Paris Insiders Guide

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Paris Insiders Guide

Sharing our love of Paris – and what to do while you're here – since 2011. https://www.parisinsidersguide.com Paris is a magical city. Don't worry.

From the Eiffel Tower and grand boulevards to the small hidden parks and epiceries, Paris has so much to offer. But with so many museums, attractions and things to do, planning a trip to Paris can seem overwhelming. We're here to help. At Paris Insiders Guide you'll learn how to plan your trip — from the secrets of Paris to the famous attractions… and the hidden treasures as well!

07/06/2024

OUR TOP-RATED PARIS EXPERIENCES IN JULY 2024
Summer in Paris continues in Paris in July and there's a lot to do in the City of Light, from new museum exhibitions to guided tours of Versailles to romantic dinner cruises. We've got your Paris vacation covered in our newly-updated guide to the best things to do... in Paris, in July!

As the summer goes on it gets better and better in Paris. There's a lot to do and it may be hard to know what to choose. Here's help: our guide to all the best things to do in Paris for July 2024.

07/06/2024

10 ENDURING PARIS BISTROS OF THE MARAIS
The narrow streets of the historic Marais are vestiges of the Paris before Haussmann and his grand vision of the city with broad boulevards, uniform buildings, and expansive parks. One of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, the Marais is a remainder from Victor Hugo's Paris, and is now chockablock with independent boutiques, art galleries, and postage-stamp bistros. It's not surprising that a handful of enduring bistros would be situated in this popular historic area that encompasses the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements.

The Marais is not only everyone's fave neighborhood, it should also be everyone's fave place to eat, if these 10 enduring Paris bistros are any indication.

06/06/2024

WALK DIFFERENTLY – 5 UNUSUAL WALKING TOURS
An ordinary guided walking tour? That's so... ordinary. There's so much out of the ordinary about Paris that being here is a good chance to do something different — like visiting the graves of the famous and infamous. Don't misunderstand us. We adore walking in Paris with an expert guide on a discovery tour of the food & wine of the Marais or a chocolate & pastry tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. But sometimes we like to walk just a little bit differently, like these guided tours.

Why step out on an ordinary walking tour when Paris has so many usual things to see & do? Instead, let's explore the fascinating & unusual guided walks in the City of Light.

05/06/2024

THE FREE MUSEUMS OF PARIS
You don't have to spend a thing to immerse yourself in history, art, and adventure in Paris. One of the greatest innovations instituted by former mayor Bertrand Delanoë was throwing open the doors at the city-owned museums, making admission free for all visitors. It's just another example of why we love Paris — things are always getting better. Let's take a look at the 7 top free Paris museums to add to your planning list.

There are over 150 museums in Paris, and these eleven charge absolutely nothing for admission. They're free! Let's e-visit the museums, find out where they are, and learn how to get there.

04/06/2024

THE PARIS COMMUNE OF 1871 — 8 SITES
You say you want a revolution? How about this for a set of circumstances — Your country starts and immediately loses one of the most useless and foolish wars in its history. Your leader and president-for-life abdicates and flees to England. Your city is bombarded, besieged by enemy troops, and starved into submission. Any remnants of a national government flees the capital, leaving its population to fend for themselves. THis was the setting for the short-lived uprising called the Paris Commune. Let's visit some of the historic Paris sites.

The Paris Commune was a short, bloody, revolutionary period following defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. We relive that time by visiting eight historic sites in Paris.

03/06/2024

THE 6 PARIS TRAIN STATIONS
There are six Paris train stations (gares) taking passengers to destinations throughout France and the rest of Europe — Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare. France has one of the most developed railway systems in the world and it's easy to see why so many travelers choose to use trains over airplanes or automobile rentals. Even better, these 19th-century gares look the way train stations should look!

The six Paris train stations connect to all of France and the rest of Europe. Learn where to make your rail connection and how to book tickets online.

02/06/2024

7 SURPRISING REASONS TO VISIT LA DEFENSE
Within Europe, Paris is famous not just for its historical buildings but also for a modern business district called La Défense, located to the west of central Paris. Named after a statue, La Défense de Paris, which was commissioned to commemorate the French soldiers who fought in the Franco-Prussian War, today La Défense is Europe's largest business zone. And if you think no one goes there, think again — eight million tourists visit La Défense each year. Here are seven surprising reasons to make the trip.

La Defense is the modern business district to the west of central Paris. It's Europe's largest business center but is most famous for La Grande Arche de la Defense, the largest arch in Paris. Here are the 7 top things to see.

02/06/2024

14 PARIS DINING TIPS YOU WON'T READ IN A GUIDE BOOK
When you're in Paris you want to feel like you're part of the scene; you don't want to feel like a tourist. Knowing some basic Paris dining etiquette will make you feel more welcome when you're out on the town, whether you're at a bistro or brasserie, restaurant, café or a Michelin-starred restaurant. "You must experience everything," famed Chef Pierre Orsi once told us.

