paris lights tour

THE 10 BEST Paris Night Tours

Night tours in paris.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Night Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Paris and Montmartre 2CV Tour by Night with Champagne

2. Paris by Night Tootbus Tour

3. Big Bus Paris Open Top Night Tour

4. Paris Moulin Rouge Dinner Show

5. A Magical Evening in Paris With Locals: PRIVATE City Walking Tour

6. Paris by Night: Exclusive Segway night tour with a Local Guide

7. Paris by Night

8. Private Paris Night Tour - with Magic City Lights and Local Vibes

9. Paris Romantic & Private Tour By Night on a Sidecar Ural

10. Private Paris guided Tour by classic 1970 Mercedes S Class

11. Night / Sunset Tour of Paris in Electric Bike

12. Paris Vintage Tour by Night on a Sidecar with Champagne

13. Ghost & Haunted Walking Tour in Eiffel Tower Exterior at Night

14. Paris By Night: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour

15. Paris Private Night Tour with River Cruise and Champagne Option

16. Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Overnight Stay Onboard

17. Paris Illuminations Night Tour

18. Paris Taste of the Games Tootbus Tour by Night

19. Paris by Night: A Walking Tour through the City of Lights

20. Private tour Louvre By night

21. Paris By Night with Seine River Cruise and Roundtrip Luxury Transportation

22. Discover Paris by Night: Bohemian Walking Tour

23. PARIS : Gourmet dinner by Luxury Bus in the capital of lights

24. Private Sightseeing in Paris By Night

25. Paris By Night - Vision Tour - Private Trip

26. Paris by night Private walking tour

27. Orsay by night private tour

28. Montmartre Night Walking Tour with Cabaret Show and Dinner

29. Eiffel Tower Climbing with Summit Access in Paris

What travelers are saying.

Eiffel Tower Light Show

Renowned as one of the best visual experiences in Paris, the Eiffel Tower Light Show is a must-see highlight during a night tour of the iconic city. The Tower, which attracts millions of visitors annually, lights up on all evenings for five minutes per hour until 1 AM. If you catch up to the Tower on special occasions like New Year’s Eve or Bastille Day, you will get to witness a stunning fireworks show beyond the glow of the lights.

The Tower lights up in different colours to support or endorse important causes like Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With a beacon at the top that helps tourists find routes in the dark, the Eiffel Tower’s lights are much more than a simple aesthetic for Paris. The first Light Show at Eiffel Tower was organised in 1889, with 10,000 gas lights and two huge projectors.

The techniques have changed since then, with authorities installing 336 projectors on the ground that light up the Eiffel Tower today as well as limit energy consumption at the attraction. Plan your Paris itinerary to include at least one night with the Eiffel Tower Light Show, which is visible from most locations in the city and ranks among the top romantic activities in the City of Love.

Book Eiffel Tower tickets and watch the light show or you can also take a Seine River cruise and enjoy the light show on a clear night.

The Eiffel Tower Illuminations in History

• Eiffel Tower at night is like a lighted paradise. It has represented many occasions and festivals in the past.
• In 2008, Eiffel Tower sparkled with blue and yellow lights representing the European flag for the occasion of France assuming the European Presidency.
• Eiffel Tower's 120th anniversary witnessed the light show every night for two consecutive months. On one of these nights, the Eiffel tower lights were a combination of vibrant colors from purple to red and blue, which moved up and down the tower in arty and hypnotic patterns.
• In November 2015, Eiffel Tower changed its color to the French tricolor flag in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attack.
• In November 2016, the Eiffel Tower sparkle turned green in the hope of a sustainable future and to represent the new Paris Climate Agreement.
• In support of the LGBTQ community and to pay homage to the victims of Orlando's nightclub shooting, the Eiffel Tower light show turned its colors to every shade of the rainbow.
• Eiffel Tower light show celebrated the tower's 130th anniversary by producing a 12-minutes laser show recapping its history in May 2019.

You Should Also Check: Eiffel Tower Entrance

Everything You Need to Know About the Eiffel Tower at Night

The Eiffel Tower, often called the Iron Lady of France, is one of the seven wonders of the world. At night you would be able to witness it with a completely different look at the Eiffel Tower lights time. With the sunset, it gets lightened up, shines, sparkles, and can be seen from dozens of miles away.

The Light Show at the Eiffel Tower has lights that sparkles with its signature golden lights that became a famous attraction in December 1985, with 336 yellow-orange spotlights integrated into the steel structure. The lights highlight the Tower’s elegance and ensure safe operations for the night show. With nightfall sensors in place, the projectors start the show automatically every evening, with a five-minute display every hour until 1 AM. The golden lights overlap with the sparkling ones, creating a spellbinding effect on viewers across the city.

Checkout More: Eiffel Tower dinner tickets & sightseeing Seine river cruise

Known as the Iron Lady of France, the Eiffel Tower ranks among the country’s most popular tourist attractions with millions of annual visitors. A viewing platform offering unique city sights during the day, the Tower transforms into a visual spectacle at night. Golden lights illuminate the structure every hour for five minutes until 1 AM. Easily spotted from most locations in Paris, the best visuals of the Eiffel Tower can be witnessed from the Seine River cruises or the riverbank. The lights change colours on special occasions like New Year’s Eve and important events like the Paris Climate Agreement. On some occasions, the Light Show is also accompanied by celebratory fireworks.

You Should Also Check: Eiffel Tower History

Visiting the attraction at the time of the Eiffel Tower Light Show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience every visitor in Paris needs. Indulge in the unforgettable magic of the show as you climb the stairs amidst the sparkling lights. The view from the top is even more spectacular as you get to admire Paris in its illuminated glory at night from one of the city’s highest vantage points. And if you manage to plan your experience on special occasions like festivals, enjoy a breathtaking fireworks show with your loved ones at the Eiffel Tower as the structure lights up for the evenings.

Check More: Bars near Eiffel Tower

Popular Light Show Events

The 2019 lightshow Eiffel Tower was an exceptionally designed event to celebrate 130 years of its opening to the public. The Eiffel tower offered three consecutive evenings for the Parisian audience a truly unique light all across the state. It also represented a 12-minutes laser show recapitulating its history and significance.

Checkout More: Eiffel Tower Sunset

On October 7 and 8, 2018, an original light show organized by ZEVS brought the Eiffel Tower to life for the Ville de Paris’ Nuit Blanche 2018. “Eiffel Phoenix: the obscure clarity that falls from the stars" was the name of the show. From midnight to 7 AM, people could see the lights fall one by one in the reverse order in which the engineers built it.

Also Check: Shopping near Eiffel Tower

Every year on July 14, the annual celebrations of “Bastille Day” for Parisians, those living in le-de-France, and visitors to the City of Lights take place with a display of Eiffel Tower fireworks. The fireworks began at 11 PM, and a French TV channel named France Television broadcasted the entire event.

You Should Also Check: Things to do in Paris

Best Deals for Eiffel Tower Tickets

Eiffel tower tickets, eiffel tower lunch tickets, eiffel tower top floor tickets, eiffel tower tour with seine river cruise, eiffel tower and disneyland paris tickets, eiffel tower at night tickets, eiffel tower dinner, seine river cruise and moulin rouge show, eiffel tower dinner tickets with seine river cruise, faqs for eiffel tower light show, what is the eiffel tower light show.

The Eiffel Tower light show is a mesmerizing display of sparkling lights that illuminates the iconic Parisian landmark. It occurs every evening after sunset, typically starting at the top of the hour and lasts for about 5-10 minutes.

Also Checkout: Palace Of Versailles Tickets

When does the light show take place?

The Eiffel Tower light show takes place every evening, all year round. The exact timing of the light show may vary depending on the season and daylight hours. Typically, the lights come on at sunset and continue until the late evening.

How long does the light show last?

The Eiffel Tower light show usually lasts for about 5-10 minutes, and it's repeated at the top of every hour after dark until the tower closes.

Also Visit: Plan Your Visit To Versailles

What is the best time to arrive to watch the light show?

The light show starts at the top of every hour after dark, so it's a good idea to arrive a bit earlier to secure a good spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Can I see different light shows on different days?

The light show's general pattern remains the same, with sparkling lights running for a few minutes every hour. However, on special occasions or certain events, there might be variations in the light show theme or duration.

Recommended More: Palace Of Versailles Apartments

Where can I see the light show on the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower Light Show is visible from most locations across Paris. However, some of the most sought-after locations include the stairs of the Tower, Tower grounds, the Place du Trocadero, Seine River Cruises, Champ de Mars, Pont Alexandre III, Arc de Triomphe, the 16th arrondissement, Palais Galiera, and Pont e Bir-Hakeim.

Is there an admission fee to watch the Eiffel Tower Light Show?

No, there is no separate admission fee to watch the Eiffel Tower Light Show. If you wish to witness the show from the grounds or the riverbank, it is free of cost. However, if you choose to climb up the Tower or admire the visuals from different locations like Arc de Triomphe or Seine River Cruises, you would have to purchase tickets to the attractions.

Can you see the Eiffel Tower Light Show from anywhere in Paris?

Yes, the Light Show at the Eiffel Tower is visible from most locations in Paris. The views are, however, distorted or disrupted due to traffic or buildings obstructing the Tower. It is recommended that you choose a location high enough and close to the Tower or choose the Tower grounds and the riverbank for the best experience.

