LAST UPDATED
Jul 16, 2026
READ TIME
14 min
LAST UPDATED
Jul 16, 2026
READ TIME
14 min
There are few cities that capture the imagination quite like Paris. There are world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and there are hidden corners filled with local charm — whatever you want to see, the French capital rewards every kind of traveler.
For guests arriving aboard a Princess® cruise to Paris, it’s an unforgettable destination to experience from the port of Le Havre. While the journey from the coast to the city takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, the reward is a day spent exploring one of Europe's most iconic cultural capitals. With so much to see and limited time available, thoughtful planning is essential.
That's where organized Le Havre shore excursions can make all the difference. Rather than navigating transportation, train schedules and city logistics on your own, shore excursions through Princess helps simplify the journey so you can focus on actually discovering Paris. Knowing which attractions deserve a place on your itinerary can help you make the most of every moment.
This guide highlights the best things to do in Paris, from bucket-list landmarks and celebrated museums to vivid gardens and local food experiences. When you’re cruising, especially, these are the places and experiences worth prioritizing.
Key Takeaways
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Book the Eiffel Tower and Louvre in advance — waiting in line can consume valuable sightseeing time.
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Paris neighborhoods like Montmartre, Le Marais and the Latin Quarter are just as memorable as the city's famous landmarks.
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Free highlights include Seine river walks, Sacré-Cœur, the exterior of Notre-Dame and Paris's beautiful public gardens.
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Cruise guests visiting from Le Havre should focus on one or two areas of Paris rather than trying to see the entire city in a day.
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Monuments are wonderful, and there’s just as much magic to experience in the everyday morning café, local market, or patisserie find in Paris.
Planning your visit to Paris
With limited time in one of the world's most visited cities, knowing what to expect before you arrive can help you spend less time navigating and more time sightseeing what really matters to you. Before you go, keep these practical tips in mind.
Know the travel time
Paris is approximately 125 miles (200 km) from Le Havre. The journey typically takes around 2.5 hours each way by organized shore excursion or train, so it’s important to prioritize your must-see attractions. Don't let the distance discourage you. Countless travelers make the journey every day because Paris offers experiences you simply won't find anywhere else.
Reserve tickets in advance
Paris is famous for its landmarks, but it's also famous for its lines. If there's an attraction you absolutely don't want to miss, booking ahead is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Timed-entry reservations are strongly recommended for:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Palace of Versailles
- Sainte-Chapelle
Booking ahead can save hours of waiting in line.
Choose a geographic focus
One of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to see all of the city in a single day. Paris is best explored by neighborhood. Rather than crisscrossing the city where the commute eats up your precious time ashore, focus on one or two areas, such as:
- Eiffel Tower + Seine River
- Louvre + Tuileries Garden + Le Marais
- Notre-Dame + Latin Quarter
- Montmartre + Sacré-Cœur
Getting around Paris
When you are trying to navigate Paris yourself, your primary options are:
- Métro: Fast, affordable and extensive
- Walking: Best for central neighborhoods
- Taxi or rideshare: Useful when time is limited
Remember, though, that when you book excursions, you don’t leave any details or logistical planning to chance. It’s easiest to let Princess take care of travel so that you can enjoy the city with the perfect blend of efficiency and relaxation.
What to pack
Paris is a city best explored on foot, even if you plan to use public transportation throughout the day. Consider bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket or umbrella
- Small day bag
You'll likely cover more ground than expected, and a few simple essentials can make the day much more comfortable.
Money tips
France uses the euro, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere throughout Paris. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most restaurants, attractions, hotels and shops, while American Express may be accepted less frequently at smaller businesses.
That said, carrying a small amount of cash can still be helpful for market vendors, small cafés or independent shops. Having €20-€50 on hand means you'll be ready when you stumble across a pastry shop or local market you can't resist.
If you're using a U.S.-issued credit card, check whether it charges foreign transaction fees before you travel. Many travel-focused credit cards waive these fees entirely.
Prefer independent sightseeing?
Not every traveler wants a structured itinerary. If you'd rather explore on your own, Princess offers a Paris On Your Own excursion that provides transportation between Le Havre and Paris while leaving the rest of the day entirely up to you.
