purpose tour paris

Purpose World Tour

• Edit source
• View history

The tour started on March 9, 2016 in Seattle and finished on July 2, 2017 in London, UK. After that, the last remaining 14 shows of the tour were cancelled due to depression, anxiety and exhaustion.

Visiting the five continents with over 150 shows, the Purpose World Tour became Justin's longest tour and one of the highest-grossing concerts of the 2010s decade.

• 1 Background
• 7 Canceled shows
• 9.1 Ultimate #Purpose experience
• 9.2 "I'll Show You" VIP Purpose Experience
• 9.3 "Where Are Ü Now" #Purpose experience
• 10 References

Background [ ]

The tour was announced on November 11, 2015 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show . That same day, 58 dates in the United States and Canada were revealed on the singer's website. Due to an overwhelming demand, additional shows were added in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, and New York, totaling 64 shows. Some of the shows that Bieber was supposed to perform at was cancelled. After a couple of days, Bieber announced the reason behind him cancelling the rest of the tour on a heartfelt Instagram post.

My life is a movie and everyone’s watching. So let’s get to the good part and past all the nonsense. This life’s not easy. I know what it feels like to fall. It isn’t until we admit defeat that we are able to find strength. I know what it takes to admit vulnerabilities. Are you willing to be challenged, uncomfortable? What are you willing to withstand to create your destiny? I have to ask myself where does my character lie in times of trouble, my weakness, when is my soul at rest? I encountered so many obstacles along this journey. I made mistakes, stumbled but I have faith and determination to rise. My idea of advice is safety, love, respect and purpose.

Setlist [ ]

• Mark My Words
• Where Are Ü Now
• Get Used To It
• I'll Show You
• The Feeling
• Love Yourself
• No Pressure
• As Long As You Love Me
• Let Me Love You
• Life Is Worth Living
• What Do You Mean?
• March 11, 2016 / November 11, 2016 (Q&A) — “ One Less Lonely Girl ”
• March 17, 2016 / March 25, 2016 / May 16, 2016 / June 27, 2016 / June 29, 2016 — “ Insecurities ”
• March 26, 2016 / March 29, 2016 / April 28, 2016 / May 4, 2016 / May 5, 2016 / May 7, 2016 / May 8, 2016 / May 13, 2016 / May 18, 2016 / June 13, 2016 / June 22, 2016 / June 23, 2016 / June 25, 2016 / June 27, 2016 / July 2, 2016 / July 3, 2016 / July 15, 2016 / September 21, 2016 — “ Look Up At The Stars ”
• July 3, 2016 — “ Guarded ”
• October 20, 2016 — “ Trust ”
• November 9, 2016 (Q&A) — “ That Should Be Me ”
• During the shows in Louisville, Auburn Hills, Boston, Washington, D.C. & the second show in Chiba, Bieber performed a cover of Justin Timberlake 's “ Cry Me a River ”.
• During the show in Ottawa, Bieber performed a cover of Delirious? song, “ I Could Sing of Your Love Forever ” during the acoustic set.
• During the shows in Greensboro, Baltimore, New York City, Madrid and Monza Bieber performed a cover of Tracy Chapman song “ Fast Car ” during the acoustic set.
• During the shows in Chiba, Bieber performed “ Cold Water ” during the acoustic set.

Bieber performed duets with musical guests on some dates of the tour.

• March 20, 2016 — Los Angeles: “ Confident ” with Chance the Rapper ; “ No Pressure ” with Big Sean
• March 23, 2016 — Los Angeles, “ Sorry ” with Skrillex
• April 12. 2016 — Atlanta: “ Baby ” with Ludacris
• April 13, 2016 — Atlanta: “ U Got It Bad ”, “U Don't Have to Call”, “Lovers and Friends” and “I Don't Mind” with Usher ; “I Wanna Love You” with Akon
• July 19, 2016 — New York City: "No Sense” with Travis Scott ; “ Never Say Never ” with Jaden Smith
• November 17, 2016 — Zurich: “ Let Me Love You ” with DJ Snake
• April 18, 2017 — San Juan: “ Despacito (Remix) ” with Luis Fonsi
• June 25, 2017 — Wireless Festival, Frankfurt: “ No Sense ” with Travis Scott

Dancers [ ]

• Aubree Storm
• Christina Chandler
• CJ Salvador
• David Shreibman
• Delaney Glazer
• Devan Smith
• Elysandra Quiñones
• Jasmine Perri
• Jake Landgrebe
• Johnny Erasme
• Jonathan Rabon
• Kyle Cordova
• Yusuke Nakai
• Luis Rosado
• Keebz Chapa
• Mighty Mykell
• Rudy Reynon
• Mona Berntsen
• Nick DeMoura
• Bianca Brewton
• Deanna Jenkins
• Maasa Ishihara
• Joesar Alva
• Isaiah Baluyot
• Justin de Vera
• Noah Tratree

Outfits [ ]

Canceled shows [ ]

The cancellation of its last 14 tour dates, including several U.S. stadiums, was described at the time as “unforeseen circumstances” but was in fact a clear mental health crisis. “He was going through something that he wasn’t expressing to anyone,” said Allison Kaye . “We didn’t really understand what we were canceling it for — we just kind of had to.”

When he canceled the last leg of the Purpose tour, the biggest changes he made to get better were going to therapy regularly for the first time and reconnecting with God. “I just changed my priorities so that I didn’t [become] another statistic of young musicians that ended up, like, not making it,” he said. [17]

• ↑ 1.0 1.1 The August 20, 2016 concert in Chelmsford, England at the Hylands Park and the August 21, 2016 concert in Staffordshire, England at the Weston Park were both part of the V Festival.
• ↑ The June 7, 2017 concert in Stavanger, Norway at Forus Travbane is a part of Sommerfesten 2017.
• ↑ The June 18, 2017 concert in Monza, Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza is a part of I-Days Festival.
• ↑ The June 24, 2017 concert in Lille, France at Stade Pierre-Mauroy is a part of North Summer Festival.
• ↑ The June 25, 2017 concert in Frankfurt, Germany at Commerzbank-Arena is a part of Wireless Festival.
• ↑ The July 2, 2017 concert in London, England at Hyde Park is a part of British Summer Time Festival.

Experiences [ ]

Ultimate #purpose experience [ ].

• 1 #GetCloser seat in a barricaded section at the end of the stage runway (you'll be the closest to Justin)
• 1 selfie during your meet & greet with Justin before the show (cancelled)
• A tour of backstage: find out what happens behind-the-scenes and what it takes to create a world tour
• 1 premium merch package created exclusively for the ultimate #Purpose fans
• 1 official tour plaque - a limited edition memorabilia made and engraved just for you
• Access to the pre-show hospitality lounge immediately after your meet & greet
• Early entry into the venue
• On-site VIP host
• Exclusive #GetCloserToJustin laminate
• 1 digital download of Justin Bieber's album "Purpose"

"I'll Show You" VIP Purpose Experience [ ]

• 1 premium ticket
• Access to the pre-show hospitality lounge
• A hangout with the crew
• 1 premium merch package created exclusively for VIP #Purpose fans

"Where Are Ü Now" #Purpose experience [ ]

• Dedicated VIP entrance

References [ ]

• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . April 7, 2016.  
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . April 20, 2016.  
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . May 4, 2016.  
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . May 24, 2016.  
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . July 5, 2016.  
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . Retrieved November 2, 2016 .  
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . Retrieved November 13, 2016 .  
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard . April 4, 2017.  
• ↑ Ali Stone abrirá el concierto de Justin Bieber en Colombia. Retrieved 5 April 2017. Template:In lang
• "Billboard Boxscore :: Current Scores" . Billboard .  
• ↑ "Sonakshi Sinha to perform at Bieber's Mumbai gig" . The News International . March 14, 2017.  
• "Billboard Boxscore : Current Scores" . Billboard .  
• ↑ "Why India wants Justin Bieber to say Sorry" . Newsbeat . May 12, 2017.  
• ↑ "Justin Bieber naar Pinkpop" .  
• ↑ "Justin Bieber til Stavanger" .  
• ↑ "Justin Bieber kommer till Summerburst Stockholm 2017" .  
• ↑ "Biglietti concerto Justin Bieber e Martin Garrix I-Days Milano 2017" .  
• ↑ "North Summer Festival 2017 à Lille : Justin Bieber au programme !" .  
• ↑ "Justin Bieber to headline British Summer Time festival 2017 !" .  
• ↑ Coscarelli, Joe (July 25, 2017). "Justin Bieber Cancels ‘Purpose’ Tour Dates for His 'Soul and Well-Being'" . The New York Times . "Still, the tour grossed $163.3 million last year, according to the industry trade publication Pollstar, and had earned another $93.2 million so far this year."  
• ↑ Bain, Katie (March 11, 2021). "Inside Justin Bieber’s New World: Therapy, Date Nights and Delivering ‘Justice’" . Billboard .  
• 1 Kid Culture
• 2 Mariah Yeater
• 3 Despacito (Remix)

A Self-Guided Tour of Parisian Architecture

 Allan Baxter / Getty Images 

A stroll across Paris is also a stroll through history . It's a metropolis where you'll encounter a dizzying array of architectural styles if you cover enough ground. Take this self-guided (or totally virtual) tour of Parisian architecture to witness some of the city's most stunning buildings—and learn more about the capital's centuries-long history.