Can you take photos or videos during the Eiffel Tower Light Show?

Yes, you are permitted to click photographs and record videos of the Eiffel Tower Light Show and share them on social media. However, due to copyright protection rules and safeguards, professional use of images of the Light Show requires prior permission from authorities and you may also be required to pay a fee.

What is the best vantage point to view the Eiffel Tower Light Show?

Some of the best vantage points to witness the Light Show at the Eiffel Tower include the Tower grounds, the Seine River Cruises, the riverbank, the Place du Trocadero, the relatively unknown Port e Bir-Hakeim, the heritage attractions of Champ de Mars and Arc de Triomphe, and the iconic Pont Alexandre III.

Experience Eiffel Tower

Visitor's guide, attraction tickets, travel guide.

About Us | Contact Us | Email Us: [email protected]

The content and images used on this site are copyright protected and copyrights vests with the respective owners.

© 2024 www.tickets-eiffeltower.com All rights reserved.

Christmas Lights in Paris

Best Places to See Them!

• Paris Events
• Christmas Lights

Paris Christmas Lights & Decorations 2024

Dazzling Paris Christmas lights begin to appear all over the city in mid-November and continue to fill the City of Lights through early January.

The Paris Illuminations, as they are called, take many forms:  lavish displays on Champs Élysées, along other famous avenues, in hidden passages, and magnificent plazas , sparkling decorations on 150+ more streets throughout the city, elaborate creations in department store windows, spectacular over-the-top light shows at Disneyland Paris, and cheerful strings of lights at the famous Paris Christmas markets.

Look for special light shows at the plaza in front of the Hotel de Ville where you can also stroll through a sparkling forest, buy snacks and artisan products with the Made in Paris label from the Christmas Market chalets, and, just for children, enjoy free rides. 

You'll find more lights at Place de la Bastille, Place de la Concorde, and along the banks of the Seine River - and of course, plenty of other spots around Paris.

For some of the loveliest, although more subdued, Christmas decorations and lights, go inside Paris churches. 

Or, for a completely different type of experience, take one of the evening Seine River cruises and see the Illuminations of historic buildings and monuments while you enjoy a gourmet dinner or Champagne and perhaps dancing to live music.

In addition to being beautiful, Paris Christmas lights are environmentally "green." 

A combination of LED bulbs and solar power generation means the energy usage and cost for the spectacular display is almost zero, which leads to even more streets displaying holiday lights each year.

This article shares where to find the most spectacular Christmas Lights, Illuminations, and decorations in Paris to celebrate the exciting holiday season.

Top photo: Holiday lights along Champs Elysées in Paris, with Arc de Triomphe in background; copyright Paris Discovery Guide, all rights reserved

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

1.  Christmas Lights along Champs Élysées

To see the most lavish display of Christmas lights and decorations in Paris, head straight to Champs Élysées, where a million (yes, literally!) sparkling lights cover the 200 or so trees lining both sides of the famous avenue between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. 

As you walk along the sidewalk, you'll also see festive decorations and even more lights in most of the stores.  Once the site of Magie de Noel, Paris's biggest Christmas Market (now relocated in Tuileries Garden), Champs-Elysees

Although the Christmas lights usually sparkle from 5pm to midnight, they will stay lit all night for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

This year, the Christmas lights along Champs Elysees turn on starting on November 19 and continue through January 7.

Don't miss this magical Paris winter holiday experience, and take time to stop for a chocolat chaud along the way!

Location:  Champs Élysées, 8th arrondissement Metros:   Charles de Gaulle/Étoile, Georges V, Franklin Roosevelt, Champs Élysées/Clemenceau Stay nearby:  Hotels near Arc de Triomphe

2.  Spectacular Lights & Christmas Trees in Place Vendôme

Dozens of Christmas trees shaped like perfect cones and sparkling with white and blue lights glitter across Place Vendôme's huge central plaza. 

Surrounded by the façades of palatial 18th century mansions now home to jewelers and even a "Palace" 5-star hotel (the Ritz, which occupies Number 15), the brilliantly lighted trees make the whole space feel ethereal. 

If your holiday gift list includes jewelry, Place Vendôme and adjacent Rue de la Paix is where you'll find the most famous names in French and international luxury gems and watches. 

Look for Boucheron, Chopard, Chaumet, Bulgari, Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Dior, and and many more boutiques where you can see their dazzling creations.

Location:  1st arrondissement Metros:   Concorde, Madeleine, Pyramides, Tuileries Stay nearby:  The Ritz - check reviews and rates More to enjoy nearby:   Christmas lights and decorations along nearby Faubourg Saint-Honoré

More about Paris in December

Christmas in paris.

• Top December Events in Paris
• Christmas Concerts in Paris
• Paris Christmas Markets
• Where to See Christmas Lights in Paris
• Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
• La Défense Christmas Market
• Hotel de Ville Christmas Market
• Holidays at Paris Disneyland
• Best Christmas Window Displays in Paris
• Christmas Eve Mass & Church Services in Paris
• Hanukkah in Paris
• Where to Stay in Paris in the Winter

3.  Avenue Montaigne Christmas Lights

Delicate white lights float among the trees along stately Avenue Montaigne, where top Paris couturier showrooms and designer boutiques occupy the street's ornate mansions. 

Want to experience real magic?  Walk down Avenue Montaigne until you reach the Seine River, and watch the Eiffel Tower's nightly light show across the water.

Location:  Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondissement Metro:   Champs Élysées/Clemenceau

More to enjoy:   Exquisite Christmas displays in the haute couture boutiques lining Avenue Montaigne

Paris Christmas Illuminations Tours

Want to get the best views of Christmas lights in Paris? These three tours let you experience unforgettable close-up looks at the city's most spectacular holiday lights:

• Paris Christmas Lights Bus Tour - Snuggle under a warm blanket as an open-top bus takes you past the city's most brilliant Christmas lights.  Along the way, you'll also see famous Paris attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), Eiffel Tower, and Louvre museum as well as famous neighborhoods such as the Left Bank.  It's an unforgettable way to see Paris illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights!  Book now
• Paris at Christmas on Champs Elysees & Arc de Triomphe Walking Tour: This small-group evening walking tour takes you to see the dazzling lights along Champs-Élysées while you learn about the history of this iconic avenue and stop by Laduree to sample macarons.  Skip-the-line admission to Arc de Triomphe, where you'll head up to the rooftop to admire Christmas lights all over Paris, and may even see the sparkling light show at the Eiffel Tower.  Book now
• Private Christmas Tour of Paris with a Ferris Wheel Ride - A local professional guide picks you up at your hotel (and takes you back at the end) for this special tour, part walking, part driving, to see the most famous Paris holiday lights and decorations as well as some places you might not discover on your own.  As a bonus, enjoy a glass of mulled wine (or hot chocolate) and a ride on the giant Paris ferris wheel.  Book now

4.  Paris Illuminations from Seine River Cruises

To see famous Paris lighted attractions , sparkling Christmas lights, and even the Eiffel Tower light show, take one of these popular Paris Illuminations cruises:

• Paris Christmas Lights Tour - For a spectacular tour of Paris Christmas lights, bundle up and hop on this open-top double-decker bus as it takes you on a Christmas-themed tour to see the city's most brilliantly lighted streets and attractions - Find out more
• Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne - Enjoy dazzling views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, and then cruise along the Seine past lighted attractions.  Dine either at the tower or on a dinner cruise (you choose), and cap your spectacular evening by watching a performance at the famous Moulin Rouge while you sip Champagne - Find out more
• Christmas Eve and Day Dinner Cruises - Enjoy a special 5-course dinner cooked on board, live music, and magical views of illuminated famous sights and landmarks along the Seine River as you cruise by in a comfy glass-covered boat.  These holiday cruises always sell out - so book early to avoid disappointment!  Book now

More Paris Christmas Tours & Cruises:

5.  rue saint-honoré & rue royale christmas lights & decorations.

Gold and silvery-white Christmas lights and other fanciful decoration along fashionable Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue de la Paix, Rue Royale, and other nearby rues   give an elegant and sophisticated touch to these upscale shopping streets.

Dior, Hermès, and other famous designer boutiques dominate the scene around Place Vendome and Place de la Madeleine, with Dior's decorations this year (as is true for most years) out-shining all the rest.

Take a moment to detour up Rue Royale toward Place de la Madeleine, and enjoy all the glitzy holiday decorations along the way.

Equally compelling are the elaborate holiday window displays.  

When you reach the elegant 19th century passage Le Village Royal (traditionally known as Cité Berryer) next to Dior, step inside this almost-hidden designer enclave to experience more holiday magic.

During the day, you can enjoy the tranqility as you stroll through this charming passage lined with designer boutiques.

After dark, thousands of sparkling lights turn the passage to gold.

Location:   Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré between Rue Royale and Palais Royal, 1st Arrondissement Nearest Métro:  Tuileries or Concorde

3.  Lighted Christmas Trees Around the Pantheon

Seventeen majestic evergreen trees sparkle around the Pantheon on top of Montagne Saint-Geneviève in Paris's Latin Quarter.

Combine your visit with a candlelight concert at a nearby Latin Quarter church such as Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre or Eglise Saint-Ephrem.