Etiquette at Paris restaurants may be a bit different from what you're used to. Here are 14 Paris dining tips to make you feel more comfortable and maybe even get better service. Dine like a Parisian.

01/06/2024

2024 MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS
There is always a lot going on in Paris and that includes at the city's museums. The 2024 museum calendar reveals another exciting lineup of new exhibitions at musées in every corner of the city — at the Louvre, at Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Quai Branly, the Petit Palais — even the Picasso Museum. Let's take a look, museum by museum.

There's always something new happening at Paris museums, including these special exhibitions. Find out what's showing when you're here, using our 2024 Paris museum calendar.

31/05/2024

15 GREAT THINGS ABOUT THE 14TH ARRONDISSEMENT
There's a lot for travelers to explore in the 14th Arrondissement — from the Catacombs to Boulevard Montparnasse to the Observatory of Paris. So, if you want to get away from the tourist crowds, come along on a virtual walk to a dozen highlights of the district so many Parisians call home: nearly 140,000 of them live here and make full use of the shopping streets, the markets, the schools, and the parks.

The 14th Arrondissement stretches from Boulevard Montparnasse to the southern border of Paris. It's a place full of life and activity. Let's look at the top 15 things you'll find here.

30/05/2024

ARTS ET METIERS MUSEUM PARIS
If you're traveling with science or tech nerds (and we mean that in a positive way), this museum is the perfect Paris place. Musée des Arts et Métiers is a science-and-technology infused museum that houses a vast collection of scientific instruments, tools, and other cool inventions from throughout modern history. Arts et Metiers was founded back in 1794 during the revolutionary period to preserve these utile objects. In that way, it is the oldest science museum in all of Europe.

The Arts & Metiers Museum museum displays invention, technology & machines from the modern age. It's absolutely fascinating. Here's what to see and how to visit.

29/05/2024

VISITING THE EIFFEL TOWER – A SAVVY TRAVELER'S GUIDE
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument in the world. Hundreds of millions of visitors have journeyed to Paris to climb to its top. That kind of love can be gratifying, but it can also result in crowds, and the lineup time for visiting the Eiffel Tower may make you start to question your love! Luckily, there are strategies savvy travelers can use to avoid standing out in the cold. Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tours get you past the long lines and up on the Tower, to enjoy the views of Paris below. Let's find out how to skip the lines, and discover other information you'll need when visiting the Iron Lady.

Everybody loves the Eiffel Tower, and that's the problem: the line-ups are always long. Don't worry, though, we have strategies to avoid the lines and go directly to the top.

28/05/2024

WHY WE LOVE JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
Jardin du Luxembourg is not just an iconic landmark. The Left Bank park is filled with Parisians relaxing in the sun or playing tennis, boules, and chess. It's also the home of the Musée du Luxembourg, a charming small museum, and the Palais du Luxembourg. This expansive park in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris is a haven for city dwellers, providing tree-lined promenades, toy sailboats drifting on a central pond called Le Grand Bassin, pony rides, marionette shows, tennis courts, chess tables, cafes, a riot of colorful flowers, and the famous Medici Fountain built in 1620. Let's explore this picturesque park and discover all of its riches by looking at just a few of our favorite things.

57 acres of beautiful park in the heart of the 6th Arrondissement, Jardin du Luxembourg is everyone's favorite park in Paris. Here are just a few of the things to love about it.

27/05/2024

DINING ON THE EIFFEL TOWER
Imagine being seated to your table, only to gaze down at the lights of Paris below you. That's what dining on the Eiffel Tower is like. High above Paris, on the most famous monument in the world, there are two delicious dining options, each of them run by a chef holding multiple Michelin stars. Le Jules Verne, 400 feet above the city, is a Michelin-starred restaurant overseen by legendary chef Frédéric Anton. Madame Brasserie, at 200-foot level, is under the whisk of another Michelin chef, Thierry Marx.

Michelin-star dining on the Eiffel Tower: only in Paris! Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne, on Level 2, and Madame Brasserie on Level 1. Here are our reviews and how to book a table.

26/05/2024

OUR TOP-RATED PARIS EXPERIENCES FOR JUNE 2024
June means summer in Paris with sunshine, music, art festivals, street music, and street markets. Catch live music at the annual Paris Jazz Festival or at the 13th-century Gothic church, La Sainte Chapelle. Of course, June is also the perfect month to see the splendor of Versailles or of Monet's gardens in Giverny. Here is our complete list of the top 47 summertime events and activities for June 2024.

It's summer in Paris! And it's going to be fun in the City of Light. Be sure to check our top recommendations for museums, landmarks, food activities, and skip-the-line tours. Have more fun!

