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.

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.

"On July 14, 1789, the French Revolution kicked off with the Storming of the Bastilles. Today, you can find French nationals and Francophones celebrating this historic event around the globe, with Paris serving as the hot spot for commemorating the momentous occasion. Visitors to the City of Light can kick off Bastille Day with the morning Military Parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. This annual tradition showcases the French military’s regiments and pays homage to an age-old tradition of national honor and protection. The president of the French Republic makes an appearance and tourists are treated to a foot parade, mounted troops and a motorized brigade until noon. Travelers looking for a delightful mix of color, sound and lights can catch an impressive fireworks display launched from the iconic Eiffel Tower. This annual event is one of the most popular highlights of Bastille Day, marking the historic battle with truly epic fanfare. A scenic dinner cruise along

We have to agree, there’s nothing more French than Champagne. To see where the legend began, visit the sacred town of Reims, known for its role in consecrating the kings of France as well as its importance to the Champagne region’s sparkling wines. In Reims, your guide will take you on a tour of the city’s famous Gothic cathedral, followed by a trip to the world-renowned Mumm champagne cellars for a tour and tasting of Mumm House’s Cordon Rouge champagne. In the afternoon, your tour continues on through the picturesque landscape of vineyards and rolling hills to the town of Epernay, the main entrepôt for the region’s sparkling wines. Here, you’ll visit the prestigious wine cellars of Moet & Chandon for another tasting session.

Inside, the huge palace's 700 rooms are replete with gilded cornices, frescoed ceilings and carved details. Outside, it is surrounded by famously formal gardens with geometrically designed walkways, fountains, canals and terraces. Any visit to Versailles must include seeing the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Chambers, the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's famous estate where she went to play at being a simple country girl. There is a lot to see, so plan your visit based on the chateau's four sections: the multiple-winged palace building, the vast gardens and two smaller palaces, the Grand Trianon and Pteit Trianon. Book your skip-the-line Palace of Versailles day trip from Paris and leave the long queues behind! Skip past the entrance lines with your priority-access ticket and then head inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palace of Versailles.

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.

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.

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.