Eyesore or eye-catching? Opinions on Paris’ Tour Montparnasse, or Montparnasse Tower in English, have always tended towards one extreme or the other; either way, it sparks reactions.
Reactions were so severe, in fact, that after it was finished in 1973, there was a tremendous outcry. The uproar continued to be so loud that two years later, the city banned the construction of any building taller than seven stories—quite clearly a pointed jab at the Tour Montparnasse.
That sentiment continues today among Parisians and visitors. There’s an oft-repeated tongue-in-cheek joke about the Tour Montparnasse having “the best views in the city because it is the only place from which you cannot see it.”
And honestly, while in my opinion, the Montparnasse Tower is not as spectacularly ugly as everyone makes it out to be, they have a solid point. The tower is also not particularly interesting either; paradoxically, that’s exactly what makes it such a good observation deck.
The Tour Montparnasse sticks out like a sore thumb — not great for the aesthetic of the neighborhood, but amazing for views.
It’s somewhat pointless to climb up the city’s most iconic viewpoint in search of its best view, which is why I opted not to climb the Eiffel Tower.
I make this point in my article about New York’s observation decks when I mention the cons of going up the Empire State Building; when you can’t actually see the city’s most iconic sight, what’s the point?
And the same rings true for the Tour Montparnasse. Since you honestly won’t really miss seeing it, you have nothing to lose by being atop it.
What Can You See from Tour Montparnasse?
Not bad views of the Eiffel Tower, even on a cloudy, foggy, rainy day!
The best thing about the Tour Montparnasse, which stands out distinctly (for better or worse, mostly worse) among Paris’ architecture, is that you can quite literally see almost the entire city from its heights.
Paris isn’t a very built-up city, so the fact that the Montparnasse Tower stands so tall in its skyline really benefits it (and is part of why it attracts so much ire, being such an outlier).
From the Tour Montparnasse, you can see virtually every important Paris building. I’m not kidding. I can’t think of one building I wanted to see but didn’t.
Want front-row seats to the Eiffel Tower? You’ve got them. And the Louvre? That, too. Even the teeny-tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Sacre Couer up on the hill all the way in Montmartre? Yup, it’s there!
One cool thing? On the interior of the 56th floor, decals on the floor show you exactly what you are looking at in the distance, in case your Paris geography is not top-notch!See how you can see the exact footprint of the Louvre and understand the parameters and size of the building after looking at the floor decal? How cool is that!
The Tour Montparnasse consists of two main levels for visitors: the 56th floor, which is indoors and gives you about 180-degree access to Paris’ best views.
Honestly, I particularly loved this interior part because there’s really nothing that you miss on the other 180-degree part of the view, because this part of the city isn’t very scenic and doesn’t have any major attractions.
Also, the glass windows are quite clean and well-kept, so you don’t miss anything from taking pictures through the glass (something I did not find to be the case when I visited One World Observatory in New York City).
Here is an example of some of the photos I took inside the observation deck on the 56th floor so you can see what kind of photos you can capture. Note that I’m just using a simple Google Pixel phone and using my 2x and 5x zoom functionality — I’m not even using a fancy camera!
The Les Invalides and Napoleon’s tomb areaHard to see, but that’s the Sacre Couer Basilica and Montmarte in the distanceThe Jardin du Luxembourg in front of the Senate
The interior 56th floor of the tower is also good because it’s, well, inside and as you might be able to tell from my photos, which were taken in early March of 2024.
So despite the fact that you don’t get the best and clearest photos, it can still be a good activity for a rainy day in Paris.
But wait a second, because I’ve only discussed what you can see on the 56th floor so far. Let’s go up the stairs and see what you can see from the terrace!
There are 3 flights of stairs (in a quite dingy stairwell) that you must climb to reach the top terraceI love all the placards showing what you can see (in theory!) from the Tour Montparnasse
When I visited the Tour Montparnasse, it was an incredibly (and characteristically) rainy and gloomy day in Paris. I’m talking down-pouring rain and temperatures of 3° C / 37° F.
I literally found myself feeling colder in Paris in March than I had during Svalbard in February the month prior, so it was really nice to be able to see all these gorgeous views from the inside.
There’s also an outdoor terrace on the 59th floor, where you have full 360-degrees of all of Paris… which I’m sure is lovely on a sunnier, less gloomy day, but it was a little hard to enjoy when I visited.
The 59th floor of the observation deck has some stereotypical “photo spots” like the <3 Paris signAnother installation you can take photos with — this one frames the Eiffel Tower perfectly!
You might not be able to tell perfectly from the photos, but there is actually a small amount of glass roofing over the main “walkway” perimeter of the 59th floor. That’s actually quite a nice touch (and definitely a nod to how aware Paris is of just how often it rains there!).
However, the whole “arena”, shall we say, of the top terrace is completely open. When it’s so windy that it’s practically raining sideways in Paris (again, not uncommon), you’ll definitely get quite wet and cold!
As a result, my time up on the 59th floor was quite limited before I went back down to the warmth of the 56th floor — and here’s where you can find a café if you want to pause for a drink!
Le Cafe 360 on Floor 56
There’s also a café on the 56th floor where you can warm up with a view
Being somewhat of an observation deck junkie, I’ve seen many an overpriced café selling things at 4-5 times the price of what you’d pay on the ground.
I was surprised that the prices at Le 360 Café were actually only about 50% higher than you’d pay at an average place in Paris — and on par with what you’d pay within a short walking distance of attractions like Le Louvre.
At least, that was my observation during my March 2024 visit — prices may have changed since then, but this is what I saw and am reporting back on!
Prices are surprisingly affordable!
If you can’t read the writing on the menu, it reads: €2.80 for an espresso or café allongé (what we call an americano, or what would be most similar to a brewed coffee back in the U.S.), €4 for a double espresso, €4.20 for a cappuccino, €4.20 for a hot chocolate, and €3.80 for a tea.
Fancy something more, well, fancy? A glass of Champagne (and it being France, trust that it will actually be Champagne and not just sparkling wine — real ones know) is €13 for a glass or €75 for a bottle.
A glass of house wine (red, white, or rosé, pick your poison) would be a mere €5… ah, how I love French wine… or a bottle for €24. There are some other options — beer, lemonades, soft drinks, etc. but I thought I would highlight the more interesting offerings.
Getting to the Tour Montparnasse
The Gare Montparnasse, part of the Montparnasse-Bienvenüe metro stop. This view is seen as you are leaving from Tour Montparnasse and heading back towards the metro.
Paris’s metro is perhaps the most well-connected metro system in the world. My quibbles about its annoying validation system aside, you can get virtually anywhere in the city fairly seamlessly, and the Tour Montparnasse is no exception.
Take the metro to Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, which is served by both line 12 and line 4. And here’s my most important tip to save you a bunch of walking: take exit 7, Rue du Départ.
The Paris metro has a lot of different exits for every station, and Montparnasse-Bienvenüe is one of its larger stations as it connects with Gare Montparnasse, where the TGV (high speed train) departs from.
Picking the right exit will save you a bunch of time and backtracking! With the correct exit, it’s only a 300 meter walk (about 4 minutes) from the metro.
As you approach Tour Montparnasse, veer slightly to your left — you’ll want to enter the main building area, pictured here:
This area is where you enterIf you see this sign, you’ve walked too far and need to backtrack towards the front entrance.
Once you see the Tour Montparnasse’s entrance, it’s pretty simple to go up.
It goes in a few stages, and in case you’re an anxious traveler like me who wants to know all the steps so you can’t somehow fail at visiting a place you’ve never been to before, I’ve outlined them below.
You must go through a security checkpoint on the ground floor
First, you enter at the ground floor and pass through an airport-style security checkpoint.
The line can be a bit confusing here if you arrive a few minutes early, before the security desk opens, like I did. I recommend waiting on the left-hand side as this is where the line actually begins, not the right-hand side.
The staff will not check your tickets at this stage; they just will make sure you don’t have any of the prohibited items.
Follow this sign to reach the elevator
Second, you follow the signs to the “visite panoramique” or panoramic visit; it also notes that there is where the “billeterie” or ticket booth is so if you do not already have your ticket you can buy it after you’ve taken the elevator.
Follow this sign (and the crowds) and it will bring you to the elevator. Pretty simple!
Next, just wait for the elevator to bring you to the 56th floor. This elevator is extremely fast, supposedly the fastest in Europe — it takes just 38 seconds to go up 56 floors! — so I didn’t wait long at all.
No lines to buy tickets at 9:30 AM on a weekday in March… but there may be lines at other times, so I recommend pre-booking your ticket!
Finally, once reaching the 56th floor, you’re there! Either show your pre-purchased ticket on your phone (recommended) or stand in line at the ticket booth to buy your ticket on-site.
Congrats — you’ve reached the Tour Montparnasse; now enjoy the views.
Are the Lines for Tour Montparnasse Long?
Visiting in March meant limited lines and not too crowded!
Luckily, unlike most Paris attractions, I found visiting the Montparnasse Tower quite simple and fast.
That said, I still made things easier for myself and booked skip-the-line tickets online so I could just show my ticket voucher.
Despite visiting many of the world’s most popular cities, I’ve never found lines quite as unwieldy as Paris’s, even in the off-season (and remember — I visited during a rainy period in the beginning of March).
I can’t say for sure what visiting Montparnasse Tower would be like in the summer… but there are probably way longer lines than I encountered in the off-season!
Still, it’s definitely easier than more popular and crowded Paris sites like the Louvre, which require a huge amount of willingness to deal with lines. Despite having pre-booked my Louvre tickets in advance, I still waited 45 minutes in the pouring rain on a random weekday afternoon.
On the other hand, I had booked the first slot of the Tour Montparnasse (at 9:30 AM) and arrived there a few minutes beforehand. I only waited about 5 or 10 minutes from when the Tour Montparnasse opened before I was 56 floors up, admiring its stunning views!
Tour Montparnasse Hours
View of the Montparnasse Cemetery from above – how crazy!
Many travel blogs are actually out of date on this topic, and the Montparnasse Tower has greatly expanded its hours of operation as its popularity has increased.
While the Tour Montparnasse isn’t the most central of Paris attractions, it’s open more than 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it easy to fit into your Paris itinerary.
