By Cristel Russell, David Dubois, Dina Rasolofoarison, Hilke Plassmann, Joe Goodman & Tina Lowrey
Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! As you attend ACR 2024, we hope that you’ll also explore the iconic landmarks and charming streets, terrific restaurants, and amazing attractions that form the backdrop of this amazing city. We’ve put together a short guide highlighting some of our favorite tips, recommendations, restaurants, and more. See the button on the right for access to the conference program as well.
Use the table of contents below to navigate, and have a great time!
Transportation
Metro
The easiest, most Parisian, and often fastest, way to get around Paris is the historic Metro system (Joe’s favorite). We also recommend people use the Metro to get to the Saturday night Gala.
To ride, you need a Navigo pass. You can either (a) buy a physical Navigo card or (b) use your phone (new this year!) to buy one. A physical card is €5, then you add funds. A detailed guide to how to use the Parisian metro system is here.
To use your phone, you must download the Bonjour RATP app and create an account. The Bonjour RATP is also great for mapping your journey, and Google Maps works well too. Note: Each passenger must have a separate Navigo Pass to tap in AND out at each station. The legend is that when in Paris, you are never more than a 10 min walk to a Metro station.
Taxi
There are many taxis, but in Paris you must go to a taxi stand or the hotel to get one (no hailing from the curb, normally). You can also call with the G7 app (G7 is the biggest taxi company in Paris), much like an Uber.
Uber/Lyft
Uber and Lyft both operate in Paris too and are usually cheaper than Taxis.
Bikes, Scooters, etc.
These are also a great way to see and get around Paris. You can use your Navigo card or some have their own apps. There is also the easy public, bike sharing system: Vélib‘.
Getting to the Hotel
Traveling from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center at 17 Boulevard Saint-Jacques 75014 can be done via several options: taxi, train (RER), airport shuttle, and bus. Do NOT change money at the airport exchanges – much more expensive than just withdrawing euros from an ATM. Below is a detailed guide for each option.
By Train
Time: 50-60 minutes / Cost: Approximately €10 per person.
Follow signs for the RER B train station within the airport (CDG Terminals 1, 2, and 3 have access).
- Purchase a ticket to “Denfert-Rochereau” station from the ticket machines, counters, or the Bonjour RATP app . The machines accept coins and credit cards.
- Board the RER B train heading towards “Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse” or “Robinson.”
- Exit at “Denfert-Rochereau” station (about 45 minutes) and either walk to the hotel (approximately 10 minutes; Head west on Avenue René Coty; Turn left onto Boulevard Saint-Jacques) or switch to the Metro Line 6 train (direction Nation, 1 stop, exit at Saint Jacques station; Marriot hotel is on the 6 line, between the Glaciere and Saint-Jacques stops, you can re-use your ticket).
- Pullman Hotel: If you are staying at the Pullman, once you are at Denfert-Rochereau station, you can either walk (19 min) or switch to Metro Line 6 train (direction Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, 3 stops, exit Montparnasse).
- Note on the RER: An RER ticket from the airport is different than a Metro ticket. RER means regional trains (lettered A-E) and they go beyond the center of Paris. Once you’re in Paris (where the hotel is), a regular Metro ticket is all you need to get around. Metro lines are numbers, and the hotel is on the 6 line.
Here is an easy-to-follow video explaining how to use the Parisian metro and get tickets through your phone.
By Taxi
Time: 45-90 minutes / Cost: Approximately €50-€80
- Follow signs for taxis after collecting your luggage. Official taxi stands are located outside each terminal.
- Join the queue at the taxi stand. Ensure you take an official taxi to avoid scams.
- Inform the driver of your destination: “Marriott Paris Rive Gauche, 14 Boulevard Saint-Jacques 75014.” Having this written on a piece of paper can be helpful.
NOTE: One can also Uber from CDG, but it can sometimes be difficult to find one’s driver in the complicated CDG airport…
By Bus (RoissyBus then Metro)
Time: 1-1.5 hours / Cost: Approximately €13 per person
- Follow signs to the RoissyBus stop at CDG, located at Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
- Purchase a ticket from the machine or bus driver. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes.
