I went up the Eiffel Tower a few weeks ago for the first time in years. I was with my husband and…read moreour two kids, plus my brothers, my sisters-in-law, and my niece, just for good measure. Getting the tickets was a genuine headache, but the on-the-ground experience was not just magical but surprisingly easy. The online ticketing system leaves much to be desired. I wanted to buy eleven elevator tickets, for eight adults and three children, but was only able to check out with nine. I tried to get the last two in a second transaction but got locked out. Apparently, you can't book that many tickets under a single account, something I wish I'd known before I spent all that money on the nine. I emailed the customer service address and while they responded, they were spectacularly unhelpful. I then tasked my husband, my mother, and my brother with buying the last two tickets from different devices, and I don't understand why, but none of them were able to get through. The site was also annoying in that we had to make all of our selections and input credit card information before getting frozen out without explanation. My parents decided they didn't need to go up the tower anyway, as they'd been pretty recently, and that's how the issue resolved. I guess we could've gotten them tickets day of, but no one had the will for it, so the rest of us just went up while they hung out in the park at the base of the tower. My branch of the family was running late for our 4:00 entry and had a fairly stressful time making that long jaunt from the Trocadero to the tower. There was some security to get into the park, but it went quickly, and once we were in, we found the entrance for ticket holders right away. To my amazement, there was no line, and we were riding a diagonal elevator up the tower about as soon as we arrived. I love the Eiffel Tower and loved visiting with my children, who were awed by both the iconic structure and the marvelous views. It's great to admire from afar, but well worth a dedicated excursion. I look forward to going back whenever I'm back in Paris.

Overview: a classic, must-see landmark in Paris…read more ---- Very beautiful landmark and prettier if you see it light up at night. The tower only sparkles when it's dark enough outside to see it. When it's the spring/summer the sun sets very late at night so when I was there, the Eiffel Tower first sparkled at 10pm! We didn't know that, so we arrived around 8pm and waited 2 hours. It then started to rain and we shared one umbrella between 4 people. There are lots of people walking around trying to sell you stuff can be very annoying especially if you came there early and they keep asking you. They walk around with small trinkets, some with drinks like wine, blankets, and even umbrellas when it started to rain. There are lots of people on the grassy field in front of the tower having picnics and waiting for the tower to light up as well. The walk from the metro wasn't too long, but also wasn't that short, but it's Paris so be prepared to walk for everything! It beautiful and was worth the walking, waiting, and being rained on. ---- Overall: beautifully lit up at the beginning of the hour after the sun goes down, for us it was at 10pm! Be prepared to walk and wait, enjoy the views and atmosphere with others waiting to see the pretty lights

The Pantheon is a marvelous neoclassical structure that was originally planned to be a church,…read morehowever the circumstances of history changed its course, and instead pays homage to the heroes of France and those who helped shaped its culture and history in the world. We visited on a rainy day in Feb 2026 and there was quite a line. We waited about 30 mins and paid 13 euros each, plus an extra 4 euros for an audio guide. I would recommend purchasing tickets ahead and the extra 4 euros for the audio guide is well worth it. Give yourself at least 1 hour, but you could be in here all day. The crypt houses many including philosophers and authors: Voltaire,Rousseau Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas, as well as scientists like Marie Curie, and activists. Right next door is a beautiful church Eglise St Etienne du Mont which should not be missed!

A church turned mausoleum for greats like Victor Hugo (interestingly enough, when we were in…read moreBrussels we actually stayed next door to a home he had there). Neoclassical architecture that's stood the test of time for centuries. Deeply rooted in French history it's a must-see for any architecture and/or history buffs. The tour is educational and informative.

