Fashionable and cultural capital
Paris is a vibrant city with an iconic, picturesque cityscape featuring landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. The city is crisscrossed by the River Seine and wide boulevards that meander through the city.
Famous Parisian festivals and the best time to travel
Paris has a mild climate that makes the city suitable for visiting all year round. National holidays include Bastille day on the 14th July and 1945 Victory day on 8th May. Many festivals take place during the summer months including the Fete de la Musique in June and the Paris Jazz Festival in July. Christmas Day and New Years day are also widely celebrated in Paris.
Paris hotels and public transport
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) has train, bus, taxi and shuttle links to the centre of Paris. Trains from the airport to the centre of Paris take less than 30 minutes and it costs around 10 euros for travel to Chatelet les Halles using overground RER trains. The Roissybus to Opera station takes approximately 1 hour and costs fractionally more. Passengers from CDG airport may also get taxi or shuttle services booked for around 60 euros.
Travellers from Paris-Orly airport can use the Tram T7 line to Villejuif to get to Paris or book a taxi for approximately 50 euros. It is also possible to access Paris from Beauvais, though taxis are expensive because it is located almost 80km from Paris. Paris is very well connected and can also be accessed from Paris-Le Bourget by bus 152 and Tram 7 line, bus 350, overground B trains or airport shuttle.
Small boutique hotels are typical accommodation in Paris with prices averaging 100 euros per person, per night. Hostels are available for slightly cheaper and there are also more expensive luxury hotels.
Buses and trams are the cheapest form of public transport in Paris with Metro (underground) and RER (overground) trains frequently scheduled but more expensive. Taxis are slower and more expensive because traffic jams are common.
Although Paris is just across the water from the UK, many Parisians only speak a little English. It's worth learning a few common words before travelling.