- Take the RoissyBus to its terminus at “Opéra” (approximately 60 minutes).
- From “Opéra,” enter the metro station and purchase a metro ticket.
- Take Metro Line 7 (direction “Villejuif – Louis Aragon” or “Mairie d’Ivry”) from “Opéra” to “Place d’Italie.”
- Transfer at « Place d’Italie » to Metro Line 6 (direction « Charles de Gaulle – Étoile ») and travel to « Glacière » station.
- Exit “Glacière” and walk to the hotel (approximately 5 minutes):
- Head north on Rue de la Glacière.
- Turn left onto Boulevard Saint-Jacques.
The hotel will be on your right at 14 Boulevard Saint-Jacques.
Internet
WiFi will be available at the hotel and conference venue, and most phone plans provide international access plans. Connect with you carrier to learn more.
Insider Tip: If you are having problems (or high costs) for high speed internet outside the hotel, try using the Jetpac app or something similar. For $15 you can buy 15GB of high-speed data in France. Note: You do need a phone with a dual eSIM, but most newer phones (e.g., iPhone 11-15) now have them and they have a list of compatible devices on the app.
7 Facts To Know About Paris
Paris, a city rich with history and culture, offers a plethora of fascinating insights and intriguing stories.
Here are seven captivating facts about the City of Lights that we believe every ACR member should know.
1. Iconic Landmark
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable structures in the world, was initially criticized by many leading artists and intellectuals of the time. Today, it stands as a beloved symbol of France, welcoming millions of visitors each year. If you want to visit the Eiffel tower, better book your tickets well in advance.
2 Historical Depth
Paris was originally a Roman city called “Lutetia” (Lutèce, in French). Remnants of this ancient past can still be seen in places like the Arènes de Lutèce, an ancient Roman amphitheater.
3 Artistic Hub
The Louvre Museum, once a royal palace, is now the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses over 35,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Insider Tip: David recommends booking tickets in advance, and visiting the museum in the evening (it is open until 9pm on Wednesday and Friday) or during lunch time over the weekend when it is less crowed.
4 Literary Cafés
Parisian cafés have been the meeting spots for many famous writers and intellectuals. Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots are two legendary cafés where figures like Sartre and Hemingway once spent their days. They both have hot chocolates to die for! Another known Parisian coffeehouse is the Café des Deux Moulins – it is famous from the movie “Amélie”.
5. Musical Heritage
The Paris Opera, established in 1669, is one of the oldest and most renowned opera houses in the world. The Palais Garnier, its home, is a masterpiece of neo-Baroque architecture and the setting for Gaston Leroux’s “The Phantom of the Opera.” Paris is also the Jazz capital of Europe, with a long history that goes back 100 years.
6. Culinary Delights
Paris is known for its exquisite pastries and desserts. The macaron, a delicate meringue-based confection, is a must-try treat, with famous patisseries like Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, Dalloyau (David’s favorite for large macarons) or Fauchon.
Insider Tip: Hilke’s favorite bakery to get a croissant is La Maison d’Isabelle, her favorite cheese store is Quatrehommes, and her favorite chocolaterie is Patrick Roger (he also showcases creative chocolate statues in his stores).
7. Clean and Green
Paris is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The city boasts many public parks and gardens, and its tap water is safe to drink, coming from carefully monitored sources. It also has an easy public, bike sharing system: Vélib’. It is perfect for zipping around the city. Launched in 2007, it has thousands of bikes you can rent short-term, with tons of stations all over Paris and its suburbs. Just grab a bike from one station and drop it off at another – super easy! They have regular bikes and e-bikes, and you can choose from different plans to suit your stay. It’s a great, eco-friendly way to explore Paris like a local and skip the traffic.
City Visits
History
Classic City Tour: A walking tour through the historic center, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, and the banks of the Seine, provides an immersive look into Paris’s rich past (e.g., www.pariscityvision.com).
Hidden Paris: For those intrigued by the city’s mysteries, consider a tour focusing on Parisian legends and secrets, such as the Catacombs or the ghost stories of the Marais district.