It's a great option for experienced travelers who want the convenience of arranged transportation with the freedom to discover Paris at their own pace.
Start your Paris adventure
Top 10 things to do in Paris
You could spend a week exploring the city's museums, markets, cafés and neighborhoods and still leave with a list of places to visit next time. For travelers with a single day or limited time ashore, whether it’s your first or fifth time, these are the sights, experiences and activities in Paris that are most deserving of your time.
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower
Paris has no shortage of famous landmarks, yet the Eiffel Tower still manages to exceed expectations. From a distance, it serves as a constant point of reference across the city. Up close, it holds so much detail and geometric satisfaction, many find themselves enchanted. Standing beneath the tower's latticework and looking toward the sky, it's easy to understand why a structure built for the 1889 World's Fair became the symbol of an entire nation.
The site offers several ways to experience the tower, depending on how much time you have available. The summit provides the highest views in Paris, stretching across rooftops, monuments and the winding Seine River. It's also the most popular option, which means the longest lines and the greatest need for advance reservations.
Many visitors find that the second floor offers the best balance of views and convenience. At 377 feet above the city, you'll still enjoy spectacular panoramas while typically spending less time waiting in queues. If your schedule is tight, simply exploring the area around the tower can be rewarding in its own right. The surrounding Champ de Mars park provides excellent photo opportunities, and seeing the structure from ground level gives you a better appreciation for its immense scale.
For some of the city's most famous viewpoints, head to the Trocadéro plaza across the river, stroll across Pont d'Iéna or walk through the lawns of Champ de Mars. Each offers a different perspective and some of the best photographs in Paris.
Plan to spend approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours here, depending on whether you visit the summit, second floor or simply enjoy the surrounding area. If you're visiting during peak travel season, booking timed-entry tickets well in advance is strongly recommended. Walk-up waits can easily exceed two hours during busy periods.
If your schedule allows, consider an evening visit. After dark, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the start of every hour, creating one of Paris's most memorable sights.
Guests who want to experience the Eiffel Tower without worrying about transportation logistics may enjoy the Best of Paris or Paris City of Light shore excursions, which incorporate many of the city's most celebrated landmarks into a carefully planned day ashore.
2. Explore the Louvre
Home to more than 35,000 works of art spread across miles of galleries, the Louvre makes it impossible to see everything in a single visit, which is why so many people can’t wait to return.
Of course, many visitors arrive with a short list of masterpieces in mind. The Mona Lisa draws the largest crowds, while the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace remain among the museum's most celebrated treasures. Art lovers may also want to seek out works by Vermeer, whose paintings reward a slower look despite the bustle of the surrounding galleries.
If you're visiting the Louvre for the first time, consider choosing a single wing rather than attempting to cover the entire museum. The Denon Wing is home to many of the Louvre's most famous works and tends to be the busiest. The Richelieu Wing often feels less crowded and offers a chance to appreciate the museum's collection at a more relaxed pace.
Even a “highlights” visit requires time. Plan for at least two to three hours if you want to see the museum's most famous pieces. Art enthusiasts could easily spend an entire day here and still leave with galleries unexplored. And if you don’t know where to start, these are the 10 must-visit Paris Art galleries.
Timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended, especially during spring and summer. Visitors who have already purchased tickets can often save time by entering through the Richelieu entrance rather than joining the larger queues beneath the glass pyramid.
Speaking of the pyramid, it's worth visiting the Louvre even if you don't step inside. Designed by architect I. M. Pei and unveiled in 1989, the glass structure has become nearly as recognizable as the museum itself. The surrounding Cour Napoléon is open to the public and offers one of the most photographed views in Paris.
One final tip: if the forecast calls for rain, make the Louvre your priority. A cloudy afternoon spent among some of history's greatest artistic achievements can be far more rewarding than standing in line on a sunny day. Save the beautiful weather for wandering neighborhoods, relaxing in Parisian gardens or walking along the Seine.
3. Discover Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
It's easy to forget you're still in Paris when walking through Montmartre. Perched on the city's highest hill, this historic neighborhood feels more like a village than a capital-city district. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past ivy-covered buildings, hidden staircases and cafés tucked into quiet corners. While much of Paris was transformed by 19th-century urban planning, Montmartre managed to preserve much of its original character.
