Aeon Tours created this Locals’ Guide to Paris with everything you need to make your stay in Paris as easy and as enjoyable as possible. Our guide is stocked with everything - from info about Paris’ most famous attractions to the best spots to grab a nightcap in the wee hours of the morning.

Paris: Your Ultimate Escape

Few places are as romantic and luxurious as Paris. While the world is filled with cities that are historic and others that are supremely modern, no city on earth is able to marry both ideals as well as Paris does today. From the uber-modern Centre Pompidou to the ancient, medieval alleys, from the avant-garde galleries in the Marias to the quaint cafes lining the Seine, there is a part of Paris that draws each of us in.

City Layout

Paris was founded by the Gaul’s in 300 BC. Today, Paris is divided into 20 districts, called arrondissments, which start in the literal center of Paris at kilometore zero, and spiral outward from there by number. The cityscape of Paris is dominated by the Seine River that splits Paris into two main areas, the legendary Left and the Right Banks. In the middle of the Seine are two islands, the Ile de la Cite and Ile St-Louis, which is home to the Notre Dame Cathedral. Most of the city’s most famed sites are located in the city center.

Top Tourist Attractions

Museums

Paris is home to countless fantastic museums. It is thought that one could spend an entire year simply walking the Louvre and not see all the exhibits they have. To get you started, we've listed just a few of what we consider our "must-sees".

Restaurants

Paris is a food lover's dream. It's almost impossible to find a terrible restaurant in Paris, as the French would simply not eat there. It's best to stay away from tourist traps (i.e. if you see a photo of the food in the window, it's not a place Parisians dine in). Below we've listed just a few of our favorite tasty spots. While they are a delicious place to start, but don''t stop with just our suggestions! The Parisian food landscape is endless and best explored by wandering down a hidden side street and slipping into one of her many charming, 4 table bistros. Bon appetit!

Keep in mind that many Parisians go on vacation in the summer, so please call ahead to make sure your restaurant will be open during your visit.

Nightlife

Paris truly comes alive in the evening. Whether you are looking to pass the night away at a smoky jazz bar, or listen to the latest DJs spinning their hits, there's a spot in Paris for you.

Transportation

The Paris Metro is one of the world’s best, and is really the only way to get around Paris that is efficient and affordable. The Metro opens at 5:30 in the morning and ends around 12:15 am.

The metro itself is worth exploring in Paris, as most of the major stations are intrinsic parts of the Parisian cityscape. The metro stations are easily recognizable as they are marked by a huge “M” or the word “Metropolitain”.

If you are going to be in Paris for more than a day or so, it is best to purchase a carte orange, which you can purchase by week or month. An unlimited weekly pass costs just €14.50 and the monthly is €48.60. Just make sure you have a photo ID with you as one is required in order to purchase your pass.

Weather

Aaaaaah, Parisian weather. Is there anything less predictable? Typically, Paris experiences 4 seasons, much like the northeastern part of the US (although without the extremes). Spring time in Paris is usually a crapshoot – you’re just as likely to get a perfect sunny day as you are to experience a gray, rainy day. Fortunately, while it may drizzle in Paris, it is usually quite comfortable temperature-wise.

Summertime in Paris ranges from the rainy days of June to an occasional heat wave in August. Fall in Paris can be quite comfortable, and without the mobs of tourists. Winter in Paris, though gloomy, is quite manageable temperature-wise, provided you have the customary Parisian scarf around your neck to keep you warm.

Emergency

In case of emergency, we’ve listed the most important contact numbers below: