Bucket List 2026: What to do in Paris in 2026

A new year means a brand new bucket list of things to do in Paris.

Hello and happy new year from a very snowy Paris.

I took my family to the top of the elevated walkway, the Coulée Verte, for a snowfight and some photos. I don’t think I’ve seen snowfall like this in Paris in ten years.

Here’s a list I wrote about 12 inside things to do in snowy Paris, if you’re looking for indoor inspiration.

And it’s lovely to be back in Paris after a wondrous Christmas in Provence, in the delightful town of l’Isle sur la Sorgue.

But now I’m ready to get back to work.

This is the time of year for resolutions and setting out plans for the year ahead. And this week’s podcast marked our annual Paris Bucket list - a faithful favourite amongst the listeners.

The idea, as always, is for us to list out things that we haven’t done in Paris, and that we’d quite like to “tick off” before the year ends. And hopefully, at the same time, give you a little travel inspiration too.

Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts.

My own top-five list:

1. See anything in the main hall of the Grand Rex
   This is the biggest non-Imax movie screen in Europe, but they also host orchestra-led movie showings, concerts, and singalong musicals. I’ll take anything and I’m happy to share it with a 2,000 strong crowd. Address: 1 Bd Poissonnière, 75002. Website.

2. Climb the top of Notre Dame
   This is quite simply why we started doing the bucket lists. I always wanted to climb this cathedral, and it’s finally open to the public again after the fire. Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004. Website.

3. Eat at the restaurant Le Bon Georges
   Food critic Alec Lobrano once told me: “The food is really good, there’s a good chef, really fun people working there; sassy, young, wisecracking. I’d go there in a heartbeat.” That’s enough for me. Address: 45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009 Paris. Website.

4. Have a cocktail at one of the world’s best bars
   Danico has been rated among the top 30 bars on the planet, let’s go and see what the fuss is about. Address: 6 Rue Vivienne, 75002. Website.

5. See anything at the Comedie Francaise
   I’ve never been inside this iconic theatre. It was founded in 1680, and is the oldest active theatre company in the world. Address: 1 Place Colette, 75001. Website.

Lina’s list of things to do in Paris 2025

1. Have absinthe at La fée verte
   This place looks like the real deal, will it live up to expectations? Address: 108 Rue de la Roquette, 75011. Website.

2. Bigoudi
   This as-yet unopened rooftop bar is promising great things, including spectacular Eiffel views. Address: 38 Av. Raymond Poincaré, 75116. Website.

3. See a spectacle at the Folies Bergère
   This place looks like a really cool, old-style, art-deco music hall. So much history in those old walls, from Josephine Baker to Charles Trenet. Time to see a show! Address: 32 Rue Richer, 75009. Website.

4. Visit the Cognacq-Jay museum
   The18th-century art collected by Ernest Cognacq, the founder of La Samaritaine department stores, and his wife Marie-Louise Jaÿ were bequeathed to Paris in 1928, making up a Marais museum that sounds fascinating. Address: 8 Rue Elzevir, 75003. Website.

5. Beef bar restaurant
   This seems to be an incredible art nouveau dining hall. It has only been open as a beef restaurant since 2018, and its reputation is top notch. Address: 5 Rue Marbeuf, 75008. Website.

Have a lovely week - I think I’ll start making some restaurant and museum reservations :)

Oliver