Insider tip: Wander and get lost! Joe recommends getting lost in Paris by walking, the best way to see and understand Paris. Nearby the hotel you can walk the streets of Rue Daguerre, Rue Buot, or Rue Mouffetard. Or head further to Saint-Germain, Les Halles, Le Marais, or Belleville. Then find a bistro, order a coffee or glass of wine (any French one will do), and face the street. If you’re more of a planner, here’s a walking path by the NY Times.
Bouquinistes, Boutiques & Bridges: Bouquinistes are quai-side (along the river) stands that sell books, posters, and other small and not terribly expensive items – the stands often remain in the same family for years and are a fun way to spend a few hours browsing.
Insider tip: Tina loves the bridges crossing the Seine. They are all unique, and one of the loveliest (Pont Alexandre III) is part of the 2020 conference logo. Another favorite is Pont Bir-Hakeim, with its double-decker Metro bridge above car, bike, and pedestrian traffic. The Pont Neuf (new bridge) is the oldest bridge in Paris and got the name because it was one of the first bridges not to have businesses and homes along its edges (all of which are now long gone).
For more exciting and interesting insights into Paris, check out Tina’s special guide to Paris HERE.
Culinary
You do not need to tip at cafes and restaurants (already included, AND being a waiter is a real profession with living wage and benefits) – you can round up if paying cash, but there is rarely a mechanism for tipping if paying by credit/debit card.
Gastronomic Tour: Experience the flavors of Paris with a culinary tour. If you want to explore Paris’ culinary highlights with an English-speaking guide, we liked the tours offered by Paris by Mouth (need to book well in advance!)
Insider tip: David recommends visiting renowned markets like Marché d’Aligre (www.paris.fr/lieux/marche-decouvert-beauvau-marche-d-aligre-5481) or Marché Bastille (www.paris.fr/lieux/marche-bastille-5477) and sample local specialties, including cheese, wine, and charcuterie. The closest market to the conference venue is Marché Corvisart (www.paris.fr/lieux/marche-auguste-blanqui-5489).
Parisian Bistros and Brasseries: First some definitions and tips on French dining is needed. A Brasserie is usually a larger, more open restaurant open all day. It originally meant brewery, but it has a full menu, full bar. It usually has French classics like steak tartare, coq au vin, steak frites, moules frites, and choucroute garnie. Brasserie Lipp is a famous one. A reservation is a good idea. A Bistro is usually smaller, has a more limited menu, and more limited hours (only open for lunch and dinner, and often not in between). These are usually quicker, lower priced, more casual, neighborhood places.
A Café is more about drinks (coffee, tea, beer, wine), but has food too. These are places you can linger for a long time and look out at the street. They’re open early and close late (usually) and don’t take reservations. Just find an open table and someone will be with you. A restaurant could mean anything, but likely it is a more high-end non-traditional place and a reservation is a good idea, especially at peak hours.
Insider tip: Tina and Joe’s recommendation is to say “bonjour” whenever greeting a French person for the first time. Don’t ask for the menu or ask for a table, but first greet them as a person. We find this extremely helpful. If you can speak a few more words in French, it is a sign of respect (even “parlez-vous anglais?” goes a long way!).
Enjoy traditional French dishes at iconic bistros and brasseries. Look out for insider tips on the best places to savor classic dishes like escargots, coq au vin, French onion soup, and crème brûlée.
Insider Tips:
David recommends: Au vieux comptoir and thinks that Berthillon’s ice cream is simply the best.
Joe loves: Holybelly a popular spot for a hearty brunch with a modern twist.
Tina loves: Le Comptoir du Relais known for its traditional French cuisine, Le Train Bleu within Gare de Lyon for breakfast, and coffee at the classic coffee house Café de la Paix (it’s an elegant spot for a classic coffee experience near the Opéra Garnier).
