It may be just a few hundred feet away from the Louvre, the buzzing epicenter of tourism in the French capital. It may house a […]
In Focus: Paris’ Palais Royal, a Haven From the Crowds
Travel Tips
The 5 Best Places for Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: Bars & More in the City Center
A couple of years ago, I spent a little under six weeks living and working in Bordeaux, as I prepared to write a local guide. […]
In Review: The Grand Pigalle Hotel in Paris
Situated in South Pigalle, a formerly seedy Parisian district that’s recently been colonized by hipsters, foodies and fashionistas, the Grand Pigalle Hotel has only […]
Paris Boat Tours & Cruises: Are They Worth Your Time?
Most “top attractions” lists for the French capital, including our own, suggest a Paris boat tour of the Seine or other waterways in the capital. […]
The Best Places for Picnics in Paris, From Parks to Riverbanks
Like they do with pretty much everything else, Parisians make a true art of the spring or summer picnic. It’s not just a quick meal […]
Paris Airport Taxis: How to Use Them (& Avoid the Bad Ones)
I still remember my first bad taxi ride from Charles de Gaulle Airport. I was returning home from a visit with family in California, lugging […]
6 Tips for Avoiding Tourist Traps & Scams in Paris
As one of the world’s most-visited cities, Paris relies on tourism to thrive economically. While that’s generally a mutually beneficial thing, it has its downsides. […]
Why Paris’ Quirky Parc de la Villette is Worth a Visit
One place in Paris where you aren’t likely to see as many tourists wandering around? The sprawling, quirky, modern complex in the far northeast known […]
Travel Insurance for France: What You Need to Know
For this first article in a series of practical tips I’ll refer to as “Paris Trip Planning Q&A“, let’s tackle a boring, but entirely necessary, […]
5 Idyllic Places for Afternoon Tea in Paris: My Picks
While I’m more of a coffee lover than a tea person, the winter season in the capital demands a little extra jolt of coziness. Once […]
The 10 Best Things to Do in Paris (Especially on a First Trip)
Here at Paris Unlocked, we tend to focus our coverage on lesser-known corners of the French capital, and encourage readers to look well beyond the […]
Paris in November: Why to Embrace the Short, Cozy Days
Many tourists don’t even consider visiting Paris in November, fearing they’ll be “regaled” with icy rain, miserably dark days and grumpy, sleepy locals. But while […]
Paris in October: Crisp, Contemplative & Stimulating
Autumn in the French capital has always been one of my favorite times of year– especially at the beginning of the season, before the days […]
Visiting Paris in September: A Welcome Return After the Lull
Most locals recognize Paris in September as the true new year. Following a long summer hiatus, residents return home from vacation and get back to […]
Visiting Paris in July: Festivals, Shows and Balmy Nights
Quick quiz: what do the terms “July”, “Paris”, and “mass exodus” have to do with each other? Well, if you’ve ever spent any time in […]
Paris in May: How to Enjoy the Mid-Spring Glory
Falling during the glorious apex of springtime in the French capital, Paris in May is a wildly popular time to visit. Millions of people throng on […]
Is Paris Safe to Visit in 2023 (And Can You Travel to France Again?)
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic– and following isolated terrorist attacks and occasionally-violent street demonstrations in recent years– many people are wondering whether Paris […]
Visiting Paris in April: Interesting & Inspiring Things to Do
Are you planning a visit to Paris in April? Congratulations! Hate crowds? Hmm, I may just have to take back my congrats. As you probably […]
2019-2020 Strikes in France & Paris: Will Your Travel Plans be Affected?
Starting in early December, 2019, major transportation strikes in France have severely affected trains, Paris metro and bus service, some flights to and from France […]
Visiting Paris in March: How to Make The Most of It?
If you haven’t yet experienced Paris in March, you’re in for a slow-motion magic show. There’s a quiet, but real, sense of rebirth that settles […]