25/05/2024

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT PARIS HOTEL
There are more than 1500 hotels in Paris. How can you find the perfect accommodation that suits your needs and desires? We're here to help you do just that. We'll start by explaining the city's neighborhoods, what hotel ratings mean, and the types of hotels you'll find in Paris. Then we'll guide you through the process of choosing a hotel that will make your trip even more memorable.

There are 1,500 hotels in Paris. How do you choose? Our reviews and recommendations will help you narrow down your focus. Learn how to choose a Paris hotel that best suits your needs.

24/05/2024

HOTEL LE MEURICE PARIS
No luxury hotel in Paris has a longer or more distinguished history than Le Meurice. Now located in the very center of things on Rue de Rivoli across from Jardin des Tuileries, Le Meurice has an unbeatable location with spectacular, iconic views. Located on Rue de Rivoli the hotel is just steps away from the Louvre. From the upper floors you can see all of Paris spread out before you. Le Meurice was the first hotel in France to be awarded the coveted "Distinction Palace" rating, designating the ultimate in luxury and comfort in French hotels.

Right in the center of all things Paris, across from the Tuileries and the Louvre, the Hotel Le Meurice exudes charm, luxury, and total visitor care. Here's our review.

23/05/2024

9 WAYS TO SKIP THE LINES AT PARIS MONUMENTS & MUSEUMS
You're in Paris to have fun — to take in the incredible sights and museums the city has to offer. You're not in Paris to wait in line. Since we also hate standing in long lineups we always find ways to skip the lines wherever we can. With the priority-access guided tours we've selected you, too, can bypass those long queues and go directly to the Mona Lisa, the Picassos, the Monets, and the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Paris is a very busy place and there are always lineups. But, here are 10 ways to skip the lines at the most popular attractions. We call it Eiffel Without Effort!

22/05/2024

10 EPIC SCULPTURES OF JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
If you love the history of Paris as much as we do, you know the best classroom is the city itself. There's nothing better than wandering the gardens and parks, admiring the sculptures and then, being the history nerds that we are, researching and learning more about the artists and their work. One of our favorite outdoor "classrooms" is the Jardin du Luxembourg where there are dozens of other created by some of the the great sculptors of France — Rodin, Zadkine, Bartholdi, Bourdelle, Dalou. Here we present 10 epic sculptures of the Jardin du Luxembourg you won't want to miss, plus a few honorable mentions.

Among the many things to discover in this 50-acre park are the sculptures that demonstrate the history and diversity of France. Come on, let's go on a little walk in the garden.

21/05/2024

PARIS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
It's always exciting to plan your next visit to Paris, especially if you don't go very often. There's a lot of fun involved planning where you're going to stay and what you're going to do and where you're going to eat. Then there are more mundane things you need to know — the currency, visas (you don't need any for France), how tipping works, what to take, what to leave home. To make trip planning easy and fun, we've prepared this Paris travel guide covering pretty much everything you need to do.

There are some basic things you need to know before you land in France. In our introductory travel guide we cover all the essential: money, weather, visas, where to stay, what to take & what to leave home. We'll help make it a bon voyage!

20/05/2024

GUIDE TO THE GARDENS & PARKS OF PARIS
The gardens, parks, woods and squares of Paris — these are reasons the city seems so airy, so open, so green. In Paris, four hundred parks cover almost one quarter of the land, making it the greenest city in Europe. Compare it to any other major city and you'll agree that it's the sheer number of parks and gardens that sets the city apart. Large, open squares like Place de la Concorde and Vendôme add to the feeling of openness. On your next visit, bask in the greenness of Paris by starting with our guide.

There are 400 gardens and parks in Paris, covering one-quarter of the city, making it the greenest city in Europe. Let's virtually visit the best of them.

19/05/2024

THE 6 ESSENTIAL DAY TRIPS FROM PARIS
There's a world of magnificent French history, art, and culture just beyond the city gates. Allowing time for one or two day trips during your next visit to Paris will enrich your experience and give you a better perspective of the beauty, majesty, and history that is found in the rest of France. All of these day tours include transportation and get you back in Paris by the end of the day.

Day trips from Paris take you to magical places like Versailles, the Loire Valley, Champagne, the D-Day beaches & return you the same day. We review the 6 very best day tours from Paris.

18/05/2024

OUR TOP-RATED THINGS TO DO IN PARIS IN JUNE 2024
It's summer in Paris and the City of Light is bursting with sunshine, music, art festivals, and street markets. Catch live music at the annual Paris Jazz Festival or at the 13th-century Gothic church, La Sainte Chapelle. Of course, June is also the perfect month to see the splendor of Versailles, or Monet's lush gardens in Giverny. Here is our complete list of the top ummertime events and activities for June 2024.