The first slot of the day opens at 9:30 AM, and that’s when I chose to visit, since I was staying in Montparnasse so arriving there that early was pretty easy. The last slot is at 10 PM daily, so you could go at night as well.
Personally, I wouldn’t go that late at night. I think it’s worth reserving some daylight hours to see the Montparnasse Tower.
Don’t miss the nearby Paris Catacombs – just be prepared and pre-book your tickets!
Like I’ve said above, one of the main reasons why the Tour Montparnasse has such good views because it’s tucked away in the 14th arrondissement, far enough away from Paris’s sites that you get a spectacular view.
But does that mean there’s nothing to do in that area? Not at all!
Since I stayed in Montparnasse on my most recent trip to Paris, I got to know this neighborhood a bit below the surface. Since I’ve visited Paris many times and always stayed smack-dab in the center, it was really nice to see a slightly more offbeat side of the city.
Montparnasse is an especially good option if you are visiting Paris for a short time on a trip to France and want to be near the TGV to take advantage of its excellent high speed trains.
After seeing Montparnasse Cemetery from above, check it out from ground level!
So what to do before or after visiting the Tour Montparnasse? I’d suggest visiting the incredibly interesting and historic Montparnasse Cemetery next.
Whether you just go for an aimless wander or look at the gravestone directory so you can visit some of your favorite historical figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, both ways are a great way to enjoy a walk in this quiet corner of Paris.
I also suggest you visit the Paris Catacombs on the same day as going to the Montparnasse Tower because they are fairly close to one another.
It’s about a 15-minute walk (0.8 miles or 1.2 km) between the two — and that time goes by even quicker when you stop off at the cemetery in between.
The Paris Catacombs are a must-visit and just a short walk from the Montparnasse Tower
I’m writing a post all about visiting the Paris Catacombs that reminds you of common pitfalls so you don’t make them before your trip!
Unlike the Tour Montparnasse, you’ll absolutely need to plan your Catacombs tickets in advance, so be aware of that!
You can try to save money and book it on the official website, but those slots go quickly since they only release 7 days ahead of time in advance.
As of writing, when I look at their website, I can only find tickets for 5 and 7 days from today… and it’s April, not yet high season. During high season, you’d probably check back every day at midnight (Paris time) to grab tickets as soon as they’ve been added.
Unless you’ve planned ahead exquisitely, you’ll have more luck buying one of the reserved slots on a site like GetYourGuide which have a deal with Catacombs to pre-purchase entry tickets. It’s a few euros more than buying it on site (which already costs an eye-watering €29) but you can book several weeks in advance and not worry about.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
As the French call it, Le Louvre (short for Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre, quite a mouthful!) is perhaps the world’s most inspiring museum.
For many travelers, a visit to the Louvre is something they simply cannot miss when in Paris!
Housing countless pieces of art and objects from ancient civilizations, visiting the Louvre can be overwhelming.
Having a visit plan for your trip to the Louvre will help you maximize your time within this impressive museum and admire the pieces you really want to see.
Unless you have several days to dedicate to visiting the Louvre, there’s simply no way to see it all.
Spreading over an area of nearly 800,000 square feet, it is quite easy to get lost when looking for specific exhibition halls or pieces.
Since your time in the French capital may be limited — whether you have one day in Paris, four days in Paris, or more — you certainly don’t want to get frustrated looking for something specific and end up with a bunch of wasted time.
For this reason, in this Louvre visit guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about the museum — and, most importantly, I’ll clue you in on what mistakes to avoid when visiting the Louvre.
But first — just a few quick suggestions for best Louvre tours in case you’re in a hurry!
My Top 3 Picks for Louvre Tours
#1TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Masterpieces Tour with Pre-Reserved Tickets ✔️ 2-hour guided tour where you see the key words of art out of the 35,000 in the Louvre ✔️ Avoid overwhelm and see the most important pieces with context
Before your visit to the Louvre, it may be helpful to know a few things about this famous Paris landmark.
Once the former royal residence of the Kings of France as well as a royal fortress, the former Louvre Palace — now the Louvre Museum — is now one of the best-known museums in the world.
Its name recognition makes it perhaps the most famous museum in the world, alongside maybe the Met in New York City. Along with the Eiffel Tower, it’s one of the main icons of Paris.
The Louvre presents vast and rich collections of art. The museum’s collection numbers 38,000 masterpieces and antiquities, scanning multiple millennia, scattered through a real maze of massive galleries and exhibition halls.
They say you would need about six weeks to quickly see every single piece exhibited, and even more time if you also wanted to take some time in front of each work to read the informative details!
Despite its practically inexhaustible permanent collections, the museum is perhaps the most visited museum in the world, attracting millions of visitors year after year.
Is It Worth Visiting the Louvre?
It all depends on what you like! If art is something that interests you, then you simply cannot miss visiting the Louvre when in Paris!
However, it is no sin to admit that you’re not interested in the Louvre or that you do not care much about it. There is a lot more you can do in Paris than just tick off supposed “bucket list” items you have no personal interest in.
Museums can be tiring, and even if you like them, museum fatigue is a real thing.
Especially if you’re traveling with kids or teens, a full visit to Louvre can be tiring for them, even if you’re catering to them in other ways like finding fun places to stay in Paris with teens or young kiddos.
Besides just the sheer amount of walking or standing you do when you visit, remember that the museum is designed to preserve the works of art — and not for the comfort of the tourist!
As a consequence, some halls in the Louvre can feel too hot or too cold, as certain paintings or objects need to be preserved under certain conditions according to the materials.
Besides, museums can be crowded, and tiring, and — let’s face it — that special piece you might be looking for will always bee one floor up or one floor below where you are, necessitating backtracking.
So give it thorough thought. If art is not your cup of tea, or if you prefer modern art, or smaller, more focused exhibitions, there is nothing wrong about not visiting the Louvre… especially not when Paris has so many other amazing museums!
Paris has dozens of other incredible museums, many of them smaller, often not as crowded, where you could spend a much more entertaining (and shorter) time, leaving the Louvre for those who really care.
Having that clear in your mind, also remember that not every visitor is interested in many of the works at the Louvre.
The average traveler just visits the Louvre looking for three works of art, the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace…. often not even know anything about them, not even why they should see them!
Unfortunately, more often than not, people just want to see what everyone else sees… and not out of real interest. Don’t be that tourist!
Keep in mind that a museum is also a place that attracts art students from all over the world.
People who may have worked hard to maybe get a scholarship and to be able to spend hours sketching or learning about art, and the Louvre being crowded with otherwise uninterested tourists does them no favors.
If the Louvre calls to you, then absolutely go! But if you feel like you’re visiting the Louvre just to say you’ve visited, there’s no shame in skipping it.
Alternatives (or Additions to!) the Louvre
We don’t mean to dissuade you from visiting the Louvre during your time in Paris — only to encourage you to ask yourself if it’s something you truly want to do, or something you feel you ought to do.
Here are a few other excellent art museums in Paris worthy of a stop, and which types of art lovers they will appeal to.
Musee d’Orsay: Housed in a stunning former train station, this is the best museum in Paris for fans of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist era. There is a large selection of art by Renoir, Degas, Monet, and more. While not as crowded as the Louvre, it still gets busy, so book skip-the-line tickets here.
Musee de l’Orangerie: Another must-visit for fans of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, Musee de l’Orangerie picks up where Musee d’Orsay leaves off. You’ll find art by Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse, as well as a large selection of eight of Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ mural collection. A must-visit for Monet fans! This is also quite busy due to its central location in the Tuileries gardens in the heart of Paris, so booking skip-the-line tickets is advised here as well.
Picasso Museum: Big Modernism and Picasso fans should not miss this comprehensive museum with over 5,000 exhibits, including prints and paintings by one of the most famous painters of all time. Book your skip-the-line tickets here.
Besides museums, we also recommend checking out the Tour Montparnasse for the best views of Paris, the Paris Catacombs for a unique and quite literally hidden side of Paris, and the Pantheon for a combination of beautiful art and important Parisian history.
Insider Tips & Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Louvre
Having said all that, many people are truly interested in seeing the Louvre — drawn in by its main attractions and genuinely interested in seeing more — and would gladly spend 3 to 5 hours checking out at least some of the exhibited works!
Since the Louvre is really big and crowded, it is a good idea to keep these common mistakes in mind to avoid them and to make the most of your visit to the Louvre.
Don’t overlook the building itself.
We get it, you go to the Louvre for the stunning pieces of art, the magnificent jewels of the French crown, or for some of the most stunning antiquities, paintings, and sculptures.
However, overlooking the architecture and style of the palace in itself is something that you will regret!
Originally constructed as a military fortress, the structure was later turned into a royal palace and house of the kings of France.
The Louvre’s first iteration as a fortress began all the way back in the 12th century, and you can find some remnants of the medieval phases of its lifespan in the crypt — it’s truly impressive.
The building housed different French royal families until the royal family moved their residence to the to Palace of Versailles in 1682.
Later on, the palace was used as a residence for artists under royal patronage.
Additionally, several monarchs used the palace to store their acquisitions of paintings and other artworks throughout history.
As a result, many halls and rooms feature spectacular hand-painted ceilings, magnificent staircases and columns, vivid frescoes, and impressive windows with views over the well-curated gardens of the palace.
The palace is a work of art in itself, so don’t forget to look up, down, and around you as well!
Remember to tour the gardens (they’re free!).
The Tuileries is a gorgeous park open to any visitor where it is possible to enjoy a stroll or even enjoy a picnic with a baguette and some cheese and charcuterie!
Besides, you can enjoy free admission to the Tuileries regardless of whether or not you buy Louvre tickets, and it is a great place to soak in the vibes and the beauty of the whole Louvre complex.
Plus, the Tuileries itself are massively historic: this green area has been standing between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde for almost 500 years!
The Tuileries used to be the royal and then imperial garden of personalities such as king Louis XIII and Napoleon I — and unfortunately, it is another place that many tourists miss in their haste to squeeze everything into their first trip to Paris.
There are different sections of the garden you should consider — the garden, too, is large and overwhelming!
Fr example, the part of the Tuileries that is closer to the museum, known as Grand Carré, is probably the prettiest one.
This section of the garden features ponds, sculptures, and flower beds, and it was specially designed to be admired from inside the palace.
