Île-de-France Travelers Recommend

Paris is a dream destination for travelers around the world, and that popularity comes with some major crowds. Plan ahead to secure your spot at the very best sites—see below for our top picks and experiences you can't miss in the City of Light.

The Louvre may be the world's greatest art museum. Don't be daunted by its size and overwhelming richness; if you have even the merest interest in the fruits of human civilization from antiquity to the 19th century, then visit you must. Paris might be renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world, but having to share your sightseeing experience – as it's also one of the most popular cities in the world – with thousands of other tourists can quickly turn a fun trip into a stressful day as you spend hours in line at famous attractions. Thankfully, it’s possible to book Skip the Line tickets for many of Paris' most popular sights like the Louvre, meaning you can head straight to the front of the queue and spend the rest of your time soaking up the atmosphere in the City of Lights.

Between Paris and the English Channel lies the region of Normandy, abounding in historic sites, moody countryside and culinary hotspots. You can visit some of the area’s highlights on a day trip from the French capital, or take your time and let the Normans conquer you with charm. One of the region’s premier sights is the breathtaking tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel. The island is connected to the coastline via a causeway, ringed with a defensive wall and dominated by the soaring spire of its abbey which dates back to the 8th century. The town of Saint Malo, although in neighboring Brittany, offers a similarly well-preserved center within forbidding walls. The charming town of Honfleur, with its unique wooden church and jumble of houses surrounding a peaceful harbor, was passed back and forth between the English and the French in the Middle Ages. More recent history is remembered in the sands of Normandy’s beaches.

The Eiffel Tower’s location on the Left Bank of the Seine makes it easy to combine a visit to the tower with a cruise on the river—a relaxing way to spot top sights like the Notre Dame. Here’s what you need to know to find the right combo for you. Highlights Check off two of Paris’ top activities in one convenient ticket package.Options are available for both day and night, with some featuring dinner.Some Eiffel Tower tickets include skip-the-line access.Cruise tickets can often be used on a different day to provide flexibility. Half-Day Combo Tours Four to five hours in duration, a half-day combo allows you to maximize your time in the city while still getting an overview of the main attractions. This is an ideal way to get oriented with the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods at the beginning of your trip.

Whether you’re in the first flutters of young love or thinking about popping the question, honeymooning or looking back on a long happy life together, everyone agrees Paris is the romantic capital of the world. In the daytime, a horse-and-carriage ride starting from the Eiffel Tower and continuing on to the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe is a wonderfully nostalgic way to see this stunning city. Or toast your love while you sample fine French wines in a royal cellar near the Louvre. Once night falls, how about dinner and a show while you enjoy the picturesque highlights of Paris? Cruise along the Seine as you and your significant other are serenaded by a singer and band. The beautiful riverside buildings and monuments are illuminated by spotlights as you pass by. A glass roof ensures great views from wherever you are, but for sightseeing at its finest, book the exclusive prow table.

Day 1: Cruising, Art and Cabaret Cruise the Seine or take a stroll along the river to explore the famous monuments and museums. Visit the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Pompidou Centre or take the hop-on hop-off bus to see all the sights. Then see the spectacular cabaret shows of the Moulin Rouge, Lido or paradise Latin show. Day 2: Culture, Food & Shopping Explore the ancient streets and lively cafés of the Latin Quarter, and the Left Bank homes of Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Jim Morrison, or the high fashion shops in St Germain des Prés. Day 3: Paris Day Trips Explore France's royal and cultural history on a trip to Monet's garden and Louis XIV's grand palace of Versailles. Discover the magnificent vineyards and world class cellars of the Champagne region home to Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon and Mumm.

With its beautiful scenery, historic towns and magnificent chateaux, the Loire Valley lies in easy reach of Paris. During the Renaissance period French aristocrats built lavish residences on or near the Loire River. Over 300 chateaux were built in the region, with only a few open to public visits. Among them is the 11th century Chateau d’Amboise, where Amboise’s most famous non-royal resident, Leonardo da Vinci worked. Da Vinci may be responsible for designs to an even more spectacular chateau – Chambord – namely the double-helix staircase. Chambord’s façade is one of the Loire’s most famous, rising from a solid base and becoming more fanciful the higher it climbs. Meanwhile, instantly recognisable Chenonceau is one of the great monuments of the French Renaissance. While all of these buildings express the aspirations of different ages, the rambling Chateau de Blois, offers a whole range of styles in one spot.

Your time in France is not complete without a visit to the world-renowned Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles), located just 15 miles (25 km) southwest of Paris. This impressive estate, built by Louis XIV as a symbol of absolute monarchy, boasts extravagant facades, elaborate furnishings and the magnificent 2,000-acre (800-hectare) Gardens of Versailles (Jardins de Versailles). You have two options for getting to Versailles. Take a day trip to Versailles from Paris, or, if you’re already staying in Versailles, meet your guide and head straight to the palace and gardens. Make sure you book the right tour by choosing your correct departure location. If you’re staying in Paris, escape the busy city and enjoy a relaxing trip to Versailles. Take a half-day or full-day trip to take advantage of all that Versailles has to offer. The Versailles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris offers convenient round-trip car transportation.

The fromagerie (cheese shop) is another world, with an astounding range of regional varieties accompanied by quince paste, green tomato jam, and fabulous bread. Make your selection and head up to the heart of the Latin Quarter, packed with colorful historic shops and restaurants, and the former home of writer Ernest Hemingway, who wrote in his ode to Paris, A Moveable Feast: "This is how Paris was in the early days when we were very poor and very happy". Finish at the Pâté de foie gras speciality shop with a decadent tasting of this delicacy. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to taste gourmet chocolate and pastries, walking through lovely Parisian neighborhoods. Feeling creative? Make your own fine pastries and desserts, from ice cream (geranium, lavender, chocolate, or caramel) to truffles or learn the secret of the prized French macaroon. Sip champagne as you cruise along the Seine, or visit the magnificent vineyards and world class cellars of the Champagne region.

One of the most popular tourism options in Paris is to check out one of the historic cabarets: Moulin Rouge, Le Lido, Paradis Latin, Crazy Horse, Nouvelle Eve, Mugler Follies and Folies Bergère. All offer similar forms of adult entertainment in the form of dance and acrobatic numbers featuring men and women in various states of undress, and occasionally without any clothes at all. Cabaret shows are an adult experience, highly suggestive and not for children. That does not mean, however, that cabarets are like strip clubs in America. Instead, they're like a sexy Cirque du Soleil. There is a range of viewing options, from simply sitting at the bar to sipping Champagne and eating a multi-course meal at one of the best tables in the joint. You'll pay between €100 and €300 for this evening out, depending on what time of year you go and what drinking and dining options you choose, but you will have an experience that cannot be found outside of the City Of Light.