Paris

France

Paris, the "City of Lights," offers iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, a rich history, exquisite cuisine, and a vibrant arts scene. It's a timeless destination for culture, romance, and exploration.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$250/day
Luxury$1000/day

Known For

City of LoveEiffel TowerLouvreArc de TriompheSeine RiverNotre DameMontmartreLatin QuarterChamps-ÉlyséesVersaillesFrench Riviera

🇫🇷 Country Information: France

CapitalParis
CurrencyEuro (€)
LanguageFrench , English, German, Spanish, Italian
Phone Code+33
Electricity230V (Type C, E)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory as service charge is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
  • Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but a small tip is appreciated for long rides or extra help with luggage
  • For hotel staff, a few euros for housekeeping or porters is customary

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • Cash is still common, especially for smaller purchases
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites
  • Greet people with "Bonjour"
  • Eating customs involve using cutlery, keeping hands on the table (not in lap), and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat
  • It is polite to say "Bon appétit" before a meal

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. France is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal drugs

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to smoke in public indoor spaces and on public transport
  • Be aware of varying rules for drones
  • Jaywalking can result in a fine

Common Phrases

NoNon (NOHN)
YesOui (WEE)
HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)
PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)
Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)
Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Climate

General classification for the city of Paris.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Croissant breakfast

A buttery, flaky, crescent-shaped pastry that is a staple of French breakfast. The quality of a croissant is often judged by its crisp exterior and li

Crêpes street_food

Thin pancakes often served as street food, either sweet (with sugar, Nutella, or jam) or savory (like a galette, traditionally made with buckwheat flo

Croque Monsieur snack

A classic French grilled or baked sandwich made with ham and cheese (typically Gruyère or Emmental), often topped with béchamel sauce. A simple versio

Macarons dessert

Delicate, meringue-based sandwich cookies known for their vibrant colors and variety of flavors. These fancy treats are often associated with high-end

Escargots must_try

Edible snails, typically prepared with garlic and parsley butter. This classic French appetizer is a popular and historically significant dish, often

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket Attraction
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Timed entry is mandatory, and tickets often sell out, especially for popular time slots. Booking in advance guarantees entry and avoids long queues.

Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket Attraction
Book 2-3 months in advance

Tickets, especially for summit access and elevator access, sell out extremely fast, often within minutes of release for peak season dates.

Fun Facts

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