Paris is a city in Île-de-France, France, known for major landmarks, museums, churches, gardens and public squares. The Eiffel Tower is a central draw, with visitor levels and views over the city, while the Louvre Museum brings together major Western art and archaeology collections. Visitors can also explore Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Sainte Chapelle and the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence with a museum of French history. Paris suits travellers interested in art, architecture, religious buildings, royal residences and urban parks. Its gardens include the Jardin du Luxembourg and Tuileries Garden, while the Musée d'Orsay focuses on French art from 1848 to 1914, including major Impressionist and post-Impressionist works. Disneyland Paris adds two theme parks for travellers planning a theme-park visit. The city also offers landmarks such as the Louvre Pyramid and historic areas around the Seine.
Known for: French art, Landmarks, Gothic cathedrals, Royal residences, Theme parks
Top things to do in Paris
Eiffel Tower: A wrought-iron lattice tower with visitor levels and public views over Paris.
Louvre Museum: A national art and archaeology museum with major Western works, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory.
Palace of Versailles: A former royal residence with palace interiors, gardens and a museum of French history.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris: A medieval Catholic cathedral known for French Gothic architecture, rose windows, sculptural decoration and church bells.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre: A Catholic church and minor basilica on Montmartre, with a dome overlooking Paris and its suburbs.
Musée d'Orsay: A museum of French art from 1848 to 1914, known for Impressionist and post-Impressionist works.
Sainte Chapelle: A royal chapel on Île de la Cité, built to house relics of the Passion, including the Crown of Thorns.
Disneyland Paris: An entertainment resort with Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, suited to theme-park visits.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
Best months: April to June, September to October
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) are the usual times to visit. June to August are the warmest months, December to February the coldest, and rain is moderate all year.
January: 65 mm of rain, some rain, among the coolest months
February: 53 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months
March: 60 mm of rain, dry
April: 44 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
May: 72 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
June: 69 mm of rain, some rain, among the hottest months (good time to go)
July: 47 mm of rain, dry, among the hottest months
August: 47 mm of rain, dry, among the hottest months
September: 57 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
October: 68 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
November: 62 mm of rain, some rain
December: 70 mm of rain, some rain, among the coolest months
How to reach Paris
By air: Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), about 12 km from the centre of Paris in a straight line
By air: Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), about 33 km from the centre of Paris in a straight line
Also see the Paris destination guide for local food, getting around and the best time to visit.