A Weekend in Paris

Each year, when summer settles in France, families who are not going on holiday desperately search for ways to fill their weekends. Paris and its surroundings then appear as THE place that can satisfy everyone’s expectations; there is a wide range of activities available outdoors as well as indoors in case of extreme heat. The capital of fashion, birthplace of European culture, Paris is also full of modern and varied attractions. Here are some suggestions for filling your summer days.

Fancy some fresh air?

Paris has numerous parks and gardens, and although it is a capital city, the town is relatively compact, allowing you to visit a maximum number of places including: the Jardin des Plantes, the Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens, the Champ de Mars Park next to the famous Eiffel Tower. The City of Light also has magnificent districts of international renown such as Montmartre and its famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which can be visited very easily, the Marais district, the Latin Quarter, the Champs Élysées Avenue, etc. The Haussmannian buildings, which made Paris such a unique city, make travelling from one point to another very pleasant. An efficient way to discover the city without getting too tired is the river boat, available from £12. After a long walk, there are obviously all the major fast-food chains (more economical alternatives). There are also some affordable and unusual places such as the restaurant at the Grand Mosque of Paris, whose oriental terrace is really very pleasant; it is also possible to visit this splendid Mosque outside worship hours. Finally, in the Paris region you can find Disneyland Park and Parc Astérix for superb family days out, as well as the Palace of Versailles which is one of the must-see attractions.

Some activities sheltered from the sun

The many Parisian museums bear witness to the diversity and modernity of the city. The Louvre is recognised the world over, it is impossible to visit it in one go, you need to get a map and select the most interesting sections. The Palais de Tokyo and the Centre Pompidou, on the other hand, mainly exhibit contemporary art. Around the Jardin des Plantes you can find the botanical greenhouse, or the National Museum of Natural History … one thing is certain, Paris does not lack museums! There are also numerous attractions that take place indoors, such as Le Manoir. Located in the north of the city, Le Manoir combines theatrical performance and horror for fans of horror films. For gamers, it is possible to do escape games in the city (though you should budget around £85 in total). It is generally possible to book online to avoid endless queues.

Its museums, its gardens, its architecture and its dynamism make Paris a striking concentration of history and art. Nothing beats this for a weekend with a loved one, with family or with friends!