Another area worth a stop is the Grand Couvert, which gives the visitor the idea of a wilder wooded area, with symmetric tree groves and passages — it’s the perfect romantic place in Paris for a lovely walk.
In fact, the Tuileries Garden can be defined as an open-air museum of sorts, as it has been decorated with statues and vases from different periods!
Pick your entrance wisely.
Everyone wants to access the museum by going through the glass pyramids.
Of course, they are not to blame!
The imposing modern entrance, in clear contrast with the style of the palace, soon became an iconic sight of Paris, where everyone wants to take a picture!
The Pyramid is the Louvre’s main entrance, but of course, it is more than just that.
The large structure is located in Coeur Napoleon and dates back to 1988.
It’s designed by one of the most famous architects of the modern era, the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei.
The main glass pyramid is made of metal and glass and is surrounded by three smaller pyramids.
Despite being the most popular access to the Louvre, it is certainly not the most practical one, nor the least crowded.
There are several alternative places to enter the museum, some of them virtually empty.
The most obvious one is located in the underground mall known as Carrousel du Louvre.
However, during peak times it is also possible to access entering through any of two alternative doors: Richelieu and Porte des Lions.
Either of these two entrances is a great way to help you to beat the crowds. You will easily find more details at the official website.
Book skip-the-line tickets in advance.
This is the #1 Louvre tip, so pay attention!
Keep in mind as well that booking your ticket a few days (sometimes even weeks or months) before the visit is the best way to avoid the queue at the ticket booth!
This way, you will also be able to choose your time slot and even check out the museum during the late hours (Friday evenings, the museum is open until 9:45 PM), which often results in less crowded and more peaceful visits!
If you don’t mind seeing the museum late, this is the best time to visit for fewer crowds.
We suggest booking online tickets in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind.
The cheapest option is a Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket which ensures you get in within 30 minutes and allows you to skip past the ticket line of people who didn’t read this article and know to plan in advance!
The skip-the-line ticket can be used at the dedicated Priority Access line at the Pyramid main entrance, at the Porte des Lions entrance, or the Carrousel entrance.
Note that with any of these tickets, you’ll still have to pass through an airport-style security checkpoint; there’s no skipping the security line.
Please remember to bring your ID to enter the Louvre!
If museums are your thing, and the Louvre is not the only one you might want to check out during your time in Paris, then it can be a good idea to purchase a Paris Museum Pass to visit more than just the Louvre.
Starting at $55 USD for a 2-day pass that includes 60+ attractions, you will easily get your money’s worth with Paris Pass if you plan to visit at least four museums during two days in Paris, since most museums’ ticket prices are around ~$15-20 USD per ticket.
If you’re a real art history lover, you might want to see a lot more than the regular traveler, and that would be a dream!
However, it is a good idea to keep your expectations at a realistic level. The impressive quantity of objects exhibited makes it impossible to see as much as your heart desires!
This is the largest art museum in the world (and one of the world’s largest museums, period)!
In my opinion, you should plan your visit around seeing three or four key works of art, plus a few wings or exhibition halls that have a particular interest for you.
Doing more than that, your Louvre visit can quickly get very tiring and time-consuming, especially if you have to spend half of the time trying to figure out where everything is!
Plan in advance! The museum has an outstanding website that helps you decide in advance what to see and where to find it.
Besides, it also tells you what rooms might be closed during certain days of the week (this is very common!) allowing you to plan the visit accordingly.
For real — the Louvre is as impressive as it is is overwhelming, so once you’re inside, grab a map of the premises in your language and take at least 15 minutes to read it.
This will help you orient yourself and understand what halls, wings, and exhibitions to check out, and where to go next. You might feel that you are wasting time, but you’re not.
Refer back to the map every time you feel lost, read the signs, and feel free to ask the numerous staff — the wonderful museum staff speak several languages and are always ready to help with directions!
Avoid rushing the visit.
Another common mistake is to move around the Louvre fast looking for just a few things to see (typically: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory). That’s the worst thing you can do!
You will be ignoring impressive masterpieces that might even be more worth your time.
Don’t get me wrong, you should quicken your pace to check out some key pieces, especially at crowded hours, to avoid spending the whole day inside the Louvre, but don’t run around like crazy You will see very little, you will enjoy nothing, and you will end up frustrated and exhausted.
Visit with someone that knows best.
Organizing the visit on your own is totally possible and free to plan (besides the admission to the museum itself) if you have the luxury of tons of extra time before the visit.
There are tons of videos online explaining how to visit the Louvre, what to see inside, and where everything is.
But let’s be honest — the Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums, so even if you watch them dozens of times, once inside the Louvre, you’ll have no idea where to go first.
For that reason, it is a good idea to book a tour with an art expert or at least with a guide that can show you around and explain the pieces you will be admiring.
There are dozens of interesting visits available — most of them even include a timed entrance ticket, to save time and meet your guide once inside the Louvre.
If you’re not art savvy but are willing to learn or if – on the contrary – you know something about painting and sculpture, but want a deeper insight and a new perspective, then a tour with an art expert will be priceless!
Among the many options, I recommend checking out the following:
Louvre Museum Tour: This guided tour includes priority entry and an expert guide who leads you on a carefully-planned route of both the famous spots and a few less-crowded hidden gems. You’ll see the crown jewels of the French Monarchy, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, ancient Egyptian antiquities, and Greek and Roman antiquities as well: everything you’d want to see on your first visit. After the small group tour, you’re free to continue the visit on your own, adding on any spots that may intrigue you — or asking your guide what they suggest next!
Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Guidance to Mona Lisa: This tour is perfect for those who know their priority is seeing the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and want to save time and energy finding it. Not only will you have skip-the-line entry to the Louvre, you’ll also have direct access to the Mona Lisa, then free time to explore the museum at your leisure.
Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Pre-Reserved Tickets: This 2-hour tour is perfect for the true art geek with time constraints: you’ll pass through 8 of the Louvre’s curatorial departments, guided by an expert who will bring you straight to the most important pieces and give you the history of them. Of course, you’ll see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. But you’ll also get to see other oft-forgotten but equally impressive pieces, like the Coronation of Napoleon, the Caryatids statue, Venus and the Three Graces, the Wedding Feast at Cana, the Raft of Medusa, Liberty Leading the People, and Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss.
Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket and Audio Guide: A perfect option for budget travelers who don’t want to miss the highlights of the Louvre, this comes with skip-the-line tickets with full access to the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. There’s an additional fee for the official Louvre audioguide, but it’s quite a good deal nonetheless.
When visiting the Louvre, you will walk and stand for hours, from the moment you access the museum until you end your visit.
Therefore, it’s key to leave fashion trends behind for the sake of a comfy pair of shoes – and honestly, of all the things on this list, it’s probably the best suggestion I can give you!
Forget everything about being stylish — yes, even though it’s Paris!
Wear shoes that have been broken into, have supportive soles, and won’t cause blisters, especially if you plan to spend the entire day out and about.
Just in case, pack a few band-aids and some painkillers in your bag too.
Decide when to visit.
As I’ve said already, pick your time wisely! The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so that’s out.
The rest of the week, the Louvre is open from 9 AM to 6 PM (last entry 1 hour before closing), and on Fridays, you can also visit in the evening, as the museum’s closing time is at 9:45 PM.
If you can do late nights, Fridays are one of the best days to visit, and night an especially good time.
This is a great time to visit (especially during the high season), as it’s not as popular as in the middle of the day, because not everyone knows about the late night opening hours!
It’s a good option if you want there to be fewer people in the museum with you during your stay.
Another great time to avoid a long line and crowded exhibition halls are in the early mornings.
Get in the ticket access queue around 8:30, about 30 minutes before the museum opens, to enjoy at least the first hour of your museum tour with almost no crowds.
If you happen to be in Paris on the first weekend of a month, know that there is free entry between 6:00 PM and 9:45 PM on the first Saturday of each month. It was formerly the first Sunday of the month, but has since changed.
If that coincides with the day of your visit, it’s a good way to save some money on your Paris trip! Just know you will be with larger crowds, and there’s no way to skip the line if you are entering for free.
In terms of time of the year, there’s not a huge low season in Paris, but in general, visiting Paris in winter will have fewer crowds, as long as it’s not the week around Christmas and New Years.
Pick which wings to dedicate your time to.
The Louvre features three main wings. Here is what you’ll find in each and why they might be interesting!
Denon Wing: You can’t miss this wing because it has the three most important pieces of art in the Louvre: The Monsa Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and The Venus de Milo. But there are many other pieces also worth your time, that’ll be less crowded! You’ll also find other da Vinci paintings like La Belle Ferronniere and Portrait of an Unknown Woman. This wing also houses some frescoes from Botticelli, as well as the famous Wedding Feast at Cana, as well as the crown jewels, some antiquities from Greek, Roman, and Etruscan times, some sculptures from Michelangelo such as the Dying Slave (found on the ground floor in the sculpture gallery)
Sully Wing: The oldest part of the Louvre, this is where you’ll find the medieval Louvre walkway taking you past the old city walls and the aspects of the Louvre that recall its history as a fortress. You’ll find a sphinx and other Egyptian antiquities, French paintings up until the Impressionist era (from Impressionist onwards, you’ll find in museums like the Musée d’Orsay and de l’Orangerie), art from Ancient Iran and the Levant, and decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Richelieu Wing: The least-crowded part of the Louvre, this wing features the apartments of Napoléon III (although it should be noted he never lived here). You’ll also find a sculpture garden, decorative arts from the Middle Ages through the 19th century, older French, German, Flemish, and Dutch paintings, and Islamic arts. You can access this wing directly through the Passage Richelieu, one of the many Louvre entrances.
Gabi is a full-time travel blogger, tour guide, and freelance writer currently living in Crete, Greece. Born in Argentina, Gabi spent a decade of her life living in Milan and traveling around Italy. She is one of two featured Italy experts on Eternal Arrival. She shares her knowledge of Crete and Greece on her blog, The Tiny Book, where she has also published several digital travel guides. She has 25 years of experience in writing and translation. She holds a BA in Languages and Translation, an MA in Translation for Tourism and a degree in Copyediting.
While many tourists consider Paris a perfect spring or fall travel destination, visiting Paname (locals’ slang for Paris)in the colder months is a bit less popular.
