Paris, France

France

Paris

The city everyone thinks they know, and keeps discovering.

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Everything for Paris

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Airport transfer to Paris

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) · 30km from centre · 35–50 min

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From the archivist

What to know before you go

The Musée d'Orsay needs a timed slot – book the day before at minimum

The 11th and 20th arrondissements for the restaurants Parisians actually go to

RER B gets you to CDG; don't use the taxi rank at arrivals

Vélib' bike share works seamlessly once you've registered the card

Best for

Romantic city breaksArt and history enthusiastsFood and wine loversArchitecture admirersFashion and design travellers
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Getting around Paris

The Paris Métro is one of the finest urban transit systems in the world: frequent, comprehensive, and rarely more than a five-minute walk from any central location. Load a Navigo Easy card or use contactless payment on most lines. RER trains extend to the airports, Versailles, and Disneyland Paris. Vélib' bike share works well for cross-arrondissement trips and is straightforward once you've registered; the city has an extensive protected cycling network.

MétroRERBusVélib'Tram
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Best time to visit

April through June is the classic window — spring weather, blooming gardens, and the city at its most energetic before the August holiday exodus. September and October are equally compelling, with fewer tourists and the full cultural calendar in swing.

Apr – JunPeak
Sep – OctShoulder
Jan – FebLow

Frequently asked questions about Paris

When is the best time to visit Paris?

April to June is the sweet spot — mild weather, the gardens are in bloom, and the city has energy without August's tourist saturation. September and October are equally strong: lighter crowds, pleasant temperatures, and the start of the cultural season. August sees many Parisians leave the city; some local restaurants close, but museums are quieter. January and February are cold but atmospheric, and accommodation prices drop significantly.

What are the top things to do in Paris?

The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are non-negotiable — book timed entry in advance and give each at least half a day. The Eiffel Tower is worth it once, ideally at dusk. Beyond the monuments, walk the Canal Saint-Martin on a Sunday, explore the covered passages (Galerie Vivienne is the best), and spend an afternoon in Montmartre away from the Sacré-Cœur crowds. The Palais Royal gardens are a quiet gem in the centre. Day trips to Versailles or Giverny are both excellent.

What French food should I try in Paris?

A croissant from a proper boulangerie every morning — the quality difference from anywhere outside France is stark. Steak frites at a neighbourhood bistro, onion soup gratinée, and duck confit are the bistro classics done well in Paris. Visit a fromagerie for cheese you'll struggle to find elsewhere. Try a croque-monsieur from a café, not a tourist trap. Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé are worth the splurge once. The covered market halls like Marché d'Aligre are excellent for self-catering.

How do I get around Paris?

The Paris Métro is fast, dense, and covers virtually every major sight. Buy a carnet of 10 tickets or load a Navigo Easy card — contactless bank card also works on most lines. RER trains reach the airports and Versailles. Vélib' bike share is seamless for short hops between arrondissements once registered. Walking is genuinely pleasurable in the central arrondissements; many key sights are closer on foot than they appear. Avoid taxis to CDG — RER B is faster, cheaper, and drops you at the terminal.

Is Paris safe, and what should visitors know before they go?

Paris is safe but not pocket-theft-proof — keep your belongings close on the Métro and around the Eiffel Tower. Beware of petition scams around major monuments. French service culture reads as curt to many visitors; it's not personal — a simple "Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur" before asking anything goes a long way. Most museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays, so check in advance. Tipping is not expected; rounding up or leaving a euro is sufficient. Water from taps and fountains is safe to drink throughout the city.

From the journal

Worth reading before you book

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