Destination of the Week

Paris This Fall:
Fewer Crowds, Better Deals

With airfare prices to Europe reaching new lows and Paris hotels dropping rates to combat low occupancy levels, travelers can score rare deals this fall to one of the most enchanting cities in the world.

Savor the city's cultural and culinary delights, and meander its bohemian back streets -- without battling those infamous summer crowds. This fall, travelers should enjoy the city as they would a cup of coffee at a Parisian cafe: slowly.

Eiffel Tower. The steel icon turns 120 year old this year. It's marking the occasion with Eiffel Tower exhibitions. Arrive early to avoid the lines.

Museums. Tourists are magnets to the Louvre (free the first Sunday of each month). But don't neglect Musée d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou, just named to TripAdvisor's Top 10 Unusual Attractions.

Strolls. Crowds thin in fall. Roam neighborhoods like The Marais and The Latin Quarter, and stroll the Seine -- without tourist masses.

Wheels. Tired of walking? Rent a bike for a few euros. Or join the free Friday night rollerblade tour with locals.

Fashion. Always a few years ahead of the curve, Paris spotlights new ready-to-wear trends at Fashion Week (Sept. 30 - Oct. 8). Shopping centers offer fashion shows, too.

Food and Wine. Time a trip with Beaujolais Nouveau Day (Nov. 19). Restaurants celebrate the wine's arrival with parties into the night. Look for the sign, "Le Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrivé!"

Dramatic Views. Head to the Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre (the highest point in the city) for sweeping views of Paris wrapped in fall foliage. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Parks and Gardens. As seasons change, so do the brilliant colors of France's beloved outdoor spaces. Favorites include The Tuileries Gardens and the sprawling gardens of Versailles.

Nightlife. Stay caffeinated: The all-night Nuit Blanche ("White Night") celebrates Paris culture with FREE events and museum admissions on Oct. 3.

Soccer. World Cup qualifying is underway, and France plays at home Sept. 5 and Oct. 14. Tickets are tough to find, so head to Saint Germain to watch the games with die-hard fans at a local pub.