Things to do in Paris

Paris, metropolis of equipment and lighting. Paris, metropolis of love. Regularly voted one of the very most popular cities on the globe, it is adored by lovers, individuals and students similarly.

In celebration of the great Capital, RAC Western european Malfunction Cover has come up with a thorough ‘Things to do in Paris’ guide, detailing among the better attractions, museums and restaurants metropolis provides.

So whether you’re planning for a intimate getaway, a city rest or simply a weekend away in Paris, our travel guide will make sure you don’t pass up a thing.

Paris history

The annals of Paris started out with the settlement of any Gallic tribe, the Parisii, on Ile de la Cité in 300 BC. The region was later used by Julius Caesar’s soldiers in 52 BC and was called Lutetia, and then be re-baptised ‘Paris’ by Julian the Apostate in the entire year 360.

Through the Merovingian period, King Clovis made Paris the administrative centre of his kingdom in the entire year 508 CE. Over another eight century, the town found the start of the structure of a few of its most well-known landmarks, from the Notre Dame Cathedral in 1163, the Louvre in 1190 and the Bastille in 1357.

Beneath the reign of Francis I, Paris embraced the Renaissance as the Louvre, the Hôtel de Ville and the creation of the Collège de France all became things for analysts and artists.

The town swiftly became a melting pot for imagination and political thought. The 1700s observed age Enlightenment in Paris, with great philosophers such as Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot approaching to the fore. On July 14th 1789 this politics fever culminated in the taking of the Bastille, marking the beginning of the France Revolution, nov the monarchy and the change of France into a Republic.

From completion of the Louvre in 1793, the crowning of Napoleon in 1804 and the completion of the Arch of Triumph in 1836, the 1900s found metropolis transform further still. Making it through the great overflow in 1910 and two World Wars, Paris is continuing to grow from a tiny settlement deal to the exceptional city it is today, well-known for its art, structures and history.

Top 10 Paris attractions

notre dame in Paris

In 2014 there have been 77.1 million people to the museums and monuments of Paris, a rise of 4.7% on the prior season. The RAC has put together a set of ten of the very most popular destinations below.

1. Notre Dame                                                              14,300,000

2. The Basilica of the Sacred Center of Paris               11,000,000

3. The Louvre                                                               9,134,612

4. Eiffel Tower                                                             7,097,302

5. Muséum countrywide d'Histoire naturelle               3,618,936

6. Musee d'Orsay                                                         3,480,609

7. Centre Pompidou                                                     3,450,000

8. Universcience                                                          2,327,450

9. Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse 2,000,000

10. Grand Palais                                                          1,855,346

How to proceed in Paris?

Louvre in Paris

It’s no surprise Paris is one of the world’s best holiday destinations. Parisians are warm, inviting and can’t do enough to make your stay a memorable one - not forgetting the service being first rate.

In the event that you speak just a little French, be certain to provide it a go. In the event that you don’t, at least lengthen the French people you meet up with the thanks to apologising for not speaking their words. This small gesture goes quite a distance in securing friendly relationships.

Bearing that at heart, the RAC has provided some basic holiday information below for five of Paris’s best places of interest.

1. Notre Dame de Paris

Over 800 yrs . old, this gothic cathedral was initially commissioned in 1160 by Maurice de Sully, using its building encouraged by Ruler Louis VII. Building started out in 1163, and Notre Dame would be completed some a century later, in 1272.

Notre Dame de Paris starting hours:

•Open up every day of the entire year from 8:00 am to 6:45 pm (7:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays)

•Entrance is cost-free during the starting hours

2. Basilica of the Sacred Center of Paris

Built-in honour of Saint Denis, first Bishop and Martyr of Paris, in the 5th century the initial chapel dropped into spoil in the 9th century. It had been eventually rebuilt, on the hill of Montmartre, making it through fire and warfare, and is a popular vacation spot for pilgrims since.

