Paris: a major European destination

Paris is a global culture, food, art, and fashion centre. Set on the River Seine, Paris attractions include the Eiffel Tower and the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral.

The best time to go, attractions and tips

Paris is an exciting year round destination. The climate is pleasant throughout the year. The many festivals and holidays provide perfect entertainment. In June there is the Fête de la Musique and in July, the Paris Jazz Festival in Parc Floral with live music every Saturday and Sunday from 3pm. The Tour de France is a must-see and the 14th July is Bastille Day, a national holiday. 

Important information prior to leaving

here is free admission to state museums on the first Sunday of every month. The quality of food is good and is cheaper than in London. Paris is generally less expensive than London. The Central European Time Zone is UTC + 01:00. It can be very useful to learn a few words of French before you leave.

How to get there, where to stay and getting around

There is a train, RER B from Charles de Gaulle airport to central Paris, it takes 30 min and costs about 10 euro. The Roissybus travels to Paris-Chatelet les Halles and Opera in the centre and takes approximately 1 hour. It costs about 11 euros. A taxi from the airport to Orly will cost from ca. 60 euros. Tram T7 goes to Villejuif and L.Aragon from Orly. Bus 183 travels to Porte de Choisy, then take the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau. Les Cars Air France go to Gare Montparnasse or Etoile.  A taxi from Beauvais costs about from 50 euro as the airport is located about 80km from Paris. There is a  shuttle service to Paris Porte Maillot for approximately 17 euros, it takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. From  Paris-Le Bourget Airport the 152 bus goes to La Courneuve station. From there tram 7 or bus 350 go to Gare de l'Est, Gare du Nord or Porte de la Chapelle. An airport shuttle goes to Le Bourget Station then take the RER B.

Small boutique hotels are typically Parisian. Prices are 100 EUR or so per person a night. There are also expensive luxury hotels and less expensive hostels.

Public transport is easy to use. The metro, overground trains (RER), buses and trams are much cheaper than taxis and are also faster. If travelling by car allow extra time for traffic jams.