Paris
Paris is the iconic capital of France, set along the sweeping Seine River. Celebrated globally as the city of light, art, gastronomy, and fashion, it features grand boulevards, world-renowned museums like the Louvre, medieval cathedrals, and cozy neighborhood sidewalk bistros.
- Country
- France
- Main airport (of 3)
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris
- Tracked routes
- 3 inbound routes
Where to stay in Paris
Le Marais (3rd/4th arr.) is one of Paris's most charming historic districts, offering narrow medieval streets, boutique shopping, and trendy cafes. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arr.) appeals to culture lovers near classic literary cafes and Luxembourg Gardens. The 7th arrondissement places you steps from the Eiffel Tower. Opera / Grands Boulevards (9th arr.) offers great shopping near Galeries Lafayette.
Things to do in Paris
Ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower for sweeping panoramas across Paris. View Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo inside the monumental Louvre Museum. Stroll along the Seine River to admire Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass. Walk up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Explore bohemian Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Getting around Paris
Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG, 25 km northeast) and Orly Airport (ORY, 13 km south). RER B train connects CDG to central stations (Gare du Nord, Châtelet) in 35 minutes. RATP operates the Paris Métro, RER, buses, and trams. Pay using Navigo Easy transit passes or contactless tickets.
When to visit Paris
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are peak seasons, featuring pleasant weather averaging 18°C to 22°C, blooming gardens, and café culture. Summer (July to August) is warm, though many local shops close in August for annual holidays. December features magical holiday illuminations.
Practical tips for Paris
- Buy a Navigo Easy card at Metro stations to load digital single or daily transit passes.
- France uses Type C and Type F European two-pin electrical plugs operating at 230 V.
- Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' upon entering shops; polite greeting is central to French etiquette.
- Book Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower summit tickets weeks in advance online.
- Service is included in dining bills; leaving small extra change for good service is appreciated.
Popular hotels
Popular hotels in Paris
Compare highly rated Paris hotels from live Google Hotels data before choosing where to stay. Use the filters to scan central, airport, luxury, budget and family-friendly options for the city.
Getting to Paris
3 tracked routes
Flown by American Airlines, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Sky Vision Airlines and United Airlines and 1 more.
What are the top things to do in Paris?
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FAQ
Paris — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
6 common questions
- Take the RER B commuter train directly from CDG Terminal 1 or 2 stations to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, or Saint-Michel in about 35 minutes.
- Louvre Museum tickets must be purchased online in advance for a specific time slot via the official website. Walk-up ticket lines are rarely available during peak months.
- Ride the RER C train from central Paris stations (like Saint-Michel or Champ de Mars) directly to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station in roughly 40 minutes.
- Navigo Easy is a reusable contactless transit card that allows you to load T+ metro tickets, bus fares, or daily passes electronically at any RATP station counter or ticket machine.
- Yes, you can take elevators or climb stairs to the 2nd floor, then take a dedicated summit elevator to the top observation platform at 276 meters. Summit tickets should be booked early.
- Take Metro Line 2 to Anvers or Line 12 to Abbesses, then walk up through artistic square Place du Tertre to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for breathtaking views over Paris.