Paris Travel Tips

Mr. Jacques B. and his wife in Paris

Welcome to the first article of a new series we’re developing, featuring interviews with people that have a connection to New York Habitat. From owners of apartments to people renting apartments, these are all people with amazing stories who have a specific connection with one of the cities where we offer apartments.

This first interview is with a man of French and Spanish heritage called Mr. Jacques B. Mr. Jacques B. grew up in Morocco, and used to visit Paris as a child in the 1930s. He returned to Paris when he served in the Free French Forces in the Second World War. Mr. Jacques B. now lives in the U.S. where he is a Professor in French literature, and he still visits Paris almost every year.

Mr. Jacques B.’s unique view of Paris in the 1930s, 1940s and in modern times makes his recommendations about Paris truly one of a kind.

 Could you tell us something about your past in Paris and what it was like in the 1930s and 1940s?

“I used to go to Paris as a child practically every year. My first memories of Paris go back to 1930- can you imagine? I was 7 years old in 1930. I’m going to be 90 years old now. Some memories are quite vivid. I remember going up the Eiffel Tower as a child in 1930. And then, you know, everybody goes to the Eiffel Tower two or three times in a lifetime.” Read the entire story here…»

A beautiful sunset in Paris seen from the River Seine

Paris, the city of love, has many romantic activities to offer. Taking a stroll through the Latin Quarter or enjoying a picnic on the banks of the Seine River are just two examples. One of our favorite and perhaps most romantic activities is to watch a sunset in Paris. Nothing beats the view of the last sun rays touching upon the rooftops of Paris, and the red skies illuminating the Eiffel Tower. There are many spots in Paris where you can see an amazing sunset.

To help you find the perfect spot, we’ve come up with a list of the top 5 best spots to watch the sunset in Paris! Read the entire story here…»

Take the kids to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Besides being one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is also a surprisingly kid-friendly city. Paris is a relatively green city, and has lots of small parks where kids can play. Furthermore, among the city’s many museums you’ll find many gems that kids will love. Of course the city also boasts fantastic attractions that are must visits for children and adults alike. From the Eiffel Tower to Disneyland Paris, there’s enough to see and do in Paris to keep the whole family entertained for days.

In this article we’ll provide you with museums, parks and attractions in Paris that are great for kids, so you can envision what a perfect family holiday in Paris would look like! Read the entire story here…»

Paris, like France, is inevitably linked to food. French cuisine is one of the most recognized and popular food cultures in the world: UNESCO even added French gastronomy to their lists of intangible cultural heritages. Different regions in France all have their own culinary specialties, and you will find all of these collected together in Paris. Paris literally has thousands of restaurants where you can discover French cuisine. Paris also boasts many fantastic farmers markets where you can find any ingredient used in French cuisine.

Traditional cuisine in a Paris apartment

If you’re a food lover coming to Paris, add some culinary discovery to your holiday by trying your hand at French cuisine! It’s easy to pick up fresh produce at the local markets, and if you’re staying in an apartment with a proper kitchen you have everything you need to enjoy a culinary vacation in Paris.

In this article, we’ll tell you a little bit about the food culture in Paris, and give you some easy French cuisine recipes that you can try in your own Paris apartment rental! Read the entire story here…»

Explore Paris like a local!

There are many attractions in Paris that are well-known throughout the world. Climbing the Eiffel Tower is something you have to do at least once in your life; there are always long lines in front of the Louvre; a river cruise along the Seine is one of the most romantic activities in Europe, and more. However, although Paris is the most visited city in the world, there are some things about Paris you can’t find in a guidebook. Especially if you’re looking for an off the path experience in Paris, it’s best to steer clear of the regular tourist spots.

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to enjoy Paris like a local, and how to have the best possible experience on your trip to Paris! Read the entire story here…»

The Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars in Paris

Paris is a fantastic holiday destination for the entire family. Parents can marvel at the beautiful landmarks the city has to offer, while children will thoroughly enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city of lights. A family holiday to Paris is also a great option if you’re on a bit of a budget. Spending a long weekend or a week in Paris with the family doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. In fact, it can be very affordable if you know how to discover Paris without spending too much money.

In this article, we’ll show you how you can save money on a family trip to Paris, covering things from accommodation to travel and sightseeing to shopping! Read the entire story here…»

Rainclouds gather over the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Paris is beautiful when the sun shines and when it gets dark; Paris is even still beautiful when it rains. When you’re visiting Paris on a rainy day, however, you’ll probably have to adjust your plans a little. Luckily, a little rain doesn’t mean you can’t explore the city. In fact, when it rains you have the opportunity to see and do things in Paris you might not have done otherwise!

In this article, we’ll provide some tips on what to do and see to make the most of a rainy day in Paris! Read the entire story here…»

Visiting the City of Light for the first time can feel a little overwhelming.  Unless you plan to stay for the better part of a year, you know that it will be impossible to see everything.  But of all the wondrous sights, sounds, aromas, and experiences that Paris has to offer, what should you focus on for your first trip?  Here are our suggestions for the top five things to do on your first trip to Paris:

1.  Visit the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay.  These two art museums offer an incredible breadth of art history between them, in addition to being breathtaking examples of repurposed architecture.  The d’Orsay, which was once a railway station and still retains its Belle Epoque flair, is the smaller of the two museums and houses French artwork dating from 1848 to 1914.  The Louvre is, of course, the most famous museum in the world and displays over 35,000 pieces of artwork.

Neither of these wondrous museums can be seen in a day, so don’t feel the need to try.  Instead, plan a leisurely day for each, where you wander from exhibit to exhibit.  The Louvre in particular offers highlight tours so that you can see the “greatest hits” of the museum.  But no matter how you plan your stroll through these museums, you’ll certainly stumble across unexpected treasures.

Paris' Eiffel Tower and the Seine River

2.  See the city from the Seine.  The Bateaux Mouches boat rides down the Seine are famous for a reason.  You get unparalleled views of the major sites of the city on a relaxing hour-long cruise.  The city is at its most beautiful at sunset, so try to plan your cruise for those early twilight hours. Read the entire story here…»