The Definitive Guide to Things to Do in Paris, France

Travel Paris

From iron-lace sunsets at the Eiffel Tower to magical mornings at Disneyland Paris — discover the City of Light like never before, arriving in comfort with Piyo Cab.

By Piyo Cab Travel  |  February 2025  |  www.piyocab.com

Introduction

Paris, France — the very name conjures cobblestone alleys perfumed with fresh bread, golden boulevards lined with centuries of architectural ambition, and a cultural richness that has drawn travellers across the globe for generations. Whether you are planning your first visit or your tenth, the City of Light never runs out of ways to astonish you.

But great travel begins before you reach your destination. From the moment your flight touches down at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or Beauvais Airport, the quality of your journey sets the tone. That is why savvy travellers choose Piyo Cab — Paris’s most trusted private airport transfer service — to begin every Paris adventure on exactly the right note.

In this guide, we explore the very best things to do in Paris, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, landmark by landmark. We also show you how Piyo Cab makes navigating this magnificent city seamless, stress-free, and affordable for families, solo adventurers, and groups alike.

MUST-SEE LANDMARKS

Paris’s Iconic Attractions

01.  The Eiffel Tower

7TH ARRONDISSEMENT · CHAMP DE MARS

No list of things to do in Paris would be complete without Gustave Eiffel’s iron masterpiece. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the tower stands 330 metres tall and welcomes nearly seven million visitors each year — making it the most visited paid monument on the planet. Ascend to the second floor for sweeping views across the Seine, or go all the way to the summit for a panorama stretching 70 kilometres on a clear day. By night, the tower sparkles with 20,000 bulbs every hour — a show that never loses its magic.

Piyo Cab Tip:  Book a private transfer from CDG or Orly directly to the 7th arrondissement. Your driver will drop you at the best viewpoint angle, luggage in tow — no metro stress, no map confusion.

02.  The Louvre Museum

1ST ARRONDISSEMENT · PALAIS-ROYAL

The world’s largest art museum houses over 380,000 objects — from Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo to ancient Egyptian antiquities and Islamic art spanning 11 centuries. Plan at least a full day, and consider a guided tour to navigate its 60,000 square metres of gallery space meaningfully. The iconic glass pyramid entrance, designed by I.M. Pei, is a work of art in its own right. Book tickets online well in advance, especially for high-season visits.

Insider Tip:  The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Wednesday and Friday evenings see extended opening hours until 9:00 PM — ideal for a less-crowded visit.

03.  Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

18TH ARRONDISSEMENT · THE HILLTOP VILLAGE

Perched at the highest point in Paris, the Butte Montmartre is a world apart — a village within a city, draped in vine-covered walls, lined with artist ateliers and pavement cafés. The dazzling white Basilica of Sacré-Cœur crowns the hill and offers some of the most breathtaking free panoramic views of Paris. Wander the Place du Tertre where painters have worked for centuries, visit the Musée de Montmartre, and find the last remaining vineyard in central Paris.

Best Time to Visit:  Sunrise or early morning, before the tour groups arrive. Piyo Cab can arrange an early morning drop-off at the base of the hill.

04.  Seine River Cruise

ALONG THE SEINE · MULTIPLE EMBARKATION POINTS

One of the most romantic and practical ways to see Paris is from the water. A one-hour Bateaux Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens cruise glides past Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, the Pont Neuf and the Île de la Cité — revealing Paris’s grandeur at its most serene. Evening cruises with dinner on board are a cherished anniversary or special occasion experience. The Seine riverbanks are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Family Tip:  Children under four typically board for free. Combine a morning cruise with a Piyo Cab transfer to your next attraction without worrying about the Paris metro with little ones in tow.

05.  Notre-Dame Cathedral

ÎLE DE LA CITÉ · REBORN IN 2024

After the devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame de Paris has been meticulously restored and reopened to visitors. The Gothic cathedral, which took nearly two centuries to build beginning in 1163, now gleams with renewed splendour. Its iconic twin towers, rose windows, and flying buttresses are among the finest examples of French Gothic architecture anywhere in the world. Admission to the cathedral is free, though timed entry tickets are required.

Plan Ahead:  Timed entry tickets sell out weeks in advance. Piyo Cab drivers are familiar with all drop-off and pick-up points on the Île de la Cité.

