The city of light? The most romantic place on Earth? Host of the greatest Olympics of the modern era? Yep, that's the one. Paris is a city where some forward-planning is a seriously good idea.
Sections
2
Before You Go
While You're There
Before You Go
Where to start as you plan your trip
What makes Rick Steves guides stand out is that he actually suggests what you can miss and itineraries that actually make sense. Read up before you go…
Rick Steves Paris - the guidebook you need
My blog for returning visitors is equally valid for those wanting to explore some lesser known attractions in the City of Light
Paris Off The Beaten Path - My blog
Have it downloaded on your phone - you can buy tickets, check timetables and plan routes in advance…well worth it given how big the Paris public transport network is
RATP : Download the app to make getting around easy-peasy
Unless you want to pay through your nose for a pretty useless ‘tour’, buy your tickets through the official site and do it at least a month in advance
Going up the Eiffel Tower? BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE
Going to the Catacombs? Book in advance and go early…and try not to be freaked out by the Empire of the Dead
The creepiest place in all Paris - BOOK IN ADVANCE
My favourite place to stay in Paris - comfortable, chic and a great place to rest up at the end of the day
Hôtel Eldorado Paris - my favourite hotel
While You're There
Inspiration while you're on the ground
This is one of those museums where a guided tour unlocks so much more than doing it yourself. Skipping the - VERY LONG - line is also a bonus
Louvre Masterpieces - Guided Tour & Skip The Line
You can just walk-up and queue but easier to book 24hrs in advance for a timed slot
Notre-Dame - FREE - book one day in advance
Yep, that's a blindfolded woman taking a shit…and that's not the most eye-popping thing.
A 30-second crash course on Notre Dame's iconography
This is hands down the best food tour in Paris - you'll eat, drink and be thoroughly merry by the time you're done
Paris Le Marais Food Tour - skip lunch beforehand!
An easy way to visit both the palace and gardens of Versailles, which gives you the best chance of avoiding the worst of the crowds
Versailles the easy way - tour and gardens access
Paris does markets as well as anywhere on Earth with consistently fantastic produce. This is a very good guide to the best of them.
The Best Markets in Paris
Personally I prefer the Orsay to the Louvre and this tour was the best way to get to experience it…small group (so you can hear!) with a fantastic local guide
Best Small-Group Musée d'Orsay Guided Tour
A blog I recently wrote on how to capture Paris' iconic landmarks from viewpoints that aren't the same as everyone else.
5 Best Paris Views...That Aren’t the Obvious Ones
Inspired by what you see? Well, here's your chance to recreate the classics in your own kitchen
French Patisserie: You'll be hankering after these...
You'll be getting fat on these very quickly so you might as well head to the best places.
