15 Extra Special Things to Do in Paris (Recommended by Real People)
Planning a trip to Paris and want to do something very special to celebrate, something you’ll remember for years ? This list is for you.
Every idea below was suggested by real travelers looking for something unforgettable. Some are luxurious. Some are low-key. All have been tested and loved.
Here’s what made their Paris trips truly special.
Luxury Dining With a View
1. Dinner at Le Jules Verne
Fine dining inside the Eiffel Tower with private elevator access and a quiet viewing deck. Mixed reviews on the food, but everyone agrees the experience is memorable.
2. Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Three-course meal with a glass of champagne. Eiffel Tower lit up in the background. Affordable and surprisingly good, according to one couple.
3. Ducasse sur Seine Dinner Cruise
High-end boat with electric motors and a menu curated by chef Alain Ducasse. More refined than the typical river cruise, with serious wine to match.
4. Le Clarence
Michelin tasting menu praised for presentation and depth of flavor. Quiet and elegant atmosphere.
5. Epicure
Three Michelin stars. For many travelers, it was the best meal of their lives.
6. Shabour
One Michelin star. More intimate and a bit edgy. Good for a special night if you want something different from classic French.
Special Private Tours and Day Trips
7. Private Seine River Sunset Cruise
A popular idea for couples. One traveler booked via Viator and said their young captain also doubled as a great photographer.
8. Private Versailles Tour
Skip the crowds and go deep into history. For travelers looking to turn a classic sight into something personal.
9. Private Champagne Region Tour
One couple booked a Champagne tour had a fantastic day. Highly recommended if you’re leaning toward this region.
10. Private Walking Tour of Paris
A tour of a beautiful historic Paris area with a knowledgeable and friendly guide.
11. Mont Saint Michel Overnight
Several travelers agreed: Don’t go unless you can stay the night. Day-trippers miss the magic and get stuck in crowds. Overnight makes all the difference.
Suggested package (day)
Overnight Experience You’ll Never Forget
12. Stay at Airelles Château de Versailles
Yes, it’s expensive, but people say it’s worth it. You get private morning and night access to the palace, nighttime garden access, afternoon tea, breakfast, and a private slot in the underground pool. In summer, you can watch the fireworks from the property. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing.
Live Music and Evening Experiences
13. Classical Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
Often Vivaldi. Often at sunset. The stained glass turns the whole place into color.
14. Concert at Notre Dame
Recently reopened. No one knows yet how it’ll compare to Sainte-Chapelle, but the setting is newly restored and impressive.
15. Cabaret Show
One traveler recommended Paradis Latin, and others backed it up. Visually stunning, no need to understand French.
16. Jazz Dancing at Le Caveau de la Huchette
If you’ve seen La La Land, you’ve seen this place. Live jazz and dancing in a historic cellar.
Offbeat Cultural Highlights
17. After-Hours Tour of Palais Garnier
The opera house without the crowds. One traveler described it as the most beautiful interior they’d seen in Paris.
18. Galerie Dior
Small but fascinating. Especially for anyone interested in fashion or museum design.
19. The Catacombs
Underground, eerie, and unique. Not for everyone, but several people said it stood out.
Capture the Moment
20. Photoshoot in Paris
Multiple travelers said this ended up being their favorite memory. Many booked through Miss Paris Photo. Others were inspired by friends who did anniversary or engagement shoots. One couple said their photographer brought them to quiet backstreets they wouldn’t have found on their own.