Parking in Paris: A Stress-Free Guide for Visitors
Parking in Paris can be tricky, especially within the city center. As someone who’s traveled to Paris many times, I know just how difficult it can be to find a decent parking spot (without racking up tickets or stress). But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about parking in Paris, including the best places to park, different types of parking (like underground garages vs. street parking), and smart tips for navigating parking in central Paris.
Whether you’re renting a car for your trip to Paris or staying in the city with your own vehicle, this post will help make parking a whole lot easier—and way less intimidating.
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5 Best Places to Park in Paris City Center
Finding parking in Paris’ city center can be difficult, but here are 5 of the highest rated car parks throughout central Paris.
These car parks are around a variety of attractions including top sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, as well as popular neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre.
1. Quai Branly – Tour Eiffel Car Park
Rating: 4.1/5 on Google
Location: 25 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris, France
- Highly-rated underground car park
- Great option for parking near the Eiffel Tower
- Parking rates starting at 5€ for 1 hour, 15€ for 3 hours, 38.20€ for 24 hours.
- Weekend rates & weekly rates available
- Can get busy, especially during peak times
2. Saemes Parking Pyramides – Car Park near the Louvre
Rating: 3.7/5 on Google
Location: 15 Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris, France
- Secure, underground parking garage
- Parking near the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, & Opéra Avenue
- This car park is located in a ZTL (limited traffic zone), however you can drive in the ZTL if you park here. See more information on parking in a Paris ZTL here.
- Hourly rate starting at 5€ for 1 hour, 45€ for 24 hours. Other rates available.
3. Saemes Hôtel de Ville – Parking near the Marais District & Quais de Seine
Rating: 3.8/5 on Google
Location: 6 Quai de Gesvres, 75004 Paris, France
- Recently renovated underground car park
- Elevator access, making it accessible parking for those with reduced mobility
- Near popular sites such as La Sainte Chapelle, La Conciergerie, & the Notre Dame Cathedral
- Great parking option to visit the Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais
- In a ZTL zone
- Rates start at 4.60€ for 1 hour and 41.40€ for 24 hours. See more rates here.
4. Indigo Sèvres Babylone – Parking near Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Rating: 3.8/5 on Google
Location: Rue Velpeau, 75007 Paris, France
- Car park near the popular Parisian neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Sites within walking distance include the Le Bon Marché, Luxembourg Gardens, and the Musée d’Orsay.
- Accessible parking for those with reduced mobility
- Rates start at €5.10 per 1 hour, €45.90 for 1 day, see more rates here.
5. Q-Park at Anvers-Montmartre-la Cigale – Parking near Montmartre
Rating: 3.8/5 on Google
Location: 41 Blvd Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris, France
- Parking garage near the Montmartre neighborhood
- Elevator access and accessible parking available
- Parking that is walking distance to Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge, and a variety of the boutique hotels found in Montmartre.
- Rates start at 4,70€ for 1 hour, 42,30€ for 24 hours. See more rates here.
Types of Parking in Paris
Here are the different types of parking options that you’ll find in central Paris.
🚗 Street Parking in Central Paris
On street parking in central Paris is possible but can be tricky to find. You will need to pay for parking from Monday – Saturday between the hours of 9am to 8pm.
Prices vary and you can pay at the parking meters or via an app like EasyPark, Flowbird, or ParkNow.
You also must check the parking signs on the street before parking, especially because Paris street parking is divided into residential and visitor zones. If you park incorrectly you can get a large fine.
🚗 Underground Parking Garages
We chose to park in an underground parking garage because it felt more secure, convenient, and had 24/7 access. Most underground parking garages have security guards or cameras.
Underground parking garages are fairly easy to park in, you simply press a button to obtain your parking ticket on the way in to the parking garage, then you will pay at the machine on the way out.
The largest car park operator in Paris is called Saemes, and they have lots of different car parks around central Paris.
Another popular car park is Indigo, which also has many car parks in Paris.
🚗 Park and Ride in Paris
If you’re driving into the city, using a Paris park and ride (Parc Relais) is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to avoid traffic and expensive central parking. These park and ride lots are located just outside the city and connect directly to the Paris Metro or RER train lines, making it simple to leave your car and hop into the heart of Paris.
🚗 Rent a Private Parking Place from a Local
Prendsmaplace is an app/website that allows you to rent a private parking place from a local Parisian. I haven’t used this service personally so I can’t say if it is good or not but it may be worth checking out if you are looking for a good deal or a longer term parking spot.
Tips for Parking in Paris
Parking in Paris is different from parking in other cities – based on my experiences, here are some tips if you plan to drive & park a car in Paris!
✅ Reserve your Parking Spot in Advance
One of the smartest ways to park in Paris is to book your spot ahead of time using apps like Parclick, Parkopedia, or Zenpark. These platforms let you compare prices and availability, often with discounts for early reservations.
✅ Use the Underground Parking Garages
If you do need to park in central Paris, the underground parking garages will be much easier than street parking. Street parking has limited hours and is tricker to find, where as underground garages can be reserved in advance online.
✅ Understand Bumping Bumpers & Touch Parking in Paris
On one of my first work trips to Paris, I was sitting at a cafe and watched as a car parallel parked bumped both the car in front and behind, then drove off like there was no issue.
Of course, I was thinking did she just hit that car and took off? Yet, no one else seemed to notice it, and thats because its completely normal in Paris to lightly bump another car while parallel parking.
I always recommend getting full coverage car insurance just in case – but definitely get the insurance if you plan on driving and parking in the city center of Paris!
While touch parking is totally legal in Paris, the rental company may have less of a laissez-faire approach – and trust me – you don’t want to be paying damage charges on a car rental.
✅ Park Outside of the City Center
If you are driving to Paris, you may want to park outside of the city center and take the RER or Métro into central Paris. There are Park & Ride lots near Park-and-ride lots (Parc Relais) near stations like La Défense, Vincennes, or Saint-Denis are much more affordable.
If you are flying in and staying in the city center of Paris, I would not recommend renting a car as the city center is very walkable. Paris also has a well designed Metro system that is easy to use. There are also taxis and rideshare apps like Bolt and Uber in Paris.
✅ Watch for “No Parking” Signs and Street Cleaning Days
Watch out for signs indicating “stationnement interdit” (no parking) and scheduled “nettoyage” (street cleaning) days. Cars parked during cleaning hours or “no parking” may be fined or towed.
✅ Mind the Emissions Zone (ZFE)
Paris enforces a Low Emission Zone (ZFE), requiring vehicles to display a Crit’Air sticker based on emissions levels. Older vehicles without the proper sticker may be banned from driving or parking in central Paris during restricted hours
FAQs on Parking in Paris
Yes, parking in Paris can be difficult, especially street parking in central Paris. However there are many stress free options for parking in Paris, including a variety of underground parking lots or by using the Paris park and ride (Parc Relais) system.
There is free parking in Paris, but it can be tricky to find. In general, street parking is limited to 2 hours but there does tend to be free street parking on Sundays and on public holidays.
Yes, there are options for parking near the Eiffel Tower. Some of the best places to park are nearby underground parking lots such as the Quai Branly – Tour Eiffel Car Park.
Final Thoughts on Parking in Paris
Parking in Paris doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you know your options. From convenient park and ride locations to secure underground garages and a few smart tips for street parking, you can navigate the city with confidence. With a little planning, you’ll spend less time circling the block and more time enjoying everything Paris has to offer.
