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France
Paris Travel Guide
Paris, the capital of France, is one of the world’s most visited cities, known for its museums, boulevards, cafés and riverside monuments. The banks of the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower along the river.
- Best time: April to June and September to October
- Airport: CDG / ORY
- Euro
Overview
About Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is one of the world’s most visited cities, known for its museums, boulevards, cafés and riverside monuments. The banks of the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower along the river.
The city is divided into 20 arrondissements spiralling out from the centre. Staying in central districts such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain or around the Louvre keeps the main sights within walking distance, while the Metro makes every area easy to reach.
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- Central European Time (UTC+1), summer time UTC+2
- Language
- French; English is common in hotels and at major sights
Hotels in Paris
Where to stay in Paris
Each area links to places to stay on our Paris hotels page.
- Le MaraisA historic district of narrow streets, 17th-century mansions, museums and cafés, walkable to Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
- Louvre & OpéraThe heart of the Right Bank, with the Louvre, the Tuileries, Palais Garnier and the grand department stores.
- Eiffel Tower & TrocadéroThe 7th and 16th arrondissements, with elegant residential streets and hotels, some with Eiffel Tower views.
- MontmartreThe hilltop district around Sacré-Cœur, with artists’ squares, cafés and generally lower hotel rates than the centre.
Getting there
Flights to Paris
Charles de Gaulle (CDG), 25 km north-east, handles most long-haul flights and is linked by the RER B. Orly (ORY), 13 km south, is served by Metro line 14 to the centre.
- CDG
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- ORY
- Paris Orly Airport
Things to do
Things to do in Paris
Popular tours and tickets from our activity partner.
Popular attractions
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Musée d’Orsay
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre
- Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
- Palace of Versailles day trip
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When to go
Best time to visit Paris
Spring and early autumn have mild weather and long days. July and August are warm and busy with tourists, though many locals leave the city in August. Winter is cold and grey, but quieter, with Christmas markets and lights.
Transport
Getting around Paris
The Metro and RER trains cover the whole city; buy tickets or load a Navigo Easy pass. RER B links Charles de Gaulle Airport with central Paris, and Orly is connected by Metro line 14. Walking and Vélib’ bikes are good for central areas.
Travel tips
Paris travel tips
- For a classic Paris view, ask for an upper-floor room with a wrought-iron balcony in a Haussmann-era hotel.
- Book timed tickets for the Louvre, Eiffel Tower summit and Sainte-Chapelle well ahead, especially in summer.
- Many museums close one day a week — the Louvre on Tuesdays, the Musée d’Orsay on Mondays.
- Take the RER B or Metro line 14 from the airports rather than a taxi at rush hour.
Paris essentials
Paris travel FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Paris for first-time visitors?
Le Marais, Saint-Germain and the Louvre area keep the main sights within walking distance. Montmartre is quieter and often better value.
How do I get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris?
The RER B train reaches Gare du Nord and Châtelet in about 35 minutes; taxis charge a fixed fare to the Right and Left Banks.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Three to four days covers the major museums and monuments, with an extra day for Versailles.
Plan your trip
Plan your Paris trip
- Hotels in ParisExplore hotels in Le Marais and Louvre & Opéra and more.
- Things to do in ParisExplore Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and other experiences.
- France travel guideFrance travel guide starting with Paris: museums, monuments and neighbourhoods, the best season to visit, airports, the Metro and where to stay.
Nearby and related destinations
- London, United KingdomLondon travel guide: the best areas to stay, which of its six airports to use, when to visit, and hotels, flights and tours to book.
- Barcelona, SpainBarcelona travel guide: Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter, the beaches, the best neighbourhoods to stay in and when to go.
- Rome, ItalyRome travel guide: the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Trevi Fountain, the best neighbourhoods to stay in, trains from Fiumicino and when to go.
Facts last reviewed 27 September 2026. Hotel, flight and activity availability is provided live by our booking partners, and bookings are completed with them.