Things To Do
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Paris.
Breakfast At Le Meurice
For a beautiful breakfast or brunch experience, I recommend going to the Le Meurice Hotel. The hotel is elegant and incredibly beautiful. I always recommend this to those looking for a pretty experience in Paris. Put on a pretty dress and sit inside a room full of pure opulence and Parisian luxury. This is not an inexpensive experience but if your budget allows, one I recommend.
Catacombs
An underground gravesite for miles and miles holding the bodies of about 6 million people. Truth be told, it’s a very interesting story about how it came to be and it’s very nicely done.
I wouldn’t describe it as scary at all, it’s just underground and a bit musty and damp. You can buy tickets online and request times only 7 days in advance.
This is an activity kids love to do although may not be for very young kids.
Cooking Class With Cuisine Elegant
One of my absolute favorite experiences in Paris is a cooking class with Vèronique of Cuisine Elegant. She is one of the nicest French ladies you will ever meet. From two people to a group, she will entertain and show you how to cook an amazing meal in her gorgeous French home.
Cour Du Commerce Saint-André
One of Paris’s many hidden passageways, this is one of my favorites. It’s beautiful aéd quaint and dates back to the 1776 plus this was right near our apartment, so we would go frequently to the cafés and one of our favorite restaurants Le Procope.
130 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 59 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006
Deyrolle Taxidermy
A taxidermy from 1831 full of curiosities, fossils, and stuffed animals. Even adults are fascinated with this shop which was frequented by famous artists and writers seeking inspiration for their paintings and literature such as, Pablo Picasso, Ernst Junger, Amadeo Modigliani, and Salvador Dali.
The shop is open from 10-7 Monday through Saturday. It is a great place to venture to with kids in the afternoon after a morning of sightseeing or museum hopping.
Facial At Caudalie
Caudalíe is one of my go-to French beauty brands, so what better place than to have a facial in Paris? Several of the Caudalíe Paris stores have a spa where you can get signature treatments done. I had a facial at the spa in Saint Germain. If you have time, this is a great experience to try.
Fat Bike Tours
One of our favorite ways to see different sights and tours is on a bike with Fat Bike Tours. We have done 3 tours with them over the years: Paris By Night, Day At Claude Monet’s, and the Versailles Bike Tours. I would highly recommend any of their tours, especially if you are traveling with kids who love to ride a bike. Make reservations online months before your trip. They tend to sell out especially during summer.
Hop Off And On Bus
This is a great way to see the city if it’s your first time. Or even if it’s not your first time. I went on this a few years ago with a friend who was on a time crunch. It seems like a very touristy thing to do, but if you don’t have a lot of time and want to see the big sights in less than a few hours, this is the best way.
There are several different companies in Paris but the one I have been on is the Big Bus Tours. Depending on the ticket you purchase, it also includes a river cruise on the seine.
La Galerie Dior
One of my favorite exhibits in Paris is the La Galerie Dior. Not only was it incredible learning about the life of Christian Dior but there are around 200 of his creations on hand for you to view.
This exhibit made me appreciate the creativity of Haute Couture even more. Even if you’re a fan of Dior or fashion in general, you don’t want to miss this exhibit. You can buy tickets online before your trip, which I highly recommend. After you visit the museum go next door to the store.
Louvre Museum
My one tip before you go to the Louvre would be to plan out what you would like to see. The Louvre is enormous and not a museum you can easily see in one day or even two.
You can book your tickets online ahead of time, which I highly recommend. Also, don’t enter the Louvre through the pyramid with everyone else, you will wait a long time.
There’s an entrance toward the Tuileries Garden which shows two lion statues, called Porte des Lions Entrance. Go through this entrance to avoid a lot of tourists.
Montparnasse Tower
For one of the best views in Paris, head to the Montparnasse Tower, located in the 15th. The exterior of the building is nothing exciting however once you’re up top it’s an amazing view. You will ride the elevator up 56 floors to the observation deck where you can see all of Paris.
It’s truly one of the city’s best views looking out floor-to-ceiling windows. Tickets start at 20 euros depending on which experience you want. We just did the standard ticket and that was more than enough.
Musée Carnavalet
An amazing and free museum all about the history of Paris. If you have time in Paris this is a great place to come and learn all about the city. During the warmer months, the courtyard is open for food and drinks.
I highly recommend enjoying a beautiful afternoon in the outdoor courtyard with a glass of champagne. The museum also has a great gift shop as well.
23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003
Musée de l’Orangerie
A beautiful museum on the other side of the Tuileries that contains Claude Monet’s Les Nymphéas – Water Lilies. If you are a fan of Monet and Impressionism, you will want to visit this museum.
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is my favorite museum in Paris for several reasons. I love Impressionism and there is a great selection at the museum. The museum is housed in an old train station so it has such beautiful architectural detail.
It’s a museum you can walk around and not feel overwhelmed. Plus, it also has a wonderful book and gift store. The d’Orsay is closed on Mondays and stays open late until 9:45 on Thursday evenings.
Parisian Picnic
Have a picnic at one of the beautiful gardens like the Luxembourg or along the Seine. One of our favorite things to do is have a picnic while in Paris. It’s the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon when the weather is nice. It’s also the perfect activity when you’re traveling with kids. For all my favorite places to picnic and places to buy supplies, see this article here.
Pastry Class With Molly J. Wilk
If you’re interested in a pastry class while you’re in Paris, then you must book one with Molly! She is a Texan at heart who moved to Paris to attend Le Cordon Bleu and follow her passion. You can choose one of the baking classes she offers or request something private. Molly lives in a charming apartment in Versailles, an easy 35-40 minute train ride from Paris.
Rodin Museum
A beautiful museum that is just as peaceful and serene outside as it is inside. The museum features works of art from Auguste Rodin, the French sculptor.
After your visit here, you can head to Café Varenne, which isn’t too far, for a bite to eat and a glass of wine.
Seine River Cruise
There’s no better way to see Paris at night than with a cruise down the Seine. Enjoy a wonderful dinner, champagne and wine, and views of Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, and more. This is a great way to start your trip in Paris or to end your trip. I personally recommend the company Le Calif. The food is wonderful, the boats are beautiful inside, and the experience is exceptional.