The neighborhood's most recognizable landmark is Sacré-Cœur Basilica, whose bright white domes can be seen from across the city. Admission to the basilica is free, making it one of the most accessible major attractions in Paris. Even if you never step inside, the views from the steps are worth the climb. On a clear day, Paris stretches to the horizon in every direction.
A short walk away, Place du Tertre remains one of the neighborhood's most lively gathering places. Artists set up easels around the square, painting portraits and Parisian scenes throughout the day. It's undeniably popular with visitors, but it also offers a glimpse into the creative spirit that has long defined the area.
Montmartre's quieter side often lies just a few blocks away. Wander down Rue Lepic, where neighborhood bakeries and cafés outnumber souvenir shops. Keep an eye out for the Moulin Radet windmill, one of the few remaining reminders of the hill's rural past, or seek out the Clos Montmartre vineyard, a surprising patch of grapevines hidden among city streets.
Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the neighborhood, though many visitors wish they had longer. Some of its best moments happen when you follow an interesting side street simply to see where it leads.
Early morning is one of the best times to visit, when the streets are quieter and the neighborhood feels closer to the artists' enclave that once attracted painters such as Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani. If you're visiting later in the day, aim for golden hour, when the warm light and sweeping city views make Montmartre especially memorable.
4. Cruise or walk along the Seine
If the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris, the Seine is its lifeblood. The river winds through the heart of the city, connecting many of Paris's most famous landmarks along the way. The Louvre, Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay, Eiffel Tower and countless historic bridges all sit within sight of its banks.
Walking the riverbanks is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to experience Paris. On the Right Bank, you'll find landmarks such as the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde. Cross to the Left Bank and you'll discover the Musée d'Orsay, the Latin Quarter and the lively cafés that have drawn writers, artists and intellectuals for generations.
For visitors with limited time, a Seine river cruise can be one of the most efficient ways to sightsee. In about an hour, you'll glide past many of Paris's most recognizable landmarks while enjoying a perspective of the city that few streets can provide. It's also a welcome chance to rest your feet between museum visits and neighborhood explorations.
Several companies operate sightseeing cruises, including Bateaux Mouches and Vedettes du Pont Neuf. While each route varies slightly, most pass beneath historic bridges and provide views of landmarks that define the Paris skyline.
Speaking of bridges, a few deserve special attention. Pont Neuf, despite its name meaning "New Bridge," is actually the oldest standing bridge in Paris. Pont Alexandre III is often considered the city's most ornate, decorated with gilded statues, elaborate lampposts and sweeping views in both directions. Meanwhile, Pont des Arts has become one of Paris's most recognizable pedestrian crossings, connecting visitors to both the Louvre and the Left Bank.
As daylight fades, the Seine takes on an entirely different character. Historic buildings begin to glow, reflections dance across the water and the city's monuments become illuminated one by one. For travelers searching for free things to do in Paris, an evening walk along the river may be one of the most memorable experiences of all.
Guests looking for a relaxing introduction to the city may enjoy the Paris City Drive & Seine River Cruise excursion, which combines sightseeing on land with one of Paris's most scenic perspectives from the water.
5. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
Long before Paris became a global capital, it began on a small island in the middle of the Seine. Today, that island — Île de la Cité — remains one of the most fascinating places to explore in the city. History feels especially close here. Medieval streets, centuries-old stone buildings and some of Paris's most important landmarks sit within just a few walkable blocks.
At the center of it all stands Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although the devastating 2019 fire damaged large portions of the building, the cathedral remains one of the defining landmarks of Paris. The restoration itself has become part of the story, offering visitors a chance to witness a remarkable chapter in the life of one of Europe's most beloved churches.
Even from the outside, Notre-Dame is worth the visit. Take time to admire the twin towers, intricate carvings and famous flying buttresses that helped make the cathedral a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The plaza in front of the church also provides an excellent vantage point for appreciating its immense scale and craftsmanship.
Just a short walk away stands Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel that often leaves visitors speechless. Its towering stained-glass windows contain more than 1,000 biblical scenes and fill the interior with color when sunlight streams through the glass. If visiting Sainte-Chapelle is on your itinerary, reserve tickets in advance, as entry lines can become lengthy during peak travel periods.
