Paris Vacations

Shopaholics looking for a retail fix will undoubtedly flock to boutiques in the Galeries Lafayette, Les Halles and along the Champs Élysées. The shops on Boulevard Haussmann, meanwhile, offer a taste of Paris haute couture.

The best way to see and experience Paris is on foot or by using public transportation. Travelling by train, Metro and RER makes moving through the city a breeze.

Those seeking wide-open spaces enjoy long strolls through the city’s many splendid parks, such as Luxembourg Gardens and Parc de la Villette. Tourists often dedicate an entire day to discovering the Palace of Versailles—another UNESCO world heritage site—and its stunning gardens and architecture.

Foodies with a fine palate can eat their heart out. The Parisian culinary scene is all about warm croissants with a bowl of café au lait, fine red wine and unique tartares... Whatever the budget, Paris has what every epicurean is looking for, from small cafés and bakeries, to local bistros and Micheline-star restaurants.

The City of Light has no shortage of attractions and monuments for tourists to marvel at. The Eiffel Tower (for which the elevator ride requires advance ticket reservations), the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and d’Orsay museums, the Centre Pompidou and Notre-Dame de Paris are all must-see Parisian landmarks. Travellers should also make time to explore Montmartre, the Père Lachaise cemetery, the Seine River and the quays, as well as the Île de la Cité and Saint-Louis islands, and the lovely UNESCO heritage bridges that connect them.