Tip: If you take this tour in person, you have two options. You can either treat it as an "itinerary" by visiting the suggested sites in the order shown below or choose your own starting and stopping points. And remember—the best strolls in Paris include spontaneous discoveries and small detours. Watch out for beautiful buildings and architectural details not included on this list.

Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle

Robertharding / Getty Images Plus

The first stop on your architecture tour of the capital is an imposing medieval structure called the Conciergerie . It's probably one of the best-preserved examples of architecture dating to the Middle Ages and has served over the centuries as a royal palace, revolutionary prison, and tribunal. Today it houses the Palais de Justice, an important court of law. It blends elements of both secular and religious architectural styles.

A palace existed on the site from the 6th century, during the Merovingian period. But the facade's dramatic turrets, towers, and other features are the product of elaborate extensions carried out under royal rule during the 10th to 14th centuries, reflecting an ornate Gothic style. King Charles IV built the imposing towers that loom over the Seine River.

Meanwhile, the dazzling Sainte-Chapelle or royal chapel that sits beside the Conciergerie is one of the city's most beautiful examples of "rayonnant" Gothic architecture. Its sumptuous, light-filled interiors are prized for their well-preserved, elaborate stained glass and beautiful lower chapel.

For more on the interiors of the Conciergerie, including details on the remarkable grand hall and well-preserved prison cells, see our full guide. You can also take a virtual or self-guided tour of medieval Paris for more stunning examples of Parisian architecture from the Middle Ages.

Place des Vosges

Next, it's time to cross the Seine and head to the historic Marais district, home to an  interesting blend of medieval and Renaissance-era architecture.  At the neighborhood's northeastern edge lies the  Place des Vosges , a royal square whose style is both distinctive and relatively rare.

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, the site was built at the height of the Renaissance era and completed in around 1612. It consists of a rectangular arrangement of grand buildings with red-bricked facades and steep rooftops in slate; covered galleries formed from dramatic arched structures grace the ground-floor levels. At the center lies a lush garden, also known as the Square Louis XIII. A statue of the eponymous French King stands in the middle.

Admire the harmonious architectural features of the Place des Vosges by strolling beneath its galleries, then stand at the square's center to better survey the red-bricked houses. You can also find many examples of fine Renaissance-era hotels particuliers (mansions) in the same neighborhood, including at the Hotel Carnavelet. It houses a museum dedicated to Parisian history.

Centre Georges Pompidou

Bernard Jaubert/Getty Images

Few buildings in Paris generate more controversy than the Centre Georges Pompidou. Some love the boldly colorful, whimsical building, which houses one of France's most important museums of modern art, a bookshop, cinema, public library, and panoramic rooftop restaurant.

Others find it to be nothing short of an eyesore, disliking how its "high-tech" architectural style clashes with the older buildings that surround it.

Regardless of the mixed reactions it attracts, the Centre Pompidou is beloved by locals. They flock to occupy its enormous, sloping plaza and mill around in the airy ground floor lobby, whose floor-to-ceiling glass panes let in plenty of light.

The Pompidou was completed in 1977 and named after the French President who commissioned it. It was designed by architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, Su Rogers, and Gianfranco Franchini. The architects were pioneers of the "inside-out building" concept, designing the building so that all of its functional components—from its mechanical systems to air conditioning—are visible on the facade.

The brightly colored tubes that run across the rear-side facade each designate a function: green pipes correspond to plumbing systems, blue ducts to climate control. Safety and circulation devices are in red, and wires are in yellow. The late modernist, high tech design is a kind of tribute to tech culture and developments.

Renzo Piano said this of the building: "The center is like a huge spaceship made of glass, steel and colored tubing that landed unexpectedly in the heart of the Paris, and where it would very quickly set deep roots."

If you're able to visit, make sure to purchase a museum ticket so you can take the escalators that ascend the building on the outside, culminating in fantastic panoramic views over the city .

La Samaritaine

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis  / Contributor 

Heading slightly westward and back to the banks of the Seine, it's time to admire the facade of the legendary Parisian department store La Samaritaine.

Looming over the Pont Neuf bridge, the store was a boldly modern venture when it opened in 1870, designed by architects Frantz Jourdain and Henri Sauvage.

But the building you see today took many years and phases to complete; it melds different architectural styles and period features. While the "bones" of the department store are from the late 19th century, the elements that are most striking on the store's facades—floral motifs, dramatically painted lettering, heavy use of decorative glass and exposed steel arranged in geometric patterns—are typical of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in architecture, popular during the early twentieth century.

The facade facing the Seine is a particularly arresting sight at sunrise and sunset, when light tends to reflect dramatically on the glass panes, creating a glowing effect.

Place Vendome

 Royalty-free/Getty Images

We now turn our attention to an outstanding example of architecture from the neoclassical period: Place Vendome, possibly the most grandiose square in the capital. Trees are nearly absent on the majestic place, which is today lined with expensive jewelry boutiques.

Commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 17th century, the Place Vendome was designed to convey great royal power, wealth, and prestige. It was designed by the "Sun King's" first architect, Mansart, according to a harmonious octagonal plan. It's typical of 17th-century neoclassical French architecture , boasting grand Corinthian-style columns, carved decorative sculptures, and the linking of windows from one floor to the next. In total, 28 mansions, or hotels particuliers , line the square.

In the center stands a statue of Emperor Napoleon I. It's actually a replica of a statue that was destroyed during the Revolution of 1870 or the "Paris Commune." On the west end lies the Hotel Ritz, whose grandiose premises were recently renovated.

Passage Vivienne

Imagine it's pouring rain, and you need a place to take cover from the hustle and bustle of 19th-century urban life. The covered galeries, or "arcades," of the area known as the Grands Boulevards , would have made an excellent place to take refuge from the street. They still do today, too.

The Galerie Vivienne is one of the most opulent and best-preserved examples of the main Parisian galeries, which form a sort of network within the 2nd and 9th arrondissements . This particular passageway is located in close reach of the Palais Royal (another architectural gem to explore, by the way) and was completed in 1823.

Stretching for hundreds of feet, the airy, glass-roofed covered passageways here harbor historic restaurants and cafes, bookstores, antique shops, and clothing boutiques. Admire the elaborate tile-mosaic floors, faux-marble columns, and light-flooded glass panes that stretch across the rooftops.

Make sure to spend some time taking in the details of the Galerie Colbert at one end of the Vivienne; it boasts an impressive colonnade and rotunda. The glass dome house found in this corner of the galerie houses the National Institute of Art. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner at Le Grand Colbert, a lavish old brasserie with impressive Belle-Epoque interiors.

Opera Garnier

Gabrielle & Michel Therin-Weise / robertharding /Getty Images 

Designed by an architecture student named Charles Garnier in 1861, the Palais Garnier—also known simply as "Opera"—is a winning example of the Napoleon III style. This 19th-century school brings together numerous different architectural elements and techniques, including neoclassical, Renaissance, and Baroque. It makes heavy use of decoration, including gilded facades, statuary and sculpture, lavish staircases, and trellises.

After taking in the opulent facade of the Palais Garnier, note the wide boulevards that surround and lead to it—including the grand Avenue de l'Opéra. These boulevards are representative of Georges-Eugène Haussmann's remaking of Paris from the mid-19th-century.

He transformed the capital's narrow streets into bustling, modern boulevards, and demolished some 20,000 buildings to replace them with residential and commercial structures that are today often seen as "typically" Parisian.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Iwan Baan for Fondation Louis Vuitton /Iwan Baan

Finally, we head to the western edge of Paris to take in one of the most interesting recent additions to the city's skyline: a bold design from American architect Frank Gehry. Opened in 2014, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art center that purposefully makes a central attraction of its own stunning, singular structure.

Gehry fashioned the building from 3,600 individual glass panels and 19,000 counterparts in concrete. He was partly inspired by the elegant, airy, glass-domed structures that emerged in Paris during the 19th century, such as the Grand Palais . Boldly futuristic yet evoking organic forms, the Fondation has, at times, been likened to a mollusk-like creature. Others say it looks like a sea vessel of some kind, with its 12 glass "sails" seeming to blow in the wind. In any case, it's mesmerizing.