If you ask me, Paris in winter is seriously underrated, and there’s more to it than you might expect!
Of course, you might catch one of the rare weeks of freezing cold and snow, but generally speaking, the weather is rather mild!
That is, as long as you don’t mind a few drops of rain here and there.
Just give it a chance, and you may even come to agree with Owen Wilson in Midnight in Paris: “Paris is the most beautiful in the rain!”
So pack your warmest (and chicest, this is Paris after all) winter clothes for Paris and hop on a plane for a magical winter adventure in the city of love and lights.
Whether you’re fascinated by art, history, fashion, design, or delicious food, our list of 33 cozy and fun things to do in Paris in winter has something for every type of traveler.
Bienvenue à Paris!
Paris Winter Weather: What to Expect
Paris doesn’t do anything by halves; even the winters are undeniably chic and enjoyable.
Winter in Paris is a delightful scene — gorgeous lights illuminating the buildings as the short days come to an end, and cozy bistros and cafés looking each more inviting than the last.
But let’s talk temperatures real quick: expect temperatures just above freezing, a crisp 35°-45°F (1°-7°C). But don’t let those numbers send you running!
While snow will make an occasional appearance, it’s rather rare — you’re more likely to deal with rain, anything from a slight drizzle to a downpour.
Just don’t forget your umbrella – consider it the quintessential Parisian winter accessory!
The Best Things to Do in Paris in Winter
Get in the festive mood at the Paris Christmas markets.
Christmas in Paris can be surprisingly cozy despite the hectic daily big city life.
If you are planning your trip to Paris in December, make sure to include at least a few of our favorite Marché de Noël (Christmas markets) on your itinerary.
Here are three we recommend:
La Magie de Noël, Tuileries: Located right in the heart of Paris, this Christmas market is the biggest and most fun!
Next to the many artisan shops and food chalets, you’ll find amusement rides, even including a ferris wheel!
Marché de Noël La Défense: La Défense, the Financial and Business District, is the only area in Paris which could pass as a city skyline.
The futuristic modern architecture surrounding this Christmas Market makes for a truly unique atmosphere, combining festive tradition and urban design.
Marché de Noël Montmartre: If you prefer a smaller, cozier Christmas market, you’ll love this one.
Located in beautiful and charming Montmartre, the Marché de Noël de Montmartre offers around 20 selected wooden chalets selling unique handcrafted gifts and Christmas sweets.
Make sure to walk around Montmartre while you’re here and take in the stunning view from Sacré Coeur!
Wander down the Champs Elysées.
The Champs-Elysées formerly housed the largest Christmas Market in the city.
While the market itself was moved south to Les Tuileries a few years ago, Les Champs (as Parisians call the boulevard) still steals the show when it comes to Christmas decorations!
The streets characteristic trees, bare of their usual foliage, get decked in beautiful lights that create a gorgeous straight-line down to the illuminated Arc de Triomphe.
It’s quite a spectacle!
Admire the Christmas storefronts and window displays.
There are several gorgeous holiday window displays you’ll find around Paris in winter, especially at the flagship designer stores and the high-end department stores.
The Christian Dior flagship store on the Champs-Elysées is a favorite for its beautiful holiday decor, as is the Louis Vuitton on Place Vendôme, and the shops along Avenue Montaigne.
For larger-scale window displays, there’s the classic Galleries Lafayette, as well as the newly-reopened department store, La Samaritaine, as well as Bon Marché, Au Printemps, and BHVMarais.
Warm up with a petit four and chocolat chaud at Angelina’s.
Maison Angelina was founded in 1903 and is still the most iconic place in Paris to drink hot chocolate and eat petit fours, beautifully-decorated bite-sized patisseries.
It may be the most expensive hot chocolate you’ll ever drink, but keep in mind you’re paying for the whole experience, and it really is unlike any other!
This charming salon de thé (tea room) was built duringthe belle epoque and features typical Parisian architecture from the early 20th century with Art Nouveau ceilings and ornaments.
For a fun historical tidbit, Angelina’s was a favorite amongst French artists, including Coco Chanel.
Take advantage of the smaller crowds at the Louvre Museum.
Let’s face it – it’s downright impossible to leave out the Louvre, and especially in the winter, you shouldn’t, because this is a great time to visit Paris if you are into art!
In fact, in the warmer months, peak tourist season can make visiting a museum a real nightmare – you may have to fight your way through to get just a glimpse of the Mona Lisa between all the phones and crowds.
However, for you intrepid winter travelers, you get to enjoy one of the perks of off-season travel: namely, smaller crowds!
Any trip to Paris is improved by a stroll through these luxurious settings, admiring the unimaginable range of art here!
Unless you just want to see the La Joconde (aka the Mona Lisa) or La Vénus de Milo, you could easily spend several days wandering around the former palace and admiring some of humanity’s finest work.
If your time is limited though, you’ll want to make a plan to see your top priority pieces so you can go in prepared and make the most of your visit.
And even in winter, the Louvre is still quite busy, so save time for the art — book skip-the-line tickets so you can jump ahead of the crowds who didn’t plan ahead.
The only thing worse than a line in the cold is a line in the cold that could have been avoided!
After you’ve had your fill of art, it’s time to shift gears and take in Paris’ world-famous fashion scene!
The Parisians call the ultra-French, ultra-chic luxury department stores les grands magasins, including Le Printemps, Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché.
Make sure to stop by around Christmas, as the festive decorations are positively mind-blowing!
The guiding principle here is ”more is more”, and every year the boutiques seem to compete to show off the most luxurious Christmas decorations.
You’ll be in shopping heaven here, able to find anything your heart desires here — whether you’re more in the mood for window shopping or updating your wardrobe.
While Printemps and Galeries Lafayette have taken on a bit of a more touristy vibe over the last decade, Le Bon Marché has kept a more authentic Parisian feel to it.
This department store has smaller boutiques within it and features some very special pieces, all while prioritizing quality over quantity.
Wander up to a wintry Sacré-Cœur.
The historic bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre is the perfect place for a winter walk — and no better destination than the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of the hill working as an easy visual endpoint.
Take the winding cobblestone streets up the hill to the magnificent Sacré-Cœur, a marvel in white marble dominating the Montmartre skyline.
The views of Paris from here are like no other!
Best of all, it’s free to visit and is open daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM, making it easy to pop in at any time day or night.
Keep an eye out here, though — this is a place where scammers and pickpockets sometimes like to operate, as visitors are too enraptured by their surroundings to look around properly!
This 1.5-hour tour will show you both Montmartre’s highlights (the Moulin Rouge, the Sacre-Coeur) as well as its hidden gems (its windmills, its art history, the last remaining vineyard in Paris!).
Try your hand at being a pâtissier for a day, with an expert baker guiding you through making tricky components like meringue and ganache and teaching you how to pipe the perfect macaron.
The best part? Bringing home a box of your handmade treats as bragging rights — if you have the self-control, that is.
In the 17th arrondissement, you’ll find the beautiful Parc Monceau,a favorite amongst local Sorbonne students and Parisians enjoying un café on a Sunday.
Le Jardin du Palais Royal is a small, very elegant park located near the Louvre.
This area is adored by locals for a walk on their lunch break, a quick coffee break at Café Kitsuné, or a lazy afternoon spent reading.
Another great park, Les Tuileries, is located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
Start your walk from the pyramid at the Louvre and walk down to Concorde with a magnificent view of the Champs Elysées.
Don’t worry too much about the cold, either!
You’ll find many small vendors offering a hot beverage or a crêpe to enjoy around the beautiful fountain, perfect to warm you up.
Stroll through the beautifully converted Musée d’Orsay.
A former train station, this building was transformed into a museum in the 80s and now hosts over 400 Impressionist masterpieces.
The unique architectural history alone makes this art museum well worth a visit.
When planning your visit, be sure to bundle up!
The Musée d’Orsay’s location in the 7th arrondissement means you can combine this with a winter walk through the very chic area of St. Germain or along the Seine river.
While this museum is less popular than the Louvre, it’s still quite busy, even in winter.
Save time (and avoid waiting in the cold) by booking your tickets ahead of time.
For all you cinephiles out there, make sure to catch a screening at La Filmothèque in the Latin Quarter.
This cozy, very old school movie theater (cinéma) offers screenings of Hollywood classics.
This theatre shows everything from Kubrick’s horror and sci-fi masterpieces to dreamy Hepburn romances.
If you’re in Paris in the winter on a rainy day, why not settle in for a cozy screening in this refuge from the cold?
Of course, Paris has a long cinematic history, and you’ll be happy to know that most cinémas screen international movies in the original language (most Parisians do speak English after all, even when they pretend they don’t…).
If you want to flex your French skills, make sure to catch a movie at Le Grand Rex, one of Paris’s most iconic movie theaters, as all movies screened here are in French.
Enjoy a winter walk through a piece of Parisian history.
Take advantage of the peace of Paris winter mornings to start your day with some fresh air and a walk in a piece of Paris history.
Père Lachaiseis technically a cemetery, but it’s also a serene harbor of quiet in the 20th arrondissement.
Great artists like Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, and Oscar Wilde have been laid to rest in this cemetery — come here if you need a moment of solitude to think or just wish to pay respects to these cultural icons.
For a memorable winter night out, treat yourself to a night at the opera!
The Opéra de Paris, located in the breathtaking Palais Garnier, was founded in the 17th century as part of the Royal Academy.
This opera house offers a variety of classic performances and is also home to the world-famous prestigious French ballet company.
The palatial building itself is simply gorgeous with ornate chandeliers, painted vaulted ceilings, and detailed pillars: seeing a show here is just the cherry on top of the cake!
If you don’t have the funds to watch a show at the opera house, no worries: for just around 15 euro, you can visit the opera house building and admire the architecture.
While the Opéra de Paris is quite traditional in its choice of operas, you’ll find more modern interpretations and performances at Opéra Bastille.
Did you think we would leave our guide to Parisian fashion at just the shopping? Of course not!
January isn’t just the first month of the year, it’s also the time for Fashion Week.
If you’re hoping to attend a show, we’re sorry to tell you, that is a closed circle (and if you’re part of that circle, you don’t need us to tell you!).
Lucky for you, though, the fashion can’t be contained to just the shows!
