Tailor-Made Paris City Breaks

Paris at a glance

Paris has captured the hearts and imagination of visitors for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. From the food to the architecture, the shopping to the culture, you’ll find this city will always leave you wanting more. We can curate the perfect trip to Paris including trips and excursions with our range of Osprey Experiences.

No two trips to Paris are ever the same. Whether it’s the changing seasons or one of its many cultural events, Paris constantly offers new experiences. The city is divided into twenty arrondissements, spiralling out from the River Seine. Many of the highlights are within walking distance, though the excellent Metro system makes exploring effortless. Each district has its own character and here are just a few to discover:

The 1st Arrondissement is a cultural hub and home to the Louvre, where you’ll find Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa. Book a Skip-the- Line Guided Tour to make the most of your visit, as it’s a vast collection and always busy. Afterwards, relax in the Jardin des Tuileries or the elegant gardens of the Palais Royal.

The 4th Arrondissement includes the Islands, where you’ll find the magnificent, resurrected Notre-Dame Cathedral and the breathtaking stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle. Guided tours bring these architectural masterpieces to life.

The 5th Arrondissement houses the Latin Quarter, one of the oldest and most atmospheric districts. It’s fun to lose yourself in its maze of lanes, browse its famous bookshops, or enjoy coffee at a bijou café. The Natural History Museum is a highlight while the Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin des Plantes are perfect for a picnic.

The 7th & 8th Arrondissements house some of the most recognisable landmarks. The Eiffel Tower dazzles by day and sparkles by night and is surrounded by excellent places to eat and drink. Or stroll up the elegant Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, which provides the stunning backdrop to the climax of the Tour de France.

Montmartre, in the 18th Arrondissement, was once home to Picasso and Dalí and remains a haven for artists. Wander its winding streets up to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica for some of the best views over the city, then descend for an evening at the famous Moulin Rouge.

Further afield, take a day trip to the extravagant Palace of Versailles, or for a more understated experience visit Giverny, to see Monet’s house and the gardens that inspired his famous Water Lilies. You can see the paintings yourself back in Paris at the Musée de l’Orangerie.

Things to do in Paris

The most popular sights of the city are found within the first 8, most central arrondissements.

• The Eiffel Tower: This famous structure is the iconic symbol of Paris. Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view from the top.
• The Louvre: Arguably the world's greatest art museum and home to the Mona Lisa.
• Musée d'Orsay: The largest collection of Impressionist and Post Impressionist paintings in the world.
• Sacré-Coeur: Located in Montmartre, the 'artists' district, the white basilica enjoys stunning views over Paris.
• The Pompidou Centre: The celebrated centre for contemporary art. 
• Notre Dame: A masterpiece of French gothic architecture which stands on an island in the middle of the Seine.
• L'Arc de Triomphe: The impressive centrepiece of the world's largest roundabout and the meeting point of 12 avenues.
• Jardin de Luxembourg: Wander the formal terraces and chestnut groves of this beautiful park. A great place to people-watch. 
• Latin Quarter: Stroll round the cafes and second hand book and clothing shops of this of this lively, bohemian area.
• Champs Élysées: Wander down this world-famous avenue between the Arc de Triomphe and the Tuileries Gardens.

We can book many tours to make your trip to Paris truly memorable, visit our Osprey Experiences page for more information or contact on our team.