Situated in the middle of the enormous wood known as the Bois de Boulogne, the Fondation Vuitton boasts over 125,000 square feet of gallery space. The permanent exhibit, set within the light-filled, airy interiors, includes a look at the building's innovative design.

Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris

5 Paris Museums Housed in Breathtaking Buildings

The 10 Most Beautiful Bridges in Paris

Most Romantic Places to Go for a Walk in Paris

The Top 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France

Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Marais Neighborhood

9 Places for Jewish History in Paris, From Museums to Memorials

Paris' Pont Neuf: The Complete Guide

The 8 Most Beautiful Squares in Paris

72 Hours in Paris: What to See in Only Three Days

Guide to the 8th Arrondissement in Paris

32 Top Things to Do in Paris, France

10 Most Beautiful Places to Enjoy Sunsets in Paris

A Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende

48 Hours in Paris: The Ultimate Itinerary

The 15 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg, France

Origins and Construction of the Eiffel Tower

It was for the 1889 Exposition Universelle , the date that marked the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, that a great competition was launched in 1886.

The first digging work started on the 26th January 1887 . On the 31st March 1889, the Tower had been finished in record time – 2 years, 2 months and 5 days – and was established as a veritable technical feat .

• Une première version bien différente
• La construction
• Durée de construction record
• Le journaliste Émile Goudeau visitant le chantier au début de 1889 en décrit ainsi le spectacle.
• Les planches de Monsieur Eiffel
• Extrait de la "Protestation contre la Tour de M. Eiffel", 1887

Key figures

The construction schedule, the design of the eiffel tower.

The plan to build a tower 300 metres high was conceived as part of preparations for the World's Fair of 1889 .

The wager was to " study the possibility of erecting an iron tower on the Champ-de-Mars with a square base, 125 metres across and 300 metres tall ". Selected from among 107 projects, it was that of Gustave Eiffel, an entrepreneur, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, both engineers, and Stephen Sauvestre, an architect, that was accepted.

Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin , the two chief engineers in Eiffel's company, had the idea for a very tall tower in June 1884. It was to be designed like a large pylon with four columns of lattice work girders, separated at the base and coming together at the top , and joined to each other by more metal girders at regular intervals.

The tower project was a bold extension of this principle up to a height of 300 metres - equivalent to the symbolic figure of 1000 feet . On September 18 1884 Eiffel registered a patent "for a new configuration allowing the construction of metal supports and pylons capable of exceeding a height of 300 metres".

In order to make the project more acceptable to public opinion, Nouguier and Koechlin commissioned the architect Stephen Sauvestre to work on the project's appearance.

A quite different first edition

Sauvestre proposed stonework pedestals to dress the legs, monumental arches to link the columns and the first level, large glass-walled halls on each level, a bulb-shaped design for the top and various other ornamental features to decorate the whole of the structure. In the end the project was simplified, but certain elements such as the large arches at the base were retained, which in part give it its very characteristic appearance.

The curvature of the uprights is mathematically determined to offer the most efficient wind resistance possible. As Eiffel himself explains: "All the cutting force of the wind passes into the interior of the leading edge uprights. Lines drawn tangential to each upright with the point of each tangent at the same height, will always intersect at a second point, which is exactly the point through which passes the flow resultant from the action of the wind on that part of the tower support situated above the two points in question. Before coming together at the high pinnacle, the uprights appear to burst out of the ground, and in a way to be shaped by the action of the wind".

The construction

The assembly of the supports began on July 1, 1887 and was completed twenty-two months later.

All the elements were prepared in Eiffel’s factory located at Levallois-Perret on the outskirts of Paris. Each of the 18,000 pieces used to construct the Tower were specifically designed and calculated, traced out to an accuracy of a tenth of a millimetre and then put together forming new pieces around five metres each. A team of constructors, who had worked on the great metal viaduct projects, were responsible for the 150 to 300 workers on site assembling this gigantic erector set.

The rivet workers

All the metal pieces of the tower are held together by rivets, a well-refined method of construction at the time the Tower was constructed. First the pieces were assembled in the factory using bolts , later to be replaced one by one with thermally assembled rivets, which contracted during cooling thus ensuring a very tight fit. A team of four men was needed for each rivet assembled: one to heat it up, another to hold it in place, a third to shape the head and a fourth to beat it with a sledgehammer. Only a third of the 2,500,000 rivets used in the construction of the Tower were inserted directly on site.

The uprights rest on concrete foundations installed a few metres below ground-level on top of a layer of compacted gravel. Each corner edge rests on its own supporting block, applying to it a pressure of 3 to 4 kilograms per square centimetre , and each block is joined to the others by walls.

On the Seine side of the construction, the builders used watertight metal caissons and injected compressed air , so that they were able to work below the level of the water.

The tower was assembled using wooden scaffolding and small steam cranes mounted onto the tower itself.

The assembly of the first level was achieved by the use of twelve temporary wooden scaffolds, 30 metres high, and four larger scaffolds of 40 metres each.

"Sand boxes" and hydraulic jacks - replaced after use by permanent wedges - allowed the metal girders to be positioned to an accuracy of one millimetre.

On December 7, 1887 , the joining of the major girders up to the first level was completed. The pieces were hauled up by steam cranes, which themselves climbed up the Tower as they went along using the runners to be used for the Tower's lifts.

months to build the foundations

It only took five months to build the foundations and twenty-one to finish assembling the metal pieces of the Tower.

Considering the rudimentary means available at that period, this could be considered record speed. The assembly of the Tower was a marvel of precision , as all chroniclers of the period agree. The construction work began in January 1887 and was finished on March 31, 1889 . On the narrow platform at the top, Eiffel received his decoration from the Legion of Honour.

"A thick cloud of tar and coal smoke seized the throat , and we were deafened by the din of metal screaming beneath the hammer. Over there they were still working on the bolts: workmen with their iron bludgeons, perched on a ledge just a few centimetres wide, took turns at striking the bolts (these in fact were the rivets). One could have taken them for blacksmiths contentedly beating out a rhythm on an anvil in some village forge, except that these smiths were not striking up and down vertically, but horizontally, and as with each blow came a shower of sparks , these black figures, appearing larger than life against the background of the open sky, looked as if they were reaping lightning bolts in the clouds. "

Mr. Eiffel’s Blueprints

The following blueprints are copies of Gustave Eiffel’s originals, taken from the book La Tour de 300 mètres, Ed. Lemercier, Paris 1900

Debate and controversy surrounding the Eiffel Tower

Even before the end of its construction, the Tower was already at the heart of much debate. Enveloped in criticism from the biggest names in the world of Art and Literature, the Tower managed to stand its ground and achieve the success it deserved.

Various pamphlets and articles were published throughout the year of 1886, le 14 février 1887, la protestation des Artistes.

The "Protest against the Tower of Monsieur Eiffel", published in the newspaper Le Temps , is addressed to the World's Fair's director of works, Monsieur Alphand. It is signed by several big names from the world of literature and the arts : Charles Gounod, Guy de Maupassant, Alexandre Dumas junior, François Coppée, Leconte de Lisle, Sully Prudhomme, William Bouguereau, Ernest Meissonier, Victorien Sardou, Charles Garnier and others to whom posterity has been less kind.

Other satirists pushed the violent diatribe even further, hurling insults like : "this truly tragic street lamp" (Léon Bloy), "this belfry skeleton" (Paul Verlaine), "this mast of iron gymnasium apparatus, incomplete, confused and deformed" (François Coppée), "this high and skinny pyramid of iron ladders, this giant ungainly skeleton upon a base that looks built to carry a colossal monument of Cyclops, but which just peters out into a ridiculous thin shape like a factory chimney" (Maupassant), "a half-built factory pipe, a carcass waiting to be fleshed out with freestone or brick, a funnel-shaped grill, a hole-riddled suppository" (Joris-Karl Huysmans).

Once the Tower was finished the criticism burnt itself out in the presence of the completed masterpiece, and in the light of the enormous popular success with which it was greeted. It received two million visitors during the World's Fair of 1889.

" We come, we writers, painters, sculptors, architects, lovers of the beauty of Paris which was until now intact, to protest with all our strength and all our indignation, in the name of the underestimated taste of the French, in the name of French art and history under threat, against the erection in the very heart of our capital, of the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower which popular ill-feeling, so often an arbiter of good sense and justice, has already christened the Tower of Babel. (...)

