The press is full of stories about overtourism today. We all hear reports about huge crowds in the world’s beautiful cities. Paris tourism has been on a big upswing since 2024 when millions watched the Paris Olympics. The question is…”Is Paris too crowded and should I still visit?” Yes, the crowds at certain places can be crazy, but with a little planning it can be very fun and enjoyable. The summer months are always busy in Paris so Spring and Fall can be slightly less crowded. Marla and I were in Paris twice in August. It certainly wasn’t our favorite time to go, but it was what our schedule would allow. Places like Notre-Dame and museums like the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay will always be busy.

We purchased a Paris Museum Pass and did speed through the line, but the Musee d’Orsay was jammed. Iconic masterpieces like Edouard Manet’s “Le Dejeuner sur l”herbe” draw huge crowds. Better times to visit are mid-week mornings as well as early evening on Thursday when the museum is open until 9:45 PM.

Certain areas of Paris like the Rue de Buci (above) are always full of people.

Paris has wonderful and lively outdoor markets. Check out this guide for days and locations: https://www.paris.fr/pages/les-marches-parisiens-2428

Berthillon Ice cream on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île in the 4th arrondisment usually has a line.

If you seek a quieter Paris get ready to explore. Getting up early is helpful, but not always necessary.

Marla walks along the Rue Galande in the 5th arr. at 11 AM last week.

You would think the Church of the Saint Germain des Pres would be jammed, but this was 11:30 AM last week. The Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is considered the oldest existing church in Paris, originating from a Benedictine abbey founded in 558 AD by Childebert I. Though the original structure no longer exists, the church on the site has been rebuilt and expanded over centuries, and today serves as a parish church.

The interior was almost empty last week when we went inside for our first time. We’ve probably walked past the church 40 or 50 times but never ventured inside.

The Square Laurent Prache behind the church is almost always quiet. The story of this Picasso sculpture is a must: https://www.unjourdeplusaparis.com/en/paris-insolite/picasso-dora-maar-saint-germain-des-pres

Rue du Four in the 5th.

A quiet moment by the Seine.

Gaston Lachaise’s iconic sculpture “Standing Woman” is located in the Tuileries Garden. The bronze sculpture was created in 1932.

The Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre Hidden Passage on a morning walk. It gets pretty busy later in the day.

Morning explorations in the 6th arr.

A morning stroll by the legendary Laperouse on Quai des Grands Augustins in the 6th arr.

No crowds here!

The Place de Vosges in the Marais was quiet on this afternoon visit.

There is so much to discover in Paris! It is on the top of my list for favorite places. Even after close to 50 visits Paris shows us something new and beautiful.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.