Top 15 things to do in Paris France

Paris feels like it has been pulled straight out of a beautiful storybook. In 2026, the “City of Light” is more exciting than it has ever been! From the tall, sparkling Eiffel Tower to the dark, mysterious tunnels of the Catacombs, every corner of this city has a secret waiting to be discovered.

Whether you are a student dreamer or a traveler planning your first big European adventure, you might find yourself wondering: “What should I actually do with my time in Paris?”

At Atelier Plage, we believe that traveling is about more than just seeing famous places; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident while you explore. To look like a true Parisian local while you walk these historic streets, you need a style that is both classic and relaxed. Our Cannes, France Oversized Beach T-Shirt, Black,  is the perfect “city-chic” choice for a day of discovery.

Let’s dive into the Top 15 things to do in Paris in 2026!

 

1. Say “Bonjour” to the Eiffel Tower

You can’t visit Paris without visiting the “Iron Lady.” Standing at 330 meters tall, it is the most famous symbol of France. In 2026, the tower has a special glow due to recent updates for the big events of the past few years.

• The Experience: You can take an elevator all the way to the top, or if you’re feeling very energetic, you can climb the stairs to the second floor!
• The Magic Moment: Make sure to stay until the sun goes down. Every hour on the hour, the tower sparkles with thousands of golden lights for five minutes. It looks like a giant diamond in the sky.

2. Solve the Mysteries of the Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the biggest art museum in the world. It’s so massive that if you spent only 30 seconds looking at every single object, it would take you 100 days to see everything!

• The Legends: Most people rush to see the Mona Lisa, but don’t stop there. Look for the Venus de Milo and the giant Egyptian Sphinx.
• Pro Tip: Look for the hidden “Moat” in the basement. It’s part of the original medieval castle that was there before the museum was built!

3. Step Inside the Restored Notre-Dame Cathedral

After a long time of being closed for repairs, the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral is officially fully open in 2026! It looks more beautiful than it has in a century.

• What to See: Look at the amazing stained-glass windows and the famous “Gargoyles” that sit on the roof. They were carved to look like monsters to help protect the building from rain (and maybe bad spirits!).
• The Heart of Paris: Right in front of the cathedral is “Point Zero”—the exact spot from which all distances in France are measured.

4. Cruise Down the River Seine

The River Seine is like the main highway of Paris, but much prettier. Taking a boat tour is the best way to see the city without tired feet.

• The Journey: You’ll sail under the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris) and see the Musée d’Orsay from the water.
• Style Tip: It can get very windy on a boat! Throw on our Nice France Fitted Beach Sweatshirt to stay warm while you watch the monuments pass by.

5. Walk the Artistic Streets of Montmartre

Montmartre is a village on a high hill that was once home to famous painters like Picasso and Van Gogh.

• The Fun: Visit the Place du Tertre, where real artists sit outside and paint portraits. You can watch them work or even get your own picture drawn!
• The View: At the very top of the hill is the white Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from the steps is the best free view in all of Paris.

6. Explore the Spooky Catacombs

If you like ghost stories and mysteries, you have to go underground. The Catacombs are a giant maze of tunnels filled with the bones of over 6 million people.

• The History: Hundreds of years ago, Paris ran out of space in its cemeteries, so they moved everyone underground. It sounds scary, but it’s actually a very peaceful and fascinating history lesson.

7. Climb the Arc de Triomphe

This massive arch stands in the middle of a giant circle where 12 different roads meet. It was built to celebrate the victories of the French army.

• The Challenge: There are 284 steps to reach the top, but the view of the Champs-Élysées is worth every single step.
• The Tomb: Under the arch, you’ll find the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” where a flame is lit every single evening to remember those who fought for the country.

Top 10 French Fashion Brands for 2026

8. Sail Boats in the Luxembourg Gardens

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a favorite spot for Parisian families. It is filled with statues, fountains, and beautiful flower beds.

• The Tradition: You can rent small wooden sailboats and push them across the pond with a long stick. It’s a game that kids in Paris have been playing since the 1800s!
• Style Choice: This is a very “chic” park. Wear our Saint-Tropez Oversized T-Shirt for a look that is comfortable for playing but stylish enough for a Parisian park.

9. See the Giant Clocks at the Musée d’Orsay

This museum is actually located inside an old train station! It is famous for “Impressionist” art, which uses bright colors and loose brushstrokes to depict light.

• The Secret Spot: Go to the top floor and find the giant glass clocks. You can look through the numbers and see the whole city framed perfectly. It’s the best place for a photo in 2026.

10. Visit the “Kingdom of Frozen” at Disneyland Paris

In March 2026, Disneyland Paris opened a brand-new area, Disney Adventure World, featuring the World of Frozen!

• The Adventure: You can visit the kingdom of Arendelle, meet Elsa and Anna, and see the North Mountain. It’s like stepping directly into the movie.

11. Shop Like a Local in Le Marais

Le Marais is a neighborhood filled with old buildings that didn’t get destroyed during the French Revolution. It has narrow, winding streets that are perfect for getting lost in.

• The Finds: You can find the best vintage clothing, amazing art galleries, and the world-famous “L’As du Falafel” for a quick and delicious lunch.

12. Be Wowed by the Sainte-Chapelle-Stained Glass

This chapel was built to hold very important religious treasures. Almost every inch of the walls is made of 13th-century stained glass.

• The Glow: When the sun hits the glass, the whole room turns shades of deep red and royal blue. It feels like standing inside a giant, glowing jewelry box.

13. Picnic in the Tuileries Garden

Located right between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is the perfect place for a “French Picnic.”

• The Menu: Stop at a local Boulangerie (bakery) for a baguette and some cheese, then find a green metal chair in the park and enjoy the sunshine.

14. Discover Science at the Cité des Sciences

 

This is one of the biggest science museums in the world. In 2026, they will have new interactive exhibits about space travel and the future of the planet.

• The Géode: Don’t miss the giant silver ball outside! It’s actually a huge movie theater where the screen wraps around you.

15. Visit the Palais Garnier Opera House

Even if you don’t like opera, you will love this building. It’s filled with gold, marble, and a giant chandelier that weighs 7 tons!

• The Legend: This is the place that inspired the story of the Phantom of the Opera. You can take a tour and see the secret boxes and the beautiful grand staircase.

 

What to Wear for Your Paris Adventure

Paris in 2026 is all about Sustainable Luxury. The locals don’t like “fast fashion” that gets thrown away after one use. They prefer high-quality pieces that tell a story.

At Atelier Plage, we create clothes that fit this Parisian lifestyle perfectly. Our pieces are made from organic cotton and recycled materials, which means they are good for you and good for the planet.

• For a Day of Walking: Our Nice France Fitted Beach Sweatshirt is lightweight enough to carry but warm enough for the breezy evening air near the Seine.
• The Ultimate Gift: If you want to bring the spirit of France home with you, check out our Founder’s Faves Bundle. It’s the perfect collection for any student or traveler who wants to stay stylish on their journey.

Tips for Your 2026 Trip

1. Book Ahead: For 2026, many places (like the Louvre and Notre-Dame) require you to book a time slot online. Don’t wait until you arrive!
2. Learn a Little French: Even a simple “Bonjour” (Hello) or “Merci” (Thank you) will make the locals smile and be much more helpful.
3. Use the Metro: The Paris Metro is one of the best in the world. It’s fast, cheap, and every station looks like a work of art.

Paris is a city that rewards those who take their time. Don’t try to do everything in one day. Instead, pick your favorite three or four things from this list and really enjoy them