06.  Disneyland Paris

CHESSY, MARNE-LA-VALLÉE · 35 KM EAST OF PARIS

Europe’s most visited theme park, Disneyland Paris, is an unmissable destination for families visiting the French capital. With two parks — Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park — and a vast Disney Village entertainment complex, a full-day visit easily extends to two or three days. Experience iconic rides, meet beloved characters, and end the day with spectacular fireworks over the enchanted Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Travel Stress-Free with Piyo Cab:  Piyo Cab specialises in private transfers from all Paris airports and railway stations directly to Disneyland Paris hotels. Fixed fares, spacious family vehicles, free baby seats, and flight delay monitoring — so the magic starts the moment you land. Book at www.piyocab.com.

07.  Palace of Versailles

DAY TRIP · 20 KM SOUTHWEST OF PARIS

Louis XIV’s stupendous Palace of Versailles — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — remains one of the grandest achievements in European architecture. The Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the vast formal gardens stretching to the horizon demand at least a half-day. The Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon palaces provide quieter perspectives away from the main palace crowds. Over 15 million visitors come each year, so arriving early is essential.

Day Trip Made Easy:  Piyo Cab offers comfortable private transfers from central Paris or your hotel to Versailles. Avoid the crowded RER C commuter train and arrive relaxed and on time.

08.  Le Marais

3RD & 4TH ARRONDISSEMENTS · HISTORIC QUARTER

Paris’s best-preserved medieval quarter, Le Marais, is a pleasure to explore on foot. Wander through the magnificent Place des Vosges — France’s oldest planned square — browse galleries and boutiques in converted Renaissance hôtels particuliers, visit the Centre Pompidou for modern art, and discover the Jewish quarter along Rue des Rosiers. The neighbourhood is vibrant day and night, with some of Paris’s finest falafel, patisseries, and cocktail bars.

Local Tip:  Many Le Marais museums are free on the first Sunday of every month. Ask your Piyo Cab driver to drop you at the Place de la Bastille.

09.  Musée d’Orsay

7TH ARRONDISSEMENT · LEFT BANK

Housed in a magnificently converted Beaux-Arts railway station on the Left Bank, the Musée d’Orsay holds the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Monet’s Water Lilies, Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, Renoir’s Bal du Moulin de la Galette, and Rodin’s sculptures make this the most rewarding single-building art experience in Paris — and many visitors prefer it to the Louvre for its intimacy and focus.

Opening Tip:  The museum is closed on Mondays. Thursday evenings extend until 9:45 PM. Arrive at opening time for the best experience with the stunning clock windows.

10.  Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

8TH ARRONDISSEMENT · THE GRAND AVENUE

The most famous avenue in the world stretches two kilometres from the Place de la Concorde to Napoleon’s triumphant Arc de Triomphe. Lined with flagship luxury boutiques, cinemas, and cafés, the Champs-Élysées is both a shopping destination and a historic promenade. Climb to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe for a spectacular birds-eye view down all twelve radiating avenues — best experienced at dusk as the city illuminates around you.

Note:  To reach the top of the Arc, use the underground pedestrian crossing — never cross on foot from street level. Piyo Cab can drop off and collect along Avenue Kleber for easy access.
“Our connecting flight was delayed for more than two hours. We emailed them and they responded quickly to acknowledge our delay. When we arrived at CDG, the driver was there waiting patiently. Piyo Cab is highly recommended.” — Verified TripAdvisor Review, Piyo Cab
YOUR PARIS TRANSFER PARTNER Start Every Paris Adventure the Right Way with Piyo Cab   Getting from the airport to your Paris hotel — or from Paris to Disneyland — should not be complicated. Piyo Cab has spent over a decade perfecting private airport transfers in and around Paris, earning a loyal following of families, travellers, and businesses who value reliability, comfort, and transparent pricing above all else. ✈️  All Paris Airports CDG, Orly & Beauvais — 24/7 with free flight delay monitoring. 💷  Fixed Fares No meters, no surprises. Pay the agreed amount at journey’s end. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦  Family-Friendly Free baby seats & boosters. Vans for groups up to 8 passengers. 🏰  Disneyland Specialist Transfers from all airports & stations to all Disneyland hotels. 🚫  Free Cancellation Cancel or modify by phone, email or text. No charge, no hassle. 🌐  English Drivers Professional & courteous. Wi-Fi & charging ports in vehicle.   Book online at www.piyocab.com   |   📞 +33 6 67 33 32 67   |   ✉️ piyocab@gmail.com

KEY ROUTES

Piyo Cab Popular Paris Transfer Routes

Fixed fares mean no meter anxiety. Pay your driver at the end of your journey by cash or card.

