15 Amazing Things to Do in Paris | A Literary Travel Guide

Paris by Edward Rutherfurd will have you time-traveling throughout all of Paris’s history.

Paris brings the city’s history to life through the intertwined stories of several families, letting us experience its major events through their eyes. The book takes you on a journey as it weaves together themes of love, power, and revolution in a rich, immersive way.

Each chapter builds slow-burning tension that keeps you on edge until it finally resolves. But the entire book is really a journey toward a finale that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Be prepared for an emotional ride.

With the amount of amazing things to do in Paris, it can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start, this book will give you TONS of ideas!

This post is especially for first- or second-time visitors to Paris, but it also gives ideas for those who have been more than a few times.

A Literary Guide Inspired by Edward Rutherfurd’s Paris

15 Amazing Things to Do in Paris, France

My mom and I went to Paris together and we had a wonderful time. Here is what we did on our mother-daughter trip to the City of Lights…

1. Luxembourg Gardens

Sitting right in between the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain, Luxembourg Gardens is known as one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. In the book Paris, one of my favorite characters, Aunt Éloïse, lives near here. Her niece Marie admires the gardens describing them as “classical in their outlines, but they were simple, and friendly, and sensible.”

Also, don’t you love things to do in Paris for free?

2. Notre Dame

Speaking of free…
Characters in the book walk past the magnificent Notre Dame, glimpse it from across the city, and marvel at its French Gothic beauty.

Visiting Notre Dame is one of the best things to do in Paris that’s also absolutely free. You can get a timed entry on their official website, but we just waited in line. It goes fast (at least in September), and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear those church bells ring.

Another chapel featured in the book is Sainte-Chapelle, which has stunning massive stained glass windows. Don’t make my tragic mistake. Book tickets ahead of your trip to guarantee entry.

Finally, Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre is another iconic stop. I visited years ago and still remember how beautiful the view from the top of the steps is.

3. Shakespeare and Company

My mom, when seeing the long line to get in, said, “I’ll wait out here for you.“

After dragging her in, we learned it’s worth the wait. Exploring this bookstore was absolutely one of our favorite things to do in Paris.

Can you believe that the original owner of the bookshop allowed people to sleep in the store? The shop, charmingly, still has mattresses on display.

A few of the characters in the book visit this bookstore, including a famous American author who has just moved to Paris with his wife. Any guesses on the famous author?

4. Musée du Louvre

The Louvre, a former palace for the monarchs, is one of the most essential things to do in Paris. I don’t think you’re allowed to leave Paris until you’ve been. I don’t make the rules.

I’ve been twice, and I have to admit…both times I beelined to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

My mom and I were here a few weeks ahead of those infamous thieves. The timing was so close that I had to convince my friends it wasn’t me.

5. Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden sits between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Do me a favor?

Walk toward the gardens—then turn around to take in the view of the Louvre in the distance.

From June to August, the gardens host a lively fair. Then from November to January, it transforms into a festive Christmas market complete with an ice rink, making it one of the best places to visit in Paris year-round.

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6. Statue of Joan of Arc

Known as the patron saint of France, Joan of Arc’s legacy is kept alive throughout the book.

This statue is right near the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli at the Place des Pyramides. It’s a symbol of French national pride, done by sculptor Emmanuel Frémiet in 1874.

If you’re in the area, you could visit the shopping center under the Louvre before going.

7. Place de la Concorde

Walking around this grand square with the 75-foot Luxor Obelisk and two splendid fountains, you’d never believe it has such a gruesome past.

During the French Revolution, this was the site where a lot of heads rolled via a “humane ” method of death, the guillotine.

So thankful to be here at a time when I can enjoy the artwork of these vibrant, precious animals instead of Marie Antoinette’s head in a basket.

If you keep walking, you’ll end up on Champs-Élysées, where only your wallet could get tortured. You can do some luxury shopping, sip a cappuccino at one of the numerous cafes, and see the Arc de Triomphe.

8. Day Trip from Paris: Giverny at Monet’s Gardens

“These landscapes of water and reflections have become an obsession.” ~Monet

Looking for a day trip from Paris? Versailles, also featured in the book, is probably the most popular day trip from Paris. Since I’ve been, we chose to go to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny.

Even on a rainy day, it’s still a sight to behold albeit, PACKED. The prime time to visit is in summer, when the water lilies are at their most beautiful, but it’s still gorgeous in September, too.

We didn’t go at open, which is the best time to visit Monet’s home and gardens.

Definitely leave time to explore the quaint village surrounding the gardens.

It is apparently very easy to get here from Paris: a quick train ride, then a shuttle to Giverny. Since I was with my 85-year-old mother, we chose a tour for convenience.

