When to Go

The City of Light is magical all year round, but it's particularly gorgeous in June when the long days (the sun doesn't set until 10 PM) stretch sightseeing hours and make it ideal to linger in the cafés practicing the city's favorite pastime -- people-watching.

Winter can be dark and chilly, but it's also the best time to find cheap airfares and hotel deals.

April in Paris, despite what the song says, is often rainy.

Summer is the most popular (and expensive) season, and at the height of it, in July, Paris can feel like a city under siege, bursting at the seams as crowds descend en masse. Keep in mind that, like some other European cities, Paris somewhat shuts down in August -- some restaurants are closed for the entire month, for example -- though there are still plenty of fun things to do, namely free open-air movies and concerts, and the popular Paris Plage, the "beach" on the right bank of the Seine.

September is gorgeous, with temperate weather, saner airfares, and cultural events timed for the rentrée (or return), signifying the end of summer vacation.