Is the City of Paris any longer to associate itself with the baroque and mercantile fancies of a builder of machines, thereby making itself irreparably ugly and bringing dishonour ? (...). To comprehend what we are arguing one only needs to imagine for a moment a tower of ridiculous vertiginous height dominating Paris,just like a gigantic black factory chimney, its barbarous mass overwhelming and humiliating all our monuments and belittling our works of architecture, which will just disappear before this stupefying folly.

And for twenty years we shall see spreading across the whole city, a city shimmering with the genius of so many centuries, we shall see spreading like an ink stain, the odious shadow of this odious column of bolted metal.

Gustave Eiffel’s Response

In an interview in the newspaper Le Temps of February 14 1887, Eiffel gave a reply to the artists' protest, neatly summing up his artistic doctrine:

"For my part I believe that the Tower will possess its own beauty . Are we to believe that because one is an engineer, one is not preoccupied by beauty in one's constructions, or that one does not seek to create elegance as well as solidity and durability ? Is it not true that the very conditions which give strength also conform to the hidden rules of harmony ? (...) Now to what phenomenon did I have to give primary concern in designing the Tower ? It was wind resistance.

Well then ! I hold that the curvature of the monument's four outer edges, which is as mathematical calculation dictated it should be (...) will give a great impression of strength and beauty , for it will reveal to the eyes of the observer the boldness of the design as a whole. Likewise the many empty spaces built into the very elements of construction will clearly display the constant concern not to submit any unnecessary surfaces to the violent action of hurricanes, which could threaten the stability of the edifice. Moreover there is an attraction in the colossal, and a singular delight to which ordinary theories of art are scarcely applicable ".

• Partager sur X

On the same theme

Gustave Eiffel

Eiffel tower facts, height & weight

An object of discord, desire and fascination, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress. Enriched by a history full of new developments, here you can discover all of its key information.

History of the restaurants

For the Universal Exhibition of 1889, four majestic wooden pavilions designed by Stephen Sauvestre decked the platform on the first floor. Each restaurant could seat 500 people.

• Prices & Times
• Haut de page

Justin Bieber Details Massive North American ‘Purpose’ Tour

By Ryan Reed

UPDATE:  Justin Bieber has expanded his  Purpose  world tour to include a fall run in Europe. See below for new dates.

Justin Bieber has announced an expansive tour behind his upcoming fourth LP, Purpose . Spanning major markets across the U.S. and Canada, the singer’s 58-date North American trek kicks off March 9th, 2016 in Seattle and concludes July 18th at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. 

American Express cardmembers can purchase advance tickets for the U.S. shows starting Monday, November 16th at noon local time through Thursday, November 19th at 10 p.m. local time. General ticket sales for all shows will begin Friday, November 20th at 10 a.m. local time through the AEG Live website . 

Bieber teased the tour during his Wednesday appearance on  Ellen , but he had trouble remembering the jaunt’s start date. “I will start this tour … oh gosh, this is the only thing I had to remember,” he told Ellen DeGeneres, before assuring fans, “You can go to my website to find out.”

The announcement arrives two days before the November 13th release of Purpose , which features singles like the atmospheric “I’ll Show You,” tropical-flavored “Sorry” and soul-searching “What Do You Mean?”

Excluding the 2013 compilation Journals , Purpose is Bieber’s first album since 2012’s Believe . The lengthy tracklist features an array of high-profile collaborators, including Skrillex, Diplo, Big Sean (“No Pressure”), Travis Scott (“No Sense”) and Ariana Grande (the deluxe edition remix of “What Do You Mean?”).

Justice Alito Caught on Tape Discussing How Battle for America ‘Can’t Be Compromised’

Martha-ann alito condemns pride flags, the left, and the media, trump rails against broken rally teleprompters, threatens to stiff contractors, gypsy rose blanchard sues true-crime content creator for defamation and fraud.

Justin Bieber  Purpose  Tour (Bold indicates new tour dates)

Editor’s picks

Every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term, the 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history.

March 9 – Seattle, WA @ KeyArena at Seattle Center March 11 – Vancouver, BC @ Pepsi Live! at Rogers Arena March 13 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center at the Rose Quarter March 15 – Sacramento, CA @ Sleep Train Arena March 17 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center at San Jose March 18 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena March 20 – Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center March 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center March 25 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena March 26 – Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center March 29 – San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center March 30 – Glendale, AZ @ Gila River Arena April 2 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena April 4 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center April 6 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center April 7 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center April 9 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center April 10 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center April 12 – Atlanta, GA @Philips Arena April 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center April 20 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center April 22 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena April 23 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena April 25 – Auburn Hills, MI @The Palace Of Auburn Hills April 26 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena April 28 – Columbus, OH @Schottenstein Center April 29 – Washington, DC @Verizon Center May 4 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center May 5 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center May 7 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center May 10 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden May 13 – Ottawa, ON @Canadian Tire Centre May 14 – Quebec City, BC @ Videotron Centre May 16 – Montreal, BC @ Bell Centre May 18 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre May 19 – Toronto, ON @Air Canada Centre June 11 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre June 13 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome June 14 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place June 16 – Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre June 18 – Fargo, ND @ FARGODOME June 19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center June 21 – Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena June 22 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena June 24 – Cincinnati, OH @ U.S. Bank Arena June 25 – Indianapolis, IN @Bankers Life Fieldhouse June 27 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena June 29 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena June 30 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center July 2 – Miami, FL @ AmericanAirlines Arena July 6 – Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum July 7 – Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena July 9 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center July 10 – Hartford, CT @ XL Center July 12 – Buffalo, NY @ First Niagara Center July 13 – Pittsburgh, PA @ CONSOL Energy Center July 15 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Boardwalk Hall July 18 – New York City, NY @ Madison Square Garden September 14 – Berlin, Germany @ Mercedes-Benz Arena September 16 – Munich, Germany @ Olympiahalle September 18 – Cologne, Germany @ Lanxess Arena September 20 – Paris, France @ Accorhotels Arena September 23 – Oslo, Norway @ Telenor Arena September 26 – Helsinki, Finland @ Hartwall Arena September 29 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Tele2 Arena October 2 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Telia Parken October 5 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Sportspalais October 6 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Sportspalais October 8 – Arnhem, Netherlands @ GelreDome October 11 – London, England @ The O2 October 12 – London, England @ The O2 October 17 – Birmingham, England @ Barclaycard Arena October 18 – Birmingham, England @ Barclaycard Arena October 20 – Manchester, England @ Manchester Arena October 21 – Manchester, England @ Manchester Arena October 26 – Sheffield, England @ Sheffield Arena October 27 – Glasgow, Scotland @ SSE Hydro November 1 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena November 8 – Vienna, Austria @ Wiener Stadthalle November 11 – Kraków, Poland @ Tauron Arena November 12 – Prague, Czech Republic @ O2 Arena November 14 – Hamburg, Germany @ Barclaycard Arena November 16 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Festhalle November 17 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion November 19 – Bologna, Italy @ Unipol Arena November 20 – Bologna, Italy @ Unipol Arena November 22 – Barcelona, Spain @ Palau Sant Jordi November 23 – Madrid, Spain @ Barclaycard Center November 25 -Lisbon, Portugal @ MEO Arena

All Apologies: 22 Times Justin Bieber Said 'Sorry'

Jelly roll 'couldn't believe' eminem wanted to perform with him.

• It's Real
• By Tomás Mier

Judge Spikes Settlement Claim in Battle Over Late Madonna Concerts

• "Harassment Campaign"
• By Nancy Dillon

Young Thug's Lawyer Taken Into Custody on Contempt Charge

• By Jon Blistein

Simon Cowell Doubts One Direction Will Reunite, Wishes He Could Still Profit Off Band's Name

• No 1D Anymore?

Across 'The Metroverse': Metro Boomin to Launch Comic Book Series

• Trust Metro
• By Mankaprr Conteh

Most Popular

Rob schneider booted mid-set from another stage after attendees walk out, daytime emmys 2024 full winners list: 'general hospital,' 'kelly clarkson show' win top awards, insiders claim prince harry is reportedly ‘pulling strings with his own contacts’ for meghan markle’s potential next era, kyrie irving's shoes draw stares from collectors and congress, you might also like, narendra modi appoints ashwini vaishnaw as india’s minister for information and broadcasting, prada reopens east hampton boutique with a refreshed look, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, 2024 emmys predictions: outstanding lead actor in a limited series or a movie, messi’s mls jersey sales soar as his business empire expands.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

Best things to see and do in Paris

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world. It is one of the places highest on the list of cities you should visit at least once in your life because of everything it has to offer culturally, in terms of its monuments, architecture, and cuisine. In addition to the main attractions of the city like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, or the Montmartre and Le Marais neighborhoods, take a free walking tour to get to discover some of the lesser-known parts of the city where the River Seine flows. 

