Paris

The major tourist season in France stretches from Easter to mid-September, but Paris has much to offer in every season. If you're dreaming of Paris in the springtime, May is your best bet, not rainy March and April—regardless of what some songs say about the latter. Paris in the early spring can be disappointingly damp, though it's relatively tourist-free; May and June are delightful, with good weather and plenty of cultural and other attractions. July and August can be sultry, stuffy, and uncomfortable. Early autumn is ideal. Cultural life revives after the summer break, and sunny weather often continues through the first half of October. The ballet and theater are in full swing in November. The weather is part wet and cold, part bright and sunny.

Content provided by Fodor's Travel. Copyright © Fodor’s Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Fodor’s is a registered trademarked of Internet Brands, Inc.

• Eiffel Tower : Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, this iron structure is one of the most visited monuments in the world. There is a bird’s eye view of Paris from the top and there are two restaurants in the lower structure.

• Cruise the Seine : Many monuments of the city can be seen from a leisurely cruise along the river. At night is especially beautiful as the monuments are lighted and gives a very different perspective.

• Louvre Museum : An historic landmark, one of the most visited museums in the world, home to Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, over 300,000 objects are housed inside from all corners of the globe.

• Café Society : The ultimate expression of French culture, sit in a sidewalk café and sip on a coffee while watching the world bustle past. Perhaps enjoy some pastries or macarons also.

• Musee D’Orsay : Housed in a former train station, the space is light filled from skylights. Not as large as the Louvre, houses an impressive collection of Impressionist works.

• Arc de Triomphe with Champs Elysees : The arc is one of the most famous monuments of the city and lies at the center of the convergence of twelve avenues. It is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI, with an eternal flame. The Champs Elysees is an avenue that stretches just over a mile. It is known for luxury shopping and hosts the finish of the Tour de France bicycle race.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.