Hilke likes: the simple but good lunch at the Café de la Nouvelle Mairie (right across the street from “Gabriel’s restaurant” in Emily in Paris)
You can find other addresses here or on the food blog Paris by mouth
Near the Hotel: Walk outside the hotel and take a left to Denfert-Rochereau (or take a right towards Rue de la Butte aux Cailles). Check out Maison Péret
Insider tips: Hilke’s favorite restaurants about 10-15 walking distance from the hotel are Les Papilles, Le Bistrot de Campagne, the classics la Rotonde (also liked by the French president) & La Coupole and a bit fancier Montee. She also loves the Relais d’Entrecôte for its mix of French cuisine and German efficiency (they only serve one yummy steak & frites dish at a reasonable price – there is always a line). In this area, Tina loves to have lunch at Le Select.
The conference venue is also close to Rue Daguerre, a vibrant street known for its food shops and restaurants. For coffee meetings outside the conference venue, David recommends the nearby Café L’Écir (59 Bd Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris).
Wine: The list of cafés and bars that serve good wine at reasonable prices is endless… You can also buy a good bottle at one of the various wine stores called “Caves” and do a picnic in one of Paris’ parks.
Beer: We always recommend wine over beer when in France, but if you are a beer dork, check out a little tasting room (with good food) called Les Cuves de Fauve. To be fair, Paris has a beer culture. The Brasserie originally meant brewery.
Bars and Nightlife near the hotel: Sit outside Café Daguerre, or hit the hole-in-the wall Sputnik (Soviet inspired bar), or Café Oz is open late (Doc Symp reception location).
If you want fancy cocktails, a trendy spot is the Experimental Cocktail Club, but the list is long. Try Timeout or Conde Nast for endless lists.
Art
Museum Tours: Visit world-famous museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, home to masterpieces from Da Vinci to Van Gogh. Don’t miss the Musée Rodin and its beautiful sculptures and gardens, the Musée de l’Orangerie that is famous for Monet’s Water Lilies, the Centre Pompidou known for its high-tech architecture and vast collection of modern and contemporary art, and the Petit Palais showcasing fine arts from the ancient world to the early 20th century. A bit outside the city center, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is for lovers of modern art AND architecture at the same time (if you go there with kids, a small amusement park is directly next to it called the Jardin d’Acclimatation, see also below).
Insider Tip: David’s favorite is Musée Jacquemart André – a smaller sized museum with a beautiful Café for lunch (their pastries are terrific!).
You can find a longer list of museums and art exhibitions here.
Near the Hotel: Catacombs and Cartier Museum are both an easy walk from both hotels.
Street Art: Discover the vibrant street art scene in neighborhoods like Belleville and the 13th arrondissement (check out Rue Buot in the Butte-aux-Cailles), showcasing works by both local and international artists. You can also visit the free Fluctuart floating urban art center. It is a unique place, open to all, whether just curious or true art lovers. Fluctuart promotes all trends of urban art, from pioneers to contemporary artists of street art.
Architecture and Urban Design: Paris is known for its architecture and urban design by the controversial Georges-Eugène Haussmann,
who created many of the wide boulevards. It influenced many cities around the world, like Washington, DC and Philadelphia, yet it is its own. Just walk out the hotel and look around!
Contemporary art at La Défense: La Défense (the Business District in western Paris) is a place filled with open-air contemporary art.
Insider tip: Dina’s suggestion is to spend a few hours strolling around in the area and try and spot some of the famous artworks depicted on the left.
Antiques: Antiques are everywhere, from upscale shops to weekend flea markets, but the biggest antique flea market in the world is at les Puces on weekends, just outside of the périphérique (ring road that defines Paris [inside] and suburbs [outside] – an amazing array of cheap but fun to expensive and ornate things to buy or ponder (check out this website for much more information).
Theater and Music
Paris boasts a vibrant theater and music scene:
Opéra Bastille is a modern opera house offering a variety of performances.
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is known for its Art Deco design and diverse programming, including opera, ballet, and classical concerts.
Jazz Clubs: Paris has a lively jazz scene, with famous clubs like the fancy Le Duc des Lombards, Sunset/Sunside (a tiny attic spot, Joe’s favorite), and New Morning (the French hole-in-the-wall, (www.newmorning.com/).
