Six Activities You Must Try in Paris in April

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by Paris Guide

As the flowers bloom and the sun wakes up after a long winter, Paris transforms into a city of enchantment in April. With a wide selection of activities to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the second springmonth of the year. So grab your beret and let’s us share with you six recommended activities that will make your trip to Paris in April unforgettable!

Six recommended April activities in Paris.

1. Get an overview of the city on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus:

Kickstart your Parisian adventure by hopping on a sightseeing bus tour. It’s the perfect way to get acquainted with the city’s layout while sitting back and looking at the most famous attractions of Paris. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to hop on and off whenever you want to, which means that you can explore landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and more at your own pace.

2. You cannot travel home without visiting the Eiffel Tower.

No visit to Paris is complete without ascending the iconic Eiffel Tower. Head to the top for a panoramic view of the city that will leave you breathless – both from the awe-inspiring scenery and the climb! Pro tip: Aim to visit during sunset for an extra dose of magic as the city lights up beneath you. It is recommended to buy your tickets in advance, because it is quite normal to spend 1-2 hours (at least) in line if you come without a ticket bought in advance.

*The magnificent Eiffel Tower in Paris.*

3. Walk along the Champs Elysées:

What better activity is there than to walk along the famous Champs Elysées on a sunny April day? It isn’t too hot, but it isn’t cold either, giving you the perfect setting for a nice day of exploring and shopping. This bustling boulevard is not only a shopper’s paradise but also a prime spot for watching people and experiencing the vibes of Paris. Buy some macarons or a café au lait at one of the charming sidewalk cafes along the way.

4. Day Trip to Versailles.

On a sunny April day, escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to the Palace of Versailles. Be amazed as you look at the grandeur of the former royal residence, and wander through the gardens, and step back in time to experience a taste of royal life. Don’t forget your sunhat and camera!

Versailles outside Paris is perfect in April. — *Image by Andreas H. from Pixabay*

5. Watch PSG play at Parc des Princes.

For football enthusiasts, watching a PSG match is an exhilarating experience. Whether it’s a normal match in the French Ligue 1 or a high-stakes Champions League showdown, the electrifying atmosphere at Parc des Princes is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Buy a PSG-scarf, sing along with the fans, and immerse yourself in the passion of Parisian football.

6. Buy tickets for a boat trip on the River Seine.

End your trip to Paris with a scenic cruise along the River Seine. Enjoy the famous Paris landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, and the majestic Louvre while rejoicing in the breathtaking views from the water. If you want a different experience, buy tickets for a boat trip in the evening to see all the illuminated buildings, and why not add some food and wine to boost the experience even more.

Are you coming with kids?

For families with little ones in tow, Paris offers a gigantic amount of kid-friendly attractions. Embark on an adventure to Asterix Park for thrilling rides and enchanting shows that will delight children of all ages. And of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a magical day at Disneyland Paris, where fairy tales come to life amidst a backdrop of whimsical charm.

What kind of weather can I expect in Paris in April?

In April, Paris emerges from its winter chill into a city with mild and pleasant weather. Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). These are only average temperatures, so if you are lucky, it can get much warmer during the daytime. Of course, look at the weather forecast before you travel, and pack your clothes and jackets (or shorts and t-shirts) based on what you see

So there you have it – six fabulous activities to make the most of your April in Paris. From iconic landmarks to family-friendly fun, this vibrant city offers a myriad of experiences just waiting to be explored. So pack your bags, embrace the springtime spirit, and get ready for a Parisian adventure you’ll never forget! Au revoir et bon voyage! 🇫🇷✨

Is it worth buying a ticket for a river cruise in Paris?

Posted on June 5, 2023June 5, 2023 by Paris Guide

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. Traveling to other cities, you often hear them compare themselves with Paris. Why? Because Paris is one of the most important cities on earth. Have you ever been to Prague or Budapest? Both cities often refer to themselves as the Paris of Eastern Europe. It is a fact that Prague and Budapest are beautiful cities, even though they cannot be compared to Paris. But one of the things these cities have in common is beautiful rivers and popular river cruises. Is it worth buying a ticket for a river cruise if you visit Paris? And what about Prague and Budapest?

