The City Of Lights - Paris

Paris needs no introduction. It’s synonymous with food, culture, fashion, and architecture, rarely disappointing those who visit. Despite being the dream destination for millions of people each year, the French capital still has plenty hidden secrets to offer beyond the Eiffel Tower and its world-class museums. In T+L’s Paris travel guide we share our favorite spots, from traditional to up-and-coming.

People from all over the world are drawn to its cutting-edge fashion, art, and culinary scenes, as well as a certain je ne sais quoi that appeals to all kinds. While the attractions are plentiful on any Paris trip, this is an insider's city, steeped in a rich history of riots and revolutions. Every quarter is unique and, though the summer is the most popular season to visit, each time of year is compelling in its own way.

From the hilly cobblestoned streets of Montmartre with its rich history of Belle Époque artists and cabarets, to the quickly gentrifying neighborhood of Belleville, arts and culture are steeped in the city’s DNA. Parisians sometimes joke that they visit museums as often as they go to the bathroom, and to truly understand Paris you have to immerse yourself in the city’s artistic culture. Beyond the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, you can get your culture fix at the renovated Picasso Museum and the new Fondation Louis Vuitton, not to mention dozens of small museums and galleries.





The most popular nickname for Paris is "the City of Lights" ("la Ville des Lumières", although in French, one would rather say "la Ville Lumière"). It's called this because Paris was one of the first cities to have electricity.

The city's name is not related to the Paris of Greek mythology. Paris is often referred to as The City of Light (La Ville Lumière), both because of its leading role during the Age of Enlightenment, and more literally because Paris was one of the first European cities to adopt gas street lighting.

Paris is called the "City of Love" for a number of reasons, including its sights, its native language and its popularity as a honeymoon destination. Standing above the city is the most romantic of places, the Eiffel Tower.

Paris rarely disappoints. Home to beautiful architecture, arresting art and the world’s finest restaurants, only the hard–hearted will leave the City of Light without falling in love.



Everything revolves around food in Paris. You can eat in 3-star, Michelin luxury at Guy Savoy just off of the Arc de Triomphe or sit down over a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse on Rue de Seine and comfortably claim to have eaten the finest food of your life. Whether it’s a local bistro or renowned hotel restaurant, eating is serious business and something to be savoured no matter the time of day.

Shop your way around Le Marais and along the classy Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, before partying until dawn at some of Europe’s hippest night spots. And be sure to set a date to return, because when it comes to Paris, once is never enough.

An exciting major event will take place in the city when Paris will be host to the Olympic Games in 2024.