It's summer in Paris! And it's going to be fun in the City of Light. Be sure to check our top recommendations for museums, landmarks, food activities, and skip-the-line tours. Have more fun!

18/05/2024

LE GRAND VÉFOUR – THE CLASSIC & HISTORIC PARIS RESTAURANT
Victor Hugo would still be able to recognize his favorite restaurant, Le Grand Véfour, in the Palais Royal complex. Founded in 1784, just in time for the French Revolution, Le Grand Véfour has welcomed its fair share of celebrities — from Napoleon and Josephine to Colette to Jean Cocteau. In fact, many of the restaurant's chairs bear a brass plaque to commemorate the famous patrons who once dined here. They say this is where Napoleon Bonaparte proposed marriage to his Josephine.

Even after two centuries, restaurant Le Grand Vefour at Palais-Royal is still a Michelin-starred gem in Paris. Here's our review and the story of its unusual chef.

17/05/2024

THE BEST PLACE TO VIEW CLAUDE MONET'S PAINTINGS
In a tranquil, upscale neighborhood of the 16th Arrondissement, hidden in plain sight, is the world's largest collection of the paintings of Impressionist master, Claude Monet. The Marmottan Monet Museum displays Monet's treasures: from his early Impression: Sunrise work to some of his large-scale water lilies.

If, like us, you love Monet and Impressionism, this a museum you don't want to miss. (Its name is a clue!) Let's pay a virtual visit to the Marmottan Monet Museum in the 16th Arrondissement.

16/05/2024

THE TEN TOP TIPS FOR VISITING PARIS
We wish this advice had been passed along to us before our first voyage à Paris. First of all, when you're in Paris remember that you are in a foreign land with a different set of cultural norms. But, not to worry! Utilize these ten tips and techniques and you'll have a fantastic experience. Heck, you might even feel like a Paris Insider. Vraiment !

Knowing a few tips about French customs and courtesies can make your Paris visit more fun. Heck, you might even feel like an Insider!

15/05/2024

THE SHOCKING HISTORY OF THE MAYORS OF PARIS
The first mayor of Paris died by guillotine, the second committed su***de and was found half eaten by wolves. No wonder the office was suspended for fifty years following the French Revolution. Then, after Napoleon III's exile in 1870, the mayor's office was again suspended for over a century. Thank goodness for Jacques Chirac who made up for the other short-term mayors by holding office for almost twenty years. Let's look back at the who's who of the sixteen mayors of Paris.

Paris didn't have a mayor until the Revolution. Since then there have been long gaps of time without mayors. Let's take a look at the highs and lows of the mayors of Paris through the centuries.

14/05/2024

13 LITTLE-KNOWN PLACES IN PARIS
Everyone knows about the Big Paris Attractions — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles. But, this time, let's take a look at other Paris attractions that don't make the A-List, yet are still memorable and fascinating. There is an unbelievable number of things to discover in Paris. You could visit a dozen times — twenty times — and still find new things to excite you. Here are a baker's dozen to start with.

There's more to the city than the top 10 attractions. Discover other treasures in our guide to hidden places in Paris that most tourists never see. You'll learn Insiders secrets and we think you'll have more fun!

13/05/2024

TRAIN RIDERS GUIDE TO GARE SAINT-LAZARE IN PARIS
If, among the six train stations of Paris, Gare Saint-Lazare is less well known to visitors, there's a good reason. Saint-Lazare is a terminus mainly for local and regional trains; 95% of its traffic is made up of suburban commuters. But this is the gare you'll want to get a train connection to the Chateau de Versailles, Monet's gardens at Giverny, and the D-Day beaches of Normandy. Here's our in-depth guide.

The 2nd-busiest train station in Paris gets you to Versailles, Giverny and the rest of Normandy. Learn everything you need to know about Gare Saint-Lazare Paris.

12/05/2024

THE 45 BEST EXPERIENCES IN PARIS FOR MAY 2024
The month of May continues in Paris as spring rolls into summer. There's a lot to do in the City of Light, from new museum exhibitions to visits to Versailles to romantic dinner cruises. We've got your Paris vacation covered in our newly-updated guide to the best things to do... in Paris, in May!

When it's May in Paris it seems like spring will last forever. There are new museum exhibitions, special events, dinner cruises, and a tall pointy tower. We've got the latest updates on the best things to do in Paris in May 2024.

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How To Plan The Best Vacation Ever!

Paris is a magical city. From the Eiffel Tower and grand boulevards to the small hidden parks and epiceries, Paris has so much to offer. But with so many museums, attractions and things to do, planning a trip to Paris can seem overwhelming. Don't worry. We're here to help. At Paris Insiders Guide you'll learn how to plan your trip — from the secrets of Paris to the famous attractions… and the hidden treasures as well!

07/06/2024

07/06/2024

06/06/2024

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How To Plan The Best Vacation Ever!