We went with GetYourGuide’s From Paris: Giverny Day Trip with a live guide who taught us a lot about Monet. At five hours long and with an early-morning departure, when we got back to Paris, we still had time for sightseeing.

The tour bus conveniently left us right here…

9. Eiffel Tower

We first meet Thomas, a character in Paris, as a child, when he must settle things with bullies who were tormenting his little brother, Luc.

Thomas dreams of being hired to help build the Eiffel Tower.

Rutherfurd sends us back to that time period, when it was built from the ground up. You feel like you’re up there with Thomas on the scaffolding, freezing and praying for your life.

My mom and I grabbed tickets easily after a short wait, probably fewer people because of the crisp chill in the air. Although once inside, it seemed quite packed. It’s an adventure trying to wiggle your way into the elevators that take you up.

But who needs an elevator? You could take the stairs—all 1,665 of them—but actually, visitors are only allowed to climb 674 steps to the second floor. A lot of people prefer just going to the 2nd floor and not to the summit where it’s very crowded. Great views from the second floor too.

Here’s a fun twist: Gustave Eiffel had his office at the very top. Today, you can still peek inside to spot a wax scene featuring Eiffel with Thomas Edison. His daughter Claire quietly stands by the bookcase.

*Lots of people recommend Montparnassee Tower over Eiffel for the great views, which will include a view of the Eiffel Tower. Sadly though, it will be closed for “several years” for renovations.

10. The Moulin Rouge in Montmartre

In Paris, Thomas and Luc grow up in rough, working-class Montmartre before it becomes a vibrant hub for artists and performers. Thomas works on major landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, while Luc is drawn into the nightlife and underworld of Pigalle and the Moulin Rouge.

Following Luc’s path led me and my mom straight to the Moulin Rouge—and what a night it was!

We opted for champagne instead of dinner and were treated to a dazzling, high-energy show full of lights, costumes, and surprises. From Cirque du Soleil-style male acrobatics to classic showgirl numbers in beaded, barely-there costumes, we were captivated.

But the most unforgettable moment? A full water tank rising from beneath the stage! A dancer dives in and performs from the tank.

Some say Crazy Horse Paris is more “authentic,” but for me, the Moulin Rouge is a quintessential Parisian experience and easily one of the best things to do in Paris.

11. Place des Vosges

Originally built by Henry IV as the Place Royale, it is the oldest of the five royal squares in Paris. When the court moved to Versailles, all the gorgeous mansions in Le Marais were pretty much abandoned by the aristocracy.

One of the more tantalizing stories in Rutherfurd’s Paris takes place at this square.

Nearby, the open-air restaurant, Joli, looks like a perfect spot to dine. The Musée Carnavalet is also close.

Exploring Le Marais definitely tops the list of things to do in Paris. Next time I visit Paris I plan to stay in this neighborhood maybe at Hotel Emile or Hotel de JoBo.

12. La Samaritaine

Just beyond the Pont Neuf Bridge is this glamorous department store. It’s my best guess for the inspiration for Joséphine’s in the book. The owners, the Blanchard family, are followed throughout the book.

The avant-garde and art deco style, La Samaritaine opened in 1870, when Ernest Cognacq founded it. Soon he’s joined by his wife, Marie-Louise Jaÿ. Maybe she’s the inspiration for the Blanchard’s daughter, Marie?

Marie starts off as an innocent, sheltered young woman who grows into a smart woman that makes significant contributions to the department store. Her character has some eyebrow-raising moments but ultimately, her storyline is one of my favorites.

Fun facts: La Samaritaine has pop-ups events and you could also book a tour through their website to learn all about its history.

13. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Visiting beautiful Père Lachaise Cemetery is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris. Our guide, coincidentally named Josephine, told us she comes all the time for peace and relaxation.

This cemetery serves as a springboard for one of the most tension-filled story arcs in Edward Rutherfurd’s Paris.

You can see the graves mentioned in the book, like “the tall shrine of the medieval lovers Abelard and Héloïse,” the painter Corot, and Chopin.

However, now it’s probably most known for Jim Morrison’s grave. You have to take a tour to learn the many great stories buried here.

Our guide also told us that about 50 cats live here and are cared for by staff. As a cat lover, I spent the rest of the tour searching for them but across 110 acres, I wasn’t sure I’d get lucky.

We booked a last-minute tour through GetYourGuide—Paris: Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery Guided Tour—and it worked out perfectly. It wasn’t very spooky, but our guide Josephine’s love for the cemetery made for an engaging tour.

Later, while in an Uber, my mom mentioned visiting Édith Piaf’s grave to our driver. The lovely driver quietly put on her music as we drove. It turned into one of those unforgettable moments—Paris drifting by outside the window with Édith Piaf’s voice filling the car. My mom was close to tears.

14. Vedettes du Pont Neuf

One of the top things to do in Paris is to take a Seine river cruise, especially at sunset when the Eiffel Tower sparkles across the skyline. We saved it for our last day, and it was the perfect way to say “au revoir” to the city.

We booked our “Champagne Happy Hour” tickets ahead of time, but you could probably show up the day of to get a spot.

15. Food in Paris

Cafes and crepes and croissants! Oh my!

In Paris, indulging in the city’s incredible food is a must. Many of the spots I recommend are inspired by the book, but some are just yummy spots I want you to know about.

Parisian Cafes

I LOVE the cafe culture in Paris. I’m usually a regular coffee drinker, but in Paris it was cappuccinos every day.

There’s something about a Parisian cappuccino that makes it feel like you’re sipping a little work of art.

Le Deux Maggots is definitely an overpriced, touristy spot. But…Spoiler alert…because Hemingway appears in Paris—and given my love for literary greats—I knew I had to go.

Cafe de Flore is nearby, and it’s my favorite of the two. They make a real effort to provide a quintessential Parisian feel. I’ll admit, it’s probably a Parisian feel for tourists, but I don’t care, I loved it. The hot chocolate and chocolate eclair were pure indulgences.

I feature Le Champ de Mars Cafe because the park of the same name is prominently featured in the book. It was the site of the 1889 World’s Fair, and it’s the perfect spot to picnic while enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower.

They also have a cafe cat prancing around, dashing up the spiral staircase, and posing for pictures.

*No cat hair was found in my cappuccino.

Le Procope

Located in Saint-Germain, this restaurant is the oldest cafe in Paris. You get traditional French cuisine amongst decor that will transport you to 1686.

The likes of Voltaire would meet here with other intellectuals and artists. Revolutionaries met here too, which ties in nicely with Rutherfurd’s Paris.

Bistro des Augustins

This cozy spot is right along the Seine. Perfect if you’re headed to Pont Neuf for a cruise down the Seine or visiting the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle in Île de la Cité.

If you have a cheese addiction like me, you must go. This perfectly Parisian experience is one of the best places to eat in Paris.

Amarino Gelato

This wonderful gelato spot is in Le Marais right before you reach Place des Vosges. Not just instagrammable, it’s tasty too!

La Maison Rose

Before our show at the Moulin Rouge, my mom and I dined here. We sat by a cute, little window watching chic Parisian dogs tap dance their way down the cobblestones with their owners.

The food is good, but I will admit that as a vegetarian, my options were very limited. I’m not much of a salad vegetarian, but that was my only entrée option.

Go for the experience, though. And if you don’t have my dietary restrictions, I bet the food is très magnifique!

Original Marais Food Tour

A friend recommended the Original Food Tour of Marais, and believe me, it is a delicious way to explore this fabulous arrondissement.

My one regret is not going back to some of these spots after the tour. So many are highly rated, like Aux Merveilleux, Popelini, and the heavenly chocolatier Jean-Paul Hevin.

Our friendly guide also took us to the oldest food market in Paris for cheese and bread, and Le Marais, known as the Jewish District, where you are obligated to try some falafel.

In my opinion, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Paris.

More Things to do in Paris, Inspired by Rutherfurd’s Paris

I didn’t have enough time to go to all the spots mentioned in the book, but these are some I wish I had visited:

Hotel Baume

We stayed at this lovely hotel in Saint-Germain convenient to many of Paris’s must-see sights.

Paris hotel rooms are notoriously small, but this one felt surprisingly spacious. We stayed in their 1930s-style two-floor duplex, which was a real treat and a great value compared to other options.

Just note: the stairs to the bedroom could be tricky for older travelers. My mom was a little nervous at first, but she handled them just fine! The hotel itself has an elevator.

Walking Through Paris, Page by Page…

Thank you for joining us as we followed the footsteps of the characters in Edward Rutherfurd’s Paris and explored some of the best things to do in Paris.

I hope it sparked a few ideas for your own trip. But truly, there’s no wrong way to experience this city.

Whether you’re sipping cappuccinos, enjoying crêpes, or simply wandering in awe of the streets around you, Paris will steal your heart.

For more Paris tips, Paris travel Facebook groups are a great resource. I also love following Travel on the Reg, a blogger who lives in Paris, Agnes has a humorous writing style and keeps it real.

To learn more about the author of Paris, Edward Rutherfurd, head to his site at EdwardRutherfurd.com.

To buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop