Visiting France

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Paris

Paris

This self-guided walking tour of Paris takes you from the gorgeous Parc Monceau to the famous museum at the Louvre. Allow yourself at least two hours to take in all the sights along the way.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Paris: Parc Monceau to the Louvre

Begin your tour in Parc Monceau on the border of the 8th and 17th arrondissements. You can get there by taking the metro to Monceau on Line 2. As you walk through the park, notice the landscaping and classical sculpture designed by Phillippe d’Orleans, Duke of Chartres, in the late 1700’s.

When you’re finished exploring Parc Monceau, walk up Avenue Hoche to Etoile, where you will find yourself at the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees. At the top of the Arc, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Paris.

Continue your walk down the Champs Elysees toward the Louvre. Pass through the Place de la Concorde and take some time to admire the Obelisk before entering the gardens of the Tuileries. Stroll along the gravel paths or stop to sail a miniature boat in a pond, and continue to the Louvre.

If you’re feeling ambitious, spend some time admiring the art in the museum, or head to Opera for some shopping at the Grands Magasins. If not, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes on Rue de Rivoli where you can drink a cafe au lait and watch the passers-by.

Best Luxury Hotels in Paris

Le Bristol Hotel

Right Bank or left, there are plenty of options for luxury hotels in Paris. With a seemingly endless variety of 5-star hotels, it is often hard to choose from among them. I’ve narrowed the list down to a few of my favorites, and hope that it will help you choose where to stay in Paris. Here are my favorite luxury hotels in Paris:

Hotel Prince de Galles
The Prince de Galles is a beautiful historic hotel just off the Champs Elysees on the Right Bank. Rooms and suites are spacious and decorated with period furniture, giving guests a truly Parisian experience.

The Westin Paris
Just off the Place Vendome and next to the Tuileries, the Westin is one of the best hotels in Paris. Its intimate guest rooms and suites are decorated in elegant style, and the location can’t be beat.

Le Bristol
Hotel Le Bristol is one of the few remaining family owned 5-star hotels in Europe. Its historic charm and beautifully decorated rooms make guests feel at home, and its location on the famous Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore makes it the perfect place to stay if you love luxury shopping. Don’t miss the excellent gastronomic restaurant, either.

Shangri-La Hotel
The Shangri-La in Paris is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. The 5-star property is located near the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, and features tastefully designed guest rooms, ballrooms with period decor, and excellent restaurants.

Hotel George V
The Four Seasons Hotel George V is one of the most famous luxury hotels in Paris. With beautiful guest rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a relaxing spa, it is the perfect place to stay.

On a budget in Paris or looking for a different kind of hotel? Take a look at the other Paris hotels pages: Paris Boutique Hotels, Paris Budget Hotels, and Paris Hostels.

How to get from Nice Airport to Nice and Other Cities

Nice Airport

Getting from the Nice airport (NCE) to the city center and other destinations in the south of France doesn’t have to be difficult.

From Nice Airport by Taxi
Taxi is the most expensive way to get from the airport to Nice and other cities along the Cote d’Azur, but it is also the most convenient. Approximate fares to popular destinations are listed below.

Taxi Fare from Nice airport to Nice: 20 euros

Taxi Fare from Nice airport to Cannes, Monaco, or Monte Carlo: 70 euros

Taxi Fare from Nice airport to Antibes: 50 euros

Taxi Fare from Nice airport to St. Tropez: 250 euros

From Nice Airport by Bus
Bus transport is an easy way to get from Nice airport to Nice and other cities in Provence. All buses leave from the bus terminal outside of the airport doors. You can take a public or private bus from Nice airport, depending on your destination. You can buy tickets from the booth by the terminal.

Buses from Nice airport to Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Antibes, and other cities leave from the terminal at the Nice airport.

Local buses 23, 98, 99, 110, and 210 travel between the Nice Gare SNCF (train station) or Gare Routiere (bus station) and Nice airport. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes and tickets are only a few euros.

Bus 23 is the cheapest, but makes a few stops along the way. Buses 110 and 210 are express services, and buses 98 and 99 are intermediate services. From the train and bus stations, transport from Nice to other cities along the Cote d’Azur is easy and inexpensive.