France Travel Guide
Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash
France draws more visitors than anywhere else on earth, and Paris is only the beginning of what’s here.
Where to Stay
In Paris, the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés put you within walking distance of most major sights, while Montmartre offers a quieter, more residential feel a short ride from the center. Boutique hotels and apartment rentals both work well here — see our full stay guide for which fits your trip.
What to Eat
Start the day with a proper croissant or pain au chocolat from a neighborhood boulangerie, not a hotel buffet. For dinner, a classic bistro serves steak-frites, coq au vin, or a simple onion soup better than most tourist-trap restaurants near the landmarks — and don’t skip the cheese course before dessert, it isn’t optional in French dining culture.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary (Paris)
Day 1 — Île de la Cité & the Latin Quarter
Start at Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, wander the Left Bank along the Seine, then browse the Latin Quarter’s bookshops before a bistro dinner nearby.
Day 2 — Louvre & the Eiffel Tower
Book a timed Louvre ticket for the morning, walk through the Tuileries Garden toward the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, and finish at the Eiffel Tower for sunset.
Day 3 — Montmartre & the Marais
Climb to Sacré-Cœur and the Montmartre streets early, then spend the afternoon in the Marais — Place des Vosges, small galleries and boutiques — and end with a long dinner.
Opening times and ticket rules change — check each sight before you go.
What to Wear
Paris runs cooler and wetter than most visitors expect, even in summer — pack real layers and a proper umbrella. Locals dress simply but polished: tailored basics over logos and activewear.
