Paris is simultaneously the most clichéd and the most genuinely extraordinary city in the world. Every visitor expects the Eiffel Tower, every visitor sees the Eiffel Tower, and every visitor is still somehow moved by it. The city has a way of exceeding expectations that have been set by a century of films, novels, and photographs. Go. It deserves the reputation.
Paris Visa for Indians
- ›Schengen visa required. Apply at the French consulate or VFS Global centre.
- ›Processing time: 15–30 days. Apply 8 weeks before travel.
- ›Required documents: Bank statements (₹3–5 lakh), hotel bookings, return flights, travel insurance (mandatory), cover letter.
- ›Cost: ~₹9,000 (€80). Non-refundable.
- ›Important: Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage is mandatory for Schengen visas.
Top 10 Paris Experiences
- 1Eiffel Tower at night — Book the evening slot. The hourly light show (10pm) is free to watch from the Trocadéro gardens.
- 2Musée d'Orsay — World's greatest Impressionist collection. Less crowded than the Louvre. Book for Thursday evening (open until 9:45pm).
- 3Sainte-Chapelle — The most breathtaking interior in Paris. 15 floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows. Almost nobody goes.
- 4Le Marais walk — Medieval streets, Jewish quarter, galleries, the grand Place des Vosges. Two hours minimum.
- 5Versailles day trip — 45 minutes by RER C train. Book online to skip queues. Budget a full day.
- 6Paris Catacombs — Six million Parisians underground. Book months ahead — tickets sell out constantly.
- 7Montmartre at 7am — The only time the Sacré-Cœur area feels spiritual rather than touristy.
- 8Seine river cruise — Best way to see 10 major monuments in 90 minutes. €15, runs until midnight.
- 9French market on a weekday — Marché d'Aligre, Marché Bastille (Sunday). The real Paris.
- 10Père Lachaise Cemetery — Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Oscar Wilde. Strange and beautiful.
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The best croissant in Paris debate will never be settled but Maison Landemaine, Stohrer (oldest bakery in Paris, founded 1730), and your nearest neighbourhood boulangerie are all extraordinary. Never buy from a chain. Never eat breakfast at your hotel.
Paris Budget Guide
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | $50–90 (hostel/budget hotel) | $120–220 | $300–1,000+ |
| Food/day | $25–40 (boulangerie + picnic + one sit-down) | $60–100 | $150+ |
| Museums/attractions | $20–40 (book ahead, skip day-of queues) | $40–60 | $60+ |
| Metro/transport | $10–15/day (carnet of 10 tickets) | ||
| Total/day | $105–185 | $230–380 | $510+ |
Paris Mistakes to Avoid
- ›Eating near major landmarks — The Eiffel Tower area restaurants charge 3x normal prices for mediocre food. Walk 10 minutes away.
- ›Not booking the Louvre in advance — 3-hour queues at peak times. Book online same-morning at minimum.
- ›Visiting Versailles on a Sunday — Busiest day. Go on a weekday, arrive by 9am.
- ›Using taxis from CDG airport — RER B train costs €10. Taxi costs €60+. Unless you have heavy luggage or arrive very late, take the train.
- ›Missing Sainte-Chapelle for Notre Dame — Notre Dame is still under restoration. Sainte-Chapelle is more beautiful and has zero queues.