Check out concert schedules

For the perfect ending to your evening, stop by the Notre Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani for a steaming cup of vin chaud.

6.  Bercy Village

Bercy Village, a quaint cobblestone courtyard lined with 42 pale stone buildings next to the Seine River in Paris's 12th arrondissement, once formed the epicenter of the world's largest wine market.

Today, boutiques and cafes fill the former wine storehouses, and each Christmas, the Village puts up a dazzling display of holiday lights designed by a different artist each year. 

A huge decorated Christmas tree adds to the festive ambiance.

While not quite in central Paris, Bercy Village is an easy 10-15 minute walk from the Latin Quarter or the Marais, or a quick (probably 5-10 minutes if you're coming from central Paris) metro ride.

Most Bercy Village businesses are open daily from 10am to 8pm, although the lights stay lit at least a couple of hours longer.

Metro:  Cour Saint-Emilion Dates:  Mid November through mid January

7.  Grand Department Stores - Paris's Most Lavish Christmas Decorations

You can see some of the most elaborate Christmas lights and decorations in Paris in the windows of the city's five major department stores.   If you're visiting with kids, they'll be entranced by the elaborate animations based on different themes each year.

Go inside the stores to see even more lights and decorations!

Paris Department Stores

• Galeries Lafayette:  40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arr
• Au Printemps:   64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arr
• BHV:   14 Rue du Temple, 4th arr
• Bon Marché: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 7th arr
• La Samaritaine:  19 Rue de la Monnaie, 1st art

8.  Christmas Displays in Paris Churches

Paris churches also get into the spirit of the Christmas season.  Look for special Advent calendars and displays, beautiful nativity scenes, garlands and flowers, and even the occasional Christmas tree.

For an especially memorable experience, attend a candlelight concert during December or Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  

• More about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day concerts in Paris churches
• Find more concerts in Sainte Chapelle, Madeleine Church, and other Paris churches
• Find Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses and church services in Paris

9.  La Défense Christmas Lights 

The expansive central esplanade at La Defense  is where you'll find the biggest and most flamboyantly colorful Christmas lights and decorations in the city.

As soon as you step off the escalator from the Metro station, you'll see the lighted decorations in front of you.

With shopping centers on both sides of the Esplanade and the brightly-lit La Defense Christmas market at the far end, you can easily spend an entire evening here.

Location:   West of Paris, just outside of the city Nearest Métro/RER A:  Grande Arche de la Défense More about the La Defense and other Paris Christmas Markets

10.  Disneyland Paris - A Christmas Light Extravaganza!

Christmas celebrations begin at Disneyland Paris in early November with plenty of entertainment and fun for everyone.

You'll find a spectacular giant tree, entertaining shows, festive Christmas parades, and dazzling holiday decorations everywhere.  Don't miss two brand-new holiday shows at Walt Disney Studios® Park this year, a new immersive nighttime extravaganza, and singing carols with Santa, Mickey, and Minnie for a magical experience you won't forget!

When:   Early November through early January

Disneyland Paris and Transportation

Take RER A to the Marne-la-Valee station, walk across a small plaza to Disneyland Paris, and buy your tickets at the gate - or check out these advance ticket options to make your trip faster and easier:

More Paris Streets & Other Places to See Christmas Lights

Aside from the most extravagantly decorated avenues such as Champs Élysées, where else can you find Christmas lights in Paris?

Well, quite a lot of places, as it turns out:  each year, over 150 streets and squares in about 70 Paris neighborhoods put up lighted decorations, making it truly the "City of Light,"  thanks to energy-saving LED bulbs.

Here is a small sample of streets where you'll find them in central Parisian districts:

• 1st arrondissement:   Place Vendôme, Rue de Rivoli between Rue Sainte-Opporturne and Rue Perrault, Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue Berger, Quai de la Mégisserie
• 2nd arrondissement:  Grands Boulevards (by Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps), Passage of the Panoramas
• 3rd arrondissement:  Rue Saint-Martin, Passage des Ménétriers, Rue Brantôme, Rue Brantôme 
• 4th arrondissement:  Rue Rambuteau, Rue des Archives, Rue Saint-Paul, Village Saint Paul; Rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile on Ile Saint-Louis usually sports lovely lights and decorations
• 5th arrondissement:   Rue de la Huchette, Rue Galande, Rue Dante, Rue du Petit Pont, Rue Frédéric Sauton, Boulevard Saint Germain, Place Maubert
• 6th arrondissement:  Rue de Bac, Rue de Rennes, Rue Saint Placid, Rue de Sèvres around Bon Marché, Rue d'Assas, Rue Notre Dame des Champs, Boulevard Saint Germain
• 7th arrondissement:   Rue du Bac, Rue de Grenelle, Rue du Champ de Mars, Rue Saint-Dominique, Avenue de la Motte-Picquet, Avenue Bosquet, Rue Clerc, Rue Malar, Rue de l'Exposition, Rue Amélie
• 8th arrondissement:  Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, Rue Mathurins, Avenue Montaigne, Carré de la Madeleine, Avenue Champs Elysees, Boulevard Saint Germain
• 9th arrondissement:  Rue des Martyrs, Rue de Caumartin, Rue Mogador, Rue Cadet, Rue de la Chaussee d'Antin

You can see the Paris Christmas lights from mid-November (check the November Events Calendar for the exact date) through the first week or so in January (coming down just before January Sales begin) from 5pm until 2am. 

Pin Now, Check Out Paris Christmas Lights Later

Want to Book a Paris Hotel or Apartment near Christmas Lights & Festivities?

Use this Paris hotel map to find a hotel with great rates in your preferred location:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

More Places to See Christmas Lights in Paris

More articles about christmas in paris.

• Paris Christmas Markets - Get the holiday spirit with hot mulled wine, specialty foods, and handmade gifts
• Paris Christmas Eve and Christmas Day concerts - see the schedule
• Christmas Eve Masses & Church Services in Paris - Religious services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Paris
• More to Do in Paris during December - Top events and things to do in December

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

Newest Articles & Latest Updates

• How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris
• Best Palace of Versailles Tours from Paris
• 101 Famous Graves in Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• Where to Find Paris's Best Covered Passages
• Best Paris Food Tours
• Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris

Book Your Paris Hotel

Eiffel Tower Hotels

• See the Eiffel Tower from your balcony

Arc de Triomphe Hotels

• Great hotels with bargain rates

New Hotels in Paris

• Experience the latest & greatest

Paris Hotels near the Louvre

• Where to stay near the famous palace museum

Central Paris Hotels

• Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions

Deals & Discounts

• How to save on your Paris hotel

Plan Your Paris Trip

• Why visit Paris?
• Best Paris guide books
• Find cheap flights to Paris
• Choose your Paris hotel  
• 7 Reasons why you need travel insurance
• Electric adapters and converters  
• Best ways to get Euros
• Check out 10 top Paris attractions
• How to skip the ticket lines
• Paris Museum Pass:  Should you get one?
• Which neighborhoods are best to stay in?
• What to do & see in each Paris district
• How to spend your first day in Paris

Paris Night Lights Tour – an Evening Drive

• Classic Paris Private Tours

A breathtaking 2-hour guided drive through Paris paved by the glowing city lights.

Tour description.

Paris is called the City of Lights, and what better way to see it than at night on a private tour. Your guide will take you on a dazzling ride through the city to see all the iconic sights and views from the best vantage points. For example, at Trocadero, get the most stunning view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, we’ll stop for a quick photo op. Then we’ll pass by the monumental Pantheon in the Latin Quarter, then on to the Ile de la Cité to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont-Neuf, drive down the Champs-Elysees to view majestic Arc de Triomphe along the way to the highest point in Paris, Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre. We’ll see the beautiful Opera Garnier and the elegant Place Vendôme while passing by the Tuileries Garden and the Place de la Concorde. The historical Invalides and the stunning Pont Alexandre III are also on our route, along with the Grand Palais. Your final destination will be your hotel, or wherever you prefer.

Tour Length: 2 hours Transportation: Private Car

lets talk about your trip

Est. 2014 Experience the magic of Paris with Personalized Itineraries that are designed for first time Paris travelers as well as those who don't need a map to navigate Montmartre. We've worked with hundreds of clients to plan a safe and wonderful Paris adventure. Experience why our service is rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Full-day Custom Itineraries starting at $850.

click here for a free consultation

We'll create a personalized Paris itinerary together

Enjoy a unique Paris experience

" * " indicates required fields

What Tours do you want to See?

• Classic London Private Tours
• Classic Scotland Private Tours
• Other Great Ideas

Paris Black Heritage Tours

• Paris Day Trips and Excursions
• Paris Private Art Tours
• Paris Private History Tours
• Paris Private Music Tours
• Paris Private Shopping Tours

Paris Private Tours for Children

Travel outside france.

• ​Private Paris Food Tours

More Classic Paris Private Tours

The Left Bank & The Latin Quarter of Paris

Tour Description Explore the Left Bank of the Seine and the Latin Quarter (named from medieval times when the majority of local residents were clergy or students who spoke Latin), […]...

A Private Tour of Paris Churches

France is steeped in religious history but visiting all the important churches in Paris can be overwhelming.  If you’re interested in learning more about several of them, this private tour […]...

