Prepare your trip

All you need to know about Paris and what to do before leaving home

Plan your trip to Paris from the comfort of your own home. The general information you need to know and the decisions you’ll need to make before you leave are compiled in this section.

Paris is a great capital

Paris has been the capital of France for centuries, with a rich history of intrigue and influence that has left its mark on every street corner. So there’s plenty to see.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see everything it has to offer in a few days, or even a year. So you need to prepare your trip to Paris carefully, well in advance of your departure.

Organization is key

Good organization will enable you to see and understand as much as possible in the time you have available for Paris.

Organizing your own trip to Paris offers undeniable advantages:

1/ You choose what you like, not what your travel agent has decided for you, probably knowing nothing about Paris other than standard tourist literature.

2/You’ll arrive in Paris already knowing a little about the city, and you’ll appreciate all the more immediately what you see.

Isn’t organizing a trip to Paris a job for professionals?

It’s not complicated, because Paris is a city that’s easy to understand, with a small tourist area that’s easy to explore on foot. It is also easy to find your way around thanks to the buildings (Tour-Eiffel, Arc-de-Triomphe, Louvre, etc.). The bus and metro networks are dense and easy to use, with reminders in English for everything you need to know.

VPBY (VisitingParisByYourself.com or VisitingParisByYourself.fr): comprehensive information in English and French.

VPBY provides you with a professional and historical database that is unique and hard to match in the tourism industry. It’s also a practical guide to what to do, what not to do and what to avoid when visiting Paris.

VPBY: ways to use this data

It’s not just articles, but also Internet addresses so you can make your purchases (plane, train, hotel, restaurant reservations, etc.) while you’re still in your living room, or later after you’ve arrived in Paris.

Our site will always be at your disposal from the start of your trip, then during your stay in Paris, right up to your return home, always with the information you’ve stored. It offers you all the services of a real travel agency in your pocket, 24 hours a day.

How is organized the section “1. prepare your stay in Paris” ?

1. Overview of Paris

2. Which stay in Paris ?

3. Transportation

4. The right neighborhood to stay

5. Visit Paris on foot … or by boat

6. Shopping in Paris

7. Your daily life during your stay

8. How to dress, weather, temperature and fashion

The 9 other VPBY sections (from 2. to 10.)

They allow you to choose and book directly, if necessary, your transport to Paris, your hotel and to organize your time and your visits on the spot, in their entirety if you wish.

1. Prepare your trip: everything you need to know about Paris and decisions you need from home

2. All you can see during your stay. Our data-base at your disposal

3. One to 10 days stays : suggested organized stays

4. Find your lodging : hotels, apartments or else

5. Guided walks and cruises to really understand Paris and see the best

6. Paris in photos: before, during and after your visit. To keep

7. Travel Consulting: a stay in Paris tailor-made for you

8. French craftmanship (to learn with Parisien craftmen)

9. Reservations for everything you want to see, enjoy and use and

10. Boutique (Store) for small items to purchase

Now it’s time for the first step of your trip: to take action

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In Paris: discover the city

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In Paris: discover the city

Notre-Dame Reopening on December 8th, 2024 – An awaited moment

The reopening of Notre-Dame has been eagerly awaited since April 15, 2019. December 7 and 8, 2024 will be dates that will mark the history of Notre-Dame, just as much as that of its fire. It will be the day of the cathedral’s rebirth for centuries to come. (“for ever and ever”). More detailed information is available on our website: A two-stage Notre-Dame Reopening December 7 is the day on

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Cultural places

11 classic books set in Paris, with key locations

Classic books set in Paris that we have selected, bring Paris to life through their characters’ journeys across its landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural sites, capturing the city’s layered history and complex social dynamics. These classic books set in Paris are all available in a wide range of languages, especially English.

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benjamin-franklin-in-paris
One to 10 day stays

Benjamin Franklin in Paris: the 1st American representative in France

Benjamin Franklin in Paris as the United States’ diplomatic envoy during the American Revolution. His life in Paris from 1776 to 1785 was marked by his political influence, his scientific contributions, and his success in French high society. Benjamin Franklin: a man good at everything He began his professional life as a printer at the age of 12. Over time, however, he became a publisher, writer, naturalist, humanist, inventor, abolitionist

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Viollet-leduc-sa-statue-sur-notre-dame
In Paris: discover the city

Notre-Dame interior rehabilitation, a delicate, giant and unique renovation

A first dusting to start with the Notre-Dame interior rehabilitation Notre-Dame interior rehabilitation was a delicate operation. After the fire, it is impossible to know the precise state of the vaults in the nave, choir and transept. No one is allowed to walk or work underneath them. Before any work is undertaken, rope access technicians secure the vaults by laying a temporary layer of plaster and wire from above. This

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notre-dame-vue-aerienne-apres-incendie
In Paris: discover the city

Notre-Dame reconstruction after the fire, for the next centuries

Notre-Dame reconstruction, after it has been made safe between 2019 and 2021, has been a huge undertaking, most of it over 50 m above ground, with the spire reaching a height of 96 m. It was also a time of prowess in the art of restoring works of art damaged in the fire. Last but not least, it was a meticulous and intelligent organization of a worksite, with over 500

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notre-dame-statue-de-viollet-leduc
In Paris: discover the city

Securisation of Notre Dame after the fire of 2019

The securisation of Notre Dame took place from 2019 until june 2021. The devastating fire at Notre-Dame de Paris on April 15, 2019 marked a turning point in the history of this iconic cathedral. The fire partially destroyed the UNESCO World Heritage Site. France and the whole world watched in horror. This event launched an unprecedented emergency phase, dedicated to securing the site and preserving this national symbol. This article

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Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

Notre Dame in fire – What happened ? Which consequences ?

The fire at Notre Dame in the late afternoon of April 15, 2019 came as a shock to the whole world. The fire broke out at around 6:20 pm. The central spire, added in the 19th century by architect Viollet-Leduc, collapsed into the nave at 8pm, live on most prime-time TV news. The French were stunned. And the rest of the world learns of it during the night and the

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Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

Versailles Tour: organise your visit of the castle and estate

A Versailles tour is a must on any stay in Paris. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but requires an extra day to your stay, even though Versailles is only 25 km from the center of Paris.A visit to Versailles also requires careful planning, as the Versailles estate is immense (800 ha) and includes 2 châteaux (the “Trianons”) in addition to the main castle, an 83-hectare garden (with statues), a 700-hectare park

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Cruises in Paris

Paris after the 2024 Olympique Games – New features for the future

Paris after the 2024 Olympique Games has changed. The return of the Olympics after a century since the previous ones held in Paris in 1924 (see our post 1924 to 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a century of change) underlines the historic importance of these Games for France and the city of Paris. New sports and disciplines, spectacular ceremonies As for Tokyo 2020, new disciplines have been introduced or confirmed

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Administrative procedures

US Citizens to enter France : no visa required

US Citizens to enter France do not need a visa, but …. This is an exemptions for many countries governed by international agreements which ask for a visa. However, entry into France is not totally free. There are administrative rules that require all foreign nationals to provide additional supporting documents, even for short stays of maximum 90 days . Without them, entry at the border is forbidden. These rules are

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Administrative procedures

Visa-free entry to France – List of countries concerned

Visa-free entry to France is limited to European countries (Schengen area) and a few dozens other countries around the world. The general rule under international law is that you need a visa to enter a foreign country. However, there are exemptions for many countries governed by international agreements. See our post for the List of countries concerned by a Visa to enter France. We list below all the nationalities for

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Administrative procedures

Access to France for foreigners: passports, visas, supporting documents

Access to France for foreigners is governed by strict rules that must be followed to avoid being turned back at the border. All foreign nationals wishing to enter France must be able to present his or her passeport and the following documents at the border: As a general rule, a visa is required, unless otherwise exempted, which is the case for all nationals of the Schengen European Area. The basic

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Prepare your trip

1924 to 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a century of change

From 1924 to 2024 Olympic Games have evolved significantly over the century, reflecting the world’s social, political and technological changes. They have become a global symbol of peace, international cooperation and sporting excellence. But in these areas, the task is hard… To book airfare to Paris from any city, please click here for a special airfare deal. To book hotels in Paris, please click here for a special hotel deal.

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Administrative procedures

Medical expenses for tourists in France: who pays? – Travel insurances

Medical expenses for tourists in France are the responsibility of the tourist. Contrary to popular belief, foreigners are not entitled to free medical treatment in France – unless they are in an irregular situation! The cost of treatment is the same as for French nationals. The only difference is that the French national will be reimbursed in part or in full by the French Social Security system. In practice, it

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One to 10 day stays

July 14th, France’s national holiday – Origin, evolution, history

France’s national holiday, July 14, which dates back only to 1880, refers to both the Bastille Day of July 14, 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération of July 14, 1790, i.e. to the French Revolution. How are we to understand all this? To book airfares to Paris or stays in Paris, please click here for a special deal. The storming of the Bastille and preparations for the Fête de

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In Paris: live the experience

The Paris Olympics: the birth of an international story

The Paris Olympics in 2024 are the third to be held in Paris, following those of 1900 and 1924. It was also Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin, the initiator of the modern Olympics, who finally brought these exceptional events to the forefront of international sport. This is the story of the reinstatement of the old Olympic Games thanks to Pierre de Coubertin’s tireless efforts. A difficult start. To book airfares to

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Guided Walks

20 departures for walks, self-guided, in Touristic Paris

20 departures for walks and to organize your visit to Paris. Self-guided walks. These walks should be seen as a complement to the monuments, museums and cathedrals that are essential parts of any stay in Paris. They are indispensable for tourists who want to go beyond the usual clichés in their knowledge of Paris and Parisians. These are relaxing and instructive walks, “interspersed” with “gourmet” relaxation breaks. To book airfares

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Season-to-choose-to-visit-paris
20 Self-guided walks

Which season to choose for your next Paris stay?

Which season to choose for your next stay in Paris be a success ? The weather will certainly be an important factor. And to stack the odds in your favor, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the different seasons in Paris.After describing the seasons and illustrating them with photos, you will find at the end of the post, information to track the weather in Paris over periods of

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anti-cyclone-acores-prevision-temps-a-venir
20 Self-guided walks

Climate in France: what to expect during your stay

France’s climate is not uniform. Although France is only 1000 km from north to south, and slightly less from east to west, the climate, while not radically different from one region to another, does have its differences due to the country’s particular geographical position within Europe. It’s a good idea to be aware of these if you’re a tourist, so that you can make the necessary clothing and other arrangements

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Before you go

France in a nutshell – the essentials in 15 minutes

“France in a nutshell” is designed for tourists visiting France and Paris who want to know more than the usual clichés. It’s an overall description of France, not exhaustive but rich enough to give you a precise idea of the country and its people. It wasn’t an easy task to write, as France is average in many respects: in geographical size, in the economy, in the number of inhabitants. But

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20 Self-guided walks

Weather forecast of Paris, to 15 days, 3 months trends

Weather forecast of Paris is one of the most important elements of your stay. Although Paris enjoys a temperate climate that is pleasant for its inhabitants, the seasons are differentiated and marked differences from day to day are often the case. But what’s important for you as a tourist is that the weather during your stay is suitable for what you want to see and visit.We’ll show you where you

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Before you go

3-day-Paris-stay n°1 – Organization and booking before you leave home

This “3-day Paris stay n°1” was a difficult one to organize. It’s very little time indeed for what we wanted to show you of Paris. A visit of Paris could last for months without ever exhausting all the opportunities for “sights”, visits and history that Paris offers. So you need to play tight with your time and not waste it, and have a method for choosing what you want to

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Promenade-musee-pompidou-a-bastille-par-marais
Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

Relaxation breaks on Pompidou-Bastille walk, choosing the best shops

Relaxation breaks on Pompidou-Bastille walk are always welcome. There’s plenty to see on this stroll, which starts just outside the Musée-Pompidou and winds its way through the Marais district. This district is unique in that it is both historically the district of the Jewish community in Paris and more recently the world-famous gay district. What are “Relaxation breaks on Pompidou-Bastille walk” in the Marais district The “Relaxation breaks on Pompidou-Bastille

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Before you go

Shopping on the Champs-Elysées : list of 100 shops to visit

Shopping on the Champs-Elysées is a dream for many tourists. And to make your visit easier, we’ve selected the 100 shops most popular with the tourists who came before you. And we present these stores in a variety of ways, for you to choose from: How we selected the 100 stores featured The shops we recommend are rated from 1 to 5, and we’ve eliminated from our lists those rated

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hotels-champs-elysees-choice-list
Before you go

Champs-Elysées Hotels – Choice, affordable prices for your Paris stay

Champs-Elysées Hotels. There are many on the Champs-Elysées, but they are expensive and not always worth the price. We have made a study that will allow you to choose the hotel that suits you best in this luxury and tourist area that are the Champs-Elysees. We finally have selected 51 of them, listed below and located on our Champs-Elysées map. How did we make our pre-selection of the Champs-Elysées Hotels?

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Before you go

Montmartre Hotels – Choice, affordable prices for your Paris stay

Hotels in Montmartre are in high demand. But it’s hard to find one that is both affordable and offers quality service. However, they do exist and we have compiled a list of the best hotels classified by number of stars, commented and rated so that you can choose the best of them in all knowledge. How our list of recommended hotels is made by VPBY Our goal is to offer

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Relaxation breaks
20 Self-guided walks

Relaxation breaks to walk down Montmartre hill without fatigue

Relaxation breaks to walk down Montmartre are always appreciated: it is usually at the end of the day after hours of walk, visits and shopping. Fortunately the relaxation breaks on the western side of the Montmartre hill that we recommend you to take are numerous and varied. You can even combine your return with our walk Musée-de-Montmartre to Pigalle which follows this route. We have planned also 2 more self-guided

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Relaxation-breaks-on-butte-montmartre
20 Self-guided walks

Relaxation breaks on the way to the Sacré-Cœur by Montmartre-sud

Relaxation breaks on the way to the Sacré-Cœur are always welcome when you visit the hill of Montmartre, a steep neighborhood with narrow streets. We have planned 3 self-guided walks of the Butte Montmartre, and for each of them, 13 to 25 points of interest. In addition, each walk is punctuated with relaxation breaks at the shops along the way. Map of the 3 walks on the Butte Montmartre Voir

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Paris Strikes November–December 2025
20 Self-guided walks

Relaxation breaks on the Butte-Montmartre top of Paris walk

Butte-Montmartre relaxation breaks are always welcome when you visit this sloping neighborhood with its narrow streets. We have planned 3 self-guided walks of the Butte and for each one, relaxation breaks at the shopkeepers, along the walks or strolls. Map of our 3 walks on the Butte Montmartre Voir en plein écran (To see the full screen map) What is a Relaxation breaks on the Butte-Montmartre ? These “Relaxation Breaks”

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Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

Visiting Paris on foot, see everything at your own pace

Visiting Paris on foot is probably the best way to visit Paris. For a simple reason: the density of things to see is such that in 2 to 300 m of street, you will often find 2 or 3 points of interest that you can only appreciate by stopping, reading or listening to a related information. Visiting Paris is not about riding the metro, driving a car, scooter or bicycle,

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Before you go

What to know before visiting Paris ? Tips and tricks

What to know before visiting Paris ? When you live in Paris for a while, you learn to live like a Parisian. That is, to do certain things and not others. But these “rules” almost necessarily apply to visitors who are immersed for a few days in the Parisian whirlwind. The following is a kind of crash course to prepare you for a pleasant and stress-free stay. For your convenience,

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Montmartre-butte-vue-depuis-le-bas-côte-paris
Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

How to climb the Butte-Montmartre, without getting tired

How to climb the Butte-Montmartre ? It is not very high (130 m). However, one goes from 70 m (Bottom of the Butte) to the highest point over a distance of about 500 m. This means that the streets are quite steep. Personal cars – and private buses – are not allowed on its narrow streets. If you want to visit the Butte Montmartre it is wise to know what

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Before you go

Self-guided walk so easy to use, by VPBY

Self-guided walk of our site Visiting Paris by Yourself (VPBY) are the most complete, economical and fun way to get to know Paris: 1. Visiting with a guide is the supposedly best way for sightseeing tours. But it comes at a cost, and must fit into a set schedule: your guide’s availability.2. Walking or biking (or riding a scooter) through the streets of Paris is the ideal way to see and appreciate many more

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Ecole-militaire-de-paris-defile-champs-elysees
Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

July 14th in Paris: what to see – what to avoid

July 14th in Paris, the day of the national holiday! It is an event not only for the French.In the collective mind, it goes back to the French Revolution of 1789, which is false. However, it is quite a symbol. It is the occasion for events in which everyone can participate, even those who are just passing through France, like tourists. Below is a summary of everything that happens in

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Croisiere-canaux-paris-port-arsenal
Cruise-on-the-Seine in Paris, choose services, embarkation port and price

Cruises on the romantic Parisian-canals – Just exit the metro

Cruises on the romantic Parisian-canals are also part of the Parisian cruises that are not limited to cruises on the Seine. We present here less known, more intimate and so romantic cruises … And yet, these cruises start in the City of Paris: you will take one of these boats by taking the metro first, as simple as that and the port of embarkment is at the exit of the

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Croisiere-sur-seine-devant-conciergerie-paris
Cruise-on-the-Seine in Paris, choose services, embarkation port and price

Cruise-on-the-Seine in Paris, choose services, embarkation port and price

A “Cruise-on-the-Seine” is one of the privileged and awaited moments by the tourists. It is indeed difficult to visit Paris without taking a tour on the Seine, because the view on the city is totally different: it is a relaxing synthesis of monuments, museums and other historical or not buildings, which mark the course of the boats. You wish a cruise-promenade, a romantic outing, an exceptional event or simply a

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For-the-1st-time-in-paris-not-miss-notre-dame-de-paris
Before you go

Visiting Paris the 1st time – for 2 days or more

Visiting Paris the 1st time is a unic and special stay. It has to be a succès. Its duration should be at least 2 days, even if you follow our recommendations below to approach your stay “efficiently” from your first day. We suggest you to choose among 4 options and 6 solutions to apply from your arrival and avoid the rush of the end of your stay which will always

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Before you go

Non-French-speaking tourists : don’t miss out on anything when visiting Paris

The fear of many non-French-speaking tourists is to make themselves understood when they are in France. However, the solution is within reach, without even having to learn French. We explain below the reasons for our optimism. Foreign languages, the Tower of Babel complex and French language for non-French-speaking tourists There are about 6900 languages in the world today. The French language is known to be quite difficult. It’s official: UNESCO

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Insecurite-in-paris-french-police-in-front-tour-eiffel
Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

Insecurity in Paris for foreign tourists – Protect yourself easily

Insecurity in Paris for tourists: you are afraid of what has been said on social networks or in some press. And you are planning to visit Paris very soon?Most of the information is misleading and out of context. For example, we found an article in https://hospitality-on.com/en/tourism/insecurity-tourists-paris-worries-hoteliers. This article was listed at the top of the Google list on September 2021. Il was written on June 19, 2013, “updated” on May

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In Paris: live the experience

Table etiquette : how to behave at a French table

In France, “table etiquette” is not only about “eating properly”(1). Of course, anything is possible when it comes to table manners. But there are some “French” rules that are worth knowing. Especially since they are generally logical and simplify the meal, both for the guests and the waiters. Suppose you are invited to a great restaurant on the Champs Elysées, that you are not used to the “grande cuisine” à

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French-meals-at-bouillon-chartier-restaurant
Before you go

French meals – Customs and gastronomic guides – Eating the French way

French meals and restaurants: when you visit Paris or France, it will be an important topic. You will be confronted with the habits and customs of its inhabitants. And of course, the importance of the table being what it is for a French person, it will be to these “eating” habits that you will be regularly reminded. You might as well know them and possibly apply them during your stay.

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Before you go

Which season to choose for your next stay Paris?

Your next stay in Paris must be a success. The weather will certainly be an important factor. And to stack the odds in your favor, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the different seasons. But before describing them and illustrating them with photos, we’d like to “train” you in the Paris climate, starting with today’s weather in Paris (which you can follow over the coming days) and how

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Guided walks, Relaxation breaks and shopping, Cruises

Pharmacies open at night and in your neighborhood – Locations

Pharmacies open at night and pharmacies near where you are now, can be found in this post : 1. Opening hours of the pharmacies located near where you are 2. Pharmacies open late at night, in the evening or even all night (Check by calling) 3. Pharmacies normally opened on Sundays 4. Pharmacies on duty on Sundays and public holidays Pharmacy opening rules On week days and Saturdays, pharmacies are

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Before you go

Preparing your trip to Paris directly and easily from home

Preparing for your trip to Paris is mandatory. It is a large capital city that has gone through centuries of history which have left its mark. So many, many things have to be seen. Choices to be made, necessarily, when preparing your trip to Paris! You will not be able to see all Paris has to offer in a few days, probably not even in one year. It means you

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Organize-your-paris-stay
Find your lodging

Visiting Paris, your personal travel agent in your pocket

Visiting Paris with VisitingParisByYourself site lets you organize your trip to Paris, simply and professionally. In addition, you remain the main actor and the only decision-maker. A simple idea and a lot of travel experiences Visiting Paris By Yourself started with a simple idea and our traveling experience showed us how to proceed. You can’t explore Paris and enjoy every minute of your stay if you don’t know in advance,

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