Entry into the Grand Palais is free of charge and when you see the building's exterior you'll…read moreimmediately decide that you must go inside. It's stunning, though you'll soon realize that the part you most wanted to see - the glass enclosed space - might not be open to you. Visiting in May, the glass-domed space was locked tight, opened only for special shows and events. I've looked at the calendar now, in June, and see that they open it for many summer activities and were I there now I'd certainly try to get tickets for one of those events. Otherwise? This is still a worthy investment of time, not just to look around and peer into the glass-domed space, but to view the exhibits (individually priced, tickets available at the door). I noticed 3 special exhibits during my visit and paid for entry to 2 (Matisse and Nan Golden). Based on this experience, I'd recommend paying for entry to the exhibits of artists you're least familiar with under the assumption that they'll be less crowded. The Matissse exhibit was crowded enough to render the experience almost unpleasant. The Nan Golden show? Perfect. Though I'd recommend paying to see some exhibits, even if all you do is enter to walk around and explore the space you'll be nicely rewarded. The Grand Palais has some pleasant, quiet seating areas inside and the space is lovely.

What a cool venue! I hear that the Grand Palais just recently reopened and Chanel chose this…read morelocation to debut their fall/Winter collection for 2025. Such a massive event with hundreds of guest and press. Chanel were the ultimate host arranging different special events throughout Paris and hosting several meals and providing chauffeured driver services for us. All culminating to the main event. The pigeon tried stealing the show.

Great views, no crowds, and very relaxed vibe. There is an indoor level on the 56th floor if the…read moreweather isn't good. There's a gift shop here. 3 floors up is the open air roof top patio. Strategic breaks in the plexiglass give clear shots for your camera. Comfortable chairs are scattered about, as well as selfie stations. Staff were chill and didn't rush anyone away. Would definitely recommend. Inexpensive as well.

If you want beautiful city views with the Eiffel Tower, going to the top of this observatory should…read morebe on your to do list. It's beautiful and if you go later in the day, there aren't as many crowds.

One of the major cemeteries in Paris - we visited this afternoon on our last day in town…read more We entered from the Gaîté entrance and oriented ourselves using a map at the entrance. The missus wanted to visit the grave of the important oncologist Gustave Roussy, I wanted to visit the most famous one - Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. We strolled around, trying to find these graves, thinking about loved ones that are no longer with us, and enjoying the serenity in the heart of Paris. The simple graves with fresh flowers touched me the most, the opulent but untended ones the least. Glad we came.

I couldn't leave Paris without seeing at least one Cemetary…read more This was on my walk back towards my hotel after visiting the catacombs! I took the opportunity on a cool fall day to pay my respects. Really,fabulous old Cemetary in the historic area of Paris.

The Pont Neuf (French translation): "New Bridge") is the oldest standing bridge across the river…read moreSeine in Paris, France. It stands by the western (downstream) point of the island in the middle of the river that was, between 250 and 225 BC, the birthplace of Paris. I had to get as close as I could to take my photo. I was at the mercy of my daughter. She planned the daily activities as it was her first visit to Paris. I let her dictate as I have been to Paris before. She wasn't interested in the river and bridge like I was. I'm a fan of rivers and bridges. I hope to return for a closer view. For now I hope you appreciate this beautiful bridge. It's a historic wonder to me. It's an arch bridge made of stone. When you visit Paris go see it up close and take lots of photos!

The Pont Neuf, or New Bridge, is the oldest bridge across the Seine. It was new for its time. It…read morewas built in the late 1500s and finished in 1607. It has 12 arches, following the Roman style. On the sides of the bridge, you see mascarons, or faces with masks. There are almost 400 different faces of mythological characters. These are copies. The originals were made my Pilon in the 1500s. They're in museums now. The closest metro is called Pont Neuf. Please visit at night when it's so beautiful with the lights and the reflection in the river.

The Musee de l'Armee is located in the Hotel des Invaldies, which also houses the grand tomb of…read moreNapoleon Bonaparte. Hotel des invalides was the creation of Loius XIV and originally was a hospital and retirement home for military veterans. The museum has many different sections to visit and houses one of the largest collections of military weapons and other objets from the middle ages to the present. It also houses the St Louis des Invalides Cathedral. We visited in February 2026 and paid 17 euro each for entrance fee. Its opens at 10am and closes at 5:50pm. Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours here. We were here for the entire day and still did not get to see everything. Audio guides are free as long as you leave an ID with the desk. I would recommend getting the audio tour. There was massive construction going on in the enormous courtyard, so unfortunately this was not accessible. There is a cafe near Napoleans tomb which which we stopped on for hot chocolate and croissants and to rest.