Basilica of the Sacred Center of Paris starting hours:

•Open up every day from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm

•Entry is free

3. Louvre

Building on the Louvre was started soon after 1190 by Ruler Philippe Auguste, formerly as a defensive fortress. From the 14th century the Palais du Louvre was sometimes used as a royal home, until Francis I thought we would transform it into a Renaissance “palace”. In 1793, the Louvre became a museum, which is famous for cover such works as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Louvre opening time:

•Open every Mon, Thursday, Sunday and Weekend from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

•Open every Thursday and Fri from 9:00 am to 9:45 pm

•Closed down on Tuesdays

4. Eiffel Tower

In 1889, to symbol the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Journal Officiel announced a fantastic competition, to "analysis the likelihood of erecting an flat iron tower on the Champ-de-Mars with a rectangular base, 125 metres across and 300 metres high".

It had been the breath-taking proposal of Gustave Eiffel, a business owner; Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, both engineers; and Stephen Sauvestre, who earned. Work started out on 28th January 1887 and was completed in record time on 31st March 1889, and was hailed as a veritable specialized marvel.

Eiffel Tower starting hours:

•Open up every day of the entire year

•From 9:00 am to midnight from mid-June to early September

•From 9:30 am to 11:00 pm through the remaining year

•At Easter weekend and through the spring holiday seasons: extended beginning time to midnight

5. Centre Pompidou

First conceived by President Georges Pompidou in 1969 and completed in 1978 by the architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the Centre Pompidou is a visually impressive arts centre found in the Beaubourg district of Paris.

Its unmistakable design involves an enormous "exo-skeleton" and caused a great deal of controversy as critics said it stood in violent contrast to the encompassing properties in the old portion of Paris.

Centre Pompidou beginning hours:

•Start every day from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (exhibition areas close at 9 p.m.)

•Thursdays until 11 p.m. (only exhibitions on level 6)

•Closes Tuesdays and 1st of May

Paris restaurants

Looking to discover the best restaurants in Paris? For many years, 1st February has been the most predicted day of the entire year for chefs and culinary top notch across France. Using the latest model of Michelin Guide now out, the RAC has shortlisted three of the greatest restaurants in the town.

1. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée

Guide MICHELIN 2016 - 3 Stars

Address: 25 av. Montaigne 75008 Paris 08

“Respect for substances is total, and techie virtuosity appears to cave in to the seek out flavours. A proven way to provide the epitome of haute dishes; a cook’s grail, an infinite pursuit ...”

MICHELIN Guide Inspector

2. Arpège

Guide MICHELIN 2016 - 3 Stars

Address: 84 r. de Varenne 75007 Paris 07

“Very mindful of the times of year, it (Alain Passard’s Arpège) even has 3 gardens in the western of France. Illustration, if needed, of the authenticity of the man.”

MICHELIN Guide Inspector

3. Pierre Gagnaire

Guide MICHELIN 2016 - 3 Stars

Address: 6 Rue Balzac 75008 Paris 08

"I make an effort to purify, to avoid false guidelines," Pierre Gagnaire says. He never writes dishes of meals, but carries a map that appears like a poem, investing in action the thoughts and tastebuds even prior to the start of meal. Incomparable a happening of flavours!"

MICHELIN Guide Inspector

Shopping in Paris

Not only well-known for its fine cuisine and antique art work, Paris is also called one of the world’s fashion capitals. With Paris Fashion Week a frequent in the Parisian calendar, RAC has put together a set of among the better shopping hotspots in the town of Fashion.

1. Avenue des Champs Elysées

Located between your Arc de Triomphe and the area de La Concorde is the world-famous Champs Elysées. Stunning during the night, the impressive avenue has an assortment of "fashionable" stores and familiar traditional stores. With a bunch of cinemas, cafés and restaurants across the avenue, it’s essential for buyers.

2. Avenue Montaigne

Trying to find the most elite brands in Paris? Avenue Montaigne houses a few of the world’s most sought-after creator outlet stores, including Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci. Located near to the Seine in Paris’s exclusive 8th region, there is little or nothing cheap about Avenue Montaigne.

