Paris Vacation Packages and Tours

Towering over the city is the Eiffel Tower which can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris. The tower rises to a height of 300 metres/984 feet and was completed at the end of the Nineteenth Century. Another major landmark visible from most of Paris is the round domed Sacre Coeur Basilica located on a hill in the atmospheric Montmartre district, also well worth a visit on a France vacation with its many street artists and cafes. Then, of course, there is the Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral located on the River Seine and dating back hundreds of years. 

The list of attractions goes on and on but is too numerous to mention on one page. However, time should be allotted to visit at least one of the two major and elegant historical palaces situated just outside the city on travel to Paris, Versailles and Fontainebleau, past homes of French royalty.

Spring (March to May):
Spring in Paris is a magical time when the city comes to life with blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and longer daylight hours. Average daily temperatures range from 48°F (8.9°C) in March to 59°F (15°C) in May, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The parks and gardens, especially Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, are in full bloom, offering picturesque strolls. Spring also means fewer crowds compared to summer, allowing visitors to enjoy major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, without long waits. Spring festivals, like the Paris Jazz Festival, add to the cultural vibrancy.

Summer (June to August):
Summer in Paris is warm and lively, with average temperatures around 68°F (20°C). This is the peak tourist season, making it the perfect time for outdoor cafes, picnics along the Seine, and sunset river cruises. While the city can be busy, the longer days allow for extended sightseeing and exploring. Paris Plages, the annual temporary beach set up along the Seine, offers a fun and unique way to relax in the city. Although it's busier, many museums, monuments, and parks are open late in the summer, giving travelers more time to enjoy Paris’ famous attractions.

Autumn (September to November):
Autumn in Paris is romantic and serene as the city’s parks and streets are adorned with vibrant fall foliage. Average temperatures in September are mild at 63°F (17.2°C) and drop to 47°F (8.3°C) by November, making it pleasant for walking tours and cultural outings. The fall season brings smaller crowds compared to summer, offering a more intimate experience at popular sites like Montmartre or Notre-Dame Cathedral. Autumn is also harvest season, making it a great time for wine tasting events and food festivals across the city. The Paris Fashion Week in September also draws international visitors, adding a stylish flair to the season.

Winter (December to February):
Winter in Paris is cozy and festive, with average temperatures ranging from 41°F (5°C) to 43°F (6.1°C). Although it's the coldest season, Paris is illuminated with holiday lights and Christmas markets, especially around landmarks like the Champs-Élysées and Hôtel de Ville. The city feels less crowded, offering travelers a peaceful and authentic Parisian experience. The lower hotel prices and airfares make winter an affordable time to visit. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy the city's many museums and galleries without large crowds. Plus, warming up with a hot chocolate in a cozy Parisian café makes winter travel here even more charming.

Each season has its unique charm in Paris, so depending on the traveler’s preferences, there’s always something special to experience.

Two excellent reasons to enjoy Paris have nothing to do with its popular tourist attractions. Enjoying a taste of Parisian culinary prowess is a must whether it is just sitting at an outside café watching the world go by with coffee and a croissant, or enjoying a meal at one of the vast numbers of quality restaurants that abound here. Excellent shopping opportunities can also be found not only in big Paris department stores such as the Galerie Lafayette, but in the many boutique shops that can be found everywhere on Paris tours. 

There are many must-see attractions and iconic sights to explore on a France vacation. For culture buffs, the Louvre Museum would be an excellent starting point. It is one of the largest and most important museums in the world and is housed in the expansive Louvre Palace, situated in the 1st Arrondissement, with over 1 million works of art including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The Musee d’Orsay used to be a century-old railway station, the Gare d’Orsay and was converted into an art gallery in 1986. When it opened the museum contained some 2300 paintings, 1500 sculptures and 1000 other objects. Most of these works of art came from other museums but over time, the collection has expanded and covers a period from the mid-nineteenth century. It contains works by many important Impressionist painters such as Degas, Rodin, Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cezanne, van Gogh and others. 

Two other museums of note are the Rodin Museum dedicated to the sculptor, Augustus Rodin and the Pompidou Centre devoted to contemporary art and design.