Things to Do in Paris, Tennessee: Eiffel Tower, Fish Fry & More

Wondering were exactly is Paris, TN?  It's situated in the state’s northwestern corner, Paris, Tennessee serves as a scenic gateway between the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee and the plains of the West. 

• Paris is an easy day trip from Nashville (about 2 hours), Jackson (about 1 hour), or Clarksville (about 1.5 hours).
• There are many things to do in Paris, Tennessee, including a visit to the famous Paris TN Eiffel Tower and the world's biggest fish fry every April. 

Among the best things to do in Paris, Tennessee, discover a scale-size replica of the Eiffel Tower in Downtown Paris's Eiffel Tower Park. If you angle your camera just right, you can snap a photo similar to that of the actual Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. 

• The city is one of 15 other cities named for the French capitol.
• Christian Brothers University in Memphis constructed this tower to commemorate the 1990 Memphis in May festival. It was later commissioned to make its home in Paris Tennessee.
• After seeing the Eiffel Tower, you can also enjoy the playground, tennis and pickle ball courts, swimming pool and walking paths.
• Accessibility: The park features level, paved walking paths and accessible parking lots near the main attractions and sporting facilities.
• Seasonal Highlights: The Tower makes for a wonderful photo backdrop anytime of the year.

Downtowns are the epicenter of goings-on. Downtown Paris, Tennessee has charming art, shopping and goods made by local artisans. 

• The downtown area has a variety of photo ops for visitors.
• At each street corner, you'll see catfish statues symbolizing the Fish Fry Festival and murals painted along the walls of downtown buildings, giving the town a vibrant and Instagram-worthy experience.
• Experience Paris TN shopping at the variety of cute stores in Paris, TN, catch a movie at this Paris TN theatre, or grab a bite at one of the downtown Paris, TN restaurants.
• Accessibility: Features paved sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps.
• Seasonal Highlights: Hosts the popular Christmas Around the Square.

Tennessee is full of charming small towns to visit and explore. Discover some of them in our article: 10 small town day trips only a short drive from Nashville. 

Discover the best places to eat in Paris, TN by following the green fields that lead the way to the city. Just off the main road, stop at Sweet Jordan's, a local bakery that serves each visitor with a friendly smile. 

• You’ll find your attention grabbed by the sheer array of sweets from ice cream to cakes, pies, cookies, smoothies, coffee and more, which are all made in-house.
• A play area, comfortable couch seating and a full dining area make up Sweet Jordan’s.
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and ground-level entry provided.
• Seasonal Highlights: Often offers festive holiday-themed baked goods.

After working up an appetite walking around in downtown Paris, go to the Olive Pit, one of the top Paris TN restaurants. 

• It's a family-owned business that offers some of the best pasta in town.
• Be sure to try the Spicy Alfredo Penne.
• The meatballs are a staple here as well.
• Accessibility: This Paris TN restaurant offers level entryway and accessible dining room seating.
• Seasonal Highlights: The Olive Pit features rotating seasonal pasta specials and desserts.

Have an afternoon of fun and relaxation at one of West Tennessee's most unique venues in Paris, TN called Paris Station, a restaurant, taproom, venue and indoor lawn all in one.

•  West Tennessee Brewing's craft beers are brewed with locally sourced ingredients.
• The small-batch beers include the citrus and tropical fruit River Bank Haze IPA, Jackson Purchase Porter with flavors of caramel, cocoa and toasted malt, the dark ale Carol's Supernatural Stout and the easy-drinking Legend Beer.  
• Paris Station is also a place to eat in Paris, TN, where you can grab a meal of nachos, sandwiches and flatbreads.
• Enjoy live music, games and brunch on Sundays.
• Widely considered one of the best things to do in Paris, Tennessee, definitely be sure to add this stop to your itinerary.
• Accessibility: Ground-level entry and open layout accommodate mobility aids.
• Seasonal Highlights: Outdoor seating areas are popular during warmer months

End the day with even more sweets at Sally Lane's. The most jovial environment welcomes you in with its vibrant colors and sweets jars. 