Take a walk around the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th arrondissement for some people watching.
You can also mingle at Rue Saint-Honoré, Avenue George V and Montaigne, and keep your eyes on Les Tuileries and Grand Palaisareas to get a glimpse of the fashion madness.
If you ever wanted to go crazy with your outfit choice, this is the time! Hang around long enough and you may even be photographed — or perhaps see some celebs in eye-catching couture!
For a deeper dive into the rich history of fashion design, make sure to visit the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Palais Galliera and Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs to get inspired.
Want to pretend like you’ve got a Fashion Week invite?
On Fridays at the Galeries Lafayette Haussman, you can attend a 30-minute fashion show, catwalk and all.
Catch a play at La Comédie Française.
The world’s oldest theater company, La Comédie Française, is a French cultural institution so prestigious that any actor associated with it is credited in movies as a member.
The company has produced some of the most celebrated French artists and continues to be home to top tier rising talent.
No matter which play you choose to see, you’re in for a great night at the theater and there’s no way you’ll be disappointed.
For the traveler on a budget, La Comédie Française is also a lot cheaper than a night at the opera.
If you don’t mind not having the best seats, you can get tickets for under 20€… not bad for world-class art!
Other famous theaters in Paris include Le Théâtre du Châtelet, Théâtre Chaillot and Théatre de l’Odéon.
If you’ve seen Baz Luhrmann’s famous movie about the scandalous Moulin Rouge, you’ve probably got at least a vague idea of the Parisian love for cabaret.
Since you’ll be visiting during the winter months, you’ll probably want a fun way to spend your evenings outside of the cold.
Many of the most notoriously mind-blowing cabarets in Paris offer special deals that include dinner, champagne, and a show – check out the Moulin Rouge for the most classic experience, but there’s also Paradis Latin and Crazy Horse.
And don’t worry, while the Parisian cabarets are far from their scandalous reputation nowadays, you’re still in for a ton of fun!
Take in the views, art, and architecture at Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, just outside of Paris, the Fondation Louis Vuitton always has interesting exhibitions planned.
But what truly sets it apart is the incredible futuristic architecture designed by American architect Frank Gehry — and the views you get of the city as you peek through its glass panels.
Make sure to check out the rooftop for another great view of the city!
Don’t worry about its location being outside of Paris — you can easily get there with the shuttle service offered when you book online ahead of time.
Rich and hearty French cuisine offers some of the best winter comfort food in the world — loads and loads of melted cheese!
Although most these dishes are not technically Parisian, you can find delicious fondue served in a caquelon earthenware pot and raclette (sliced melty cheese) in quite a few restaurants throughout the city.
Les Marmottes is a great option located in the 1st arrondissement. Designed just like a traditional chalet in the French Alps, this restaurant offers you a raclette buffet as well as fondue and delicious tartiflette in a warm, convivial atmosphere.
Le Chalet Savoyard can be found in Rue de Charonne in the 11th arrondissement. This restaurant is considered the top of the top when it comes to cheese – fondue is served in 14 different varieties!
Monbleuhas just recently opened its doors to welcome cheese lovers to a mindboggling 300 square meters of cheese heaven! This restaurant doubles as a Fromagerie, a French cheese shop, and offers traditional raclette.
Le Petit Chaletcan be found in the most surprising of locales… a spa! This authentic gem is located at Le Roch Hötel & Spa, perfect if you want to hide from the rain at the spa before you indulge in a few thousand calories of pure deliciousness.
Stroll through the passages couverts.
Les passages couverts, the covered passages of Paris, are essentially shopping arcades from the 19th century which survived the Haussmann renovations.
These passages make for a lovely escape from the cold!
Beautiful individual boutiques, art galleries, cafés, small brasseries, bookstores… with these little stores and bistros to duck in and out of, you could spend your entire winter in Paris trip strolling through les passages!
Feel free to wander on your own and see what you can discover, but if you’re looking for a guide to the top spots, read on for our favorite picks:
La Galerie Vivienne in the prestigious 1st arrondissement, not far from Parc Royal, is simply majestic.
Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, you have to come here for the passage’s beautiful architecture and its colorful mosaics.
Le Passage des Panoramas was built in 1799, just 10 years after the French Revolution in tumultuous times.
It’s a small passage with old boutiques, some of which have been operating for generations.
In between the art shops you’ll find authentic cafés for a quick break on a busy day.
Le Passage Jouffroy is particularly beautiful at nightfall when the last rays of winter sun hit the glass ceiling of this beautiful arcade.
The covered passage offers a large variety of shops, and locals (or visitors!) can even do their grocery shopping here!
Discover the city’s dark past at Les Catacombes de Paris.
One of the most iconic (and macabre) Parisian landmarks, the Paris Catacombs are an underground labyrinth.
These winding tunnels house the remains of millions of Parisians in an ossuary, built when the city was facing health issues and needed to move the cemeteries underground.
The Catacombs were opened to the public in 1809 with the intention to encourage visitors to reflect on time and death.
Be warned! The maze is rather narrow and can be quite busy — plus it’s located 20 meters underground, so it’s not for the faint hearted or claustrophobic.
Visiting Les Catacombes in winter can be a very special experience.
Despite the intimidating look of its bones and skulls, it’s not intended to be a scary place: it’s more about the lives of the millions of people that have walked the streets of Paris and the stories they’ve left behind.
You don’t want to get lost in the catacombs (not unless you’re trying to reenact As Above, So Below, that is), so all visits to the catacombs are guided.
If you are planning a visit to Paris in late January or early February, you may arrive just in time for Le Nouvel An Chinois!
While Paris doesn’t have New York’s Chinatown, Chinese culture is an important part of life in Paris, especially in the 3rd and 13th arrondissement, where the traditional parades take place.
But even if you don’t make it in time for the parade, make sure to check out the exhibitions and ateliers in the area, as many of the local art galleries focus on Chinese and Asian artists in the winter months.
Get tropical at Jardin Des Plantes.
No matter how cozy the winter months can be, sometimes it’s just all too much, too cold, too harsh, too rainy, too depressing – that’s when you need a break from it all.
Great news, though, you don’t even have to leave Paris to make your escape!
Paris’s botanical gardens, Le Jardin des Plantes, is home to several tropical greenhouses, open to visitors for a small fee.
Step into the warmth, breathe in the tropical air and take in the calming energy, surrounded by nature, right in the middle of the metropolis
Just a few steps away from the greenhouses you’ll find the National Museum of Natural History, another cozy place to visit on a Parisian winter day.
Founded over 200 years ago as an extension to the royal botanical gardens, the Natural History Museum houses an impressive collection that makes for a great visit!
Read a book in a beautiful library.
There are many beautiful places to read in Paris, including several branches of the public library.
The public reading room at the Richelieu location, the Salle Ovale, finally opened at the end of 2022 after a decade-long, 260 million euro renovation.
Besides the Salle Ovale, you can visit the nearby Mazarin Gallery, showcasing a selection of the library’s selection of maps, manuscripts, and stamps.
Among the artifacts are a few handwritten pages from Proust’s seminal work In Search of Lost Time, as well as Hugo’s manuscript for Les Misérables and handwritten pages of Mozart’s score for Don Giovanni.
Another public library option is LibrarySainte-Geneviève: a true French Hogwarts!
Located in the Quartier Latin, a few steps away from Le Panthéon, Sorbonne University and Lycée Henri IV, the library houses a staggering 2 million books and documents.
The reading room is magnificent, featuring a high ceiling with an ironwork structure, surrounded by historical documents dating back to the 12th century.
Some of the finest French writers and intellectuals have called this space a home away from home, including Victor Hugo.
Explore a piece of literary history at Shakespeare & Company.
Another great place for book lovers is the famous English-language bookstore, Shakespeare & Company.
Founded in 1951 (with the original store dating back to 1919) as a meeting point for anglophone writers, intellectuals, and artists, this bookstore is still an important landmark in Paris to this day.
James Baldwin, Allen Ginsberg and Henry Miller were all frequent visitors to this wonderful space.
Come prepared to stay a while, since you can come here not only to shop, but also to read!
Head upstairs to snuggle up in the reading room and stay as long as you want.
Update your wardrobe à la Parisienne during the January sales.
One more note for the fashion aficionados – if you visit the city in January or February, you may want to leave some extra space in your suitcase as it’s shopping month!
Francetakes the winter sales very seriously, and you’ll very likely find discounts everywhere, even in smaller boutiques and exclusive designer stores.
The sales last for 4 weeks, with each week offering new discounts on Wednesdays.
If you don’t mind taking your chances, it can be worth it to wait for the second week to get better deals, but keep in mind some items sell out super fast!
Fair warning – be prepared for crowds. The stores get unbelievably busy during the sale weeks in Paris.
If you can, try to avoid the shops on the weekends, especially around Rue de Rivoli.
An alternative to the busy Rive Droite shopping streets is Rue de Rennes and the area around St. Germain, which tends to be a little less touristy and crowded.
Marvel at the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle.
Since its neighbor on the Île de la Cité, the Notre Dame, is still out of commission, La Sainte-Chapelle has finally been getting its due.
But it really needs no comparison!
The crown jewel of Gothic architecture in Paris, La Sainte-Chapelle is a great spot to visit, and it’s certainly no consolation prize.
Step into the chapel and be surrounded by over a thousand stained-glass scenes in brilliant jewel tones — you’ll instantly forget about any cold outside.
For about €12, you can step into this living kaleidoscope and be surrounded in color.
While you’re in the Île de la Cité area, stop by the Notre Dame to see how the reconstruction work is going.
In case you were living under a rock, in 2019, the world watched as the iconic Notre Dame was overtaken by fire.
At first, estimates for its repair stretched into a decade or more. Luckily, it’s looking like this stunning French landmark will reopen by the end of 2024.
Its facade is basically entirely reconstructed, and while there is still ongoing work going on, take a walk past the Notre Dame to see how the renovation work is going.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Disneyland Paris.
Looking for a truly magical experience at the happiest place on Earth?
If you have some time to spare during your time in Paris, you can check out Disneyland, located just outside of Paris in Chessy.
In the month leading up to Christmas and until early January, DisneylandParis transforms into a magical festive wonderland with countless themed attractions and events.
Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for something beyond the historic, look no further than Palais de Tokyo’s collection, since this museum is entirely dedicated to modern and abstract art.
You may not understand all the pieces or love all the installations, but this museum is always a thought-provoking encounter with some impressive work.
It’s also home to the Monsieur Bleu restaurant with a striking view of the iconic Eiffel Tower!
Treat yourself to an exquisite hotel stay.
Winter is a great time to splurge on a hotel and treat yourself to a luxurious experience in one of Paris’s finest establishments – after all, you’ll need a cozy home base to return to after any excursions in the cold.
There are the classics, of course, the Ritz, Le Lutetia, the Four Seasons George V or Le Meurice… But these days, Paris has a lot more exciting hotels to offer.
One new addition is Le Cheval Blanc, located in La Samaritaine, a legendary department store which just reopened after decades of abandonment.
Located in the trendy 9th arrondissement is Soho House, which has been built in Jean Cocteau’s childhood home. A modern, urban and yet very Parisian chic experience awaits you here.
The ReMIX Hotel is located in the up-and-coming 19th arrondissement and features a beautifully nostalgic 80s theme.
Another option for art lovers is L’Hôtel Rochechouart in Montmartre:upon entering, you’ll have to do a double-take to make sure you didn’t accidentally travel back in time!
The unique Art Déco design feels like a relic from the roaring twenties – make sure to check out the speakeasy underground.
Anna is 20-something writer from France, currently living on the beautiful island of Bali. After earning a degree from Sorbonne Université in Paris, she spent a few years working in fashion before embarking on what was supposed to be a 1-year trip through Europe, North Africa and Asia — which ultimately turned into moving to Bali. Aside from traveling and writing, her passions include surfing, film photography, drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee, and reading through the night.
The City of Love has so much to see and so many delicious foods to try. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to take a macaron class in Paris.
When it comes to French cuisine, duck confit, and cassoulet are must-try dishes. Still, no Parisian meal is complete without a macaron (or five) for dessert!
Crunchy on the outside, airy on the inside, and stuffed with creamy filling, macarons are the kind of sweet you can’t help but binge.
… Unfortunately, they’re one of the pricier cookies to binge on, but that’s why it makes all the more sense to learn to make macarons in Paris!
Macarons come in more colors and flavors than you can imagine. When you go to a Parisian pastry shop, you’ll want to try every single one!
Best of all, they’re not too difficult to make, as long as you’re taught by an experienced chef.
One quick macaron class in Paris and you’ll be whipping these things up all the time and impressing literally everyone!
Besides, France is home to some of the best chefs and bakers in the entire world. Why not learn some of their secrets while you’re there?
You’ll never look at store-bought sweets the same way after taking a macaron making class in Paris, so it’s time to get cooking… er, baking!
Unique Features: – Children 12+ are welcome to join (with a parent) – Large class allows space for a large group – Short class is easy to fit into a busy schedule
Whether you like chocolate, pistachio, or any funky flavor in between, this class will teach you how to make all sorts of flavors of macaron… All that in only 90 minutes!
This is also a great class to try if you’re a beginner cook. It’s short and sweet (in more ways than one!), and you get to take the recipe home and get some practice.
“Quick hit on the magic of making macarons with all the tips and tricks shared. Small group, great instructor and yummy samples of your work! Totally the best macrons I ever had. Location was perfect – private area in Galleries Lafayette. Couldn’t ask for more of a Parisan experience! Totally recommend.”
Your cooking group can feature up to 18 people, so things can get pretty lively at Galeries Lafayette. Bringing lots of family and friends is highly encouraged!
On top of that, the class is super affordable for how fun and informative it is, so you can easily fit it into your vacation budget.
However, if you want a small group with lots of 1:1 attention, this may not be the right fit for you.
After the class, the Opera district will be waiting right outside the door. Talk about an exciting day out in Paris – now it’s time to take it on with a sugar high!
Well, what could be more immersive than going to a French home and cooking in a chef’s very own kitchen?
The class covers a lot of ground in three hours, so you can expect to keep busy.
Not that you’d mind, with the awesome company, intimate setting, and of course – delicious treats!
You’ll be learning how to make macarons and a number of amazing fillings.
Besides the classic chocolate and cocoa, you’ll learn more creative types like lemon and raspberry with tonka bean, among others!
This isn’t your average macaron class, that’s for sure!
“I did the course with my 12 year old daughter. We learned a lot, it was fun and the macarons were delicious. Now we also understand the price of these works of art in the patisseries. I thought it was great that Frederic paid attention to details, including how to hold the wooden spoon, and explained to us exactly what to look out for. And all in a very friendly way.”
⌛ Tour Length: 2.5 hours | 🌟Rating: 4.9/5 stars (80+ reviews) | 👩🍳 Book Now
Unique Features: – Learn from an academically trained chef – Work from a chef’s atelier for a proper Parisian experience – Wide variety of flavors and fillings
After all, she learned her craft at the Lenôtre Culinary Institute – now that takes some cooking chops!
Like any true professional, Noémie makes sure nobody gets left behind. Even small children can join, and they’ll be learning a lot!
She’ll teach you how to make two different kinds of macarons and a number of tasty fillings to add variety to your macarons and impress your loved ones with.
“Quick hit on the magic of making macarons with all the tips and tricks shared. Small group, great instructor and yummy samples of your work! Totally the best macrons I ever had. Location was perfect – private area in Galleries Lafayette. Couldn’t ask for more of a Parisan experience! Totally recommend.“
This may be a Paris macaron class, but it teaches you the Italian meringue method.
What this means is, you’ll be using hot sugar syrup as the base for the filling.
This method of cooking macarons is a bit harder than the French one, so mastering it will make you feel like an expert baker!
“Excellent activity learning to make macarons. Great venue and location with super friendly and knowledgable staff/owner. All steps explained, good equipment, recipes provided and enjoyed sharing in the small group to make different flavours. Lovely end to afternoon with chatting, sharing tea/coffee and eating our bakes with enough to take home. Exceeded expectations and thank you!”
This is another macaron making class in Paris that takes place in the chef’s private apartment. There’s no better setting, if you ask me!
The groups here are relatively small, but teamwork is essential.
You’ll need to agree on two flavors and work together to make the best macarons you can.
“Caroline was great with my kids and we all had a fun time. Caroline, was very personable and great with all ages- and we had a sweet treat to take home :)”
This is agreat Paris macaron making class if your vacation schedule is full, since it teaches you the basics in only a couple of hours.
Note that you need to book well in advance to secure a place here.
That should tell you just how great the class is!
Featuring no more than 7 people per group, this is the perfect class if you want one-on-one time with the cook.
“Right from the location in the Marais to the comfortable space for the class, this was one of my favourites. Delphine was our teacher and she was great in explaining, showing and her patience. Very happy to take home a box to share with family too. All around this class was so worth the price!“
⌛Tour Length: 1.5 hours | 🌟Rating: 4.5/5 stars (5+ reviews) | 👩🍳 Book Now
Unique Features: -Extremely child-focused; kids aged 6 and up can participate -Short class that doesn’t take up much of your time -Snacks for your kids to enjoy as they cook
If you’re traveling with your children, this might be the best macaron making class in Paris for you.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a little helper around the kitchen, or to inspire them to start thinking of how to cook and bake for themselves?
Kids as young as 6 are welcome to join this class.
The chef is a true professional, so people of all ages and experiences can follow along!
“Caroline was great with my kids and we all had a fun time. Caroline, was very personable and great with all ages- and we had a sweet treat to take home 🙂“
⌛Tour Length: 3 hours | 🌟 Rating: 5/5 stars (15+ reviews) | 👩🍳 Book Now
Unique Features: -Teaches how to make desserts besides just macarons -Work with a partner to make these treats -Takes place near Montmartre, a major shopping district
You’ll need to book a slot for at least two people to participate during most of the year.
Note that you’ll need a third person during the holidays, so it can also be a great family activity if you have a kid over 12!
The class goes into a lot of detail – you’ll go over several techniques for making the tastiest meringue and ganache.
Besides macarons, the class will teach you how to make another traditional French dessert. Molleux and madeleine, anyone?
“Extremely well organized, friendly and well paced. Would certainly book another class with ?succulent Paris. Still enjoying the plentiful fruits of our labours. Would not hesitate to recommend these ladies to friends. Thank you Auriel and Marion.”
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Considered the birthplace of Impressionism, Paris is home to some of the most prestigious Impressionist masterpieces in the world.
Most notably, these works include Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe by Edouard Manet, Les Danseuses by Edgar Degas, and of course, Les Nymphéas by Claude Monet.
Before we dive into our in-depth guide of the best Impressionist museums in Paris and everything you need to know before your visit, let’s take a brief detour for a quick overview of Impressionism.
What is Impressionism, and What is Paris’s Role in It?
In the late 19th century, the Parisian art scene was heavily dominated by L’Académie des Beaux Arts and its rigorous (and rather conservative) definition of art.
To be considered fine art, paintings were supposed to be produced in a studio, with detailed, realistic representations of religious scenes, historical figures or glorified portraits.
The prestigious Salon de Paris evaluated submissions by artists and was largely regarded as the most important annual event in the global art world, making or breaking would-be artists. But times were changing.
Rapid industrialization connected the city and countryside, ringing in the modern era and widening opportunity to artists who previously lacked city connections.
In parallel with this change, Impressionism is often considered the beginning of the Modern art period.
A young group of artists (all Salon rejects) formed around Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Together, these outsiders started painting outside (en plein air) rather than in the traditional artist studio.
While it seems a simple change, at the time, this was nothing short of a revolution.
Back then, painting in bright sunlight and showing scenes of common life was simply not considered art.
Art had to be above the ordinary, showing glorified, almost godly representations.
(As a side note, this concept of art as a snapshot is interesting as the Impressionist movement coincided with the rise of photography!)
While Impressionism shares the character of early photographs, the paintings’ most prominent characteristic is the emphasis on capturing fleeting light – in keeping with the new emphasis on getting outside the studio and looking to the outside world as inspiration.
You can see this rendered in Impressionist art, where the interplay of light and subject are emphasized by visible, short brushstrokes often using several layers of bright, vivid colors.
This technique significantly softens the overall appearance of the painting, choosing to capture an impression of a scene rather than a realistic depiction – hence the name ‘Impressionism’.