Nearby, the Conciergerie offers another glimpse into French history. Once a medieval royal palace and later a prison during the French Revolution, it is perhaps best known as the place where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution.
For a quieter experience, cross the bridge to neighboring Île Saint-Louis. Smaller and more residential than Île de la Cité, the island feels wonderfully removed from the bustle of central Paris. Elegant townhouses line the streets, and small cafés invite visitors to slow down for a while. It's also home to the famous Berthillon ice cream shop, a favorite stop on warm afternoons.
Depending on your interests, you can easily spend 45 minutes or several hours exploring the islands. They also pair naturally with a visit to the nearby Latin Quarter, making this area an excellent choice for travelers who want to combine major landmarks with some of Paris's most atmospheric streets.
6. Spend time at the Musée d'Orsay
If the Louvre feels like an ambitious undertaking, the Musée d'Orsay may be the perfect alternative. Housed inside a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts railway station on the Left Bank, this museum offers a more manageable experience while still displaying some of the most celebrated works in France.
The Musée d'Orsay is best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, featuring works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh. Instead of moving through vast wings and endless galleries, visitors can focus on a collection that feels carefully curated and surprisingly approachable.
One of the museum's highlights is simply the building itself. Sunlight pours through the station's enormous clock windows, illuminating sculptures, paintings and architectural details that make the space feel as memorable as the artwork it contains. Even visitors who don't consider themselves art enthusiasts often find themselves lingering here longer than expected.
Among the most popular works are Van Gogh's self-portraits, Monet's luminous landscapes and Degas' famous ballet scenes. The museum also houses an impressive collection of sculptures, many displayed in the central hall beneath the soaring vaulted ceiling.
Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the museum. While it typically feels less crowded than the Louvre, timed-entry tickets are still recommended, particularly during the busy spring and summer travel season.
Its location on the Left Bank also makes it easy to combine with other Paris highlights. After your visit, consider strolling through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, browsing a neighborhood bookshop or settling into a café terrace for lunch. For travelers looking for one major museum experience rather than several, the Musée d'Orsay often strikes the perfect balance between cultural depth and manageable scale.
7. Get lost in Le Marais
One of the city's oldest districts, Le Marais will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different and idyllic world. Medieval streets open onto elegant squares, independent boutiques sit beside centuries-old mansions and neighborhood bakeries tempt passersby from nearly every corner.
One of the area's most notable landmarks is Place des Vosges, a perfectly symmetrical square lined with red-brick buildings and graceful arcades. Often considered the oldest planned square in Paris, it remains one of the city's most pleasant places to pause for a few minutes and watch daily life unfold.
Le Marais is also home to Paris's historic Jewish Quarter, centered around Rue des Rosiers. The narrow street is known for its bakeries, delicatessens and falafel shops, including several that regularly spark friendly debates about which serves the best in the city. Even if you're not hungry when you arrive, you may be by the time you leave.
Art lovers will find plenty to explore as well. The Musée Picasso houses one of the world's most extensive collections dedicated to the artist, while the Carnavalet Museum tells the story of Paris itself through paintings, artifacts and beautifully preserved interiors. Better yet, admission to the permanent collections at Carnavalet is free.
On the district's western edge, you'll find the Centre Pompidou, whose colorful pipes and exposed structural elements stand in dramatic contrast to the surrounding historic architecture. Whether you love the design or question it, it's difficult to ignore.
Plan to spend at least two to three hours exploring Le Marais, though many visitors happily spend much longer. Unlike some of Paris's headline attractions, the neighborhood doesn't ask you to follow a particular route or schedule. Simply pick a street, start walking and see what catches your attention. Chances are you'll discover something worth remembering.
8. Experience Paris food culture
In Paris, a simple breakfast can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Food is woven into everyday life here. Bakeries open early, neighborhood markets fill with shoppers and café terraces seem busy at almost every hour. While it's tempting to build an itinerary around museums and monuments, leaving time to eat well is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Start with the classic Parisian morning ritual: a flaky croissant and café au lait from a local boulangerie. It sounds simple because it is. Yet few experiences capture the natural atmosphere of the city quite as perfectly. Skip the chain coffee shop and join the line where locals are picking up their daily bread and pastries.
