Paris Charles de Gaulle

Paris has inspired artists, philosophers, and lovers for centuries, and it still delivers on that promise at every turn. The French capital's 20 arrondissements each radiate their own personality — from the cobblestoned grandeur of the Marais to the literary cafes of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the hilltop village feel of Montmartre — yet the whole city is held together by the graceful curves of the Seine and the unmistakable Haussmanian architecture that lines its boulevards. It is a city designed to be walked, and the rewards for those who do so are inexhaustible.

The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, but its 35,000-piece collection extends far beyond those icons — allocate at least half a day, ideally more. The Musée d'Orsay, housed in a converted Beaux-Arts railway station, holds the world's greatest collection of Impressionist masterpieces. Versailles, a 40-minute RER train ride from central Paris, offers the overwhelming opulence of the Sun King's palace and its vast formal gardens. The Centre Pompidou, Notre-Dame Cathedral (now restored after its 2019 fire), and the rooftop terrace of the Arc de Triomphe round out essential experiences.

Spring (April–June) is peak season for a reason: mild temperatures, blooming chestnut trees lining the boulevards, and long golden evenings. July and August are crowded and hot; many Parisian restaurants close as locals head on holiday. The Paris Metro is efficient and cheap — buy a carnet of ten tickets or a Navigo pass for multi-day travel. Tipping is not obligatory but a small amount (1–2 euros) for good service is appreciated. Learning even a few words of French — 'bonjour,' 'merci,' 's'il vous plaît' — opens doors noticeably.