Travel guide Paris

... Paris awakens! If Dutronc's lyrics haven't aged a day, it's because his description of them remains true: at this hour, the atmosphere is unique, with revelers heading home, sweepers starting their day and commuters in the stations. Every early riser must stroll through Paris at this hour.

A romantic city par excellence, the capital of love for the most enthusiastic, the city has no shortage of magical places to celebrate love, from the quays of the Seine to small restaurants, for a weekend, a week or more. A city of today's lovers, it can also be a city of tomorrow's lovers: it's easy to meet people.

It's true: life in and around Paris is a little (a lot, for some) more expensive than elsewhere in the provinces. Housing, food, restaurants: the budget can indeed jump compared to the rest of France. Fortunately, we've got the solution: the multitude of good deals you'll find in this guide. Keep your eyes peeled!

Because Paris is the capital! A world metropolis, it has benefited from French centralization. Disadvantage: the rest of the country doesn't have a city this big. Advantage: in France, it's here that (almost) everything happens, and this edition of the Petit Futé should, once again, help you discover its secrets.

Paris is a party! It's a phrase that's been bandied about for centuries. Let's face it: Paris is not just one big party! From the "guinguettes" on the banks of the Marne to the dance halls on the banks of the Seine on sunny days, not forgetting the countless clubs in the city... it's hard not to find something to do.

Iconic here, the metro is part of the local landscape: the 16 lines that criss-cross the capital and its inner suburbs have given rise to some typically Parisian expressions: "on se retrouve sur le quai de la 1", "le dernier métro"... Whether it's overhead or underground, whether its trains are new or date back to the 60s, its charm is intact.

Everywhere in the world, when people say "fashion capital", they think of Paris! Of course, the capital is the place of inspiration par excellence, with the greatest concentration of designers, but also - and for many - the greatest concentration of shops. Department stores, ateliers, showrooms: there's no shortage of them here!

From the smallest to the largest, whether they concern painters, sculptors, particular periods or historical events, there are hundreds of museums: you'll find a selection validated by us here. But don't forget to plan ahead, for example, by buying tickets in advance!

Get off the beaten track, take the RER to the terminus, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city: Paris and the surrounding region also offer this possibility! The Fontainebleau forest, the Cergy leisure park, the Château de Versailles or the Val de Bièvre green corridor: dozens of natural areas are just a few minutes away.

It's said that Parisians aren't sociable: the bustle of life here can indeed give that impression. But that's also ignoring the hundreds of associations, sports and arts clubs and initiatives that exist all over the city. What's more, the city's festive life offers countless opportunities for a good time!

It's been said: 2024 will be the year of sport par excellence here. Because in addition to the usual competitions, the Olympic and Paralympic Games will of course bring all the world's cameras to Paris. But on a daily basis, Paris is home to thousands of clubs, competitions and associations that give you a thousand possibilities.

It's contemporary art par excellence: street art, which first appeared in the 80s, has acquired its letters of nobility over the last decade, much to the delight of enthusiasts. Vitry-sur-Seine, Cergy and Paris's ^13th arrondissement, for example, are brimming with these works.