Starter's Guide To Paris, France

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Advisor - Vick Morris
Curated By

Vick Morris

  • Paris

  • Arts & Culture

  • Couples Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • History

  • Local Culture

View of Eiffel Tower during day time.
Curator’s statement

Paris is a unique destination that will surprise you at every turn with its rich history, world-class gastronomies and enough art to see a new piece for a week; Paris will almost assuredly become one of your favorite places in Europe. Ease of mass transit and being a very walkable city means Paris can be done as quick or as slow as you want. The City of Lights is calling!

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Day 1: Get A Crepe

Crepe with ice cream.

You're likely to arrive at Charles de Gaulle Int'l Airport between 8am and midday. Check into your room and then grab a sweet or savory crepe for lunch. Paris is known for its crepes, which can either be sweet or savory, and start exploring! It will be a good way to stretch out your legs after being on the plane for 9 hours. I recommend the Crêperie Little Breizh.

Day 2: Exploring Paris

Cruise with people in a city canal on a cloudy day.

After an acclimatizing day one, we start Day two off ready to explore Paris. I recommend heading over the the Eiffel Tower early in the morning to see the city come to life and watch the sunrise. Bonus points if you take the stairs all the way up and the elevator down, it's not difficult but have a bottle of water with you. After taking in the views and starting to feel a bit hungry, we recommend a quick stop in one of the many bistros that Paris is known for. Try to find one that is not in a heavily touristy area for a more authentic experience. As the day turns to evening, I would recommend either a show at the Iconic Moulin Rouge or a dinner cruise on the Seine.

Day 3: Spa Day

White plastic pump bottle beside pink tulips and gray towel.

Day three is all about rest and relaxation. In one of the most famous cities in the world known for beauty, you can feel great about going to the spa while on vacation. While your spa sessions can range anywhere from Ultra Luxury to more everyday offerings, no spa trip to Paris will be a bad trip. If you are looking for an indulgent experience, I recommend the Institut Dior. The experience at the Institut Dior will leave you feeling like European Royalty. Upon arrival, your host will have you sit for a consult where your skin will be analyzed and recommend treatments will be presented to you. With all products being Dior branded, you can expect to feel refreshed and rejuvenated!

Day 4: Disney Paris

A gate with Walt Disney Studios written on it.

Day four is a toss-up after yesterday's spa treatment. Feeling alive and perhaps a little younger, we could opt for a trip to Disneyland Paris, which is the only other Disney park outside of the United States, China or Japan. Only an hour train ride to the suburbs of Paris, means it's close enough to not have to worry about switching trains on the metro; additionally the last train leaves late, giving enough time to watch the fireworks and drone show. However, if we rather remain in the indulgent life, we can arrange a trip to the Dior Museum to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world!

Day 5: The Louvre

Brown and gold ceiling with painting of people.

No trip is complete without a trip to one of Paris' iconic museums. With the iconic glass pyramid that houses The Louvre, to the Musee d'Orsay and the awe-inspiring Palace of Versailles. You are truly spoilt for choice. We recommend starting out the day early at The Louvre. Get your tickets ahead and skip the long lines that form and use timed entry to ensure a quick pass through security. The reward for your early start? A nearly "empty" selfie with the icon herself, The Mona Lisa. Now, with the hard part out of the way, spend the rest of your day getting lost in the various wings of the museum and see if you can spot a few surprises along the way. After a full day in the museum, it's time to find something good to eat. We recommend Mama Jackson's Restaurant, a quick 15 ride on the Metro and you'll find one of the best places we've had soul food outside of the United States.

Day 6: Leisure Day

A group of people sitting at tables in a restaurant inside a mall with golden fancy interior.

The rest of your time in Paris is spent at your leisure. A day of shopping can be had at the Galeries Lafayette or the most famous street in the world, the Champs-Elyse. Venture across the city and make a trip to the world famous Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, and leave a lock with your initials to profess your love. Or venture down to the catacombs to see where millions of Parisans spend eternity. Because we booked early enough, your fora advisor was able to land you reservations at the iconic Girafe restaurant and with a hot bath ran for you upon your return back to the hotel after dinner.

Advisor - Vick Morris

Travel Advisor

Vick Morris

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Bijoy Shah’s guide, First-Timer’s Guide to Paris, France.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris.