6 Reasons To Visit Paris

There’s something special about Paris. Something almost magical that has those who’ve never visited the city daydreaming about it and that keeps the lucky ones who have already been wishing they could go back in time.

In Hemingway’s words, “Paris is a moveable feast.”

Take a walk along the Seine River and cross the romantic bridges at sunset. Climb up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the amazing views or lie in the grass of some delightful garden outside an old palace. Whatever you do, it’s almost impossible to visit Paris without feeling like you’re in some kind of timeless fairytale. But what are the real reasons to come to the City of Light?

In our opinion, here are Paris’s main attractions:

• The architecture
• The romance
• The food
• The strolls
• The art
• The nightlife

1. Come for the Architecture 

There’s no doubt Paris is one of the most wonderful cities in the world for architecture. Its impressive palaces and hôtels particuliers are in perfect harmony with the impeccable French gardens, where every tree and every flower has been carefully put in place. 

Some of the most beautiful buildings you can’t miss are the Conciergerie, the Opéra Garnier, the Louvre Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral (thankfully still standing after that terrible fire), and the Basilica of Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. Take a stroll in nearly any neighborhood of Paris and you’ll be able to discover the charm and elegance of French architecture in each building, church or wide boulevard. And you’ll quickly become an expert in the Haussmmannian style.

2. Come for the Romance

Quite literally, we can say in Paris love is in the air. Of all the reasons to travel to the French capital, there’s no doubt that this is the most exciting one. Watching the sun going down from one of the bridges over the Seine river, getting lost in some of the narrow streets of Montmartre, or having a glass of wine near the Place Vendôme, every corner of this city is an invitation to fall in love. 

Dine by candlelight at a little bistrot on Rue Mouffetard in the charming Quartier Latin. Walk down old stone steps and enter a former wine cave where you can now enjoy an authentic jazz concert paired with the cocktail of your choice. Then, head towards the Saint-Etienne-du-Mont church and listen to the twelve chimes in the exact same spot where Owen Wilson travels in time every night in the famous movie Midnight in Paris. 

Or, try one of these 5 Romantic Things to Do in Paris.

3. Come for the Food

I always believed that gastronomy was a religion for the French. From the freshly baked baguette, the detailed selection of cheese and charcuteries, to the apéro (aperitive) and the strict protocol at the dinner table, gastronomy in France is a unique experience. 

For that classic Parisian experience, sit on the terrace of a restaurant along Rue Montorgueil and savor a café gourmand. Order a French cheese board and a glass of rosé at one of the cafés under the arcades of the distinguished Place des Vosges, the oldest edified square in Paris. Take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on a winter afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate or try a classic French crêpe under the shadow of a tree behind Notre-Dame Cathedral. Indulge a little, you’re in Paris after all! Bon appétit !

Looking for a unique culinary experience? Reserve a French Cooking Class or Wine Tasting in Paris.

4. Come for the Strolls

Paris is a city best discovered by walking. Wandering through the streets of this city is a complete feast for the senses. Listen to the chimes of the cathedrals mingling with the fluttering of the birds and the laugh of kids. Discover the famous Champs Elysées Avenue with the monumental Arc de Triomphe at one end and the bustling Place de la Concorde at the other. Be amazed by the view of the Eiffel Tower from the sumptuous Pont Alexandre III or take a quick trip outside of the city to get lost in the endless gardens of Versailles. 

Indulge in a Guided Pastry Tour of Le Marais — a delight for the eyes and the taste buds!

5. Come for the Art

Whether you’re an Impressionism enthusiast, love classical music, or prefer contemporary art, Paris is your perfect destination. Art is everywhere! With over 100 museums within the city limits and galleries and exhibition spaces galore, Paris makes it easy to add a little Culture to your trip. 

Not sure where to start? We recommend popping into one of the Top 10 Contemporary Art Galleries in Paris.

You hear music in every square, street, and even metro station. For lovers of dance, every weekend locals and tourists gather along the riverbanks to dance (and drink) with spontaneous salsa, tango, and hip-hop parties beside the Seine.

Walk through the winding streets of Montmartre, between painters and artists, and immerse yourself in the bohemian Paris of the past. Who knows, you might even have a drink at the same café as Picasso or Monet!

6. Come for the Nightlife

This vibrant city is the living example of the famous phrase “la joie de vivre” (the joy of living) as its streets are always full of life. You’ll find international bars, hidden watering holes, and spots with stunning settings where you can dance until dawn. The Paris nightlife scene is always bustling — take your pick! 

In summer, spend warm nights on a cruise of the river Seine with friends or take in the view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower from a rooftop in the center of Paris. 

Come Back Again & Again

Paris is in constant evolution, different from one month to the next, from one year to the following. With the change of seasons, the ochre of the chestnut trees fades and the blooming of the magnolia trees dresses the city in pink to receive its spring guests. Restaurants open their terraces to make the most of the warm sunny weather, and picnics along the water are a must both for locals and tourists. Already packing?

There are endless reasons to make Paris your next destination, but it simply comes down to what Audrey Hepburn said – “Paris is always a good idea!”