Many of the river cruises in Paris start close to the Eiffel Tower (near Pont de bir Hakeim/Pont D”Le’léna) and then ends near Pont d’Austerlitz. During such a trip, you can see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musée Orsay, Musée de Louvre, Place de la Concorde, the Petit Palais, lots of bridges, Jardins du Trocadero, Invalides, and many other famous areas and landmarks.

Knowing why you want to go on a river cruise in Paris is important. Some companies offer tours in which you have to sit quietly on a chair while listening to a guide (sometimes in the middle of a boat quite far away from the windows), while other cruises are meant for you to walk around, take photos, buy drinks, and relax. Before you decide what river cruise in Paris to buy a ticket for, make sure to find out what your goal is with the trip. Would you like to know as much as possible about what you see? Is it more important to enjoy a nice drink or a meal? Read thoroughly about the different trips available to find the one suitable for you!

It is worth watching the city from a different perspective!

During a river cruise on the Seine, you will see the city from a different perspective and many beautiful buildings and areas within a short time. You will see more during daytime, but if you decide to go on a river cruise in the evening, you can see beautifully illuminated buildings and bridges, something by many considered an even more fantastic experience than during the daytime.

You can see many details and areas while on a river cruise in Paris that you cannot see during a normal guided tour in Paris or if you walk the city by yourself. Many details along the Seine and surrounding the bridges can only be seen on a river cruise, so pay close attention and listen to the guide (if there is one).

Different river cruises available in Paris.

There are plenty of river cruise options available in Paris. A very popular tour combines a 1-hour river cruise during daytime or nighttime with a drink/waffle/ice cream before or after the trip’s start. The dessert can be picked at a stand 25 meters from the boat peer, and the waffle/pancake/ice cream quality is very good. The trip itself is all about sightseeing, and on a busy day you will be on a fully packed boat with no space to move around (except for when you go to the toilet). The trip has an actual guide standing in the front and sharing information, meaning that it is about listening and learning, not chatting with your mates and walking around.

Seine river cruise with dessert.

Would you rather enjoy a relaxed tour of the Seine River in the evening with a three-course menu and live music? Does it sound nice to have a large upper deck where you can walk around, dance, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air? Many cruises are offering such packages, and they are ideal for those who want to combine a river cruise with a dinner, but without an annoying guide trying to make you pay attention all the time.

River cruise with dinner in Paris.

These are just some options, but if you click the links, you can read information about many other tours besides what we have just described.

Are river cruises in Paris better than similar cruises in Prague and Budapest?

We already mentioned that many compare Prague and Budapest to Paris, and the cities clearly have nice rivers in common. While the Seine River flows throw Paris, Vltava flows through Prague, and the Danube through Budapest. A river cruise in any of these cities can be recommended, but if we would have to pick one of them as the very best, it would probably be a river cruise in Budapest. Why is that?

Even though Paris is a more impressive city, Budapest has a panorama that neither Paris nor Prague can compare with. You don’t see a lot in Prague during a river cruise beside the Vitus Cathedral, the Castle area, and the Charles Bridge. Paris has several beautiful buildings and bridges, but the Danube in Budapest and the city surrounding the river on both sides make it even more suitable for a beautiful river cruise experience.

This is our subjective opinion. We are not saying you shouldn’t do a river cruise in Paris. We are truly saying that you should visit all three cities, go on a river cruise, and then return here and share your thoughts about which experience you enjoyed the most.

Good luck, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Five cafes in Paris with fantastic coffee and stunning view.

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Paris Guide

Paris is known for its charming cafes and stunning views. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a coffee or a picturesque view of the city, Paris has plenty to offer. Here are five fantastic cafes in Paris with a great view, fantastic coffee, and great cakes and food worth tasting.

Café de Flore

Café de Flore is a historic café located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of Paris’s most famous neighborhoods known for its intellectual and artistic history. The café is located on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue Saint-Benoît and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike since it first opened in 1887.