Medieval Monarchs & Revolutionary Villains (History & Horrors for Kids)

Saint Louis’s beautiful Sainte Chapelle, an exquisite example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, is famous for its luminous stained-glass windows and superb statuary. But little-known stories about the Crusader king – his […]...

More from American Concierge

How much should I tip in Paris, France?

Tipping in Paris is always a bit confusing for Americans, coming from a culture where you are expected to tip for services...

9 Tips for Planning a PERFECT Paris Vacation

Follow these 9 tips for planning a great vacation to Paris or anywhere else!

Classic Paris Tours

See the classic sights of Paris with this collection of Private Tours and other experiences. Great for New Travelers.

Day Trips & Excursions

Some parts of France can’t be put into a 2 or 3-hour tour and some just take a while to get to. Venture out of Paris on an exciting Day Trip.

Paris Art Tours

Experience some of the most significant works of art in Paris on a Private Art Tour. Learn about the story’s of the painters behind the works and ask questions along the way.

Paris Food Tours

Taste the latest Paris Food experiences with our personal and tasty private food tours. Learn to make authentic Parisian meals, taste chocolate assortments, or…

Paris History Tours

From perfume to WW2, our private history tours are a way to see Paris in a different light.

Paris Music Tours

Experience immersive music tours in Paris. Sit and listen up close to an award-winning Master Pipe Organist or learn about the history of Jazz in Paris on a private tour!

Shopping Tours in Paris

Looking for something particular? We’ll help you find it in Paris. Our private shopping tours include Antiques, Wardrobe, and more!

The Château de Fontainebleau, just 35 miles southeast of central Paris, can proudly claim to have been a sovereign residence for eight centuries. Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orléans, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within these walls. The chateau dates back to 1137—and centuries of royals have expanded this former royal hunting lodge to a more than 1,500-room estate. Most of what you’ll see dates back to the 16th century, a combination of Italian Renaissance art and French design, these rooms are some of the most intricate and breathtaking in France. If times allows, you can enjoy lunch in this charming area.

Tour Length:  5 – 6 hours

Join our Mailing List!

Receive our latest news on Paris & London Private Tours and Trip ideas.

Let yourself be carried by the magic of the end-of-year celebrations and the enchantment of Christmas in Paris. Sit back and take advantage of these moments to contemplate Christmas spirit from the open top of the bus.

• The City of Light at its glittering best
• Paris' most iconic landmarks
• Breath-taking views and unforgettable pictures
• Comfort and safety in the open air
• Audio guide including must-have Christmas songs 🎵
• Praline chocolates offered by Choco’Story for Tootbus

From 22nd Nov to 5th Jan , except the 31st Dec

From  11, rue Auber 75009 Paris

Overview Christmas Tour

It’s Christmas in Paris! During this time, Paris city is wonderfully illuminated at night giving the city a magical and unique atmosphere that will amaze you. Promise of unforgettable evenings and guaranteed amazements. Come see Paris' most instagrammable spots brilliantly illuminated at night with Christmas decorations including Opera, Place Vendôme, Concorde, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Avenue Montaigne, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, the big department stores such as Printemps Haussmann and many more! This unique 1.5-hour tour around the 'City of Light' will immerse you into the Christmas spirit. During your tour of Paris, you will contemplate the must-sees of this time of year, such as the prettiest Christmas trees in the capital. You will take amazing pictures of the most beautiful city of the world and its Seine River beautifully illuminated by the lighting of the city. Visit the wonderful French capital with us and make your Christmas holidays the most incredible and magical time of your life. Take this opportunity to experience a family-friendly moment that will perfectly complete your stay in the ‘City of Light’. Share this special moment with your loved ones while listening to our amazing commentaries, revealing the most fascinating secrets of Paris city, including the most unmissable traditional Christmas songs. Enjoy this unforgettable moment while savoring two praline chocolates hazelnut flavor carefully prepared by our partner chocolatier Choco-Story Paris. The mythic museum of chocolate which takes you on an exploration of cocoa culture and the fabrication of chocolate. A fun family visit in the heat of Paris just 15 minutes from our number 1 stop. Don't miss the Tootbus 🎄 Christmas playlist we have compiled specially for you 👉 HERE . You will discover some timeless tracks. Complete your bus tour by discovering the city on foot thanks to our four Tootwalks focusing on different themes of Paris city. Find out these dedicated routes from 45 minutes to 1 hour-long in the center of the most well-known districts of the French capital namely Paris Fashion Capital, Parisian art of life, Around the Iron Lady and Heart of Montmartre. During your walking tours, you will be guided around the city thanks to light historical stories told by Parisians. A perfect addition to your bus tour to further immerse yourself in the Parisian lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to send us your feedback on this test version of Tootwalk because your opinions are precious to us. Looking for activities to do in Paris at Christmas time? We have have compiled the best things to do in our blog articles! Discover the 10 Best Paris Christmas Markets , or find our the perfect activities to do with children in Paris in winter!

Know before you go Christmas Tour

Routes & service.

Route Whilst on board, we will take you past Opera, Vendôme place, Arc de Triomphe, Avenue Montaigne, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and many more.

Audio Guide

Audio guide available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Brazilian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and Russian on the bus devices and on the Tootbus app.

We provide you with free earphones on board the bus but you can also bring your own!

special for kids

Kids audio guide specially designed to capture their attention all throughout the journey available in English and French on the bus devices and on our app.

Flexible Tickets

Your needs...our priority! You want to plan your trip but you are not sure when you will be able to travel? Your plans changed? You can now change or cancel your ticket for free of charge 24 hours before the tour date.

We operate the greenest fleet of HOHO buses, composed by 100% clean-energy buses (electric or gas).

We also push to reduce plastic and paper waste and we advocate and promote sustainable tourism.

Paris Christmas Tour

Select your tickets.

Please select your tickets

Free cancellation 24 hours prior to the date of the tour.

The Eiffel Tower There's no feeling like it...

For your children: the "Tour Eiffel Kids" booklet on the theme of the growing Tower is waiting for you in the pillars & on the 1st floor! See the poster

Dine on the 1st floor at Madame Brasserie: watch the Paris skyline while you have diner. Without reservation, subject to availability. More information

Tip! Connect to our mobile visitor's guide, a real companion to find your way around and learn more about the Tower! Try

Attendance: High

09:30 - 23:00

Coming to the Tower

A journey to the top

Come and discover the Eiffel Tower on the only trip to the top of its kind in Europe, and let pure emotions carry you from the esplanade to the top.

Now at the Tower

Dine on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower

Enjoy the spectacle of Paris illuminated over a refined dinner at Madame Brasserie!

Eiffel Tower exclusive collection

Bring home the official snow ball, miniature Eiffel Towers and more exclusive souvenirs!

Free mobile visitor's guide

Enhance your experience at the Tower with your mobile phone. No download required!

The Eiffel Tower x Saint James: the chic look à la française...

Marinières, sailor sweaters, tote bags… The Eiffel Tower and Saint James unveil an exclusive collection that exudes elegance and modernity.

Breakfast at the Eiffel Tower

If you visit the Eiffel Tower early in the morning and fancy a snack (or two!), take time out for a gourmet break!

History, key figures, lights, paintings, explore all the secrets of the world's most iconic monument

Restaurants & stores

On every floor, the Eiffel Tower has a range of dining and gift-shop options.

The Gustave Eiffel Salon

For your business events, hire a new venue in a magical setting. Fully equipped to meet all of your needs.

If you are :

• Professional in the Tourism Industry
• Visitors with disabilities
• A journalist

The Eiffel Tower on social media

Every week, we bring you our selection of the best pics of the Tower

Follow us on social networks :

• Competitions
• Exclusive photos
• All the news on the Eiffel Tower
• Prices & Times
• Haut de page

• Paris by night Paris by night
• Versailles Versailles
• Giverny Giverny
• France France
• Day trips from Paris Day trips from Paris
• Fooding Fooding
• Cruises Cruises
• Find your order
• Our Sanitary Program
• +33 (0)1 44 55 60 00

Choose a place

• DESCRIPTION
• MEETING POINT

Illumination Tour of Paris

Audio guided tour

32,00 € / pers.

• Visit Paris in the evening on board a panoramic bus
• Enjoy the audio commentary from our APP to download on your device, bring your headset for a complete high experience
• 10 languages available
• Illuminations tour of the most famous districts and monuments in an open-top bus
• Admire the bridges and the monuments of Paris
• Service of a multilingual host.

Visit Paris in the evening on board a panoramic bus that will offer you an overview of the capital. You will pass through the city's key areas where the symbols of French culture are to be found.

Onboard our panoramic buses, you will admire the magic of Paris at night: its illuminated monuments, bridges, the enchanting atmosphere that reigns over the "City of Light". You will discover the lively quarters of the Opéra Garnier, Saint Germain-des-Prés or Champs Elysées. You will see the most iconic monuments of Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum or the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, which remains a landmark despite the tragic events. You will discover the beauty of Paris during the crossings from one bank to another, making you travel on the magnificent bridges of Paris.

Throughout the tour, you will follow the history of Paris as told through individual audio guides. You can discover, among other things, how the city has changed over the centuries. You will feel the very special atmosphere that prevails in Paris in the evening (at night or at nightfall depending on the time of year). This is where the romantic Paris mixes with cultural and social outings with friends, so precious to Parisians.

