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Paris holidays: Book a romantic trip to the City of Love
Of all the destinations in the world, Paris is a city that's always been thought of as the ultimate romantic getaway. And, since getting there is so easy, it's one of the most popular spots for UK holidaymakers. But Paris isn't only about romance; it's an ideal destination for just about any type of trip, whether you're heading there with family or a big group of mates.
Even if you're only going to Paris to head on to other destinations like Disneyland Paris or Versailles, it's worth spending time in the city as there are so many world-class things to see. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe - these may be the most famous landmarks but they're only the start of what you can discover on a Paris holiday.
You could easily spend a month in Paris and still feel like you have so much more to see! Use our guide below to start planning your own Paris city break.
Paris holiday tips
Even if you've been to Paris before, there are always new things to discover and information to make your holiday planning a little easier. From the best time to visit to the quickest way to get there, we've gathered some of the answers to the biggest questions about Paris.
Paris at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 1 hour 20 minutes
Eurostar journey duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Main airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport
Population: 2.1 million
Language: French
Currency: Euro (€)
Socket type: Type C and E (adapter required)
Time zone: Central European Time (CET); 1 hour ahead of the UK
When is the best time to take a Paris holiday?
☀️ Summer: A summer holiday in Paris is irresistible; the weather is warm, annual events are in full swing and there are plenty of fellow holidaymakers. It can get super busy, so always try to book an early bird deal.
🌸 Spring and 🍁 autumn: If a more authentic Paris is what you have in mind, then aim for a visit during spring or autumn. The weather is still pleasant, and the city's many gardens look gorgeous during these seasons.
❄️ Winter: The weather may not be all that different compared to home, but there's something magical about Paris during winter. The Christmas markets are particularly good and, if you're lucky, it may snow too, blanketing Paris' landmarks in white - and creating lovely photo opportunities in the process!
Getting to Paris
With a short flight time of 1 hour 20 minutes, most UK holidaymakers choose to fly to Paris. You can catch flights to Paris from most major UK airports. The Eurostar is an increasingly popular choice. While the journey takes an extra hour, it's arguably more scenic and there are fewer restrictions around baggage contents.
Getting around Paris
Paris has an extremely extensive and well-organised public transport network. The Paris Metro will be the most useful (and the fastest) for daily sightseeing, but there are also buses, trams, boat taxis and a funicular. Consider getting a Paris Visite Card, which entitles you to unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days; you can buy these at Metro and RER stations.
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Where to stay during your Paris holiday
While Paris is wonderful within itself, the area you decide to base yourself always plays a big part in your holiday experience. And, let's face it, some areas are better than others when you start looking at who you're travelling with. A solo traveller may have different requirements compared to a family, for example.
To help get you going, here are our recommendations on where to stay in Paris.
For first-time visitors
Paris is home to 20 arrondissements (districts), each with their own vibe and sets of pros and cons. If it's your first time in Paris and your priorities involve seeing as many of the sights as possible, it's worth finding accommodation in one of the central arrondissements.
The 7th arrondissement is a popular choice; home to the Eiffel Tower, Musée Rodin and more, you can simply walk from your hotel to the city's most famous landmarks. If shopping is another of your priorities, consider finding accommodation near Champs-Élysées.
Le Marais, St-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter and Les Halles are all fantastic central areas; you can't go wrong booking a stay in any of these neighbourhoods. If you do plan to stay central, though, always try to book in advance.
For atmosphere alone, we'd also recommend Montmartre. A little further out of the centre, this historic area is beautiful, arty and has amazing views of Paris.
Best areas for families
If you're visiting Paris with your family, you'll also want to consider a central base. This is even more true if you're travelling with young children. The 7th arrondissement is our personal pick, as you'll be close to attractions (minimal walking involved) and there are a range of shops, cafes and restaurants on your doorstep.
Le Marais is another great option for families; it's still close to the sights but also feels more spacious, thanks to its proximity to gardens like Place des Vosges and Square Léopold-Achille.
Best areas for couples
Thanks to its romantic reputation, Paris has long been a destination for anniversaries, honeymoons and romantic weekends away. Montmartre and St-Germain-des-Prés are our favourites for romance, with each area being home to cute cafes, atmospheric streets and a smattering of sights.
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The best things to do in Paris
The French capital is packed with so many attractions; it's impossible to see them all during a short trip. But even if you're short on time and are maybe only a mini break in the city, there are some sights that you simply shouldn't miss.