This is a cool museum to visit. It once was and still is a hospital for veterans. If you like…read moreNapoleonic history then this is a MUST SEE museum. I personally enjoyed it. I cannot emphasize enough how cool and vast this museum is. Super worth seeing. Started in the weapons gallery. So many swords, knives, shields, and other weapons from different eras like the French, Ottoman Turks, the Japanese and so forth. Then went to the big French/Napoleon exhibition. Wow. So much information, portraits, videos, and stuff to learn. You could spend the entire day here. So many rooms and hallways to see. Finally finished with Napoleon's tomb. Wow! What a casket for one man. Definitely their crown jewel. What Abraham Lincoln was to us, Napoleon is to the French. Definitely visit this museum!

Well I'm just going to go ahead and give it 5 stars even though we weren't able to go inside. But,…read moreit was still cool to be able to stand directly across the street from the French version of the White House otherwise known as President Macron's present residence. There were a few officers out front, and in the immediate area there were police stationed at the Minister of Interior which is across the street and on every corner for a few blocks.

From the owner: La résidence officielle des présidents de la République depuis 1873. Edifié en 1718 pour le Comte…read mored'Evreux, le palais fut racheté par Madame de Pompadour en 1753 puis il revint à Louis XVI en 1764. En 1805, Napoléon offrit l'hôtel à sa soeur qui le fit embellir par le Salon d'Argent et le salon Murat où se déroule aujourd'hui le Conseil des Ministres. L'intérieur luxueux est orné de tapisseries des Gobelins, de meubles et de tableaux du XVIIIè siècle, mais il ne se visite que lors des journées du patrimoine. Il est la résidence du Président de la République Française.

Part of the oldest area of Paris the Latin Quarter or 5th Arrondisement is so unique and…read moreinteresting you must visit Tons of old cobblestone side alleys with bars,cafes,bistros, and shops it is truly one of a kind

Latin Quarter, Paris, France. 5th arrondissement…read more Oh! Si tu pouvais lire dans mon coeur, tu verrais la place où je t'ai mise! Oh! If you could read my heart, you would see the place that I keep you.. so I wander.. A cool, old, very old neighborhood in Paris. I'm usually in the Montmartre, Madeleine, or Pyramids areas of Paris, so for me, crossing Le Seine River is the first step before any steps are in Quartier Latin. Wandering Quartier Latin was fun for me. Passing historical landmarks such as the Natural History Museum, the Panthéon, Medieval Musée de Cluny with the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries that dates to circa 1511, to more modern destinations like the Shakespeare & Company English Bookstore, which dates to 1911 and seems so beautifully out of place. Just walking the streets you can find yourself in well known movie spots, like the Rue Mouffetard - Market Street, where Julia Child listed as her favorite outdoor market. The same streets made popular by Meryl Streep seen shopping in Julie and Julia! Oui, oui! In the end, I encourage you to stroll through Quartier Latin. One of the most architectural preserved arrondissement in all of Paris and it's absolutely free! Wanderlust like I did and find cobblestone streets filled with history and character! Voltaire sleeps for eternity at the Panthéon and so does Madame Curie. Oh! If you could read my heart... IG: @eric_travel_guru

Loved our visit to the Petit Palais. Free entry, gorgeous architecture, and two full floors of…read moresculptures, paintings, and artifacts that are beautifully displayed. The building--designed by Charles Girault for the 1900 Universal Exhibition--is a masterpiece in itself. The collection spans from antiquity to the early 20th century and is surprisingly extensive. If you're nearby, don't miss it.

On the boring side. Very limited exhibitions. Art was not to our liking, not varied, spent less…read morethan half an hour in the museum. Gift shop worthless.