Discovering Paris For The First Time – A Guide To The City Of Light

There's a certain magic to setting foot in Paris for the very first time. The ancient streets, the grand boulevards, the centuries of history layered into every building — all come together to create a sense of wonder that's hard to describe, but impossible to forget. Whether you're here to see the world-famous landmarks, indulge in divine pastries, or simply soak in the Parisian atmosphere, this city has a way of drawing you in, making every moment feel like part of a grand adventure. The rhythm of Paris unfolds at its own pace, revealing itself in the quiet corners of a hidden café, the lively chatter at a street market, or the sun setting over the Seine.

The Heartbeat of History & A City of Contrasts

Map of the Paris Arrondissements, Wikimedia by Eric Gaba & Mark Craft

Paris is the capital of France and is located in the north-central part of the country. People have lived here, along the Seine river, for 10,000 years. The history of the city itself dates back to 259 BCE when the Parisii, a Celtic tribe, settled on the banks of the Seine. Just over 2,000 years ago, in 52 BCE, the village was conquered by the Romans, who named their Gallo-Roman town Lutetia. You can still see vestiges of the Romans in the Latin Quarter at the Musée Cluny and the Roman stadium, Arènes de Lutèce.

The city wasn't commonly called "Paris" until the fourth century. This occurred at the very end of the Roman domination and is a sort of contraction of the city's official Roman name, Lutetia Parisiorum. In 508 the first king of the Franks, Clovis I, made Paris the capital of his vast empire. Learn more in our articles about history of Paris.

The Seine river defines the city. At the center of things is an island in the Seine, Île de la Cité, the home of Notre Dame, the stained-glass wonder of La Sainte-Chapelle, and some of the early remains of ancient Paris. The Left Bank, as the south side of the river is called (known as Rive Gauche), has traditionally been the center of the city's intellectual life, while the Right Bank, Rive Droite, is the heart of the city's economic life.

The city of Paris is compact, covering a mere 105 square kilometres (forty square miles) and stretching only about ten kilometres east to west (six miles). You could easily walk from one side of the city to the other during a day of exploring. A ring road, called the Périphérique, circles, the city and defines the outside border of the twenty arrondissements that make up Paris. The numbering of the arrondissements begins in the center of Paris and spirals clockwise, in the shape of a snail shell, ending on the eastern edge of the city. Read more in our guide to the Paris arrondissements.

• The Arrondissements of Paris…
• Getting Around Paris…
• The Paris Explorer…

Paris Through the Years

Notre Dame on the River Seine

It's always busy in Paris. Always. Christmas is high season, starting in late November through mid-January. There is a slight lull in February, but by March the city starts attracting visitors for Easter and spring. The two peak summer months of June and July bring families whose children have extended school breaks.

August is an anomaly. In France, August is the traditional month for summer holidays. Many restaurants, bakeries, and other businesses in Paris (as well as government offices) close for the month of August as tout le monde travel to their summer beach or country destinations. But that makes August one of our favorite months to be in Paris. There are still enough businesses that stay open, but the crowds are definitely smaller during this month.

September brings Parisians back to the city in a annual migration known as la rentrée and the autumn cultural and events season is a busy one. To discover what's on in Paris when you're here consult one of our updated calendars —

• Things to Do in Paris Calendar…
• Paris Events Calendar…
• Museum Exhibitions Calendar…

The Best Places to Stay in Paris

Room with a view, Hotel Le Meurice

Most visitors prefer to stay in the center of Paris, in the arrondissements numbered 1 to 9. This makes sense because it puts you in the middle of the Paris action, with almost everything you want to see within walking distance or a short Metro ride. As you might expect, hotels in these arrondissements tend to cost more than those a bit farther out.

In recent years areas of the 10th and 11th Arrondissements have become popular, with an increasing number of visitors staying around Canal Saint-Martin and Place de la République. If you're looking for relative bargains, these would be good areas to search. Another area to look for relative bargains is up in Montmartre. (The 18th Arrondissement.) The hilltop neighborhood was once a separate village where artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, and Picasso lived and worked.

Other relative bargains can be found in the 19th and 20th Arrondissements. These are interesting districts, but are definitely a a longer Metro ride to get to the action and attractions in the core of the city. (For example, it's more than a 30-minute Metro or bus ride to get from historic Pere Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th Arrondissement to the Louvre in the 1st Arrondissement.) However, if you're a first-time visitor we recommend you stay in the center of things. Use these links to find out more.

• The Best Neighborhoods & Top-Rated Hotels…
• The Top Left Bank Hotels…
• Magnificent 7 – Latin Quarter Hotels…
• The Best Montmartre Hotels…

Discover the Rest of France

Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley

There's a lot of French history and treasures beyond the Paris city gates and it's worth while to plan a day or two exploring. Guided day trips, where everything is arranged for you, are the best way to do this. It's easy to visit the magnificent chateau and gardens of Versailles, the gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny, or the castles of the Loire Valley on day trips from Paris. You can even get to the Champagne Region and back in the same day. Here are some guides to get you started —

• The 6 Best Ways To Visit Versailles…
• Day Trips To The Champagne Region…
• The Top Loire Valley Day Tours…
• Visit the D-Day Landing Beaches…

A Bit of Parisian Etiquette

In Paris manners do count. The French are reserved by nature, so don't expect big smiles and "howdies" in Paris. However, don't mistake their quiet demeanor for bad manners. Generally speaking, Parisians do not share personal details with strangers, like Americans tend to do. They may not even reveal their first names to you.

You may get introduced as "Madame" or "Monsieur". It's common courtesy in Paris to say "bonjour" when you enter a store or restaurant and "au revoir" when you leave. Also get in the habit of always adding please and thank-you by saying "s'il vous plait" and "merci".

When you are in a restaurant, try not to speak too loudly. It's a dead giveaway that you're a tourist! Keep your voice low and speak directly to your dining partner. Loud laughter is frowned upon in Paris restaurants. You'll also notice that loud talking and laughter is not part of the Metro experience either. Parisians may even cover their mouth when speaking on a cell phone. Eating and drinking are not done on public transportation.

An Essential Guide to Exploring Paris Like a Local

Planning a trip to Paris can feel like opening the door to endless possibilities, and we're here to help you make the most of every moment. Whether you're daydreaming about a sunrise walk along the Seine or tracking down the perfect croissant, our curated recommendations will lead you to the very best of the city. With insider tips on everything from hidden gems to must-see landmarks, we're your trusty companion in crafting a Paris experience that's truly your own. Ready to start planning? Let us guide you through every step of your adventure.

• 10 Ways To Find The Best Paris Restaurant… And Feel Like You've Discovered It…