As seen prominently in Degas work, the figures were often blurred, blending into the background and hence creating movement.
Far ahead of their time, and in spite the harshest of critics, the Impressionist painters went on to influence French literature, poetry and music and remain some of Paris’s most renowned cultural figures.
Now that you know why Impressionism is so important – both to Paris and to art history in general – keep reading to discover our guide to the three best Paris impressionist museums (and the paintings you can’t miss while you’re there!)
The Best Impressionist Museums in Paris
1. Le Musée d’Orsay
Located in the 7th arrondissement and housing the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings, the Musée d’Orsay has had quite a history of its own!
Originally a governmental palace, the Palais d’Orsay was burned down during the Paris Commune and later rebuilt as the Gare d’Orsay, a train station.
In 1986, the former train station was converted into a museum focused specifically on Impressionist work.
With over 1,000 Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings calling this museum home, it’s easy to get a bit lost, but don’t worry! Here’s our guide to the most unmissable masterpieces:
Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe, Edouard Manet
Second Floor (Niveau Supérieur), Room 29 (Salle 29)
While this is one of the most celebrated Impressionist paintings today, it was nothing short of scandalous 150 years ago!
Manet’s juxtaposition of a nude woman sitting on the grass with two fully dressed men shocked the bourgeois Parisian art world.
Although nudity was somewhat accepted in more traditional paintings in the context of mythological or biblical scenes, nudity as a mere aesthetic choice was simply not tolerated.
Manet’s intention was to denounce this hypocrisy in society, a powerful statement that underlines the revolutionary power of Impressionism.
Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette, by Auguste Renoir
Second Floor (Niveau Supérieur), Room 30 (Salle 30)
This painting depicts a joyous scene in Montmartre, a popular hub for artists at the time.
In fact, Renoir actually painted some of his friends, intending to capture a typical contemporary scene in Paris, a snapshot of daily life.
In this piece, Renoir plays with both natural and artificial light masterfully to attract the viewer’s attention to certain figures in particular.
Rather than blurring only the background to guide the viewer’s gaze, he uses vibrant strokes of color and creates movement by dissolving forms and figures.
Essai de figure en plein-air : Femme à l’ombrelle tournée vers la droite, by Claude Monet
Second Floor (Niveau Supérieur), Room 32 (Salle 32)
The woman in the painting is Suzanne Hoschédé, Monet’s step-daughter and one of his most-used models.
Depicting a scene in the countryside, a very real moment, this painting however further blurs the contours of its elements.
Notice the intermingling bright colors softening the separation between the woman and nature.
Short, seemingly spontaneous brushstrokes create a bright, almost pastel light.
Jeune fille au jardin, by Mary Cassatt
Second Floor (Niveau Supérieur), Room 32 (Salle 32)
Mary Cassatt was an American painter and close friend of Edgar Degas.
With her connections on the East Coast, she played a major role in introducing Impressionism to the American art world.
Her paintings often depict young women or girls in a natural setting. Jeune fille au jardin is often regarded as one of her greatest works.
In contrast to many of Monet’s works, she paints in more detail, clearly contouring the girl’s face in contrast to the nature in the background.
Notice the structure of the painting defined by the clear lines of a diagonal path. The short brushstrokes and vibrant colors are characteristic of Impressionism.
Le Foyer de la danse à l’Opéra de la rue Le Peletier, by Edgar Degas
Second Floor (Niveau Supérieur), Room 31 (Salle 31)
This masterpiece is another example of the similarity between Impressionist paintings and photography.
Degas masterfully captures a moment of ordinary life, where no figure in the painting is actually posing for the painter, a sharp departure from previous art movements where portraiture was the norm.
The girls are simply going through their ballet class, seemingly oblivious to the presence of an observer/the viewer.
Edgar Degas painted several ballet classes while studying the movement of the human body, and his dancers remain one of his most famous artistic themes.
Although Degas was one of the founding members of Impressionism, his work is different from his contemporaries in key ways.
One of the key differences in his work is that many of his pieces are set indoors, as well as the more expressive nature of each individual.
2. Le Musée de l’Orangerie
Photo Credit: Homonihilis – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Located in the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries just steps away from the majestic Place de la Concorde, the Orangerie Museum houses some of the most important works of several Impressionist artists.
The building was first used as a rather scandalous restaurant and meeting point for the Parisian elite in the 17th century.
It was then transformed into a greenhouse to protect the garden’s orange trees, les orangers, in the winter, which went on to give the museum its name.
The Orangerie was transferred to the Estate of the Secretariat of Fine Arts in 1921 and it was Claude Monet himself who insisted on using the space to exhibit his famous Nymphéas!
A far cry from his modest beginnings in the past century, Monet had gained some powerful friends, most notably Georges Clémenceau, who brought Monet’s vision to life.
Sadly, Monet passed away just 6 months before the Museum opened its doors to the public and never got to see his vision enacted.
Along with Monet’s masterpieces, you can find artworks by Impressionists like Renoir, Sisley, Matisse, and Sézanne, as well as paintings by Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and many more.
Here is an overview to help you navigate your visit!
Les Nymphéas, Claude Monet, 8 panels
2 galleries dedicated to Monet’s final work, the Water Lilies, can be found on the upper floor
Arguably the greatest work of any Impressionist, the Water Lilies are displayed in specially designed oval galleries, which have been referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Impressionism.
It took Monet almost 30 years to complete this work, which he donated to the French State the day after the Armistice (which effectively ended World War I) was signed.
Monet wished for this masterpiece to be a symbol of peace, with the elliptical shape of the room representing infinity.
With the galleries’ glass ceiling, the paintings appear different depending on the weather and the time of day.
For a first visit, it is recommended to see the 8 panels when the galleries are flooded with sunlight, but a visit in darker weather can be just as special.
If your time in Paris is limited and you can only see one masterpiece, Nymphéas should be your top choice for an unforgettable experience.
Monet painted the iconic water lilies from his garden in Giverny, Normandy.
Should you feel inspired, the painter’s house has been turned into a museum which you can visit on a day trip from Paris!
On the lower level of the museum you’ll find the permanent exhibition called ‘Les Arts à Paris’.
This part of the museum features a wide range of different artists, including those outside the Impressionist movement.
If you have time to head downstairs after your visit of Monet’s galleries, make sure you include:
Gabrielle et Jean, Auguste Renoir
Room 8, Lower Floor
This painting belongs to a series Renoir painted of his young son, seen here with the family’s servant, Gabrielle.
While the faces and expressions are quite detailed, the background is barely distinguishable, just like the toys on the table.
The painting feels like a moving tribute to the passing of time, like a memory slowly fading.
The faintness of detail gives the impression as if the painter was trying to hold on to a moment with his child, a moment in time he knew would soon be a memory.
Located in the majestic 16th arrondissement, the Marmottan Monet museum houses the largest collection of Monet’s paintings, donated to the museum in 1966 by his son, Michel.
This museum was famously robbed in 1985, when armed men stole five paintings, including the precious Impression, Sunrise by Monet.
After an arrest in Japan revealed the involvement of a French art theft duo, all the stolen paintings were found in Porto Vecchio, Corsica before being returned safe and sound in 1990.
Heist history aside, the Musée Marmottan Monet is one of the best places to see Impressionist art in Paris.
Here are the works you absolutely have to see:
Impression, Soleil Levant by Claude Monet
Monet gallery
This painting of Le Havre at sunrise is one of Monet’s most influential works. Its title even accidentally gave the Impressionist movement its name!
The movement was first called the Impressionists satirically by a harsh critic, who did not approve of the modern approach.
Little did he know that what was intended as a snide remark would mark the beginning of one of the most influential artistic movements in history!
Monet had simply used the term ‘Impression’ to highlight that he wasn’t trying to paint an accurate image of Le Havre, but rather trying to convey subjective feelings and memories.
Eugène Manet à l’Île de Wight, Berthe Morisot
Permanent collection
Berthe Morisot is amongst the few well-known female Impressionist artists in a period dominated by men.
Her wealthy, bourgeois background gave her a leg up where other women were denied it, and it allowed her and her husband to dedicate most of their lives to art.
This painting shows Morisot’s husband, Eugène Manet (the less-famous brother of Édouard Manet), on the couple’s honeymoon in England.
Notice how the artist attracts the viewer’s gaze to the outdoor scenery, with her use of vibrant colors and the typical short brushstrokes to beautifully master the light.
Portrait de Berthe Morisot Étendue, Edouard Manet
Permanent Collection
Edouard Manet was introduced to Berthe Morisot, who would later marry his brother, in 1868.
A talented painter in her own right, Morisot became a muse for Manet, who painted her many times.
This painting in particular captures the woman’s beauty so well that Manet gave it to her as a gift.
It remained in the family for two generations until Morisot’s grandchildren donated it to the museum.
En promenade près d’Argenteuil, Claude Monet
Monet gallery
This painting is truly emblematic of Impressionist art.
Depicting Monet’s wife and son on a walk in the countryside, the painter uses a vivid palette of colors and short brushstrokes to play with light and movement.
The contours of the protagonists are blurred, almost indistinguishable from their surroundings.
The woman’s dress provides an impression of wind while the bright colors lead you to practically feel the warmth radiating from the scene.
Monet represents a soft, almost pastoral landscape, idealizing the natural landscape and rendering an impression as fleeting as the memory of that sunny day.
Anna is 20-something writer from France, currently living on the beautiful island of Bali. After earning a degree from Sorbonne Université in Paris, she spent a few years working in fashion before embarking on what was supposed to be a 1-year trip through Europe, North Africa and Asia — which ultimately turned into moving to Bali. Aside from traveling and writing, her passions include surfing, film photography, drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee, and reading through the night.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two or a solo adventure, no France vacation is complete without visiting Paris.
That said, you could spend a lifetime soaking up the beauty of France, from the beaches of Normandy to the French Riviera.
But if you’re a wine lover – or just a lover of the finer things in life in general – one thing you have to do is take a Champagne tour from Paris to try the region’s unforgettable wines.
Yes, Paris is located less than two hours away from the Champagne region of France, making a Champagne tour the perfect way to add a little sparkle to your trip.
The charming Ville-Dommange in Champagne region
The combination of the perfect climate and fertile, rich terroir makes Champagne the king of France’s sparkling wine – and sparkling wine around the world, in fact.
Visit the Champagne region to see why only wines here produced in the traditional Méthode Champenoise, within the Champagne DOC can be called true Champagne – everything else is just sparkling wine!
But while Champagne enjoys a big name around the world, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, it’s an agricultural product, a labor of love.
Taking a Champagne tour from Paris will help demystify this elegant drink and show you how it goes from grape to bottle.
Vineyards in Champagne’s Marne Valley
These Champagne winemakers dedicate their lives to making sure their product is superior to everything else on the market – after all, they’ve got a big name to defend.
France isn’t synonymous with wine, cheese, and the good life for nothing. Take a day to travel from Paris to Champagne and taste some of the best wine on Earth!
My Top 3 Picks: Champagne Tours
🥂In a rush and just want our top picks?I’ve got you.
⌛ Tour Length: 10-11 hours | 🌟 Rating: 4.8/5 stars (370+ reviews) | 🥂 Book Now
Unique Features: – Try at least 8 different wines during the tour – A traditional lunch is provided, with wine and tasting suggestions – Experience both a prestigious Champagne estate and a smaller producer
This Champagne tour starting from Paris will wine and dine you for over 10 hours!
After atwo-hour drive from Paris to the Champagne region, you’ll be taken to a prestigious wine estate featuring some big local names.
There’s something so aesthetically pleasing about a well-designed wine bottle.
Now imagine an entire estate’s worth of bottles of Moët, Pommery, or Veuve Clicquot, all yours for the touring!
After going through an extensive wine gallery seeing various bottlings and vintages, you’ll get to try some of these wines for yourself.
You’ll also receive a crash course on how to properly appreciate the taste of Champagne, as it’s not your average wine.
Next up, it’s time to enjoy some lunch at a local champagne house or small restaurant.
And yes, there will be wine and Champagne there too, and you’ll be taught the best way to pair it all!
“Don’t think twice — Book this trip!! We learned so much about the process of champagne making as well as tasted champagne from 4 unique champagne houses. We were also able to purchase bottles to take home with us. Our guide, Simone was amazing. His enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge made the trip even better. This was one of our highlights on our trip to Paris.“
Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne are among the most iconic parts of the Champagne region, and you get to take a tour of some vineyards here after lunch.
The views here are to die for – if this tour doesn’t inspire you to take up photography, nothing will!
If you’ve ever seen videos of someone opening a Champagne bottle with what looks like a sword, you’ve seen the art of ‘sabrage’, a dramatic, bombastic way to open a bottle.
Rest assured, you’ll be tasting all the lovely Champagne afterwards!
⌛ Tour Length: 11 hours | 🌟 Rating: 4.8/5 stars (130+ reviews) | 🥂 Book Now
Unique Features: – Fun, convivial group atmosphere – You get to try half a dozen mouth-watering wines! – Gourmet three-course meal is included in the tour
If you’re going to do a Champagne tour from Paris, you might as well do it with a fun and lively group of travelers like yourself!
During this tour, your guide will explain the history of the Champagne region, what qualifies as Champagne (and what doesn’t!) and visit some iconic wine cellars.
Plus, you’ll also get to meet some of the people who make the magic in Champagne before enjoying a few drinks with your fellow tourists.
And when I say “a few drinks”, I mean up to six tastings. Now that’s what I call a deal!
You’ll even stop by the home village of the inventor of Champagne himself!
“This was an amazing experience. While I went on off season, we still went to 2 different wineries and got to walk around town after an amazing lunch. I met a great group of people and our tour guide/driver Baptist was the reason for the best experience that we all had on this trip.”
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough… there’s also a three-course meal in it for you. Why stop at wine tasting when you can enjoy traditional French dishes too?
Plus, you’re going to need something to sop up all that wine you’re drinking!
Thanks to all the fun games and activities during the tour, you’re guaranteed to make a few friends in your group!
The cherry on top is the souvenir you get from your hosts before heading back out to Paris – but we won’t spoil it!
⌛ Tour Length: 10 hours | 🌟 Rating: 4.8/5 stars (65+ reviews) | 🥂 Book Now
Unique Features: – A thorough tour of Reims, including the stunning Cathedral – Taste up to 6 glasses of sparkling wine – The tour covers the winemaking process in detail
If you want a more intimate experience, you might be able to book a private group slot for this Champagne tour from Paris.
Besides just wines, the tour covers some broader French history too.
Reims is a beautiful city at the heart of the Champagne region, but it’s more than just a wine region.
Trust me, seeing the Reims Cathedral is one of the highlights of the tour.
After admiring the Gothic architecture, it’s finally time to get to wine tasting!
And don’t worry about going hungry – a few drinks later, you’ll get to enjoy a tasty lunch.
Save room, because starters and dessert are also included for a generous three-course meal.
“It was a beautiful day to visit Champagne! Thomas was very informative, enthusiastic, funny, and really made the experience worth while. They picked up and dropped off at our hotel which was key after a day of drinking! The champagne and food were delicious 🤤 and the views breathtaking! Definitely would come back 💯“
You’ll be visiting one of the region’s premier Champagne manufacturers – which one exactly depends on availability and schedules.
You’ll get to learn lots about the wine making and storage process before tasting their finest sparkling wines!
There’s a lot of drinking involved here, so thankfully, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation back in Paris – no dealing with public transport or squabbling over who has to be the designated driver.
⌛ Tour Length: 10 hours | 🌟 Rating: 4.5/5 stars (15+ reviews) | 🥂 Book Now
Unique Features: – Covers most of the iconic champagne houses in the region – Multilingual tour if needed – Extremely affordable price for budget travelers
The tour starts with a visit to one of Champagne’s most iconic houses.
Options include Taittinger, Mercier, and Moet&Chandon, so you’re in for a good time either way!
A lot of these wine estates date back to the mid-18th century. That’s really a testament to how strong the Champagne name has endured!
“Had a lovely day and learnt a lot while seeing the beautiful French country. Our guide Richardo was fantastic and very knowledgeable. This was a great activity to learn all about champagne and rest our feet for a day“
You’ll also head along the river Marne to the iconic Hautvillers, whereDom Perignon did his magic here 500 years ago, so there’s plenty to see and learn!
To really get a taste of the local lifestyle, you’ll be visiting a local manufacturer and trying their best wines, because Champagne is more than just the big names you hear name-dropped.
By the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy 4 exquisite tastings of France’s finest champagnes!
⌛ Tour Length: 11 hours | 🌟 Rating: 4.9/5 stars (70+ reviews) | 🥂 Book Now
Unique Features: – A visit to the world’s biggest champagne manufacturer – The chance to visit and buy from a family-owned winery – A visit to Reims’ Cathedral after the main tour
There’s no better place to start than a visit to Hautvillers and its Abbey, the gravesite of Dom Perignon – yes, the man himself. It’s a must-see when visiting Champagne!
Next is a visit to Nicolas Feuillatte, one of the biggest champagne manufacturers in the world. That also means 3 glasses of incredible Feuillatte champagne!
“WONDERFUL!! Worth every bit of money. Loved our tour guide Will, and all the lively stops! We were actually surprised that we enjoyed the small champagne house bottles more than the large commercial Champagne. An amazing day!”
⌛ Tour Length: 11 hours | 🌟 Rating: 4.8/5 stars (10+ reviews) | 🥂Book Now
Unique Features: – The tour includes 8 tastings, more than most Champagne tours – Ratafias and champagne available along with lunch – Private tour for individualized attention
The exclusive, private tour includes a whopping 8 tastings to give you the full picture of what Champagne is about!
The guides waste no time here – on the drive to Champagne, you’ll enjoy French croissants and learn some fun trivia about the region.
Moët & Chandon, Mumm, Veuve Clicquot, and Mercier are the biggest names in wine tasting. Any combination of these could be part of the tour – you’ll be surprised, but you won’t be disappointed!
“This was an incredibly well organized tour where I learned so much about how champagne is made. Our tour guide Jean-Baptiste was very knowledgeable himself and the tours and tastings got into even more detail. Lunch was delicious and the length of each visit was perfect. Highly recommend!”
You get to enjoy a local dish for lunch, but you won’t take a break from wine tasting. You can enjoy ratafias (another local wine) and Champagne along with your meal!
Plus, exploring the Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs should be on everyone’s Champagne bucket list. Both are covered here, so expect to learn lots!
If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a visit to another local winery before the drive to Paris. Luckily for you, you can take a wine nap on the way back!
⌛ Tour Length: 1 day | 🌟 Rating: 4.8/5 stars (5+ reviews) | 🥂 Book Now
Unique Features: –Extensive tour of multiple vineyards, more than what’s covered in most tours -The exact wineries you can visit are negotiable -A thorough tour of Hautvillers
French Champagne tours are naturally expensive, but this one is well worth the price tag when you consider how much there is to do (and taste!)
You get to experience the magic of both Bollinger and Ruinart, but that’s just the start. Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot are also on the menu!
You get to visit a bunch of historic vineyards along the way and learn about the different types of grapes in Champagne. You’ll be surprised to learn that it’s not exclusively white wine grapes!
⌛ Tour Length: 10 hours | 🌟 Rating: New! | 🥂 Book Now
Unique Features: -A visit to Hautvillers, a historic city with ties to Dom Perignon -You get to try wine at Moet & Chandon -Convenient pick-up and drop-off (from and to your accommodation)
⌛ Tour Length: 10 hours | 🌟 Rating: 5/5 stars (10+ reviews) | 🥂Book Now
Unique Features: – You’ll be visiting a wine museum and watching a short film on winemaking -You get to learn some wine-making secrets from local workers -An exclusive tour of Moët & Chandon
Making good wine is quite the task, so the next step is going to see a group of 80 farmers hard at work!
Wine geeks will get a kick out of the short documentary on winemaking. You’ll even visit a museum to see some of the tools used in making Champagne!
The experience is topped off with a visit to a local vineyard, where the workers will be proud to explain even more about the art of making Champagne wine and answer any questions you may have.
Naturally, they won’t send you back to Paris without letting you try some of their wines first!
Long story short, you’ll get to see three wineries and try up to four different sparkling wines. All in one action-packed day!
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
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