Please note :

• From mid-May to early September 2024, traffic restrictions will take place in Paris, with itinerary changes to be expected. The route of your city tour may be affected, and some monuments will not be accessible.
• Remember to bring your earphones for the tour commentary.
• Audio commentary available in 10 languages via downloadable mobile application
• Illuminated tour of Paris by open-top panoramic coach, via mobile app
• Multilingual hostess service

Let's go

Book your tour

1. Define your needs

Special offer

2. Select your tour

1 adult x 32,00 €

Cancellation fees : Go to general terms and conditions of sale

Preparation of the tour

Address : Place de Sydney

75015 PARIS

Organized by PARISCityVISION

Tour Code: I

• Private offer
• About & Partnership
• Alicante Spain
• Antwerp Belgium
• Barcelona Spain
• Belfast Northern Ireland
• Berlin Germany
• Bratislava Slovakia
• Bruges Belgium
• Brussels Belgium
• Bucharest Romania
• Budapest Hungary
• Bydgoszcz Poland
• Cadiz Spain
• Cordoba Spain
• Cork Ireland
• Dresden Germany
• Dublin Ireland
• Dubrovnik Croatia
• Edinburgh Scotland
• Galway Ireland
• Gdańsk Poland
• Ghent Belgium
• Glasgow Scotland
• Granada Spain
• Istanbul Turkey
• Jerusalem Israel
• Krakow Poland
• Leipzig Germany
• Lisbon Portugal
• Liverpool England
• Lodz Poland
• London England
• Lublin Poland
• Lviv Ukraine
• Madrid Spain
• Malaga Spain
• Mostar Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Munich Germany
• Naples Italy
• Nice France
• Paris France
• Porto Portugal
• Poznan Poland
• Prague Czechia
• Pula Croatia
• Riga Latvia
• Sarajevo Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Seville Spain
• Sibenik Croatia
• Sintra Portugal
• Sopot Poland
• Split Croatia
• Tel Aviv Israel
• Tirana Albania
• Torun Poland
• Valletta Malta
• Warsaw Poland
• Wroclaw Poland
• Zadar Croatia
• Zagreb Croatia
• Zakopane Poland

Monumental Paris: An Evening Walk

Join us on a journey through the elegance of Paris, where you’ll have the chance to witness some of the most iconic and breathtaking locations in the City of Light. Paris’s beauty and monumentality are truly impressive, and we’ll delve into its past during the 19th century, a time of great transformation both socially and architecturally.

On this tour, we’ll visit some noteworthy sites, starting with the Church of La Madeleine, originally designed as a temple to honor Napoleon. We’ll also see the largest square in Paris, La Concorde, which holds the oldest monument in the city and one of the most stunning, the Obelisk of Luxor, from Ancient Egypt. This spot, marked by the blood of the French Revolution, was renamed “Concorde” in the 19th century to symbolize peace and harmony.

Next, we’ll stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the most fashionable and prestigious addresses in Paris during the 19th century. It’s also the site of military parades, including the largest military parade in Europe, held every year on Bastille Day. Along this avenue, we’ll admire many grand buildings, including the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, which are among the architectural jewels of Paris. Our tour will then lead us to the history of The Invalides, originally built as a hospital for wounded soldiers, which became a significant symbol of French military power in the 19th century. Today, it houses Napoleon’s tomb, and its impressive gold dome makes it one of the most beautiful monuments in Paris.

Finally, we’ll conclude our tour at Pont del Alma, where we’ll witness the illuminated Eiffel Tower, the most iconic monument in the city. Built in 1889, this 300-meter-high tower has become a symbol of Paris, and we’ll uncover its rich history during our tour. This tour is just the beginning of your journey, and you’ll be prepared for a second experience on a Seine River cruise, an optional activity on board the Bateaux Mouches. (Optional)

Main stops:

• Madeleine Church
• Place de la Concorde (Luxor Obelisk and fountains)
• Avenue des Champs Elysées
• Grand and Petit Palais
• Alexander III Bridge
• Les Invalides
• American Church
• Pont d’Alma: View of the Eiffel Tower
• Optional Boat

Amazing guide

We lover our tour with Jay

It was my best guided tour. Jay is a very energetic, sincere and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended 🙏

Thank you jay

Thank you very much for the really nice tour. Jay was a really really nice tour guide. Listing to the histories and how I told them were amazing. It’s one of the best tour guides I’m have been with.

Thank you Jay

We do walking tours a lot and we get good and bad ones. This was definitely a great one. Tank was great and knows so much about the city, we loved hanging out and definitely recommend this tour!

Not your average boring tour

No mater how much you decide to tip, it’s well worth your money! Tank was a wonderful storyteller, so we felt very immersed. He is a great host /representative of the city

This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Paris to Prague
• Prague to Paris

Cities of Light

• From $2,999
• 10 Guided Tours
• 3 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Paris to Prague Prague to Paris

Cities of Light Map

See great cities & landscapes

Sail Europe’s most iconic rivers: the Main, lined with quaint villages; the castle-studded Rhine; and the Moselle with its steep vineyards. Enjoy Privileged Access to Prague’s Lobkowicz Palace. Delve into Nuremberg’s history at the Imperial Castle and the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Taste legendary Moselle Rieslings. Savor Czech, German and French cuisine. With bookends in Paris and Prague, this 12-day journey celebrates Europe’s most luminous ports.

SUMMER SOLSTICE SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

From $599 | 2 Nights

Pre: Oxford & Highclere Castle

From $1,699 | 3 Nights

Pre: Brussels

From $649 | 2 Nights

Pre: Lille & Bruges

From $1,599 | 4 Nights

Post: Prague

Post: Kraków & Warsaw

From $1,399 | 5 Nights

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

City of Lights Experience

Paris history walking tours & experiences.

• Most Popular
• Hour Glass 3.5 Hours

World War II Experience

Join us to see and experience what Paris was like during World War II. Become immersed in what the City of Lights was like during the occupation by the Nazis.

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

French Revolution Experience

Immerse yourself in the French Revolution through augmented reality. Learn the economic, political, and social reasons behind the events, and some highlights of the Revolution.

An Unforgettable Experience In Paris

City of Lights Experience is a company that gives historical walking tours in Paris about World War II and the French Revolution.  Experience Paris during one of the two experiences that we offer. The French Revolution walking tour allows you to understand the social, economic and political origins, the events and the consequences of the French Revolution. The other experience is about World War II in Paris. Immerse yourself in the Paris of the Nazi Occupation during WWII and discover the city’s lasting scars.  

Meet Your Guide

I am in my thirties, passionate about history, literature, and politics since a young age thanks to my parents. After several moves in France (Provence, Lorraine, Normandy), I decided to settle down in Paris at the end of my studies, which has enabled me to always learn from this gorgeous city; history, architecture, museums, neighborhoods, new trends, and more.

In this context, I share two experiences with you; one about the French Revolution that allows you to understand its social, economic and political origins, events and consequences. The other experience is about World War II in Paris, and is designed to give you an understanding of what Paris was like during the Nazi Occupation, from Resistance to Collaboration to Liberation (you’ll fully understand these words after this experience). I am very happy to share my passion with you on a Paris walking tour.

Top-Rated Paris Walking Tours ★★★★★

Eric‘s Faszination for the French Revolution could be felt throughout the tour. This was a unique experience highly recommendable.

Eric is amazing! The experience was even more interesting and engaging than we expected. Eric is passionate and well-informed about all things WWII related.

Eric lead us through an amazing experience in Paris. Eric has alot of passion about the history of WWII in Paris, and it is very personal to him. We really learned a lot from him.

One of the nicest parts of the tour is Eric reading paragraphs from old letters from his grandfather, recounting his war experiences. This is a very intimate sharing, and a great way to wind up the tour and make it come to life.

A good experience where the theme of WWII is well explored as you take a stroll through the most important areas of Paris connected to this theme. It included deep testimonies of that time as we are confronted with the harsh reality of that time.

Eric was a great guide and host; it made the sights of Paris much richer to know about their historical and political context. Eric was not only friendly and knowledgeable, but he was also very helpful in answering our questions and recommending other places to visit.

When is the best time to go to Paris?

Mar 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Paris offers a travel experience for every time of year © Leo Patrizi / Getty Images

Alexis is one of the author's of our  latest Paris guidebook . Here she shares her tips on the best time to visit Paris.

As one of the world's dreamiest destinations, Paris never disappoints. Summer sees the Seine lined with people soaking up the city at its sunniest, while the cooler winter temperatures make it the perfect time to explore museums, galleries and cozy cafes. 

When planning a visit, it's also worth checking out Paris' extensive festival and events calendar. It's one of the world's best cultural cities, so you can design a trip that includes anything from special operas and hip-hop dance premiers to French Open tennis.

Paris' plentiful accommodation spans all budgets, but it is often fully booked well in advance, particularly during peak times (April to October, as well as public and school holidays). Reservations are essential at these times, but are also recommended year-round.

Whenever you go, you can enjoy all the best things in Paris , from shopping for the latest fashions to seeing the world's most famous works of art. But if you want to find your own perfect time to see the City of Light, follow our tips on when to visit.

June to August is the best time for relaxing in parks and along the Seine

You'll find locals kicking back along the banks of the Seine year-round, but never more so than on warm summer evenings with a picnic and bottle of wine. While the weather will be great and there’s no better time to enjoy the city’s famed cafe culture, you will be sharing Paris with plenty of other tourists. During August many establishments close as locals flee the summer city heat.

