Your AFM Paris Travel Guide

Culture & Hidden Gems

Beyond the landmarks, Paris truly shines in its neighbourhoods:

• Montmartre – A historic, artistic quarter with cobbled streets and stunning views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
  
• Le Marais – Trendy, vibrant and full of boutiques, galleries and cafés.
  
• Musée d’Orsay – A must for Impressionist art lovers.
  
• Canal Saint-Martin – Perfect for a slower, more local Paris experience.
  

Food & Drink You Can’t Miss

Paris is as much about eating as it is about sightseeing:

• Fresh croissants and pain au chocolat from a local boulangerie
  
• Classic steak frites or boeuf bourguignon
  
• Escargots (for the adventurous)
  
• Macarons from Ladurée

Pair it all with a glass of French wine or a simple espresso at a street-side café — and take your time. Paris isn’t meant to be rushed.

Getting Around

Paris is incredibly easy to navigate:

• The Paris Métro is fast, affordable and connects all major areas
  
• Walking is one of the best ways to explore — many attractions are closer than they seem
  
• Bikes and e-scooters are widely available

Top tip: buy a carnet (bundle of tickets) or a travel pass if you’re staying a few days.

Where to Stay?

• Central (1st–7th arrondissement): Close to major landmarks, ideal for first-time visitors
  
• Le Marais (3rd–4th): Stylish, lively, great food scene
  
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th): Classic Parisian charm
  
• Montmartre (18th): More relaxed, artistic atmosphere
  

When to Visit

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild weather, blooming parks — one of the best times
  
• Summer (Jul–Aug): Lively but busy (and warmer)
  
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Fewer crowds, beautiful colours
  
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Quieter, festive, and more affordable
  

Local Tips

• Start your mornings early to beat crowds at major attractions
  
• Learn a few phrases — even a simple “Bonjour” goes a long way
  
• Avoid eating right next to major tourist landmarks for better quality and value
  
• Take time to simply sit in a café — it’s part of the experience
  

Insights From Our Team

Here are some latest tips and insights from our team member, Diane Lorgere. 

Must see landmarks 

• The view of the Eiffel tower from the Trocadéro
• The Louvre
• Notre Dame, 
• Jardins du Luxembourg in the 6^th Arrondissement
• Montmartre steps

Hidden Gems

• a walk across the Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cité. Two islands in the centre of Paris is pretty unmissable. Whilst there go see the Sainte Chapelle
• Fondation Louis Vuitton at the top of the Bois de Boulogne & the area around les Sablons (which is really Neuilly, the super posh suburb in the west of Paris)
• Musée Marmottan Monet. A tiny impressionist museum right near the embassy neighbourhood so it's lovely to walk around.

Food

• French Bastards bakery - a chain with really good options inc. Vegan ones
• Les Enfants du Marché - food market 
• Recoin - modern French restaurant

Getting around: Paris is a very walkable city - and the metro stops are much closer together than in say London so it makes getting around "intra-muros" very easy. The RER is the faster underground service which will take you out to the suburbs.

Top tips: Don't be afraid to head out of Paris to explore. Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a western suburb at the end of the RER A which is 45 mins away on public transport and has a castle, a museum, as well as acres of forest to walk where the French kings used to hunt. It also has plenty of shopping options and cafés.