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Your Essential Paris Travel Guide: Top Tips for Every Traveler
Published 25 November 2023 by Leyla Alyanak — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion
Although I visit Paris a few times a year (I live near Lyon), I'm anything but blasé − on the contrary, I'm still starry-eyed and in discovery mode whenever I visit the capital, turning into an inveterate explorer, armed with map and notebook.
What do you think of when Paris is mentioned? Culture, history, romance, food? All of the above?
What follows is a look at Paris from every angle. I'll provide plenty of information about must-see sights, but given my mission to guide you around the offbeat, I'll also be adding those people, places and things that don't often get a mention!
Cool Paris attractions
Here are some of my favorite things to do or see in Paris, from major attractions to those that are a little more hidden away.
- 24 Attractions That Are Off The Beaten Path In Paris
- 7 Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris
- 8 Free Things To Do In Paris You Won't Find On Every List
- Best French Revolution Tour: Paris Through A History Lens
- Secrets Of The Eiffel Tower You Didn't Know About
- 15 Quirky Facts About Étoile, The Most Famous Roundabout In Paris
- The Counterfeit Museum, Paris – One Of The More Unusual Museums In Paris
- 7 Food Tours In Paris That Will Teach You French Culture
Best time to visit Paris
Paris may always be a good idea, but some seasons are better ideas than others!
- When Is The Best Time To Visit France? (And When NOT To Go!)
- 7 Tempting Things To Do In Paris In The Fall
- Paris In Winter: 38 Ways To Stay Warm And Snug On Your Trip
- 11 Festive Things To Do In Paris In December
Haunted Paris
Discover the haunted side of Paris, from burial places to eerie underground venues, where you're bound to run into legends of ghosts and spirits.
- Dark Tourism In Paris: 6 Sites That May Unnerve You
- Haunted Catacombs Of Paris: How To Explore The World's Largest Grave
- 5 Best Paris Catacombs Tours To Give You Goose Bumps
- 5 Best Paris Ghost Tours To Give You Chills
- 9 Eminently Haunted Places In Paris
Where to stay in Paris
If you're looking for something different...
- 10 Best Hotels With Balcony: Paris With A Glorious View
- 8 Best Spa Hotels In Paris With Perfect Location And Luxury
- 10 Cool Paris Hotels: A Zany Guide To Unique Hotels In Paris
- 10 Most Charming Hotels Near Versailles Palace
Safety in Paris
- Is Paris Safe? 4 Myths That Need Debunking In 2023
- Pickpockets in Paris: How To Avoid Getting Robbed
- 3 Dangerous Areas In Paris You Should Avoid
Beyond Paris?
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Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France. My days are spent exploring my country.
I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.
Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!
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