Private day trips from Paris to places you'll never forget

Paris' essential attractions include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum (home to the Mona Lisa), Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior views during reconstruction), Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and the Luxembourg Gardens. For a unique perspective of these landmarks, a Seine River cruise is highly recommended, especially at sunset.

The best time to visit Paris is during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. Summer (July-August) brings warmer temperatures but larger tourist crowds and many local businesses close as Parisians take their annual vacation. Winter offers festive Christmas markets and fewer tourists, though days are shorter and weather can be chilly and rainy.

Popular day trips from Paris include the Palace of Versailles with its magnificent gardens, Claude Monet's house and gardens in Giverny, the majestic Château de Fontainebleau, the medieval town of Chartres with its famous cathedral, Reims in the Champagne region, and the historic city of Orleans. Most are within 1-2 hours of Paris.

Paris has an excellent public transportation system including the Métro (subway), RER (regional express trains), buses, and trams. The Paris Visite travel pass offers unlimited travel for 1-5 days. Central Paris is also very walkable between many major attractions. For day trips outside the city, Daytrip's private transportation service provides a comfortable alternative to trains or group tours.

The Euro (€) is the official currency used in France. Credit cards are widely accepted, though some smaller shops and markets may prefer cash or have a minimum purchase requirement for cards. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Tipping is not obligatory as service is included in prices, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated.

Parisian dining hours are typically later than in the US or UK, with lunch from 12-2 PM and dinner from 7:30-10 PM. Many restaurants are closed between lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Keep hands (not elbows) on the table while eating. The waiter won't bring the check until you ask for it. Tipping is not required but appreciated for exceptional service.

Paris is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Be vigilant at major attractions, train stations, and busy metro lines. Scams targeting tourists exist, such as the "gold ring" or petition scams. Most neighborhoods frequented by tourists are safe to walk around, even at night in central areas.

Beyond the famous landmarks, Paris offers many hidden gems including the Musée de l'Orangerie (featuring Monet's Water Lilies), Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass, Musée Rodin, the covered passages (19th-century shopping arcades), Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Musée Marmottan Monet, and the Promenade Plantée (elevated park). These attractions offer a deeper appreciation of Parisian culture away from the crowds.