Île-de-France Travelers Recommend

Paris is a dream destination for travelers around the world, and that popularity comes with some major crowds. Plan ahead to secure your spot at the very best sites—see below for our top picks and experiences you can't miss in the City of Light.

The Louvre may be the world's greatest art museum. Don't be daunted by its size and overwhelming richness; if you have even the merest interest in the fruits of human civilization from antiquity to the 19th century, then visit you must. Paris might be renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world, but having to share your sightseeing experience – as it's also one of the most popular cities in the world – with thousands of other tourists can quickly turn a fun trip into a stressful day as you spend hours in line at famous attractions. Thankfully, it’s possible to book Skip the Line tickets for many of Paris' most popular sights like the Louvre, meaning you can head straight to the front of the queue and spend the rest of your time soaking up the atmosphere in the City of Lights.

One of the most popular tourism options in Paris is to check out one of the historic cabarets: Moulin Rouge, Le Lido, Paradis Latin, Crazy Horse, Nouvelle Eve, Mugler Follies and Folies Bergère. All offer similar forms of adult entertainment in the form of dance and acrobatic numbers featuring men and women in various states of undress, and occasionally without any clothes at all. Cabaret shows are an adult experience, highly suggestive and not for children. That does not mean, however, that cabarets are like strip clubs in America. Instead, they're like a sexy Cirque du Soleil. There is a range of viewing options, from simply sitting at the bar to sipping Champagne and eating a multi-course meal at one of the best tables in the joint. You'll pay between €100 and €300 for this evening out, depending on what time of year you go and what drinking and dining options you choose, but you will have an experience that cannot be found outside of the City Of Light.

Between Paris and the English Channel lies the region of Normandy, abounding in historic sites, moody countryside and culinary hotspots. You can visit some of the area’s highlights on a day trip from the French capital, or take your time and let the Normans conquer you with charm. One of the region’s premier sights is the breathtaking tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel. The island is connected to the coastline via a causeway, ringed with a defensive wall and dominated by the soaring spire of its abbey which dates back to the 8th century. The town of Saint Malo, although in neighboring Brittany, offers a similarly well-preserved center within forbidding walls. The charming town of Honfleur, with its unique wooden church and jumble of houses surrounding a peaceful harbor, was passed back and forth between the English and the French in the Middle Ages. More recent history is remembered in the sands of Normandy’s beaches.

The Eiffel Tower’s location on the Left Bank of the Seine makes it easy to combine a visit to the tower with a cruise on the river—a relaxing way to spot top sights like the Notre Dame. Here’s what you need to know to find the right combo for you. Highlights Check off two of Paris’ top activities in one convenient ticket package.Options are available for both day and night, with some featuring dinner.Some Eiffel Tower tickets include skip-the-line access.Cruise tickets can often be used on a different day to provide flexibility. Half-Day Combo Tours Four to five hours in duration, a half-day combo allows you to maximize your time in the city while still getting an overview of the main attractions. This is an ideal way to get oriented with the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods at the beginning of your trip.

We have to agree, there’s nothing more French than Champagne. To see where the legend began, visit the sacred town of Reims, known for its role in consecrating the kings of France as well as its importance to the Champagne region’s sparkling wines. In Reims, your guide will take you on a tour of the city’s famous Gothic cathedral, followed by a trip to the world-renowned Mumm champagne cellars for a tour and tasting of Mumm House’s Cordon Rouge champagne. In the afternoon, your tour continues on through the picturesque landscape of vineyards and rolling hills to the town of Epernay, the main entrepôt for the region’s sparkling wines. Here, you’ll visit the prestigious wine cellars of Moet & Chandon for another tasting session.

Whether you’re in the first flutters of young love or thinking about popping the question, honeymooning or looking back on a long happy life together, everyone agrees Paris is the romantic capital of the world. In the daytime, a horse-and-carriage ride starting from the Eiffel Tower and continuing on to the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe is a wonderfully nostalgic way to see this stunning city. Or toast your love while you sample fine French wines in a royal cellar near the Louvre. Once night falls, how about dinner and a show while you enjoy the picturesque highlights of Paris? Cruise along the Seine as you and your significant other are serenaded by a singer and band. The beautiful riverside buildings and monuments are illuminated by spotlights as you pass by. A glass roof ensures great views from wherever you are, but for sightseeing at its finest, book the exclusive prow table.

Enjoy a night of decadence and indulgence with a VIP experience at the world renowned Moulin Rouge! Viator is happy to present its two newest VIP packages: Moulin Rouge Show: VIP Seating with Champagne and Viator VIP: Moulin Rouge Show with Exclusive VIP Seating and 3-Course Dinner! The Moulin Rouge cabaret was made famous by the cancan and exquisite paintings by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Since opening in 1889, the show has continually entertained its audiences and is undoubtedly the most popular cabaret in Paris today. Enjoy this remarkable performance with one of our ultimate VIP experiences!

Located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, Alain Ducasse’s 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is famous for its panoramic views overlooking the Trocadero area of Paris. Serving traditional French brasserie food with windows spanning the entire restaurant, this dinner spot has one side that faces the city and another that looks out onto the intricate metal design of the Eiffel Tower. 58 Tour Eiffel is a trendy spot to eat during the day; lunch is a two- or three-course “picnic” meal, partly served in metal baskets. During the evening, the lights are dimmed, the dress code turns formal and classic French cuisine is served while the city lights up under the night sky. After dining on a gourmet meal at this award-winning restaurant on the Eiffel Tower's first floor, there’s plenty to experience in the City of Lights.