On any of the free guided tours we offer in Paris , you will be able to find a large selection of unmissable places to visit with your local guide who will show you the hidden charms and the way of life of this amazing city. You can’t leave Paris without having gone to visit the Saint Chapelle Church, the Louvre Museum, the gardens of Champs Elysées, Sacré Coeur Basilica, Pont Neuf (the New Bridge) over the Seine, Luxembourg Gardens, the Parisian Catacombs,  Vendome Square, Les Halles Market, the Pompidou Center, Orsay Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Latin Neighborhood, Tuileries Gardens, the Galleries Lafayette, Garnier Opera, or the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. 

Many travelers leave their reviews and opinions after having done their free walking tour in Paris (in the morning or afternoon) and they evaluate the route and their experience with the local guide. After, there may be other cities you want to visit and do a guided tour with a local guru like Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, or Nice. 

What is included in the Essential Free Tour of Paris?

What will i discover on the free tours through montmartre, paris, what is the atmosphere like on the free tours through paris at night, what will we explore on the free tours through the latin quarter of paris, are there free tours at the eiffel tower in paris, what awaits me on the free tours through monumental paris, what are the free tours of parks and gardens in paris like, what do the free tours of street art and graffiti in paris involve, free walking tour near paris, others cities to visit after paris, find other guruwalks in paris, where are you traveling to.

Home > Paris Itineraries > 6 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

6 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

Visit paris in 6 days.

What to see in Paris in 6 days? With 6 days in Paris, you’ve got plenty of time to see all the very best attractions at a very relaxing pace, get lost in the lesser-known districts of Paris, and explore other places nearby on a day trip.

If you’re planning to spend 6 days in Paris, this guide will help you. Follow this 6-day Paris itinerary step by step or simply use it as inspiration to create your itinerary. Whatever you decide to do, we are sure it will be a wonderful trip!

‘There’s nowhere that life feels more eternal, your dimwit youth more important, than Paris’ – Charles Finch

6-day Paris Itinerary – Our Proposal for Paris in 6 Days

What to do in Paris in 6 days? Here’s an overview of the perfect Paris itinerary 6 day s.

• Day 1 in Paris – Ile de la Cité and the Marais
• Day 2 in Paris – Louvre Museum and the Historical Axis of Paris
• Day 3 in Paris – Saint Germain des Prés and the Latin Quarter
• Day 4 in Paris – Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5 in Paris – Montmartre, and Canal Saint-Martin /Bassin de la Villette
• Day 6 in Paris – Orsay Museum, Pont Alexandre iii, and the Eiffel Tower.

As you can see from the above, this Paris 6-day itinerary is made up of five days visiting the French capital and a day trip out of Paris (we suggest Versailles). To maximize your 6 day trip to Paris, each day of this itinerary is based on exploring a particular area of Paris or two areas that are close by. This minimizes your walking time between attractions as well as transportation costs.

Another option you may like to consider is to follow our 5 days in Paris itinerary (four days on-site + a day trip to Versailles) and use the extra day for another day trip out of Paris.

This 6 days in Paris itinerary comes with five different maps (one for each day spent in Paris) with our suggested points of interest.

Related Articles

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan:  Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the  best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with  Omio ; book your train tickets with  Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay:  Best Districts to Stay in Paris

• Le Pavillon de la Reine  (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
• Hotel La Comtesse  (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
• Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
• Seine River Night Cruise
• Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris?  Get your hands on a  Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance!   Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.

6 Days in Paris, Day 1: Ile de La Cité and Le Marais

Notre dame | ile de la cité | hotel de ville | le marais.

Paris is bisected by the River Seine, which divides the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The small island in the center of the river is called Ile de la Cité, and it will be the starting point of this Paris 6-day itinerary.

Ile de la Cité has an important concentration of beautiful medieval buildings. This is because, in medieval times, Ile de la Cité was the heart of Paris. Here, the first Royal Palace stood as well as the city’s main religious and institutional buildings. As such, it is not surprising that some of the best places to visit from Medieval Paris are located on Ile de la Cité.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 1 on Google

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

Start this 6 days in Paris itinerary at Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris), a jewel of Gothic Architecture built between the 13th and the 15th centuries. Since the terrible fire in April 2019, the cathedral is closed to the public, but you still can admire its beautiful façade and follow its reconstruction works (there are some information panels with pictures).

Before leaving Notre Dame, be sure to find the plaque on the ground, which indicates France’s km 0 point. From here, all French roads (including French roads overseas) are measured from this point.

USEFUL INFO & TIPS

» Notre Dame opening hours: closed to the public until further notice

» notre dame towers opening hours: closed to the public until further notice, » france’s km 0 point cannot be seen at the moment due to notre dame’s reconstruction works..

EXPLORE OTHER SIGHTS ON ILE DE LA CITÉ

Ile de la Cité was home to the Kings of France before moving to the Louvre Palace, and you can also find some vestiges of the Roman times on the isle. While strolling around Ile de la Cité, don’t miss the following sites:

• Sainte Chapelle for the most beautiful stained-glass windows
• Archaeological Crypt with its Roman remains
• Conciergerie , formerly the King of France’s palace
• Pont Neuf , the oldest bridge in Paris

Then head to Square du Vert Galant , a beautiful garden at the tip of the island, for a picnic while watching the boats sailing by. If the weather is not good, there are a couple of small restaurants at Place Dauphine .

» Save money and time! This combo ticket Sainte Chapelle + Conciergerie  gives you skip-the-line access to these unique sites at a discounted price.

» the sainte chapelle opens every day, from 9 am to 5 pm in the winter and from 9 am to 7 pm during the summer. to get the full effect of its windows, try to visit on a sunny day., » the conciergerie opens every day, from 9.30 am to 6 pm ., » the crypte archéologique opens daily from 10 am until 6 pm (closed on mondays)..

HOTEL DE VILLE

Now leave the Ile de la Cité through Pont d’Arcole to visit the Marais. This area of Paris is perfect for simply wandering the streets, admiring the gorgeous buildings you pass, and stopping in at various art galleries or cafés you find along the way.

Before exploring this area, take the time to admire the Hotel de Ville , the city’s town hall, home to the local administration since 1357. However, the former building was burnt down during the Paris Commune in 1871, and the current facade is designed in neo-renaissance style.

This 6-day Paris itinerary continues at Le Marais , one of the most beautiful areas in Paris, which occupies part of Paris 3 and Paris 4. Le Marais is well known for its elegant mansions, gorgeous hotels, art galleries, and quaint little cafés.

During your stroll around Le Marais, make sure you check out Place des Vosges , one of the Royal Squares in Paris , with its stunning architecture and a beautiful central garden. We also recommend visiting the following sites:

• Carnavalet Museum , a beautiful private mansion turned into a museum showcasing the art and history of Paris.
• Centre Pompidou , for contemporary art lovers
• Village Saint-Paul, for its picturesque character in the middle of Paris
• Picasso Museum
• The Pletz, home to one of the most important Jewish communities in Paris
• Cloître des Billettes , the only cloister from Middle Ages that we can still see in Paris
• Archives Nationales and Gardens

For the first dinner of this itinerary, you can stay at Le Marais. Le Marais has a good choice of restaurants and bistros, so just choose the one that tempts you most.

» Check out our Paris 3 Quick Guide to learn more about the area around Temple.

» check out our paris 4 quick guide to learn more about the area close to hôtel de ville., » carnevalet museum is open daily from 10 am until 6 pm (closed mondays)., » picasso museum is open daily from 9.30 am until 6 pm (closed mondays)., 6 days in paris, day 2: louvre museum and the historical axis of paris, louvre museum | tuileries garden | place vendôme | concorde | champs elysées | arc de triomphe.

Day 2 of this Paris itinerary 6 days is all about exploring the sites along the Historical Axis of West Paris , from the Louvre Museum to the Arc de Triomphe. There will be a small detour to visit the elegant (and unmissable!) Place Vendôme.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google

THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

Start the morning visiting the Louvre Museum , the world’s best museum and a must of any trip to Paris. The Louvre was home to the French Kings until King Louis XIV moved the court to the Palace of Versailles.

For 6 days in Paris, we recommend spending around 2 hours in the Louvre so you can see the museum’s main artworks and the remains of the Louvre Palace . Have a look at our tips for visiting the Louvre Museum in 2 hours or less to get the most out of your visit.

» The Louvre Museum opens from Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 6 am. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre opens until 10 pm.

» the louvre museum sees long lines all year round. you can buy your louvre skip-the-line ticket now or have a look at our louvre skip-the-line tips ., »  how to visit the louvre museum in 2 hours or less ..