December to January is the best time for budget travelers

Sights are quieter and prices lower during winter, making it a great time for budget travelers – but you won’t have to sacrifice everything that makes Paris wonderful. The weather is mostly rainy and chilly (snow is quite infrequent), but ice-skating rinks pop up across the city, including in some truly picturesque spots like  Galeries Lafayette 's panoramic rooftop. In December, the city will light up with Christmas trees and beautifully-decorated shop windows, making it a very magical month.

March to May and September to October are the best times for a bit of everything

Spring (especially April and May) and autumn (particularly September and October) are ideal for visiting Paris – crowds are thinner, but the weather is temperate and lovely. 

In the spring, blossoms give way to leaves greening the city's tree-lined boulevards and flowering window boxes splash color across Paris' Haussman-era facades. Local street markets are perfect for picking up picnic ingredients since temperatures are now warm enough to head to Paris' parks and gardens , including the city's most popular, the Jardin du Luxembourg , and along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed riverbanks, particularly the Parc Rives de Seine . 

Likewise, the weather is gorgeous and crowds are smaller in fall, making it a great time to go. Autumn colors begin to seep in and the city ups its already impressive cultural offerings.

January is for shopping and culture

The frosty first month of the year isn’t the most festive in Paris, but the winter soldes (sales) – brighten the mood. Also, the city’s vast offerings of theater and dance are in full swing.

Key events : Epiphany; Louis XVI Commemorative Mass; Chinese New Year 

February remains chilly, but warms your heart on Valentine’s Day

In February, couples descend on France's romantic capital for Valentine's Day, when virtually all restaurants offer special menus.

Key events: Rétromobile ; Salon International de l’Agriculture

Embrace marvelous March as the city starts warming up

Blooms appear in Paris’ parks and gardens, leaves start greening the city’s avenues and festivals and events begin. The weather remains variable (pack rain gear), but trends to warmer.

Key events : Banlieues Bleues ; Cinéma du Réel

April is "Springtime in Paris"

Sinatra sang about April in Paris, and the month sees the city’s "charm of spring" in full swing, with chestnut trees blossoming and cafe terraces coming into their own. It’s also often the month of Easter.

Key events: Paris Beer Festival ; Livre Paris ; Foire du Trône ; Marathon International de Paris ; Foire de Paris ;  Run Experience Salon du Running

Magnificent May is tops for warmth without the international crowds

The temperate month of May has more public holidays than any other in France and is a peak time for domestic travel. Watch out for widespread closures, particularly on May Day (1 May). But the main tourism season is just beginning, so May offers a chance to sneak in before the biggest crowds.

Key events: La Nuit Européenne des Musées ; Taste Paris ; French Open ; Paris Café Festival

June is for summer delight from music festivals to warm-evening strolls

Paris is positively jumping in June, thanks to warm temperatures, a host of outdoor events and long daylight hours, with twilight lingering until late.

Key events: Nuit Blanche; Festival de St-Denis ; We Love Green ; Fête de la Musique; Marche des Fiertés (Pride); La Goutte d’Or en Fête ; Portes Ouvertes des Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville

Jump into July for peak Parisian summer fun

During the Parisian summer, "beaches" – complete with sun beds, umbrellas, atomizers, lounge chairs and palm trees – line the banks of the Seine and pools hum with swimmers, while shoppers hit the summer soldes (sales). Heat becomes more intense, as do crowds.

Key events: Paris Jazz Festival ; Bals des Pompiers; Bastille Day; Paris Plages; Tour de France ; Cinéma En Plein Air de la Villette ; La Fête du Cinéma

August empties of Parisians but fills with international visitors

Parisians desert the city in droves during the summer swelter when, despite an influx of tourists, many restaurants and shops shut. It can be hard to get a good bistro meal (with many closed) but it’s a prime time to cycle, with far less traffic on the roads.

Key events: Classique au Vert ; Rock en Seine ; Silhouette

Gentler September brings cooler climes and a rebooted cultural calendar

Tourists leave and Parisians come home: la rentrée marks residents’ return to work and study after the summer break. Cultural life shifts into top gear and the weather is often at its blue-skied best.

Key events: Jazz à la Villette ; Festival d’Automne ; Techno Parade ; Journées Européennes du Patrimoine; Journée Sans Voiture ; Foire de Chatou

Autumn-hued October beckons for low-key days with food and art festivals

October heralds an autumnal kaleidoscope in the city’s parks and gardens, along with bright, crisp days, cool, clear nights and excellent cultural offerings.

Key events: Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre ; Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain ; Salon du Chocolat

Chilly November calls for indoor activities

Dark, chilly days and long, cold nights see Parisians take refuge indoors: the opera and ballet seasons are going strong and there are plenty of cozy bistros and bars.

Key events: Pitchfork Music Festival Paris ; Africolor ; Illuminations de Noël; Beaujolais Nouveau 

Paris sparkles in holiday-filled December

Twinkling fairy lights, brightly-decorated Christmas trees and shop windows and outdoor ice-skating rinks make December a wondrous month to be in the City of Light.

Key events: Salon du Cheval de Paris ; Christmas Eve Mass; Le Festival du Merveilleux ; New Year’s Eve

This article was first published Mar 30, 2021 and updated Mar 29, 2024.

Explore related stories

Festivals & Events

May 7, 2024 • 5 min read

Discover the best time to plan your vacation in France, whether you have the bright lights of Paris or the charms of the Côte d’Azur on your must-see list.

Sep 19, 2023 • 4 min read

Jan 2, 2023 • 12 min read

Jun 2, 2024 • 8 min read

May 23, 2024 • 7 min read

May 18, 2024 • 7 min read

May 14, 2024 • 10 min read

May 13, 2024 • 7 min read

May 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 25, 2024 • 5 min read

Paris   Travel Guide

Courtesy of James Farley | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris is from June to August and September to October. Both summer and fall have its ups and downs. From June to August the weather in Paris is just about  parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the high 70s and there are long days of sunshine. Unfortunately, summer is also the most crowded time – and the most expensive. For lower travel rates and significantly shorter lines at attractions , plan a visit in the fall. The seasonal foliage is known to stun, though the city's spring blooms are pretty famous too. If a travel deal is all that you're after, a visit during the winter will surely shave off travel expenses. Keep in mind though that Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, seeing upward of 30 million travelers yearly. So no matter what time you visit, there will always be tourists and some crowds. 

Weather in Paris

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Popular Times to Visit Paris

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

Explore More of Paris

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

London, England

# 1 in  Best Family Vacations in Europe

# 6 in  Best Beaches in France

# 13 in  Best Places to Visit in France

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

• Travel Inspiration

The Official 'Emily in Paris' Tour Is Here and It's Called Paris by Emily

The curated trips include everything from a pain au chocolat making class to french flirting lessons..

If Netflix's Emily in Paris has given you an insatiable amount of wanderlust for Paris , but the idea of planning a trip that will measure up to the show seems too daunting, there's a new tour just for you. Dharma, a travel company, is offering its first Emily in Paris tour next spring. Paris by Emily is an officially licensed experience, too—meaning the trip will be the closest thing you can get to living out the show as you can get.

The first Paris by Emily trip will take place between April 17 and 24, 2024. The five-day itinerary will include a balance of "adventure, fashion, gastronomy, cultural exchange and [the chance to] explore the hidden gems of the iconic French metropolis," according to the Dharma website .

The trip will start at $3,601, and will be hosted by Ines Tazi, who has been on a few of Netflix's reality shows and has 650,000 followers on Instagram . Guests on the trip will stay at Hotel Des Grandes Ecoles, in the city's Latin Quarter.

"Series like Emily in Paris make you wish there was a 'Book This Trip' button at the end of every episode. That's the opportunity ahead and the kind of transformational travel so many of us seek," Charaf El Mansouri, CEO of Dharma, told Skift  of the new tour.

In total, the price for the tour will include breakfast, four nights of hotel accommodation, two dinners, four aperitif, a French lesson, a photography masterclass, a fashion excursion curated by the show's head costume designer Marylin Fitoussi, a pain au chocolat making class, stops at filming locations, and a masterclass on "the art of French flirting." It won't include flights, additional meals, some other optional activities, or travel insurance. A visit with a "surprise guest, influencer and fashion specialist for a museum tour" has also been teased.

The trip seems to be designed to be a bit more affordable; there are options to pay for the trips in four installments. The entirety of the balance will be due in February 2024. There are also options to share a room with another person traveling solo on the trip, for those interested in saving a bit more on the ticket price.

You can explore the whole trip over at SeekDharma.com .

Looking for more travel inspo?

If you're ready for an adventure but not sure where you'd like to go or what to do, we're on it. The best new hotels opening up around the world. The most exciting places to travel without a passport . The world's best beaches , as ranked by travel influencers. It's all here along with all the travel news you need to stay informed and inspired.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

trending now

Rob Schneider claims cancel culture is 'over' after getting booed...

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck selling $60 million marital home...

'RHOC' alum Braunwyn Windham-Burke reveals she's on Ozempic

Julianne Hough shows off ripped physique while stretching in sauna

Heidi Klum celebrates son Henry, 18, at high school graduation:...

Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, and wife Karen...

Brad Pitt may be winning the legal fight, but Angelina Jolie has...

How Jennifer Lopez's ticket sales prove tour cancellation was...

Inside the paris hotel where taylor swift stayed during eras tour stops: $21k-per-night suites, karl lagerfeld designs and more.

• View Author Archive
• Follow on X
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

During the Paris leg of her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift stayed at the elegant Hôtel De Crillon, where she had access to luxurious amenities, Michelin-starred dining and charmingly sophisticated decor.

The gorgeous Rosewood Hotels & Resorts mainstay features massive suites ranging in price from $4,600 to $21,000 per night depending on the accommodation’s size and layout.

The property’s 10 signature suites “embody an expressly Parisian residential style that is equally warm and refined,” the hotel’s website states .

The late Karl Lagerfeld designed the residential-style guest rooms, which offer “an incomparable atmosphere of contemporary sophistication that respects the landmark’s 18th-century heritage.”

The chic suites come with butler service and have a mixture of bespoke furnishings, antique pieces and carefully selected objets d’art that bring an air of refinement to the palatial Parisian retreats.

Spacious en suite bathrooms are immaculately designed with marble finishes and full-size soaking tubs for ultimate relaxation.

There are also several delectable dining options on-site for guests to enjoy.

The Nonos par Paul Pairet is an upscale restaurant serving traditional French cuisine “with a twist,” like steak frites and beef fillet, as well as a selection of desserts, including chocolate soufflé and strawberry and raspberry chantilly.

Connected to the main dining hall is a delicatessen offering fresh seafood, charcuterie, smoked fish and cheeses perfect to grab on the go for a picnic under the Eiffel Tower.

For those ready to indulge in the finest dining option, A-list guests can eat and drink at the Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant L’Écrin.

The fancy fair offers an “exceptional culinary experience characterized by the subtlety of [their] dishes and remarkable pairings,” the website states.

Dishes are carefully crafted based on beverage pairings and prepared with seasonal produce for an “unforgettable sensory expedition” that can be served as a five- or seven-course meal.

The Jardin d’Hiver is a stunning tea room where guests can go for all-day dining and munch on desserts by head pastry chef Matthieu Carlin.

The bar Les Ambassadeurs is where travelers can sip on creative cocktails while listening to live music.

As for those seeking an extremely private dining experience, visitors can feast inside the hotel’s private dining room dubbed La Cave.

For round-the-clock sweets, patrons can enjoy fresh pastries from Butterfly Pâtisserie.

Want more celebrity and pop culture news?

Start your day with Page Six Daily.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

The hotel’s modern fitness studio is reserved for guests only and has state-of-the-art equipment, including a treadmill, bike, weight-training station and more.

Gym-goers can also book sessions with the hotel’s personal trainer for a one-on-one sweat session.

The Sense spa is the hotel’s tranquil space with a luxurious pool, steam room, sauna, rain showers and a resting area with a Himalayan salt wall.

Several wellness treatments are available to book, including massages, facials, aromatherapy and body scrubs.

Guests also have the option to schedule a haircut, blowout, color treatment or grooming session at the hotel’s hair salon with celebrity stylist David Lucas.

Other stars who have stayed at the revered hotel prior to Swift’s four-night run at the Paris La Défense Arena include Madonna, Mariah Carey, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jennifer Lopez.

Share this article:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to copy URL

Advertisement

This Tiny Pied-à-Terre Proves There’s No Such Thing as Too Small

“It’s my Airstream in the sky in Paris,” says Peter Dunham.

The 300-square-foot pied-à-terre—two small former maid’s rooms combined into one—overlooks the Seine in the city’s sixth arrondissement. The address is familiar to Dunham: His mother has lived on the third floor of the Haussmannian building since the 1980s. Four years ago, the daughter of a former neighbor contacted his mother. The woman had found a 1985 letter from Dunham’s mother offering to buy the flat if it ever became available. Dunham had been looking for a permanent place to stay on visits to Paris for sourcing trips and to be closer to family. “How quickly can I say yes?” he replied when his mother asked if he would be interested in the space.

In designing the sixth-floor apartment, Dunham did not want to distract from the views of such Parisian landmarks as Sacré-Coeur, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. To that end, he wrapped the walls in raffia in a warm, neutral shade that creates a calming backdrop.

Trips to Paris flea markets netted a leather sofa (with sections that detach—essential for navigating the piece up the building’s narrow stairs), vintage chairs, and cocktail tables with bronze tops that Dunham speculates were once used as ventilation covers. A wall of the living room features a midcentury French bar cabinet, which now does double duty as a standing desk. A lithograph by Pablo Picasso is a nod to one of the area’s best known former residents, who once lived and worked down the street.

Glue gun in hand, Dunham used trim to create a romantic oxblood border around the edges of the living room. The bold hue, subtle here, explodes in the adjacent bedroom, which is swathed in one of Dunham’s linens in a custom red . This kind of contrast is a design credo for Dunham. “There is always a need for some rice with the gumbo,” he says. “We all have a certain balance.”

The cozy bedroom also exemplifies his eclectic design approach, with its 1970s hammered copper headboard, antique Indian miniatures rehung in Syrian handmade frames, and vintage bedside bookcases that perfectly fit in the narrow space between the bed and the wall. Indeed, every nook and cranny in this tiny apartment has a purpose. Dunham—who will open a New York showroom this July for his L.A.-based Hollywood at Home collection of fabrics and furniture—says he hopes to eventually spend a month or two at a time in Paris. For now, his pied-à-terre is in use for shorter trips to the city.

While the apartment is undoubtedly compact, it feels bigger when Dunham steps onto its small terrace, which has postcard panorama views of the Seine and the Île de la Cité. He compares living in his Parisian jewel box to that more American concept: the van life. “It’s my Airstream in the sky in Paris,” he says with a laugh.

House Tours

A Beach House That’s Anything But Newport

This Celebrity Designing Duo Can’t Miss

Is This the Ultimate Poolside WFH Space?

This Apartment Is a Nod to the Women of the 70s

This Bachelor Pad Is Full of Art—And Sneakers

From the Archive: A 1740 Farmhouse Retreat

This House Has a Secret Zsa Zsa Gabor Connection

Inside a Neutral-Washed Family Oasis in NYC

This New York Apartment Merges Softness and Soul

Forest Hues Seep into This Vail Retreat

This Studio Apartment’s Now a Swank Sanctuary

What it’s like to be an American living in Paris

“Paris is always a good idea,” as Audrey Hepburn tried to persuade Humphrey Bogart in the 1954 film “Sabrina.” He was less convinced but for most of us, living in Paris is a dream. A dream that can feel impossible to achieve – but it can come true.

Officially, some 31,000 Americans are registered as living in France, with officially around half of those calling Paris home, according to The Local France . Realistically, that number is roughly tenfold that, once you add students, short-term workers and people not registered with the embassy.

Paris has always been a draw for the creative set, from Ernest Hemingway to the Fitzgeralds, Ezra Pound to Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. But is it all la vie en rose as the Netflix hit “Emily in Paris” tries to convince us? Having lived in Paris myself from 2015 to 2020, I have to admit that Emily hasn’t got it all that wrong.

Despite the fact that Paris ranks in top 10 lists of the most expensive cities to live in – and can be a focus of intense and sometimes violent protests, as was the case in June and July 2023 – I never lost my rose-tinted glasses.

Most residents don’t have a wardrobe of designer clothes, but I fell in love with the city every time I stepped out of the front door – even if I had to step over uncollected garbage or dodge rioters on the way to the Metro, which was probably boarded up anyway. Regardless of the hysteria-inducing bureaucracy, the demonstrations and the constant strikes, Paris is beautiful. Lingering on a café terrace with a glass of wine is a perfect lifestyle, and there’s no doubting the romance in the air.

So, how did all these people living the proverbial dream in the City of Light get there? Let’s meet some American immigrants who are still loving every minute of life in Paris.

Kasia Dietz, handbag designer

It was an Italian who brought Dietz from New York City to Paris in 2009. Leaving her yoga class, she met her husband-to-be, who just so happened to live in Paris. Already a Polish (and therefore European Union) passport-holder, Dietz had easy entry into France, and then received her residency by marrying her Italian.

Despite being in love in the City of Love, moving wasn’t easy, she explains:

“With over a decade of experience as a print producer in NYC’s fast-paced advertising industry, I thought it wouldn’t be a problem finding work in Paris, Dietz says.

“My job hunt proved otherwise. With no experience in Paris and no connections, no one would hire me. Unable to find even temporary work, I started writing a blog to feel more connected to my new life. Along with writing, which was always a passion, I decided to follow my dreams of designing.

“This is when I launched Kasia Dietz handbags . I couldn’t initially find a local manufacturer, so I bought a sewing machine and made my own samples.”

But success came, and Dietz even premiered a collection at Le Bon Marché, the high-end department store on Paris’ fashionable Left Bank.

Having grown up in the Hamptons, Dietz misses the East Coast sunshine when the typically Parisian grisaille , a seasonal grayness of skies, descends.

“I love how culturally rich Paris is, with an endless array of museums, restaurants, cafes and hidden gems to discover around every cobbled corner. But winter months can be tough when there’s a lack of sunlight and the locals appear more dour,” she says. “Some days I miss the lightness and ‘can-do attitude’ Americans possess but I choose to surround myself with a global mix of positive people in Paris, French included.”