For a deeper look at Parisian food culture, consider visiting a neighborhood market. Marché d'Aligre near Bastille is known for its lively atmosphere and mix of produce vendors, cheese stalls and specialty food shops. On the Left Bank, Rue Mouffetard combines market stalls, cafés and small food stores along one of the city's oldest streets.
When lunchtime arrives, classic bistro fare rarely disappoints. Steak frites, French onion soup, croque monsieur and salade Niçoise can be found throughout the city, often served alongside a basket of fresh bread and a view of everyday Paris passing by outside.
Of course, no discussion of Paris food would be complete without dessert. Macarons, éclairs, fruit tarts and other pastries fill bakery windows throughout the city. Well-known names such as Pierre Hermé and Ladurée attract devoted fans, but some of the best discoveries come from neighborhood pâtisseries with no guidebook fame at all.
If you're curious about French wine, don't feel intimidated. Ordering a carafe of house wine with lunch is a common and approachable way to experience local wine culture. In many cafés and bistros, the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than expertise.
One useful tip: restaurants displaying large photo menus or aggressively inviting passersby inside are often catering more to tourists than locals. If you're unsure where to eat, look for places where the menu is written in French and the tables are filled with Parisians enjoying long, unhurried meals.
For travelers who want more context behind what they're eating, food tours in neighborhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre can be a rewarding way to learn about local specialties while discovering parts of the city you might otherwise miss.
In a city filled with world-famous attractions, some of the most enjoyable moments happen around a table. A perfect pastry, a lingering lunch or a glass of wine shared with friends can reveal just as much about Paris as any museum or monument.
9. Relax in Paris's Parks and Gardens
Even in one of Europe’s greatest cities, sometimes the most enjoyable activity is to slow down and take in the greenery. Between museums, monuments and busy boulevards, you'll find elegant gardens, tree-lined promenades and quiet green spaces where locals gather to read, meet friends or simply enjoy a sunny afternoon. If your itinerary starts feeling crowded, a visit to one of Paris's parks can be the perfect reset.
The Tuileries Garden is often the easiest to incorporate into a day of sightseeing. Stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the formal gardens feature fountains, sculptures and wide gravel pathways that invite a leisurely stroll. It's a natural stop before or after visiting the museum.
On the Left Bank, the Luxembourg Gardens offer a different atmosphere. Students from the nearby Sorbonne, families and longtime residents all seem to converge here. Green metal chairs surround the central fountain, sailboats drift across the water during warmer months and games of pétanque unfold beneath the trees. Spend a few minutes here and you'll quickly understand why it's one of the most beloved parks in the city.
For one of Paris's most famous picnic spots, head to the Champ de Mars. The expansive lawn beneath the Eiffel Tower attracts visitors throughout the day, providing an open view of the city's most recognizable landmark. Pick up a sandwich or pastry from a nearby bakery and you've got a classic Paris lunch.
Travelers looking for something quieter may prefer the Palais Royal Gardens. Tucked just a short walk from the Louvre, the gardens feel surprisingly secluded despite their central location. Arcaded walkways, manicured hedges and shaded benches make it an ideal place to escape the crowds for a while.
Every season brings a different character to Paris's green spaces. Spring introduces flowering trees and fresh blooms, summer brings outdoor performances and long evenings, autumn colors the gardens in shades of gold and copper and winter adds festive lights to many parts of the city.
One final suggestion: don't feel obligated to keep moving. Find an empty chair in the Luxembourg Gardens, settle in and watch Paris go by for a while. It may not sound like a major attraction, but it's one of the most Parisian experiences you can have.
One final suggestion: find or rent a chair in the Luxembourg Gardens, settle in and watch Paris go by for a while — it’s what the Parisians actually do. It may not sound like a major attraction, but it's one of the most authentic experiences you can have.
10. Day Trip: Versailles, Giverny, or Normandy
Paris could easily fill an entire vacation, but some of northern France's most rewarding experiences lie beyond the city limits. If you have additional time before or after your cruise, or you're considering a dedicated shore excursion from Le Havre, several destinations offer a deeper look at the history, art and landscapes that have shaped the region.
