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.

Must see landmarks 

• Sitting near les quais de Seine
• Chinese quarter near Place d'Italie
• Notre Dame,
• La Place des Vosges
• Book for an evening cruise on the Bateaux Mouche ( Paris by night is a must see!)

Hidden Gems

• Play ping pong with elderly chinese community or basketball with locals in Parc de Choisy
• Go straight to the last floor of les grands magasins to have a glimpse of the skyline of Paris
• Parc Monceau ( you could book for Poney ride if you have kids).

Food

• L'As du fallafel in the jewish quarter of le Marais, no sitting 
• L'ébouillanté around Notre Dame Cathedral, ideal for outdoor sitting
• Les philosophes, in le Marais French bistro, open until 2am ! Nice atmosphere late at night with locals.

Getting around: In Paris, I would walk or take the metro. Be careful about holding the doors open for people behind you, Parisians can be surprisingly particular about small things.

Top tips: Despite the very upfront attitude of Parisians and the constant moaning that defines us, people are generally friendly and willing to help, whether you’re lost, looking for somewhere nice to eat, or struggling to use the machines in the metro station.

Insights From Our Team

Here are some latest tips and insights from our team member, Sandrine Chein. .