THE TUILERIES GARDEN

From the Louvre, take a short walk to the Tuileries Garden , one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. Here, you will find a couple of guinguettes selling drinks and quick eats for a lunch break.

The garden’s name comes from the tile factory ( tuiles in French), which once stood where the gardens are now. Built in 1564 as the garden of the Tuileries Palace, this is the oldest public garden in Paris.

Stroll through the garden or – even better – join this Tuileries Garden Quest (self-guided) to learn more about this beautiful garden while having fun.

PLACE VENDÔME

From the Tuileries Garden, leave through rue de Rivoli in the north and walk around 300m along rue Castiglione. Here you will find Place Vendôme , considered to be one of the most elegant squares in Paris.

The Vendôme Column, right in the center of the square, was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. Around the column, the Hotel Ritz and luxury jewelry shops complete the decor.

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE AND CHAMPS ELYSÉES

Back to the Tuileries Garden, take the time to walk around Place de la Concorde . The current square was arranged in the 18th century to host an equestrian statue of King Louis XV to celebrate his recovery from a terrible illness. Years later, it was the witness of some of the most terrible chapters of the French Revolution , like the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Don’t miss the Luxor obelisk – the oldest monument in Paris – brought directly from Egypt! Today the obelisk is part of the biggest sundial in the city, and you will find the marks on the pavement.

Now, walk along the Champs Elysées , the most famous avenue in Paris, and enjoy its atmosphere and window shops up to the Arc de Triomphe.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Commissioned in 1806 by  Napoleon I  to honor the Grande Armée, this triumphal arch 55m high is inspired by the arches of Roman times. It also houses the tomb of the unknown soldier whose flame is rekindled every evening.

Climb up to the top of Arc de Triomphe for a unique panorama of the Champs Élysées and beyond.

6 Days in Paris, Day 3: Saint-Germain-des-Pré s & the Latin Quarter

Saint-germain-des-prés | luxembourg gardens | the latin quarter.

Day 3 of this Paris 6-day itinerary will see you exploring the Seine’s Left Bank, more specifically the neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter .

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 3 on Google

SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRES

Start with a coffee (+ people-watching) in one of the neighborhood’s beautiful cafes. Some of the most beautiful cafés in Paris are located in this area so you will be spoilt for choice!

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Paris, very popular amongst tourists. It started out as a rural village in the 12th century that grew around the former Saint-Germain Abbey.  

After the second world war, this neighborhood became a common meeting place for intellectuals, and artists, who liked to discuss and debate in the beautiful cafes and bistros of the area. 

These days Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been profoundly transformed due to the tourism industry, and boutique hotels, art galleries, and luxury shops have replaced the small printers, bookstores, and some cafes.

After the coffee, stroll around the neighborhood. We recommend visiting the following sites:

• Saint-Germain-de-Près Abbey
• Church of Saint-Sulpice
• Rimbaud’s poem “Bateau Ivre” painted on a wall near Saint-Sulpice

Once you’ve finished exploring Saint-Germain, take the short walk to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.

THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

The Luxembourg Gardens was commissioned by Queen Marie de Médicis (the widow of King Henri IV) in 1612 and it was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the Queen’s hometown. The gardens surround the Luxembourg Palace, and they are great to explore, especially on sunny days.

The list of interesting things to see at Luxembourg Gardens includes the pond in front of the Palace, the Médicis Fountain (considered one of the most romantic places in all of Paris), the Orangerie, the collection of sculptures of French Queens around the pond, a rose garden, and the greenhouses with an orchid collection. There’s also a playground for kids with a carousel.

Feeling hungry? Look for a beautiful spot for a sandwich on a bench or head to the Latin Quarter, with plenty of restaurants and bistros.

THE LATIN QUARTER

The Latin Quarter is another popular area in Paris. While it is known as the center of university life in Paris, it’s also where the Roman City was born in IC AD.  It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the center of religious and civil life during the Roman times, was located at current rue Soufflot while today’s rue Saint Jacques was the former Cardo Maximus and one of the two main streets in Paris in Roman times .

The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring this area, with an interesting combination of historical sights, lively squares and streets, plenty of cafés, small bookstores, and independent cinemas proposing auteur films. While strolling around the Latin Quarter, don’t miss the following sites:

• The Panthéon , with the tombs of the most notable citizens of France
• The Sorbonne University
• Cluny Museum, dedicated to Middle Ages
• Rue Mouffetard
• Place de la Contrescarpe
• Grande Mosquée de Paris
• Arènes de Lutèce , the Roman amphitheater (IAD)
• Jardin des Plantes , the main botanical garden in France
• Grande Galerie de l’Évolution , inside the Jardin des Plantes

NIGHT AT LE PARADIS LATIN

For the third night of this Paris in 6 days itinerary, we recommend the cabaret show with dinner at Le Paradis Latin . This is one of the best cabarets in Paris , and also the locals’ favorite. You can buy your tickets here .

Alternatively, there are many small restaurants around Place de la Contrescarpe and rue Mouffetard.

» Check out our Paris 6 Quick Guide to learn more about Saint-Germain-des-Près.

» check out our paris 5 quick guide to learn more about the latin quarter., 6 days in paris, day 4: day trip to versailles.

After three days of exploring Paris, it’s time to leave the city for a beautiful day in Versailles . Located west of Paris. Versailles is world-known for the Château de Versailles, a jewel of French architecture and home to King Louis XIV, King Louis XV, King Louis XVI, and Queen Marie-Antoinette until the French Revolution.

There’s a lot to see and do in Versailles so take the time to plan this day trip. To help with the organization, check out our Versailles Quick Guide , which includes things like when to go, how to travel, what to see, and our best tips.

VERSAILLES PALACE AND GARDENS

The State of Versailles is spread out across more than 800 hectares, and it includes the Palace of Versailles and the Trianons.

After visiting the Château de Versailles – click here for our best Versailles skip-the-line tips – stroll around the magnificent French-style Versailles Gardens , with 200,000 trees, 50 fountains, and the Grand Canal , making it well worth a visit during your 6-day Paris itinerary.

6 Days in Paris, Day 5: Montmartre, Canal Saint-Martin and La Villette

One of the most pleasant things to do in Paris when the sun shines is a stroll around Montmartre or down the Parisian canals. Day 5 of this 6 days in Paris itinerary will cover both areas, so forget museums and monuments for a day and put on your walking shoes!

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 5 on Google

Day 5 starts exploring the neighborhood of Montmartre . Take the metro to the Anvers station (line 2) and then take rue Steinkerque up to the Sacré Coeur.

For your stroll around Montmartre, we suggest following this Montmartre Walking Tour (self-guided). It starts from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and explores the main sights of Montmartre while learning the history of this picturesque neighborhood.

If you want to go beyond the main sights, and you have the time, check out our Secret Map of Montmartre with our favorite spots off the beaten path.

For lunch, there are many boulangeries proposing sandwiches or quick eats to eat something on the go. If you prefer to take your time, check out the list of favorite restaurants in Montmartre .

BASSIN DE LA VILLETTE – CANAL SAINT-MARTIN

From Pigalle or Anvers metro stations, take metro line 2 to Stalingrad for a stroll through the Bassin de la Villette or Canal Saint-Martin.

Where to go? Canal Saint-Martin  is a cultural hub and one of the most popular places in Paris while  Bassin de La Villette – Canal de l’Ourcq  has a more local feeling, with more things to do along the canal.

A fun thing to do at Bassin de la Villette is sailing an electric boat along the canal  (no boating license required), perhaps with a bottle of rosé wine onboard.

For dinner, both areas have some bar restaurants for a casual dinner in the neighborhood.

6 Days in Paris, Day 6: Paris 8 and Paris 7

Orsay museum | alexander iii bridge | grand palais & petit palais | eiffel tower | seine river cruise.

On the last day of this Paris itinerary 6 days, you’ll take a closer look at some of the famous landmarks in the city, as well as spending some time admiring the brilliant architecture of the city’s buildings.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 6 on Google

ORSAY MUSEUM

Start early in the morning with a visit to the Orsay Museum . This beautiful and interesting museum is set in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station that was built between 1898 and 1900.

The Orsay Museum holds mainly French art from 1848 to 1914 and includes artworks of Van Gogh, Gauguin, and the Impressionists. Even if you’re not into art galleries, a visit here is well worth it, just to see the train station, which looks like a palace!

ALEXANDER III BRIDGE

After visiting Orsay, follow the Seine River to the west, to the Alexander iii Bridge . Built between 1896 and 1900, the Alexander iii Bridge is said to be the most romantic bridge in all of Paris, and it features Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at either end.