• This candy shop is a long-time community shop that makes homemade candies and treats that have made their way into mainstream media.
• The White Chocolate Popcorn was a feature as "Snack of the Day" on Rachel Ray's TV show!
• In addition to the yummy popcorn, there's a chocolate bar with assorted varieties of bark; the milk chocolate bark with pecans is a popular favorite.
• Accessibility: Features a ground-level entrance with accessible parking nearby.
• Seasonal Highlights: Produces specialty assortments for major holidays like Easter and Christmas.

This natural oasis is the perfect summer getaway and one of the best things to do in Paris TN. Paris Landing State Park is 841 acres and is located on the western shoreline of the Tennessee River and is home to a marina, restaurants, cabins, camping and more. 

• Many people spend their summer days swimming in the swimming area or the pool.
• You can also take a hike through the beautiful nature trails.
• Other activities along the lake include golf, fishing, boating and birding.
• Also at this park is one of the best Paris TN hotels, The Lodge at Paris Landing which offers 91 rooms overlooking Kentucky Lake.  
• Accessibility: Paved parking and accessible pathways lead to the lodge, restaurant, and designated fishing piers.
• Seasonal Highlights: Summer is peak season for the swimming pool and lake activities, while autumn offers vibrant foliage along the trails.

Interest in other water activities across Tennessee? Discover all there is to know in our guide to water activities in TN. 

World’s Biggest Fish Fry – the name says it all! Travel to Paris, Tennessee the last full week of April each year to experience nonstop family fun and fabulous food. 

• Twelve thousand plates of mouthwatering catfish are fried up and served with all the trimmings
• Watch the exciting bull riding, take a turn on the Tilt-A-Whirl and get cotton candy for dessert at this famous fish try in Paris, TN.
• Experience the Paris TN Fish Fry like a local with kid-approved favorites, including the grand parade, junior fishing rodeo, bed races, small fry parade, chalk crawl and the ever-popular catfish races. Enter this outlandish event for your best selfie ever. It’s even considered good luck to kiss the catfish! 
• Accessibility: Designated accessible parking and seating are available at the fairgrounds and along the parade route.
• Seasonal Highlights: This event occurs annually during the last full week of April.

Another great event in Paris, TN, January offers the chance to learn about feathered friends during the Wings of Winter Birding Festival on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. 

• Migratory birds on the Mississippi River flyway offer a chance for both seasoned birders and newbies to enjoy a variety of field trips, meals, speakers and local culture.
• Don’t miss the waterfowl behind sanctuary gates at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, tours with world-class birders, birding while sailing on an excursion yacht and more during this three-day event.
• Accessibility: Paved parking and accessible viewing decks at visitor centers.
• Seasonal Highlights: Prime viewing for wintering bald eagles and sandhill cranes.

If you’re seeking that magical combination of music, water and good times with great friends, look no further than the Tennessee River Jam, held the last weekend in June in Paris TN.

• Four days of live performances with unique backdrops featuring a wide variety of genres from classic country to Americana, R&B to bluegrass. 
• The venues are as varied as the musical genres and include family-friendly eateries, hopping bars, classic marinas, local performing arts center and fabulous amphitheater.
• Set against the shimmering backdrop of Kentucky Lake at Paris Landing State Park, the signature event can be experienced from the water or the riverbank, an incredible night in the making and among the most unique things to do in Paris, TN. 
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and seating options vary by specific venue, with major stages offering ADA-compliant facilities.
• Seasonal Highlights: This festival is a mid-summer tradition, typically taking place in late June.

To experience even more music and learn about its deep roots in Tennessee, check out this Music Journey Through Tennessee. 

When Christmas rolls around, even Santa heads to Paris! He is the main attraction on weekends and for the exciting Holly Jolly Electric Christmas Parade. 

• With Santa, a marching band, thousands of twinkling lights and delightful, welcoming boutiques, Downtown Paris is like a Hallmark Christmas movie. 
• Accessibility: Offers viewing areas along flat, paved sidewalks with nearby accessible parking in downtown lots.
• Seasonal Highlights: Occurs annually in early December, typically following the Downtown Christmas Festival.

Comfy lodging for every budget, friendly hosts and fun, travel itineraries are just a click away at Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. 

If you want to experience something different with unique surprises around every corner, make a trip to Paris, Tennessee.