France
Paris travel guide
Paris is built around its arrondissements like rings of a tree. First-time visitors anchor in the 1st-7th; repeat visitors discover the 10th, 11th, and 20th. The city is genuinely walkable — if you're spending more than €15/day on Métro tickets, you're not seeing it properly.
When to visit
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Late spring and early fall have the best weather and lighter crowds. Many Parisians leave in August, so some restaurants close.
Avoid: Mid-July and August can be hot and many local spots are shut. December has charm but short, gray days.
Where to stay
Le Marais (3rd / 4th)
medieval streets, boutiques, gay quarter, food · best for first-timers, shopping, food
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
literary, classic Paris, bookstores, cafés · best for luxury, couples
Canal Saint-Martin (10th)
local, hip, picnic-by-the-canal · best for repeat visitors
Belleville / Ménilmontant (20th)
multicultural, artists, cheap good food · best for nightlife, budget
Montmartre (18th)
hilly, touristy at top, charming below · best for scenery
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Sample itineraries
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