Paris Travel Guide 

From chic boutiques to internationally acclaimed museums, exceptional cuisine to iconic architecture, Paris is a city that combines a vibrant history with a love of the contemporary.

A selection of luxury hotels to stay when visiting Paris.

Start here: a local's pick of the city's must sees and dos.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

 

For ideal sightseeing weather, spring (April/May) and summer (June/July) are the best times to visit Paris. Exhibitions will be open and the weather warm and bright enough to take full advantage of the world-famous café culture. Tourism is at its peak in July and August, when Parisians go on holiday, but this can mean some venues are closed for the summer months. Crowds will be thinner during the autumn months (September/October) but this is also when the weather turns cooler and there is a greater chance of rain.

Travelling to Paris?

 

Charles de Gaulle is the main international airport, from which the RER B train can take you directly to central locations such as the Gare du Nord or Saint-Michel Notre Dame.

 

The RoissyBus shuttle also provides a direct link from the airport to Opéra in the centre of Paris in around an hour.   

 

Orly Airport is smaller, but also handles international flights. The OrlyVal shuttle connects terminals 1, 2 and 4 and can take you to Antony, from which you can get the RER B for half an hour to the Gare du Nord. If you have a little more time, it is also possible to get the tram from the airport to Villejuif-Louis Aragon in around 45 minutes. 

 

Follow the signs at the airport to reach the taxi ranks, where official taxis are available without booking. These can take around an hour and cost about €50. 

Getting around Paris

Public Transport in Paris

Paris is served by an efficient metro system. A t+ ticket is cheap and will allow you to travel one-way on the metro, RER, bus lines and trams. For longer stays, the Paris Visite travel pass could be ideal, allowing unlimited travel in the Paris and Île-de-France region for up to five days on all public transport networks.  

Cycle hire in Paris

The city’s Vélib’ Metropole service offers 20,000 bikes across the Greater Paris area, which are available to hire on a one-day or three-day basis. You are never more than 300 metres from a docking station, so picking up and dropping off a bike couldn’t be simpler.    

Taxis in Paris

 

If you are having trouble finding a taxi on a busy street your best bet is to find a taxi stand. Look out for the neon sign on the top of the car, which will be illuminated if it is available to take passengers.  


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