For both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers, France’s appeal is timeless, making it common to extend a business trip for a few leisure days. The country’s devotion to the art of living—fine wine and cuisine, world-class art and architecture, and an elegant everyday rhythm—turns even ordinary moments into memorable experiences.
Although the November 2015 attacks in Paris were a tragic reminder to stay vigilant, they did not erase the city’s allure. Travelers should exercise common sense and remain aware in crowded places such as metro stations and airports.
Paris alone offers enough iconic sights to fill many days, but combining a stay in the capital with a relaxed visit to nearby Bordeaux highlights the variety and charm France has to offer.
If your Paris time was mostly consumed by work, take a little extra time to experience what makes the city unforgettable.
One of the most enjoyable ways to get oriented is by water. A one-hour cruise on the Seine presents Paris from a unique perspective. The river splits the city into the historic Left and Right banks—Rive Gauche and Rive Droite—each with its own character and history.
Several companies run cruises; two of the best-known are the Vedettes du Pont-Neuf, which departs from the city’s oldest bridge, and Bateaux Mouches, which offers both simple sightseeing cruises and dining options.
The view from the Musée d’Orsay © Becky Morris | Dreamstime.com
Knowledgeable guides on these cruises highlight major landmarks such as the Musée d’Orsay, a magnificent former train station with a striking interior and one of the city’s best framed views through a clock face.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is another river highlight: dramatic and imposing when approached directly from the Seine. The Eiffel Tower is also visible from the cruise. For many visitors the structure is imposing from the ground, especially at night when it sparkles with its famous lights.
For an expansive panorama of Paris, climb the Arc de Triomphe—there is an elevator for those who prefer not to tackle the 284 steps—and witness the daily rekindling of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’s flame at 6:30 p.m.
Paris charms extend beyond its monuments. Wander the Latin Quarter’s narrow, winding streets—long known for its student life and artistic history around the Sorbonne. Though the neighborhood has become more upscale, you can still find modest prix-fixe meals and cozy outdoor cafés perfect for people-watching. Cafés along the Champs-Élysées are picturesque but typically pricier and more tourist-focused.
Le Marais, once a Jewish quarter, remains one of the city’s most attractive neighborhoods. The Place des Vosges is a lovely square where Parisians relax on sunny days. Le Marais also hosts the Centre Pompidou, notable for its high-tech exterior and contemporary art exhibitions.
Louvre’s glass pyramid © Pigprox | Dreamstime.com
The Louvre remains the crown jewel of Parisian museums. Given its size, plan your visit around a specific period or work you most want to see; the Mona Lisa draws large crowds and requires patience to view closely. Outside, I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid marks the museum’s entrance and is as iconic as any indoor treasure. Nearby, the Tuileries Garden offers open-air sculptures, puppet shows and small ponds where children (and the young at heart) sail toy boats.
Leaving Paris can be bittersweet, but Bordeaux provides a worthy destination to continue your French experience. Known worldwide for its wine heritage, Bordeaux combines viticulture with a vibrant urban culture.
La Cité du Vin, a modern wine and cultural center on the Garonne River, celebrates wine through interactive exhibits that use scent, immersive visuals and multimedia presentations. The building’s flowing, sculptural architecture evokes the motion of wine swirling in a glass. The center also features tastings and on-site dining options.
Bordeaux’s appeal isn’t limited to wine. The city’s food scene is strong—its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 recognizes both its architecture and historic urban fabric.
The Marché des Capucins is Bordeaux’s largest market and a must-visit for food lovers. Stalls overflow with freshly baked breads and pastries, an array of cheeses, oysters and fresh fish, colorful produce and regional specialties. Several market bars and cafés operate through the morning and early afternoon, making the market an ideal place for a leisurely meal.
Tour Pey-Berland bell tower of Cathédrale Saint-André © Rostislav Ageev | Dreamstime.com
Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy Bordeaux’s range of styles and well-preserved landmarks. Start in the historic center, around the Golden Triangle formed by Cours Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance and the Allées de Tourny. The Neoclassical Grand-Théâtre at Place de la Comédie is worth a visit, and catching a concert there offers a memorable cultural experience. The riverfront has been revitalized, with former warehouses now housing trendy restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Bordeaux has many museums and historic sites, so prioritize the highlights if your time is limited. Consider the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Romanesque Basilique Saint-Seurin and the city landmark Tour Pey-Berland, a 15th-century bell tower with panoramic views.
France Info to Go
Paris is served by two international airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly. Most U.S. flights arrive at CDG, which is connected to the city center by rail for roughly $11 and about a 35-minute journey. Taxi fares from CDG typically range from $55–80; use vehicles with illuminated taxi signs. From Orly, the Orly bus is an economical option at around $9 for a half-hour trip, while taxis cost approximately $45–60. Expect higher fares during rush hour.
Flights from Paris to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport take just over an hour. From BOD, an hourly shuttle to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station costs about $8 for the half-hour ride; a taxi to the city center is roughly $35. Rail travel from Paris to Bordeaux Saint-Jean takes around four hours, with high-speed services gradually reducing that time. Within Bordeaux, trams are convenient, but the compact historic center and riverfront are best experienced on foot.