
- Cheese plate with wine
- Falafel in Le Marais (try L'As du Fallafel)
How to Get Around
The Paris Métro has 16 lines covering everywhere. Buy a t+ ticket carnet (10) or rechargeable Navigo Easy card. Walking is wonderful — most of central Paris is under 30 minutes on foot end-to-end. Vélib bike share works well.
How to Get There from the USA
The main airport is CDG. Direct US flights are available from major gateways including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and others depending on the season.
👉 See our New York flight page or New York To Paris route page for typical pricing.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes and bundle with hotels.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
US citizens enter Schengen visa-free for up to 90 days. The new ETIAS authorization is being phased in (~€7, simple online form).
Always verify current requirements at the U.S. State Department travel advisory page before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Paris?
April–June, September–October (mild, fewer crowds).
Do US citizens need a visa for France?
US citizens enter Schengen visa-free for up to 90 days. The new ETIAS authorization is being phased in (~€7, simple online form).
Where should I stay in Paris?
Le Marais, Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter for charm; Montmartre for views; near Gare du Nord for cheaper hotels.
How do I book cheap flights to Paris?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7. Our US-based agents quote live fares to CDG including unpublished consolidator rates not on public OTAs.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — we are a full-service travel agency. View our hotel booking page.