As you walk across it, you’ll have brilliant views of the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the other side.

Even if day 6 is dedicated to the 7th district of Paris, both buildings deserve a slight detour to the Seine’s Right bank.

GRAND PALAIS AND PETIT PALAIS

From the Alexandre iii Bridge, continue onto Grand Palais and Petit Palais to admire these two impressive buildings constructed for the World’s Fair of 1900.

The Grand Palais (on the left) is a large site that houses an exhibition hall and museum, recognizable by its large glass dome. Just in front of the Grand Palais is the Petit Palais , housing the City of Paris Museum of Fine Art.

If you did not have lunch yet, the Petit Palais is free to enter, and it has a beautiful garden with a café perfect for enjoying a set menu or tea + cakes surrounded by stunning decor.

THE EIFFEL TOWER

We have kept the Eiffel Tower for the last moment of this 6 days in Paris itinerary. Climb up to the Eiffel Tower to learn more about France’s most iconic monument and for an awesome view of Paris from above.

The Eiffel Tower lits up at night, and it is truly magical. Did you know that while the Eiffel Tower is lit up, it sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour?

Remember to book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance ! With only six days in Paris, it’s essential to secure the date and time slot as soon as possible. If you book with Get Your Guide , you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

SEINE RIVER DINNER CRUISE

After your Eiffel Tower experience, what better way to finish off your trip to Paris than taking a dinner cruise down the River Seine . During this cruise, you will see many of the most famous Paris landmarks, magically illuminated, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more – Click here to compare the best Seine River Cruises in Paris .

How to Get from / to the Airports of Paris

Our personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups , a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

Where to Sleep in Paris for 6 Days

Haven’t decided where to stay during your six days in Paris yet? Check out our hotel suggestions perfect for your 6-day Paris itinerary.

I recommend Booking.com  for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.

WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view ? Some of the best hotels in Paris also have awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, which is especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

HOTELS AT LE MARAIS

Le Marais is a central neighborhood in the Seine’s Right Bank, perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is beautiful, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais

• Hotel de Josephine de Bonaparte (charming 4-star hotel inspired by Napoléon’s wife)
• Hotel France Louvre (mid-range hotel in a typical Haussmanian style)

HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

The neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés , on the Left Bank, is a great place to put your luggage down in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque and central, with many entertainment, beautiful cafes, and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Saint-Germain

• Relais Christine (4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion)
• Hotel Chaplain Paris Rive Gauche (mid-range hotel a few meters from Luxembourg Gardens)

And there you have it, a comprehensive Paris 6-day itinerary for your next trip to Paris. Follow this itinerary step by step, or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries:

• 1 day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 4 days in Paris Itinerary
• 5 days in Paris Itinerary
• 7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

Back to Homepage

Pin it now & read it later

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps me to go on creating incredible Paris content for you. I trust all products promoted here and would never recommend a product that isn’t of value. World in Paris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.

About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Justin Bieber Launches Purpose Tour Merch at H&M

By Alyssa Hardy

At this point, if you're a clothing store and you don't have your own Purpose Tour merch with Justin Bieber, you're clearly missing out. Friday morning, H&M revealed that they'll be joining the long list of retailers who have stocked merchandise collections from Justin Bieber's latest tour. Their collection, however, is the most affordable yet: everything is under $35 (score). In a video on Instagram, the retailer made the announcement with the caption, "Can we keep each other company? 🎶 Tag your most Beliebing friend and extend the #PurposeTour together! Find the #PurposeTourxHM collection online and in selected stores 🙌🏾 #JustinBieber #Belieber #HM"

Instagram content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

For the first leg of his tour earlier this year, other brands like Pac Sun , Barney's and Urban Outfitters released similar merchandise, all with very successful results. Urban Outfitters even made an announcement that the release boosted their overall sales significantly. This H&M collection looks similar to those we've seen at other retailers, complete with tees and hoodies that say "STAFF" and tops that have Justin's face on them. The collection is available online and in select H&M retailers. The best part about this new merch? You'll be super prepared for the extended tour when it starts back up in March .

Related: Justin Bieber Helped Urban Outfitters in the Most Surprising Way

Check this out:

By Greg Seals

By Jessica Andrews

Protect Your Trip »

18 best paris tours of 2024: food, versailles & more.

Enhance your visit to the City of Love with one of these specialized tours.

The Best Paris Tours

Getty Images

From the Eiffel Tower to the Moulin Rouge – plus day trips to Versailles, Normandy and beyond – there are so many things to do in Paris . To make the most of your trip, it can be helpful to rely on the expertise of a few locals via a guided tour. Read on to discover some of the top-rated Paris tours for a variety of interests.

Bike About Tours – Hidden Paris Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (around $49); kids 3 and younger from 20 euros (about $22) Duration: 3.5 hours

On this roughly 3.5-hour cycling trip, a guide takes you on back streets to both notable and lesser-known attractions throughout Paris. Along the way, guides share historical and cultural anecdotes. Sights include the Place des Vosges, Jardin des Plantes and the Paris mosque, to name a few. Reviewers love seeing an array of attractions at a leisurely pace and applaud the expertise of the guides. Bike About Tours also offers cycling excursions through Versailles.

Check prices & availability on:

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids 4-12 from $25 Duration: About 2 hours

Create your own Parisian adventure with the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Double-decker, open-top buses take you to 10 stops near top attractions, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Musée du Louvre and the Grand Palais. All buses are equipped with a prerecorded audio tour in 11 different languages. Reviewers love the convenience of the bus, but some express disappointment that buses are often overcrowded.

Buses run from around 10 a.m. to about 7:30 p.m. daily and typically frequent stops every seven to 15 minutes. If you choose to ride the whole route, you'll be on the bus for two hours and 15 minutes. Ticket discounts may be available if you book online in advance. Big Bus also offers two-day passes, a night tour and combo tours that include a river cruise.

Paris Charms and Secrets

Price: From 59 euros (about $64) Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

If you're a sucker for a good story, a secret passageway or a long-forgotten historical tale, the Paris Charms and Secrets tour will be right up your alley. On this roughly 12-mile tour, a guide will lead you through the city on an electric bike, stopping at some of Paris' most famous attractions and storied monuments. Hear the legends of Élysée Palace, the controversies of the Eiffel Tower and the curious past of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides and the unique stories.

Older children and teens are welcome to ride their own bikes if they meet the height and weight requirements; a child seat must be reserved ahead of time for younger kids (for 12 euros).

Paris By Mouth – North Marais Food Tour

Price: 130 euros (about $141) Duration: 3.5 hours

If you want an intimate look at one of Paris' most fashionable and beautiful areas, snag a spot on Paris By Mouth's North Marais Food tour. This 3.5-hour tour welcomes up to eight participants to create a more personal feel. For the first part of the tour, your guide will bring you to some of the neighborhood's most prestigious shops, which specialize in bread, cheese, pastry and charcuterie. The second part of the tour stops at a wine shop and includes a seated tasting with wine pairings. Paris By Mouth's guides are experienced food journalists, chefs and foodies – a highlight among reviewers.

The tour is recommended for adults, though children older than age 12 can join. The tour runs daily at multiple times. Paris By Mouth also hosts tours of Saint-Germain-des-Près, south Marais and the Left Bank.

Retro Tour Paris – Retro Classic

Price: From $75 Duration: 40 minutes

Hop into the vintage sidecar of an experienced motorcycle driver and cruise through the city with views of the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars and more on the Retro Classic tour of Paris. Local guides will share unique stories and provide an experience worlds apart from a typical city tour. Reviewers rave about the thrill of riding in the sidecar and the local insight.

If you love your first sidecar experience, you can also opt for the company's 90-minute tours, as well as a ride through Paris after sunset (with a Champagne tasting, naturally).

Blue Fox Travel – Versailles Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 109 euros (around $119); kids from 95 euros (about $104) Duration: 9 hours

The Versailles estate encompasses 2,000 acres, and there's no better way to see it than on a bike with Blue Fox Travel. Spend roughly nine hours with an expert guide and a small group (up to 14 people) touring the royal grounds, including the Grand and Petit Trianon chateaus, Marie Antoinette's private domain and the grand palace with a skip-the-line pass included in your ticket. Guides tell stories of French royal history, including the conquests of the Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, the controversies surrounding Louis XV, the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette. Reviewers love biking the grounds at a leisurely pace and rave about the expertise of the guides, as well as the picnic lunch with finds from one of the local farmers markets.

Tours include train tickets to and from Paris. Blue Fox Travel also guides visitors on cycling tours of Paris at night and the city's top attractions.

