• Paris is known as the city of light, but its best gems are found after dark, when the crowds are gone  

• From underground sewer tours to sensory deprivation dinner – this itinerary is Paris as you’ve never seen it   

• With trips from £133pp, you can beat the crowds and save your bank balance  

19th August 2025: Paris might be the most-visited city in the world, but visitors heading there may want to rethink their schedule.   

The French capital is experiencing its busiest summer yet, with over 44 million overnight stays in 2025* and wait times stretching to 90-120 minutes for key attractions.   

Much like other capitals, the crowds are facing record heat, with the city’s average July temperature rising steadily over the last decade, with consistent temperatures of over 30°C.   

This has led to the French government investing in a “district-based tourism strategy” to try and ease the crippling pressure of overtourism.  

But travel company First Choice has noticed that Parisian adventurers have found a savvy way to solve the problem - noctourism…  

Noctourism is all about flipping the script on your typical travel itinerary and embracing the magic that happens after dark.  

Paris, famously known as the City of Light truly comes alive after sunset. The classic tourist spots get a sparkly upgrade, and the most weird and wonderful experiences can be uncovered – like the Paris Sewer Museum’s night tours which offers gritty adventures underground to dinners in the dark.  

The vibe is cooler, the crowds are smaller, and the experiences feel just a little more exquisite.  

First Choice have collated the best stays, experiences and eateries for the ultimate Paris-by-night trip:   

What to Do  

Visit Museums at Night…  

• Louvre’s Friday night opening (until 9:45pm) – Appreciate iconic works like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo without the crowds.  

• Musée d’Orsay’s late Thursday hours – Enjoy masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism under the museum’s beautiful glass roof without the usual daytime rush.  

Unmissable night-time experiences…  

• Night-time bike tours - Cycle through the illuminated streets of Paris, passing landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.  

• The Paris Sewer Museum’s night tours - Explore the hidden underground world of Paris through winding tunnels while discovering the fascinating history and secrets of the city’s sewer system.  

• Illuminated River cruises on the Seine - Glide along the Seine under the sparkling city lights alongside iconic monuments.  

• After-dark climbs up the Arc de Triomphe (open until 11pm) – A chance to take panoramic views of Paris with the Champs-Élysées glowing below.  

• Summit of the Eiffel Tower (access as late as 9:45pm) – Because what’s more iconic than being at the top of the most famous landmark, sparkling at night?  

Where to Stay  

• Hotel Mademoiselle – A boutique hotel offering a cosy yet elegant atmosphere, in a central location near Paris’s main attractions.  

Prices from £529* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Classic Double Room, on Room Only basis for 3 nights, flights departing from Leeds/Bradford airport on 12th October 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included.  

• Maison Montmartre – The Originals Boutique – Perfectly situated in the bohemian Montmartre area, this hotel offers easy access to artistic streets and the Sacré-Cœur.  

Prices from £269* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Double Standard Room, on Room Only basis for 3 nights, flights departing from Manchester airport on 7th October 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included.  

• Hotel Paris d’Issy Porte de Versailles – Ideal for travellers seeking a quiet neighbourhood vibe while still being well-connected to central Paris attractions.  

Prices from £263* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Classic Double Room, on Room Only basis for 3 nights, flights departing from Leeds/Bradford airport on 10th October 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included. 

Where to Eat  

• Dans le Noir – Eat in complete darkness and let your taste buds take over. This restaurants staff are also visually impaired, making it a truly unique experience.  

• Rivages Supper Club– Enjoy live jazz music while dining on gourmet French cuisine.  

• Le Wagon Bleu – Set inside an old train carriage, this restaurant combines vintage with hearty Corsican cuisine.  

• Francette – A floating restaurant on the Seine offering enviable views of the Eiffel Tower with classic, mouth-watering French dishes. 

Where to Drink  

• Dernier Bar Avant la Fin du Monde – Known as “the last bar before the end of the world”, this geek-themed venue features themed cocktails, film quizzes, and free board games.  

• Mobster Bar – A secret speakeasy that requires a code to enter…Inside, you’ll find craft cocktails and a stylish, intimate ambiance reminiscent of the Prohibition era. 

Whether you’re exploring Paris or beyond, the ‘noctourism’ hack can easily be applied to countless other city breaks, turning your evenings into unforgettable experiences. Pair that with affordable escapes from just £133pp with First Choice, and you’ve got a win-win. Fewer crowds perfectly located budget stays, and memories that last a lifetime.