Shopping
What ACR guide would be complete without some information about shopping?
One of the most known and beautiful shopping streets in the world is the Champs-Élysées. Several major brands have their flagship stores on this vast avenue. If you are interested in beautiful retail spaces, it is worth to stop by. However, it is very crowded and frequented by tourists. If you want a different shopping experience, there are lots of other options.
There are five major department stores: BHV (very Parisian, on right bank, near the Seine), Le Bon Marché (also very Parisian, on left bank closest to conference hotel, they also have an amazing grocery store), Galeries Lafayette & Printemps (more touristy, but both are beautiful, on right bank next to each other near Opera), and la Samaritaine, which used to be the oldest, but has been converted into a collection of stores rather than a single department store (also on right bank, near the Seine). A gigantic shopping mall is right in the city center called Forum Des Halles (has stores for every budget including a big Lego store).
Insider Tips: Both Tina and Joe’s wife prefer the many, many small boutiques all over the city over department store shopping. Neighborhoods like St. Germain (fairly near the conference hotel on left bank) or the Marais (right bank) are exemplars of good boutique shopping neighborhoods, but there are many more!
Hilke’s favorite street to go shopping before having children was Rue Cherche-Midi (more smaller boutiques) and Rue de Rennes (all the big brands for every budget). Today, she loves shopping all in one at the Bon Marché.
For those interested in the luxury and fashion scene, David recommends taking a stroll Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, home to many historic brands (Hermès’ historic boutique is situated at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the VIII).
Specials
Evening in Paris: Enjoy a night at the Moulin Rouge or a Seine river cruise for a unique perspective of the city’s illuminated landmarks. In fact, our Saturday Gala will be at the Bateaux-Mouches on the River Seine!
Parisian Parks: Relax in one of Paris’s many green spaces like the Luxembourg Gardens or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, perfect for a peaceful break from the urban hustle. The closest parks to the conference venue are the “Square Henri Cadou” or the gardens of the hospital St Anne.
Les Passages & People-watching: The passages of Paris are 19th-century covered “malls” and, although there used to be many more, there are still quite a few left – they are often gorgeous…
People-watching is a natural byproduct of dog-watching, since most dogs are accompanied by their humans 😉 – One of Tina’s favorite pastimes in Paris is dog-watching!
Workshops & Classes: check out Viator’s website for a variety of different workshops, including things such as cooking classes in private apartments. Out of the wide variety of offers, we liked the English-speaking cooking classes at Le foodist.
Paris with Kids
Disneyland Paris: Just outside the city, it’s a magical experience for children of all ages.
Jardin d’Acclimatation: A fun amusement park with rides, a petting zoo, and beautiful gardens.
Cité des Enfants: Located in the Cité des Sciences, it offers interactive exhibits designed specifically for children.
Jardin des Plantes: The Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden that forms the historic heart of the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle. Within the Jardin des Plantes, there are 6 venues that are open to the public: the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution (Gallery of Evolution), Galerie des Enfants (Children’s Gallery), Galeries d’Anatomie Comparé et de Paléontologie (Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology Galleries), Galerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie (Geology and Mineralogy Gallery), the Greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes, the Ménagerie (the zoo of the Jardin des Plantes) and dinosaur museum nearby.
Zoo de Vincennes: has been an integral part of Parisian heritage for 80 years. It is a modern conservation site for protecting species and developing the collections of living animals, including education and raising public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity.
More ideas for exploring Paris with kids are here
Insider tip: David recommends the following activities close to the conference hotel: Parc Montsouris – big parc with kids’ playgrounds (in French, “Aire de jeux pour enfants”; Indoor Rock-climbing, and a nice public indoor swimming pool
For eating out with kids, Hilke recommends the two brasseries in the Luxembourg Garden La Terrasse De Madame and Le Table Du Luxembourg and if you are willing to travel across the river to the right bank of the Seine Chez He – it has a big indoor playground in the basement and you can watch your kids via video cameras while enjoying decent Chinese food.
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