Secret Food Tours Paris – Montmartre

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $119); kids from 99 euros (about $108) Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

Peruse and stroll through the Parisian dining scene like a local with Secret Food Tours. On this up to four-hour tour of one of Paris' most picturesque and lively arrondissements, dessert is first (c'est la vie!) . You'll gather chocolates and macarons from local specialty shops, followed by baguettes, cheeses, meats and crêpes – all while learning more about food and Parisian traditions from your local guide. When your bag is full, the guide will lead you to a prime picnic spot to enjoy your bounty with a few wine pairings. Reviewers love the historical tidbits and local insights, as well as the animated and entertaining tour guides.

An upgraded drinks package is available for an additional charge. Tours run daily at several different times, depending on the day. Secret Food Tours also hosts walks through other Paris neighborhoods, such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Paris Marais Bites and Sights Tour

Price: From $97 Duration: 2 hours

Wander through Paris' gorgeous Marais with a local guide and a lineup of French treats. Intrepid Urban Adventures' Bites and Sights Tour takes you through the well-preserved (and very fashionable) area of the Marais. Throughout the approximately two-hour tour, you'll hear local insights and historical tales as you admire Marais' treasured architecture. Stories are accompanied by stops in neighborhood shops for pastry and macaron samples, plus a French cheese platter and two glasses of wine. Reviewers appreciate the expertise and entertainment provided by the guides, as well as the intimate and conversational environment.

Children 5 and younger can tag along for free, as long as they sample items from their parents' plate. Paris Urban Adventures also offers tours of bohemian Paris and several private excursions.

Paris by Martin & Friends – Walking Tour

Price: 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 2.5 hours

For a truly bespoke experience with a passionate local, take a tour with Martin Muda and his friends, all residents of Paris. On the 2.5-hour walking tour, Muda or one of his tour guides will lead you to treasured spots throughout the city, with stories that give life to Paris' history and legends. Reviewers give high praise for the tour guides and their attention to detail, as well as the customization of each tour.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Children younger than 3 can join the tour for free. Inquiries can be made through the website. The company also offers walking picnic tours at night and electric bike tours.

Fat Tire Tours – Versailles Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $119); kids from 95 euros (about $103) Duration: 8.5 hours

To see Versailles in all of its glory, take a ride with Fat Tire Tours. On this daylong tour (approximately 8.5 hours), a guide will take you through the Versailles open market to grab a picnic lunch before visiting the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon and the estate gardens. The tour also includes skip-the-line access to the palace and an audio guide. Riders love the bicycles and tour guides, and appreciate the sweeping views of the iconic palace and grounds.

Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday and all depart before 9 a.m. Kids younger than 4 are free to join the tour. Fat Tire Tours also offers a variety of biking excursions around Paris – including an "Emily in Paris"-inspired tour – and the surrounding region, as well as guided walks and Segway rides.

SANDEMANs NEW Europe – Montmartre Free Walking Tour

Price: Free; tips appreciated Duration: 2.5 hours

Stroll through one of Paris' most famous and charming neighborhoods with the help of SANDEMANs NEW Europe. This 2.5-hour tour will take you by the area's most photographed sights, including the Moulin Rouge and up the steps to Sacré-Coeur. You'll recognize streets featured in paintings and in cinema as guides share tales of Montmartre's famous artists, musicians and other notables, including Van Gogh and Picasso. Tourgoers appreciate the guides' expertise and recommend the tour for art history lovers.

Tours depart daily at 4 p.m. (Spanish language) and 5 p.m. (English language). Tickets are free, though tips are appreciated. If you're looking to explore more of the city, the company offers an array of other tours covering Latin Quarter, the Seine River and more.

Boutique Bike Tours – Versailles Food & Palace Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 145 euros (about $158); kids 5 and older from 99 euros (about $108) Duration: 9 to 10 hours

If you're looking to escape the city, let Boutique Bike Tours take you on a ride and stroll through the gardens of Versailles. On this approximately nine- to 10-hour tour, guides lead the way through the sprawling estate before stopping for a picnic lunch with provisions purchased from the market in town. After lunch, you'll skip the line at the famous palace to explore the rooms and hallways of Versailles. Reviewers enjoy the leisurely pace, a day full of activities and informative guidance.

Tours generally depart Tuesday and Friday through Sunday; expect to leave at 8 or 9 a.m. and return around 6 p.m. The company also hosts an evening bike and boat tour of Paris.

2CVParisTour – Legendary Paris Tour

Price: From 160 euros (about $175) Duration: 2 hours

If you're looking for a memorable and personalized drive through Paris, allow 2CVParisTour to take you for a whirl in a Citroën 2CV, a classic French car. Take in sights like the Arc de Triomphe, Luxembourg Gardens, Palais de l'Élysée ,  Église   Saint-Sulpice and more as you cruise through the Paris streets for two hours. Reviewers praise the classic car experience and entertaining guides.

Champagne can be added to the tour for an extra charge. Tours depart at multiple times daily, starting at 11 a.m. and ending after 10 p.m. If you can't get enough of the vintage car experience, you can also sign up for a tour of Montmartre, one that features a picnic and others.

City Wonders – Paris Catacombs Underground Tour

Price: Adults from $119 Duration: 2 hours

City Wonders will take you on a two-hour tour of what's below Paris: a network of tunnels, crypts and tombs that are home to nearly 6 million skeletons. On this Paris Catacombs tour, you'll skip the line with a small group to explore the Port Mahon gallery, the Sacellum Crypt and Gilbert's Tomb. Throughout the tour, you'll hear historical anecdotes from insightful guides. Along with the entertaining guides, reviewers also appreciate the skip-the-line access and recommend this experience in lieu of a self-guided tour.

Ticket prices may increase during busier times of the year. Tours depart Tuesday through Sunday at several times each day. City Wonders also hosts traditional aboveground tours of the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower.

Paris City Vision – Half Day Guided Tour of Giverny Monet's Gardens from Paris

Price: From 89 euros (about $97) Duration: About 5 hours

On this roughly five-hour tour, a guide will take you through the life of celebrated painter Claude Monet as you explore his home and garden in Giverny. His garden is what inspired some of his most prized works, including "Irises" and "Water Lilies." Reviewers value the views and insight provided by tour guides, though others warn that the company can be disorganized.

Tours generally run daily at 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The company hosts a number of other tours throughout Paris and greater France , including tours to Normandy .

Street Art Tour Paris – Murals XXL

Price: From 26 euros (about $28) Duration: About 2 hours

There's no museum pass needed to see some of the city's largest artwork with Street Art Tour's Murals XXL. An expert guide leads groups through the city to view contemporary works created by the world's most famous and talented muralists, such as Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada and Obey. Reviewers love the insider information and find the tour reveals details (and murals) often overlooked. Plus, the route is accessible for those with limited mobility.

Tours last just over two hours and run Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Discounts are available to groups of five or more. Street Art Tour Paris also offers tours in Montmartre and Belleville, among other options.

Babylon Tours – Louvre Museum + Orsay Museum Guided Combo Tour

Price: Adults from 199 euros (about $217); kids from 159 euros (about $173) Duration: 5.5 hours

View Greek sculpture and famous paintings by greats like Renoir, Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh during this 5.5-hour tour. As you explore the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, guides will regale you with stories of art history. Plus, you'll bypass the long lines at the attractions. Travelers praise the guide's knowledge and appreciate the small groups (no more than eight people can go at once).

Tours run at 10 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. Fees include access to the museums. Babylon Tours also operates outings to the Musée de l'Orangerie, the Rodin Museum and individual outings to the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay.

XL Tours – Segway Tour

Price: From 75 euros (about $82) Duration: 2 hours

During this two-hour tour, you'll glide by some of Paris' must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Gardens and the Musée d'Orsay. You'll also ride in style on Bel & Bel Segways, which are designed to resemble the iconic Vespa scooters. Travelers say the Segways are a great way to see the city and the guides provide clear instructions.

Tours are available daily at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 or 7 p.m. You may be required to book at least two riders for your tour if you book directly through the company's website. Participants must be at least 12 years old. XL Tour also runs electric bike tours through the city.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Paris

The Best London Tours

• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Paris , Europe Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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.

You May Also Like

The best places to go for july fourth.

Sharael Kolberg June 10, 2024

The Best Places to Celebrate Juneteenth

Suzanne Mason June 6, 2024

The Best Salem Tours

Lyn Mettler June 6, 2024

The Best Key Largo Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 6, 2024

Kim Foley MacKinnon June 5, 2024

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois June 5, 2024

The Best Graceland Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 5, 2024

Top Things to Do in Orange County, CA

Brittany Chrusciel and Sharael Kolberg June 4, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Arkansas

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Florida

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

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