Paris travel guide

When to go, what to book ahead and how to get there.

Best time to go

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) usually bring mild weather and thinner crowds than midsummer.

June to August is the busiest period at the big sights. In August many Parisians go on holiday, so some small shops and restaurants close, while the major museums and monuments stay open. Winter is quieter and grey, with festive markets in December.

Good to know

  • The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, and booking a time slot is recommended for every visitor, including those with free admission.
  • Eiffel Tower e-tickets with lift access go on sale up to 90 days ahead, and stair tickets up to 60 days ahead. The official site advises booking as early as possible for June to September and holiday periods.
  • Paris is compact and well served by the Métro and RER, so most visitors do not need a car in the city.

Top attractions

Eiffel Tower

Timed e-tickets let you skip the ticket-office queue; security checks still apply at the entrance. The top floor sells out first on busy days.

Tickets on Tiqets

Louvre Museum

Open every day except Tuesday, with late opening on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Pick a time slot before you go.

Tickets on Tiqets
All Paris attractions on Tiqets

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Car hire

A car is rarely useful inside Paris, but it can make sense for day trips into the countryside or a longer road trip through France.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Paris?

For mild weather and fewer crowds, aim for April, May, September or October. Summer is lively but busiest.

Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower in advance?

It is strongly recommended in summer and on holidays. Lift tickets go on sale up to 90 days ahead; if online tickets sell out, the on-site ticket offices may still have same-day tickets.

Which day is the Louvre closed?

Tuesday. It is also closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

More destinations

Sources (checked 2 November 2026): toureiffel.paris, louvre.fr