13 Best Things to Do in France and Paris, With Prices

Quick answer

The essential things to do in France are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a Seine cruise, Montmartre, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, and a half-day at Versailles. With more time, add Mont-Saint-Michel, Monet's garden at Giverny or two nights on the Riviera. Book timed tickets for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Versailles as soon as your dates are fixed.

13 things worth your time in France

01
Eiffel Tower
Landmark
The view from 276 m over the whole city, and the tower sparkling for five minutes on the hour after dark.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹3,750 (€36.70) to the summit by lift; from about ₹1,500 (€14.80) by stairs to the second floor
Tickets go on sale about 60 days ahead and summit slots near sunset sell out first.
02
The Louvre
Museum
The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory, in what was once a royal palace.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹3,260 (€32) for most non-EU visitors since January 2026; free under 18
Closed on Tuesdays. Book a timed slot online and use the Carrousel entrance rather than the pyramid.
03
Musée d'Orsay
Museum
Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh in a converted railway station, and smaller crowds than the Louvre.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹1,650–2,050 (€16–20)
Closed on Mondays; open late on Thursdays.
04
Seine river cruise
Experience
The easiest way to see Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in one go, and a good first-evening plan after a long flight.
1 hourAbout ₹1,550–2,050 (€15–20)
Take the last cruise before dark in summer, or one just after the tower lights up.
05
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Neighbourhood
Hilltop views, the artists' square at Place du Tertre and cobbled lanes.
Half dayFree; dome climb about ₹700 (€7)
Ignore anyone offering to tie a string bracelet on your wrist at the steps; it ends with a demand for money.
06
Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
Landmark
The restored cathedral reopened in December 2024. Sainte-Chapelle, five minutes away, has some of the finest stained glass in the world.
2–3 hoursNotre-Dame free; Sainte-Chapelle about ₹1,550–2,250 (€15–22), non-EU rates apply from 2026
Visit Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny morning for the light.
07
Palace of Versailles
Day trip
The Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments and 800 hectares of gardens, 45 minutes by RER C from central Paris.
Half to full dayPassport ticket about ₹3,600–5,100 (€35–50) depending on season and non-EU pricing
Closed on Mondays. On summer weekends the Musical Fountains show costs extra but is worth it.
08
Le Marais
Neighbourhood
Place des Vosges, boutique streets and the falafel shops on Rue des Rosiers — one of the best vegetarian lunches in Paris.
2–3 hoursFree
09
Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées
Landmark
Climb 284 steps for the view down twelve avenues radiating from the arch.
1–2 hoursRooftop about ₹1,650–2,050 (€16–20); the avenue is free
Use the underpass to reach the arch; never cross the roundabout on foot.
10
Disneyland Paris
Experience
Two parks 40 minutes from central Paris by RER A. Worth a day if you're travelling with children.
Full dayAbout ₹6,100–12,200 (€60–120) for a dated one-day ticket
Weekdays outside French school holidays are cheaper and much quieter.
11
Mont-Saint-Michel
Day trip
A medieval abbey on a tidal island off Normandy, one of France's most photographed sights.
12–14 hours by coach tourAbout ₹10,200–18,400 (€100–180) for a coach tour from Paris
It's a very long day. Staying one night nearby is far more relaxed.
12
Giverny — Monet's house and garden
Day trip
The water-lily pond and Japanese bridge that Monet painted for decades, an hour from Paris.
Half dayAbout ₹1,100–1,350 (€11–13) entry; open roughly April to October
13
The French Riviera — Nice, Èze and Monaco
Extension
The Promenade des Anglais, the hilltop village of Èze and Monaco's casino square, all linked by cheap local buses and trains.
2–3 daysTGV from Paris about ₹3,100–12,200 (€30–120) one way, or a 1h25 flight
Base yourself in Nice; it's much cheaper than Cannes or Monaco.

What should you prioritise in France?

For most first-time Indian travellers, France means Paris plus one or two day trips. The core list is short: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a Seine cruise, Montmartre, Notre-Dame with Sainte-Chapelle and Versailles. Five days covers these comfortably with one excursion. Seven days lets you add the Riviera.

Book these before you fly

Eiffel Tower: summit slots sell out weeks ahead; tickets open about 60 days out.
Louvre: timed entry is effectively compulsory. The price for most non-EU visitors rose to €32 in January 2026.
Versailles: timed entry, and closed on Mondays.

The Paris Museum Pass covers the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle and the Arc de Triomphe, but not the Eiffel Tower. It pays off if you visit three or more of these within its validity; you still need to reserve time slots.

Getting around

The Métro is fast and cheap. On a five-to-seven-day trip, a weekly Navigo Découverte pass (Monday to Sunday only; bring a passport photo) often beats single tickets, and it covers the RER to Versailles. Keep phones and wallets zipped — pickpocketing on Line 1, at the Eiffel Tower and at Sacré-Cœur is common.

Day trip or Riviera?

If you have six days, choose one of: Versailles plus Giverny (gentle, good for parents), Mont-Saint-Michel (long but memorable) or two nights in Nice. Trying to do all three makes for a tiring trip.

Check the best time to visit France before you fix dates, and compare budgets on our France trip cost page.

Where you sleep changes how much you see in a day — see where to stay in Paris. For vegetarian and Indian food, our France food guide covers crêperies, falafel and the South Indian restaurants of La Chapelle. A Schengen visa is required; start with our France visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Paris?

Four to five days covers the main sights — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Orsay, Montmartre, Notre-Dame and a Seine cruise — plus Versailles. Add a day for Disneyland if you have children, or two to three days for the Riviera. Three days is possible but rushed.

Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?

It is worth it if you will visit three or more covered sites, such as the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle and the Arc de Triomphe, within the pass validity. It does not include the Eiffel Tower or Disneyland, and you still need to reserve time slots at the Louvre and Versailles.

Is Versailles worth a visit?

Yes, if you enjoy palaces and gardens. The Hall of Mirrors and the grounds are spectacular, and it is only 45 minutes from Paris by RER C. Plan half a day for the palace and a few more hours for the gardens. Avoid Mondays, when it is closed, and Tuesdays, when it is busiest.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.