3. Boulevard Haussmann

Situated in the 9th district, behind the Paris Opera, Boulevard Haussmann houses the famous shops Printemps and Galeries Lafayettes. Property numerous plastic, fashion and home accessories outlets, buyers will also find traditional favourites such as C&A, H&M, Zara, Benetton and Uniqlo.

Romantic things you can do in Paris

River Seine in Paris

Thanks to it is beautiful structures and background of romanticism, could it be any think about that Paris is recognized as the town of Love? If you’re a few looking for passionate destinations, but desire to go beyond the most common locales, the RAC has come up with an alternative set of some the most passionate hotspots in Paris.

1. Tango on the Seine

What better method for lovers to forge those intimate remembrances than by performing the party of enthusiasm in the town of Love? Right from the start of June before end of August, a huge selection of dancers get at the Jardin Tino Rossi, on the bankers of Dock Saint-Bernard, and boogie the salsa, tango and so many more.

Plus it's free!

2. Moulin Rouge

Carrying on with the dance theme, what better destination to like a romantic evening that at Paris’ world-famous Moulin Rouge? Immortalized by the musician Toulouse-Lautrec, is has dazzled audiences since it first exposed in 1889, and is a draw for a few of the world’s top performers - from Edith Piaf and Liza Minnelli to Frank Sinatra and Elton John - since.

The Moulin Rouge isn't only an excellent destination to see shows, it’s also an excellent spot to excite your tastebuds. In rooms magnificently embellished in belle époque style and red velvet, site visitors can enjoy premium French food by the Maison Dalloyau, offered with champagne - the state drink of the cabaret.

3. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Situated in the north-east of Paris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the primary & most beautiful renewable spaces in the administrative centre. People to the recreation area can enjoy stunning views of the town, especially the Montmartre area, and the park’s caves, waterfalls, animals and lake give a unique attraction never to be found somewhere else.

Things you can do in Paris with your children

Disneyland Paris

If you’re reluctant all the annals, culture and classical skill is insufficient to keep your kids entertained, the RAC has come up with lots of attractions which should help keep your loved ones amused.

1. Muséum Country wide d'Histoire Naturelle

The Natural Background Museum in Paris provides an abundance of educational distractions for youngsters. Different structures house different life sciences with an extraordinary collection of assortment of modern and prehistoric creature skeletons, including a gigantic skeleton of the blue whale.

Muséum Country wide d'Histoire Naturelle starting hours:

•Open up every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

•Special openings: Easter, Easter Monday, 8 May, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, 14 July, 15 August, 1 November, 11 November, 24 December and 31 December

•Shut down on Tuesdays, 1 May, 25 December and 1 January

2. Disneyland Paris

First opened up in 1992, Disneyland Paris is a wonderful destination for children and parents alike. From Disneyland Park, using its trips, restaurants and shows, to the Walt Disney Studios Area where you can find the secrets in back of the most enchanting views of Disney film, this is among the finest family areas in France.

Disneyland Paris beginning hours:

•Disneyland Area 10:00 am to 7:00 pm /10:00 pm•08:00 am to 10:00 pm - Extra Magic Hours

•Walt Disney Studios Area 10:00 to 18:00

3. Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is Europe’s biggest science museum. Situated in Parc de la Villette, the museum gets the Cite des Enfants, which was created specifically for kids. Lay out in two areas, 2-7 yr olds and 5-12 yr olds, the museum is filled with games, tests and discoveries that will teach and amuse in equal solution.

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie starting hours:

•Open Wednesday to Sunday

•Cité des enfants lessons are 1hr 30 mins long

•A 20 min demo is scheduled every session

Through the most intimate places for couples, typically the most popular places of interest for families to the best shopping locales and restaurants in city, we've explored a few of the best attractions.

Hopefully you have appreciated our thorough ‘Things to do in Paris’ guide which it'll inspire you to go to one of the best possible cities on the globe.