Paris Top Tips in Paris: 4 Spots From the Video

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Paris

Trip guide

• About Paris
  About ParisParis is a city with a documented history spanning over 2,000 years, evolving from a Celtic settlement on the Île de la Cité to a center of European administration and culture. Its architectural heritage includes structures from the Gallo-Roman period, such as the Arènes de Lutèce, to the Gothic style of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, which reopened to the public in late 2024 following restoration.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Paris is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the city's gardens are in full bloom or vibrant autumn color. Summer (July and August) brings peak crowds, higher prices, and occasional heatwaves, while winter offers the lowest rates and festive holiday lights despite the cold, grey skies. For the best balance of manageable queues and pleasant walking weather, aim for late spring or early fall.
• Getting around
  Getting around Paris

  • International Air Travel Most travelers arrive via Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports, which are connected to the city center by the RER B train line, RoissyBus shuttles, or official taxi ranks.
  • Paris Métro and RER Train System The extensive underground network consists of 16 lines serving the city interior, complemented by RER regional trains that reach suburban areas like Versailles and Disneyland Paris.
  • Eurostar and High-Speed Rail Paris is a major European rail hub with stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon providing direct high-speed connections to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and various French cities.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always greet shopkeepers with a polite 'Bonjour' upon entering and 'Merci, au revoir' when leaving to avoid being perceived as rude.
  • Request 'une carafe d'eau' to receive free tap water at restaurants, as bottled water is often expensive.
  • Validate your transport ticket before boarding and keep it until you exit the station to avoid heavy fines from undercover inspectors.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Paris

  • The opening of the new Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain at Place du Palais-Royal, a major cultural hub designed by Jean Nouvel.
  • Urban swimming in the Seine, with three supervised spots (Louis-Philippe Bridge, Pont de Grenelle, and Quai de Bercy) officially open for the 2026 summer season.
• Visit Paris Region↗
  Visit Paris RegionThe official tourism website for Paris and the Île-de-France region, providing travel guides, event information, and visitor services.