Café de Flore is known for its chic and elegant atmosphere, with its classic Art Deco interior design, red velvet banquettes, and marble-topped tables. The café has also been a gathering place for many famous writers, artists, and intellectuals over the years, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir.

The menu at Café de Flore features classic French dishes, such as croissants, quiches, and escargots, as well as a selection of pastries and desserts. The café is also known for its coffee and tea, with a variety of blends and preparation methods available.

In addition to its indoor seating, Café de Flore also has an outdoor terrace that is particularly popular during the warmer months. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy views of the bustling boulevard and watch the world go by.

Café Marly

Café Marly is a historic and upscale café located in the heart of Paris, France, in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum. The café is named after Marly-le-Roi, a former royal residence outside Paris.

The Café Marly is known for its beautiful setting and stunning views of the Louvre and the nearby Pyramide du Louvre. The café is housed in a modern glass structure that was designed to blend in with the classic architecture of the Louvre, and its terrace offers a unique vantage point to take in the surrounding sights.

In addition to its picturesque location, Café Marly is also known for its high-quality cuisine and extensive wine list. The menu features classic French dishes, such as escargots, foie gras, and steak tartare, as well as a variety of seasonal and contemporary options.

Café Marly has been a popular destination for locals and tourists since it opened in 1994. It has also been featured in numerous films, including “The Da Vinci Code” and “Midnight in Paris.”

cafe marly with view to the Louvre museum.

Le Café du Musée Rodin

Le Café du Musée Rodin is a charming café located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, adjacent to the Musée Rodin, which houses the works of the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

The café is set within the museum’s beautiful gardens, surrounded by trees and sculptures, and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. It has both indoor and outdoor seating areas, with the outdoor terrace being particularly popular during the warmer months.

Le Café du Musée Rodin offers a range of light meals, pastries, and drinks, all prepared using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of salads, sandwiches, quiches, and soups, as well as a selection of desserts and pastries. There is also a children’s menu available for younger visitors.

The café is popular not only with museum visitors but also with locals who come to enjoy the tranquil setting and delicious food. It is particularly well-known for its homemade lemonade, which is made fresh daily and is a refreshing and popular choice during the summer months.

Carette

Carette is a popular café and tea room located in the heart of Paris, in the upscale neighborhood of Trocadéro. The café is situated on the corner of Rue de l’Université and Rue Carette, and is just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.

Carette is known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, with its classic Art Deco interior design, marble-topped tables, and chandeliers. The café also has an outdoor terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower, making it a popular destination for tourists.

The menu at Carette features a variety of French and international dishes, including salads, quiches, sandwiches, and pastries. The café also has an extensive tea selection, with a range of blends and preparation methods available.

One of the standout features of Carette is its bakery, which produces a wide selection of bread, pastries, and cakes daily. Visitors can enjoy a croissant or pain au chocolat with their coffee, or indulge in a macaron or éclair for dessert.

Café Panis

Café Panis is a charming café located in the heart of Paris, in the historic district of Marais. The café is situated on the corner of Rue de Jouy and Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, and is just a short walk from the Seine River and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Café Panis is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, with its cozy interior featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and a fireplace. The café also has an outdoor terrace with views of the nearby Saint-Paul Saint-Louis church.

The menu at Café Panis features a variety of French and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. The café also offers a range of hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea, and wine.

One of the standout features of Café Panis is its bakery, which produces a wide selection of bread, pastries, and cakes daily. Visitors can enjoy a croissant or pain au chocolat with their coffee, or indulge in a slice of tarte Tatin or chocolate mousse for dessert.

Café Panis is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and is often busy throughout the day. It is particularly well-known for its brunch, which is served on weekends and features a range of sweet and savory dishes.

In conclusion, Paris offers a plethora of cafes with stunning views, each with its own unique charm and ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a historic institution or a cozy spot off the beaten path, a café in Paris is perfect for you. So next time you’re in the City of Light, make sure to check out these five fantastic cafes with a great view.

For more recommendations, interesting articles, and general information about Paris, look around in our Paris Guide.