FROMTOFIXED FAREJOURNEY TIME
CDG AirportParis City CentreFrom €55–€7035–55 min
CDG AirportDisneyland ParisFrom €60–€8040–60 min
Orly AirportParis City CentreFrom €40–€5525–45 min
Gare de LyonDisneyland Paris€8545 min
Gare de l’EstDisneyland Paris€8545 min
Paris City CentrePalace of VersaillesFrom €70–€9040–55 min
CDG AirportIbis Paris / La DéfenseFrom €8030–40 min

* Fares are indicative. Night surcharges apply 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM. Confirm your exact fare at www.piyocab.com.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Essential Paris Travel Tips for 2025

1Book airport transfers in advance Paris taxi queues at CDG can stretch 45–90 minutes during peak hours. Pre-booking with Piyo Cab guarantees a driver waiting for you at the exit with your name on a sign — even if your flight is delayed.
2Get a Paris Museum Pass The Paris Museum Pass grants skip-the-queue entry to over 50 sites including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Versailles, and Notre-Dame. Available in 2, 4, or 6-day versions — it pays for itself on day one for serious visitors.
3Eat where locals eat Step one block off any major tourist boulevard to find authentic brasseries and bistros with far better food at half the price. Lunch menus (formules) are significantly cheaper than the same dishes ordered à la carte in the evening.
4Allow time for Versailles The Palace of Versailles is a full-day experience. Allow at least five hours for the palace, gardens, and Trianon estates. A Piyo Cab day-trip transfer gets you there in comfort and picks you up whenever you’re ready to return.
5Disneyland Paris: Go midweek Tuesday through Thursday are the least crowded days at Disneyland Paris. Weekends and French school holidays see significantly longer queue times. Download the Disneyland Paris app to check live wait times.
6Respect museum closing days The Louvre and Versailles are closed Tuesdays; the Musée d’Orsay on Mondays. Many smaller museums are also closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary around these to avoid disappointment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Paris Travel FAQs

Answers to the questions most travellers ask before visiting Paris, France.

What is the best way to get from CDG Airport to Paris?

The most comfortable and stress-free option is a private transfer with Piyo Cab (www.piyocab.com). They offer fixed fares, 24/7 service, and free flight delay monitoring — meaning your driver waits for you even if your flight lands late. RER B trains run to central Paris in about 30 minutes but require changes and are not ideal with heavy luggage or children.

How do I get from Paris to Disneyland Paris?

Piyo Cab offers private transfers from all Paris airports, railway stations, and hotels directly to Disneyland Paris hotels at fixed rates. Alternatively, the RER A train runs from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station in approximately 35–40 minutes. For families with children and luggage, Piyo Cab is the strongly recommended option.

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

Many of Paris’s greatest experiences are free: strolling the Champs-Élysées, visiting Sacré-Cœur Basilica, exploring Montmartre’s streets, walking the banks of the Seine (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and visiting neighbourhood markets. Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Is Paris good for families with young children?

Absolutely. Disneyland Paris, the Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruises, and the Jardin du Luxembourg are all excellent for young children. Piyo Cab provides family-sized vehicles with free baby seats and booster seats — making the entire Paris experience more relaxed for travelling families.

How far is Disneyland Paris from CDG Airport?

Disneyland Paris is approximately 50–55 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport and roughly 40–45 minutes by direct private transfer with Piyo Cab, depending on traffic. This makes it one of the most accessible theme parks from a major international airport in all of Europe.

Does Piyo Cab charge extra for night transfers?

Yes. A surcharge applies for transfers between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. There are no hidden fees beyond this — your booking confirmation shows the exact price. Pay the confirmed amount to your driver by cash or card. Contact Piyo Cab at +33 6 67 33 32 67 or piyocab@gmail.com.

What is the best time of year to visit Paris?

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and manageable crowds. July and August are the busiest months. December is magical for festive markets, illuminations, and ice skating beneath the Eiffel Tower.

Paris is not merely a destination — it is an experience that unfolds differently for every visitor. Whether you spend a single electric weekend exploring the Marais and the Seine riverbanks, or two weeks diving deep into Versailles’s royal apartments and the secret gardens of the Palais Royal, the city rewards the curious and the unhurried in equal measure.

What should remain constant throughout your journey is the quality of your transport. Piyo Cab — officially approved for transport in France, with over ten years of experience and hundreds of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor — is committed to making every transfer as seamless and comfortable as possible. From the moment you touch down to your final ride back to the airport, let Piyo Cab be your trusted partner in the City of Light.

Book online in minutes at www.piyocab.com — free booking, instant confirmation, and the peace of mind that your driver will be waiting, no matter what time your flight arrives.

Bon voyage, and welcome to Paris.

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