Paris

Paris is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a unique experience:

• March–May (Spring): Best for blooming gardens, mild weather, and fewer crowds.
• June–August (Summer & Peak Season): Ideal for long sunny days, outdoor cafés, and festivals.
• September–November (Fall): Great for fall foliage, cultural events, and fewer tourists.
• December–February (Winter & Holiday Season): Best for Christmas markets, festive lights, and lower hotel rates.

• Eiffel Tower – The iconic symbol of Paris, best visited at sunset or illuminated at night.
• Louvre Museum – Home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and thousands of artistic masterpieces.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral – A stunning Gothic cathedral with breathtaking architecture.
• Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe – The most famous avenue, perfect for shopping and sightseeing.
• Seine River Cruise – A romantic way to explore the city’s landmarks by boat.
• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica – A bohemian hilltop district with panoramic views.
• Musée d’Orsay – A masterpiece-filled museum showcasing Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
• Palace of Versailles – A lavish royal palace with stunning gardens and the famous Hall of Mirrors.
• Sainte-Chapelle – A hidden gem with magnificent stained-glass windows.
• Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Charming neighborhoods filled with historic cafés and bookshops.

• Croissants & Pain au Chocolat – Flaky, buttery pastries perfect for breakfast.
• Baguette Tradition – A crisp and airy French bread, best enjoyed fresh from a bakery.
• Escargots de Bourgogne – Snails cooked in garlic butter and parsley.
• French Onion Soup – A rich, cheesy soup made with caramelized onions.
• Duck Confit – A slow-cooked duck dish, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• Steak Frites – A classic French meal of steak and crispy fries.
• Coq au Vin – Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and bacon.
• Macarons – Delicate almond-based cookies filled with ganache or cream.
• Crêpes – Thin pancakes filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
• Champagne & French Wine – The perfect drink pairing for any Parisian meal.

• Flights: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports.
• Metro & RER Trains: The fastest and most convenient way to get around the city.
• Buses & Trams: Affordable and great for scenic city views.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and traditional Parisian taxis are widely available.
• Biking & Walking: Many of Paris’ top attractions are within walking distance, and bike rentals (Vélib’) are a great option.
• Seine River Cruises: A unique way to see the city from the water.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check France’s Schengen visa requirements based on nationality.
• EU Travelers: Can enter freely with a valid national ID or passport.

• Currency: Euro (€ EUR).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but some small cafés and markets prefer cash.
• ATMs are available throughout Paris, offering good exchange rates.
• Currency exchange is available at airports, train stations, and exchange offices.

• French is the official language.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Learning basic French phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello) and “Merci” (Thank you) is appreciated.

• Greet with “Bonjour” (Hello) and “Merci” (Thank you).
• Dining etiquette: Meals are a leisurely experience—don’t rush.
• Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
• Avoid loud voices in public spaces – Parisians appreciate a more refined atmosphere.
• Say “Excusez-moi” before asking for directions or assistance.
• Dress stylishly but comfortably – Parisians favor chic, understated fashion.

• Restaurants: 5-10% tip is common if a service charge isn’t included.
• Bars & Cafés: Rounding up the bill is appreciated.
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for bellhops, €2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Tipping is not required, but rounding up is polite.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: €5–10 per person for excellent service.

• For peak season (June–September & December holidays): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For off-season travel (October–April): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For top attractions like the Eiffel Tower & Louvre: Book tickets online at least a few weeks in advance.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Some museums require timed-entry tickets—book in advance.
• Paris has strict traffic regulations—avoid driving in the city center.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com