Dr Monique Y. Wells, nonprofit founder and tour operator

From Houston, Texas, Wells first visited Paris in 1989 as part of a European trip with her college sorority sisters. While there, she’d got the feeling that she would return one day – and three years later she was offered a job as a pathologist for a Paris-based pharmaceutical company. That meant visas for both Wells and her husband.

“My husband and I renewed our residency cards without assistance for the first five years that we were in Paris. After five years of legal residency, we became eligible for French citizenship and decided to apply.”

She later set up her own consulting business in pre-clinical safety and started a tour business, “Discover Paris!” In 2018 she rebranded it Entrée to Black Paris , looking specifically at the city’s African American history.

Today, she runs the tour business as well as providing preclinical safety training and mentoring through her US non-profit, the Wells International Foundation .

“I began my journey as a travel professional focused solely on African American history in Paris – not because the city ‘lacked’ something, but because I wanted to learn something and share what I learned with African American travelers,” she says, adding that the tours and activities feature the “history, culture and contemporary life of the larger African diaspora in Paris.”

“While our clients are largely African American, over the past few years we have had increasing numbers of White Americans, White French, and White and Black Europeans from other countries engaging our services,” she adds.

Her years in Paris have also opened her eyes to the French approach to Black people.

“Blackness is filled with nuance – from the way you view yourself to the way others view you,” she says. “For me, the most interesting aspect of this is watching French people who encounter me for the first time and hear me speak French try to figure out ‘where I’m from.’ At first, I didn’t understand the significance of this.

“But as time went on, I learned the reason this was important to them – consciously or unconsciously, they want to know where I’m from to know how to treat me. This is radically different from what Black people experience in the US. And for some African Americans, it can be disorienting.”

Preston Mohr, sommelier

Born and raised outside of Minneapolis, Mohr first came to Paris as a study-abroad student in 2003 and has lived here for the better part of the last 20 years. But his Parisian dream started long before that.

“I told my mother when I was seven that I was moving to Paris, despite having no connections to France,” he says. “Maybe I had lived here in a past life? It was the determination and dream of seven-year old Preston that made me focus on my goal of moving to France.”

Immigrating to France is never easy and the bureaucracy can be torturous, but Mohr says that there are always ways. His path started with a student visa, followed by one for teaching, allowing him to work part-time. He was then sponsored by the French American Chamber of Commerce, giving him time to stay for 18 more months and build his life in Paris.

As you’ll imagine from his visa process, he’s held many different jobs to make that Parisian life. After working as an English language assistant in a public high school, he enjoyed an internship at La Fondation Yves Saint Laurent (just a few offices away from the late designer), and even worked briefly as the personal secretary to movie star Olivia de Havilland.

He was a housekeeper for a serviced apartments agency, and cleaned toilets, among other things. “I think this varied experience has given me great perspective and understanding of Paris,” he says. But his work in the tourism and hospitality sector (he ran Paris by Glass tours from 2012 to 2020) would lay the groundwork for his future in wine.

He recalls: “For the last 12 years, I have been working in various aspects of the wine industry. I worked for many years as a wine educator, teaching and instructing a primarily foreign clientele on the wines, foods and their traditions in France.” He’s now director of sales & marketing for the Wine Scholar Guild which provides specialized certification programs for wine professionals and serious enthusiasts.

For an American, setting out to become a sommelier in France is quite an ambitious undertaking.

“It definitely wasn’t easy in the beginning but things have really changed in the last 10 or so years,” he says. “When I was getting my start in the industry, I was definitely one of very few foreigners trying to make a name for themselves. Today, Paris is quickly becoming a true international wine city, very open to change and outside influence.

And, being a gay man, he also appreciates that same open Parisian attitude to being who you are.

“Paris has had a storied past of being a refuge for outsiders. I think most people move to Paris to live an enhanced version of their previous life. All of the senses are heightened here, and one can truly escape in the anonymity of this huge, foreign metropolis,” he says.

“Paris is a place where you can dream, be who you are, and be constantly inspired to live a beautiful life.”

Lindsey Tramuta, author

For Tramuta, swapping Philadelphia for Paris wasn’t so much following a dream as a natural progression. Having studied French from the age of 12, at 21, she crossed the Atlantic to study there. A student visa allowed her to stay until she met and married her French husband, becoming a naturalized citizen in 2014.

Working as a journalist reporting on the changing city for various international publications, she eventually progressed to writing books about the city and its people. “I wanted to document the evolution and argue that it’s because of the mix of old and new that the Paris of today is so special and dynamic,” she says. “ The New Paris ” was published in 2017 to great success, spurring Tramuta onto the next project.

“Once ‘The New Paris’ came out, I had the opportunity to meet even more individuals shaping the city, such as Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and one of those encounters triggered the idea for ‘ The New Parisienne ,’” she says, referring to her second book.

“If I tried to debunk stereotypes in the first book, the second is an attempt to upend tired and reductive narratives about the city’s most fetishized resident: its Parisiennes.”

So many famous authors, if mostly novelists, have been inspired by Paris. Tramuta feels part of the endless creativity surging through the city: “It’s special to be part of a legacy, not only of writers in Paris but of American writers in Paris. It truly is the city that inspires endlessly, both positively and negatively. There is always something to discover, explore, and share with readers. And as writers, we are fortunate to live in a place that reveres the written word and where readers are eager to engage with writers in bookshops and other forums.”

The culture shock that affects many emigrants from the US to Europe never really hit Tramuta. “Honestly, since I came at a young age and never left, I essentially became an adult in Paris and adapted to the lifestyle and way of being very quickly,” she says.

“If I recall any culture shock in those early days, it was the general acceptance with a lack of convenience and customer service. But the longer I’m here, the more I have normalized those aspects of life and business. Because I never perceived the US to be the default or ‘right’ way of operating, I overcame the tendency to endlessly compare the US to France.”

Sylvia Sabes, writer and photographer

Sabes, from San Francisco, followed a childhood dream of moving to Paris, but it took a few attempts. “I spent my first summer here in 1982 when I was 16 years old. It was with friends of the family, and I was left to discover the city on my own.”

She returned at age 20 to study for a year at the Sorbonne University, but then went back to the States.

“I didn’t know how to [move back to Paris] on my own, so I married a man with a French passport, had kids and only moved when my husband’s company finally transferred him here,” she says.

Finding work in her field – she’d been an advertising creative director – was a little more complicated. “The French have a hard time with people who reinvent themselves professionally,” she says. “But a headhunter was desperately looking for somebody who could do some copywriting for an agency, and I said sure. I don’t wear make-up but somehow have a gift for communicating with women who love it, so I did a lot of work for L’Oreal. It was great. I got to write scripts for Jane Fonda and Eva Longoria. I even directed a reading with Andie McDowell. [But I was] earning a quarter of what I’d earned in the US.”

Other than copywriting, Sabes freelances as a writer and photographer for international magazines and is the Paris “curator” for Luxe City Guides. She also writes guidebooks for private banks who want personalized gifts for their clients. She wrote a novel during the pandemic, which she’s currently looking for an agent for. Of course, it’s set in Paris.

But France has also brought racism her way. “I’m Jewish, but not at all religious,” she says. “Living in California, it was a non-issue, but here even the people closest to me are very aware of me being different. Also, living in California, thanks to political correctness, I never heard antisemitic comments – no matter what people thought, they kept those thoughts private. They’re less inhibited about that in France, so I hear more antisemitism – even from people who’d be shocked to learn their beliefs are antisemitic.”

Richard Nahem, tour guide

A chef and caterer in New York, where he was born and raised, Richard Nahem gave up a successful but stressful career in 2005.

“I was a private caterer and had a niche business catering photo shoots for major fashion and lifestyle magazines including Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. I fed Whitney Houston, Madonna, Joan Rivers and Cindy Crawford. But I was burnt out from being in the kitchen for 21 years and was looking to do something new,” he says.

Having fallen in love with the city over many previous visits, he decided to take the plunge. Nahem doesn’t reveal the exact way he moved through the tortuous immigration process, but he arrived in Paris on a tourist visa and soon had a carte de sejour (residence permit). Don’t get too excited – American passport-holders wanting residency cannot generally do this.

Friends and family immediately started visiting.

“I would meet them and stroll through my neighborhood, the Marais, sharing all the cool boutiques, restaurants, cafes, specialty food shops, beautiful architecture and hidden streets,” he says.

“I also gave them advice about practical things, like tipping and service. After doing it about 15 times, my entrepreneurial light bulb went off, and I thought, maybe I can do the same thing with strangers – show them places they may not find on their own, but privately with a group of six people or fewer. I posted my website in February 2007 and 10 days later, someone booked a tour. It’s been going strong ever since.” His Eye Prefer Paris tours show visitors a Paris that usually only locals get to discover.

Many visitors rave about the slower pace of life in Paris – but that relaxed way of life can grate on new locals with a list of chores to tick off.

“Simple errands, which usually take an hour or two, can take a half a day sometimes,” says Nahem. “I wasn’t prepared for the slower pace of life after living in New York all my life. I just don’t understand why simple transactions take so long. Why does the ticket seller at the museum have to chat with each client for 10 minutes, when all I want to do is get my ticket and enter the museum?”

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com