Paris holidays

Paris, the city of lights and love, offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums and gourmet dining, here are some of the top experiences to enjoy in the French capital:

It is worth mentioning, however, that a Parisian trip wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the quintessential Parisian café culture by sipping coffee or wine at a charming outdoor café.
 

Iconic landmarks:
 

• Eiffel Tower: Ascend to the top of this iconic structure for panoramic views of the city.
• Arc de Triomphe: Admire the grandeur of this monumental arch and the Champs-Élysées, one of the world's most famous avenues.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: Marvel at the Gothic architecture of this historic cathedral, although it's currently undergoing restoration.
• Sacre-Coeur Basilica: Visit this stunning white basilica perched atop Montmartre Hill, offering breathtaking views of the city.
• Palace of Versailles: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence known for its opulent interiors and expansive gardens.
• Disneyland Paris: France’s very own magical kingdom, where dreams come true, offering thrilling rides and enchanting shows for the whole family.
   

World-class museums:
 

• Louvre Museum: Explore one of the world's largest and most prestigious art museums, housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa.
• Musée d'Orsay: Discover a vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
• Centre Pompidou: Immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art at this iconic building.
• Musée Rodin: This museum is dedicated to the works of the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin. It houses a vast collection of his sculptures, including "The Thinker" and "The Kiss.”
• Musée de Cluny: Step back in time at this museum, which showcases medieval art and artifacts, including tapestries, stained glass, and sculptures.
• Musée Picasso: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Picasso and houses a vast collection of his paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
   

Cultural experiences:
 

• Latin Quarter: Wander through the historic Latin Quarter, home to ancient Roman ruins, charming bookstores, and lively cafes.
• Marais District: Explore this trendy neighbourhood’s historic houses, antique shops, and trendy boutiques.
• Seine River cruise: Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine River, admiring the city's iconic landmarks from the water.
• Montmartre: Explore the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre, where artists gather to paint and draw. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and wander through the narrow, winding streets.
   

Shopping:
 

• Champs-Élysées: Shop at luxury brands and designer boutiques on this famous avenue.
• Galeries Lafayette: Discover a wide range of high-end fashion and luxury goods at this iconic department store.
• Le Marais: Explore the trendy shops and boutiques in this historic district.
   

Food, Culture, & Wildlife
 

Food: Parisian cuisine is world-renowned for its elegance and sophistication. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy bistros, the city offers a multitude of culinary experiences.
 

• Fine dining: Indulge in gourmet experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Grand Véfour and L’Ambroisie - or simply make a night of flavours with a visit to Le Bristol Paris, an iconic hotel houses several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Epicure and 114 Faubourg. And there’s Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, if you’re looking to try a new, fresh and innovative take on French cuisine.
• Traditional French cuisine: Savour classic French dishes like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and crème brûlée at traditional bistros at La Tour d’Argent, a historic restaurant offering classic French dishes with a modern twist, or L'Ami Louis, a beloved bistro known for its hearty, no-frills cuisine.
• Street food: Explore the vibrant street food scene, with options like crepes, galettes, and falafel. The best are usually found in Rue Montorgueil and Marché Bastille.
   

Culture: From the grandeur of the Louvre Museum to the bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre, the city's diverse cultural offerings are sure to inspire and delight. Paris's Renaissance period left an indelible mark on its architecture, art, and culture. The city's iconic landmarks, such as the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, are testaments to this era.
 

• Le Marais: A historic district known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and Jewish heritage.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: A bohemian neighbourhood with a literary and artistic history.
   

• Opéra Garnier: A stunning 19th-century opera house that offers guided tours and performances.
• Palais Garnier: A historic theatre that has hosted countless world-class ballet and opera performances.
• Cité de la Mode et du Design: A contemporary cultural centre showcasing fashion, design, and innovation.
   

• Versailles: Visit the ever-opulent Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence.
• Fontainebleau: Explore the stunning Fontainebleau Forest and the Château de Fontainebleau.
• Giverny: Discover the gardens and home of Claude Monet, the famous Impressionist painter.
   

Wildlife: While Paris itself is an urban environment, there are several opportunities to experience wildlife both within and outside the city.
 

• Paris Zoological Park: This zoo houses a diverse collection of animals from around the world, including endangered species.
• Parc Floral de Paris: A beautiful botanical garden with a variety of plant life and wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
• Fontainebleau Forest: This vast forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and plenty of bird species.
• Birdwatching: Paris's parks and gardens are home to a variety of bird species. You can spot pigeons, sparrows, and other common birds, and even more diverse species in larger parks like the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes. Don't forget to feed the pigeons at iconic spots like Place du Trocadéro or the Pont Neuf.
   

Travel tips
 

Travel visa information:

• For most nationalities, a visa is required for visits to France. It is advisable to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin.
• You can also check other need-to-know destination-specific travel information here, courtesy of Qatar Airways.

Currency:

• The official currency of France is the Euro (EUR).

Language:

• While French is the primary language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Climate:

• Paris experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, ranging from mild spring and autumn to warm summers and cold and rainy winters.

Transportation:

• The city boasts a comprehensive public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, RER trains, and extensive walking and cycling paths.

Safety:

• While generally safe, visitors should exercise caution against pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded tourist areas.

Dress code and alcohol:

• Dress code: Casual attire is suitable for most daytime activities. For evening outings, more formal attire is often appropriate, especially for fine dining or theater visits.
• Alcohol: The legal drinking age in France is 18, and alcohol is widely available in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.