The most famous option is undoubtedly the Palace of Versailles. Located about 45 minutes from central Paris, the former royal residence of Louis XIV remains one of the grandest palaces in Europe. Visitors come to see the Hall of Mirrors, lavish royal apartments and meticulously designed gardens that stretch as far as the eye can see. During peak travel seasons, tickets often sell out weeks in advance, so planning ahead is essential.
For art lovers, Giverny offers a completely different experience. The village was home to Claude Monet for more than 40 years, and many of the scenes that inspired his most famous paintings can still be seen today. The flower gardens burst with color throughout the growing season, while the Japanese bridge and lily pond feel instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with Monet's work. Spring and early summer are particularly beautiful times to visit. Guests interested in exploring the artist's world can consider the A Day with Claude Monet in Giverny excursion, which brings visitors directly to Monet's beloved home and gardens.
History enthusiasts may find themselves drawn toward Normandy. The region's D-Day landing beaches remain among the most significant historic sites in Europe, offering a powerful opportunity to reflect on the events of World War II. Museums, memorials and preserved landmarks help tell the story of June 6, 1944, while the dramatic coastline provides a striking backdrop for the experience.
For cruise guests sailing through Le Havre, some of these destinations can be explored directly from the port without visiting Paris first. Dedicated excursions to places like Giverny, Normandy's historic sites and other regional highlights allow travelers to experience a different side of France while leaving transportation and logistics in expert hands. If you have more than a day to explore, these destinations rank among the best things to do in Paris, France and the surrounding region.
Safety and cultural etiquette in Paris
Paris is one of the world's most visited cities, and most travelers enjoy their time here without any issues. Like any major destination, though, a little awareness and local knowledge can go a long way.
Keep an eye on your belongings
Pickpocketing is the most common issue visitors encounter in Paris. Busy tourist areas such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and crowded Métro stations tend to attract the most attention from thieves. Simple precautions are usually enough:
- Keep bags zipped and close to your body.
- Avoid placing phones or wallets in back pockets.
- Be especially mindful in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Start with "bonjour"
If you learn only one French word before arriving, make it bonjour.
Greeting staff when entering a shop, café or restaurant is considered basic courtesy in France. A simple bonjour when you walk in and merci when you leave immediately sets a friendly tone and is appreciated by locals. Other helpful phrases include:
- Bonjour — Hello
- Merci — Thank you
- S'il vous plaît — Please
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The check, please
Understand café culture
Parisian cafés operate a little differently than many visitors expect. Once you're seated, there's no pressure to rush through your meal or order another drink every few minutes. In fact, lingering is part of the experience. Many locals spend long stretches of time reading, talking or simply watching the city pass by from a café terrace.
Know the tipping customs
Service is generally included in restaurant prices throughout France, so tipping is not expected in the same way it is in the United States. That said, rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two for good service is always appreciated.
Be respectful when taking photos
Photography is generally permitted at outdoor attractions and public spaces throughout Paris. Museums, churches and historic sites may have their own rules, however, so it's always worth checking before taking photos inside. As with any destination, be considerate when photographing local residents and ask permission before taking close-up portraits of strangers.
More to explore from Le Havre
Not every guest wants to make the journey into Paris—and fortunately, there are plenty of rewarding alternatives closer to Le Havre.
Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most iconic landmarks, rising from a tidal island crowned by a medieval abbey. Its dramatic setting and centuries of history make the Mont Saint-Michel excursion a memorable choice.
History enthusiasts may prefer the WWII Canadian Landing Beaches excursion, which explores some of Normandy's most significant World War II sites and memorials.
For a slower pace, consider Romantic Honfleur. With its colorful harbor, narrow streets and artistic heritage, this charming coastal town offers a different side of Normandy.
Whether you're drawn to Paris or the surrounding region, Princess offers thoughtfully planned excursions that make it easy to spend more time discovering and less time worrying about logistics.
Paris and Princess Are the Perfect Pair
Even with limited time ashore, it's possible to experience many of the sights and experiences that have made the French capital one of the world's most celebrated destinations.
Princess shore excursions make exploring Paris from Le Havre simple, with transportation and logistics handled for you so you can focus on making the most of your day. Ready to start planning? Explore European cruises, browse cruises to Paris and Le Havre or discover available shore excursions to find the experience that's right for you.