Paris living

Sundays, and August

Plenty of food shops close on Sunday afternoon, and many on Monday too.

August is its own season. The French head for the beach, bakeries and restaurants close for a few weeks, and visitors from abroad more or less take over the city. We like it anyway. The streets are calmer, the pace drops, and it's a lovely time to discover Paris slowly.

Getting around

The metro goes everywhere, and a Navigo pass, the rechargeable transit card, makes it simple. But what we recommend most is a bike. Vélib' is the city's shared bike system, with stations all over town: take out a subscription in the app, then unlock a bike with your phone or your Navigo card. You'll also see Lime's bikes parked on the street, no station needed, and you can book those through the Uber app. It's often quicker than the metro.

From the airports

Paris has two main airports, Charles de Gaulle to the north and Orly to the south. From Orly, metro line 14 now runs straight into town. From Charles de Gaulle, the RER B, a commuter train, for now; a direct train, the CDG Express, is announced for March 28, 2027.

With bags, a taxi is easier, and here's what many people don't know: the fare from the airports is fixed by the government. In 2026, from Charles de Gaulle it's €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank. From Orly, €45 to the Right Bank and €36 to the Left Bank. The Right Bank is the north side of the Seine, the Left Bank the south side. Take an official taxi from the rank outside the terminal, with the lit sign on the roof, and ask before you leave whether you can pay by card. That way everything is recorded and clear from the start.

Worth a metro or Vélib' ride

A few markets are worth crossing town for. The organic market on boulevard Raspail, Sunday mornings. Président-Wilson on Wednesday or Saturday, where the produce is beautiful. Aligre, Tuesday to Sunday, noisy and cheerful, with the covered Beauvau hall next to it. And rue Daguerre, near Denfert-Rochereau, for a slow Saturday.

The year in Paris

Sales. In France, stores can only hold official sales twice a year, four weeks in winter and four in summer. In 2027 that should mean January 6 to February 2 and June 23 to July 20. If you like clothes, it's worth planning for. Brands like Sandro and Maje take part, not the big couture houses, and you'll find very good pieces marked down.

April brings the Paris Marathon, with roads closed across the city and crowds cheering along the route. Roland-Garros, the French Open, runs from May 17 to June 6, 2027, with the main tournament starting May 23.

June 21 is the Fête de la Musique, and it's wild. Bands play on street corners, in bars and in courtyards, all free, all over the city, and everyone is out. You should do it at least once in your life.

Heritage Days, usually the third weekend of September, may be our favorite. Places that are normally closed open their doors for free. Skip the museums you can visit any time, and aim for the ones you can't: in 2026, that included the Banque de France and the Senate. Expect lines, and it's worth it.

Then the Christmas lights, and it starts again.