The best time to go
Paris can be visited all year round, but each season has its own special atmosphere.
In spring, the parks come alive, the terraces come alive and the atmosphere is soft and romantic - it's undoubtedly the most pleasant time of the year to discover the city.
In summer, the city is in full swing: festivals, open-air exhibitions, cruises on the Seine... but also a few crowds.
In autumn, Paris returns to a more peaceful rhythm, the trees turn ochre in the Luxembourg Gardens or the Buttes-Chaumont, and the museums become veritable cultural refuges.
In winter, the magic of the illuminations, the Christmas shop windows and the cosy tearooms give the capital a fairytale charm.
Day 1: Immersion in the historic heart of Paris
Morning: Discover the Marais and the Île de la Cité
Start your escapade in the Marais district, one of the oldest and most charming in Paris. Its narrow streets, private mansions, art galleries and designer boutiques will immerse you in a unique atmosphere. Have a coffee on the Place des Vosges, an architectural gem, before strolling down Rue des Rosiers, the heart of the Jewish Quarter, for a gourmet break.
Continue your walk towards the Île de la Cité, the historic birthplace of Paris. Here you will discover the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its flamboyant stained glass windows, and the Conciergerie, the former prison of the French Revolution.
Afternoon: Louvre, Palais-Royal and a stroll along the Seine
After lunch in a typical Parisian brasserie, head for the Louvre. Even if you don't have time to see everything, don't miss the Mona Lisa, the Victory of Samothrace or the flats of Napoleon III.
Then take a break at the Palais-Royal, a haven of peace with its famous Buren columns and elegant gardens. Continue your stroll along the Seine, passing bookshops and legendary bridges such as the Pont des Arts.
At the end of the day: sunset at Montmartre
Finish your first day in Montmartre, the bohemian district par excellence. Climb up to the Sacré-Coeur basilica, then lose yourself in the narrow streets around Place du Tertre. At golden hour, the view over Paris from the basilica's forecourt is nothing short of magical.
Day 2: Nature, museums and unusual Paris
Morning: Stroll in Parc Monceau or Parc de Bagatelle
Start your day in a quieter Paris, at the elegant and romantic Parc Monceau, or at the Parc de Bagatelle, a veritable floral jewel in the Bois de Boulogne. The latter, less well-known to tourists, is a little landscaped gem with its rose garden, free-roaming peacocks and charming little bridges.
Afternoon: Musée d'Orsay or a stroll through Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Depending on what you fancy, you can visit the Musée d'Orsay, devoted to 19th-century art and housed in a former railway station. Monet, Van Gogh, Degas... some of the greatest names are to be found there.
You can also stroll around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the intellectual and artistic district where you'll find the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, famous writers' haunts. Take the opportunity to shop in the small bookshops or visit the church of Saint-Sulpice.
At the end of the day: cruise on the Seine or rooftops
End your weekend in style with a sunset cruise on the Seine, admiring the most beautiful Parisian monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, which lights up as night falls. Another option: admire Paris from above, from a rooftop such as the terrace of the Printemps Haussmann, the Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers or the Perchoir, for a nightcap overlooking the rooftops of Paris.
Where to dine and have a drink?
There's no shortage of evening entertainment in Paris. For refined dining, make a reservation at Septime or admire the view from Le Jules Verne, perched on the Eiffel Tower. Lovers of tradition will appreciate the lively atmosphere of Bouillon Pigalle or Chartier, perfect for a typically Parisian dinner at a reasonable price.
When it comes to bars, Paris is full of places with a unique atmosphere. For inventive cocktails, head for Le Syndicat or Little Red Door. If you prefer a friendly open-air atmosphere, Rosa Bonheur and La Recyclerie are ideal for a drink in a relaxed, original setting.
Why choose Paris?
Accessible by train, plane or car from any major French or European city, Paris is the ideal destination for a cultural, romantic or festive weekend away.
Its incredible wealth of heritage, vibrant artistic life and inimitable art de vivre make it a city that should be visited at least once and rediscovered again and again.
Where to stay in Paris?
If you're looking for an unusual and affordable experience, opt for the campsites just outside Paris.
Campsite Paris Maisons-Laffitte, Maisons-Laffitte
Just 20 minutes from Paris, this 4-star campsite is located on a peaceful island in the Seine at Maisons-Laffitte. It offers comfortable accommodation (cottages, lodges, pitches) in a green setting. Ideal for a nature weekend just outside the capital, it has a heated swimming pool, a restaurant and easy access to the RER A train line for unhindered visits to Paris.
Paris Maisons Laffitte Campsite Paris-Est - Champigny-sur-Marne
Located just 10 km from Paris, Camping Paris-Est**** in Champigny-sur-Marne offers a green setting on the banks of the Marne. This 4-star campsite offers comfortable accommodation, including mobile homes and pitches for tents or motor homes. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and takeaway services, as well as leisure activities such as table tennis. Its ideal location provides quick access to the heart of the capital in just 20 minutes.
Discover the full selection on CampingFrance.com
To discover around Paris:
If you're staying a little longer in the capital, don't hesitate to explore the area around Paris, which is rich in heritage and nature.
- The Château de Versailles: Just 30 minutes from Paris, this masterpiece of French classicism impresses with its gardens, fountains and Hall of Mirrors. ·
- Disneyland Paris: For a magical family getaway, the famous theme park is located in Marne-la-Vallée, accessible by RER. ·
- The Forêt de Fontainebleau: A haven of peace just 1 hour from Paris, ideal for hiking, climbing or simply a picnic in the heart of nature.