Here are our favourites things to do in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower: Even if you do not climb all the way to the top (the view from the second platform at 275 meters is breathtaking), this 324-meter-high iron tower is a fantastic sight, especially at night.
Arc de Triomphe: Another sight that's synonymous with Paris, the Arc de Triomphe lies at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Built to commemorate the lives lost during historic French wars, you can actually pop inside for a visit, finishing with a rather impressive view from the top of the arch.
Montmartre: The atmosphere of this former artists' quarter, especially around the Place du Tertre, is still unique, reminiscent of the days when Paris was the centre of modern culture and the home of famous artists such as Monet and Picasso.
The Louvre: Even the square in front of the most famous art museum in the world is breathtaking - especially the iconic glass pyramid where the entrance is located. Inside, you can marvel at the mysterious smile of Mona Lisa and eight exhibitions of famous art from all over the world.
Other things to do in Paris
Admire the modern art at Centre Pompidou
Watch an opera at Palais Garnier
Spend the day at Jardin des Plantes (home to a zoo, gardens and more)
See Cathédrale Notre Dame from the outside (currently closed)
Join the crowd and catch a show at the Moulin Rouge
Eat ALL the pastries; you'll never run out of cafes to try
Head underground to see the Catacombs of Paris
Marvel at the gorgeous interiors of Sainte-Chapelle
Hop on a boat cruise of the Seine
Check out more things to do in Paris
From day to night: nightlife in Paris
A quiet cocktail at the bar or an evening of wild dancing? In Paris you'll find plenty of venues that promise you an unforgettable night. Keep in mind: going out in Paris can be very expensive. Make sure to use the happy hours of bars to your advantage (happy hour usually falls between 6PM and 7PM and between 9PM and 10PM). You can find a high density of bars and clubs in these areas:
Oberkampf: Leave the fellow tourists behind and discover numerous bars and cafes in Oberkampf, many of which serve drinks that cost less compared to other areas.
Rue Mouffetard: You can expect typical Parisian bars and restaurants here, as well as a casual atmosphere.
Bastille: This nightlife district is equally popular with tourists and locals alike, especially around Rue de Lappe. There's a reason it's called 'the longest bar in France'.
Culinary delights in Paris
If you fancy yourself a foodie, Paris is about to become your new happy place. After all, Paris is home to countless cafes and gourmet restaurants that invite you to try their diverse selection of delicacies. If you want to eat authentic French food, try to choose a restaurant that is not very close to any major attractions.
You should also definitely plan a visit to a cafe to experience a real French breakfast. Whether you are in a tiny cafe in Montmartre enjoying coffee and croissants or in the Le Marais student district, simply sit back with your breakfast and soak up the atmosphere.
The most famous Paris cafes include:
Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Café des Deux Moulins (Café de Amélie) in Montmartre
Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Where to go shopping in Paris
Paris is the city of fashion and a true shopping paradise. Whether you are a fan of small specialty boutiques or want to explore the larger department stores, you'll be delighted to find shopping opportunities around every corner. Some of the most popular shopping destinations are the megastores, especially the Galeries Lafayette: you'll find big designer labels here as well as smaller brands, and it's also the ideal place to look for a souvenir. Rue de Rivoli is another main shopping street with both international shops and French boutiques.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Combine a visit to the museum with some shopping. Rue de Rivoli leads directly from the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) to the Louvre.
Paris holidays for couples
Paris is known as the City of Love for a reason: the architecture, the streets, the Eiffel Tower and the many movie landmarks create an image that attracts lovers from all over the world. Paris has always been a hotspot for artists and writers who have contributed to the romantic atmosphere of the French capital. At Montmartre's Wall of Love, you will find the phrase 'I love you' written in every language and, of course, getting a photo together in front of the Eiffel Tower is the ultimate love goal.
A romantic walking tour
Auguste Rodin is famous for sculptures such as 'The Thinker' and 'The Kiss'. The best place to admire his art is in the Sculpture Garden of the Rodin Museum. Visit the gardens and have a coffee in the cafe; the entrance fee is just a few Euros, so it's a good option for those on a budget.
The Champs-Élysées is often described as one of the most beautiful - and most romantic - avenues in the world, so a lengthy stroll here is a must.
You might not associate a cemetery with romance, but that's only because you haven't visited the Père Lachaise cemetery - yet! It's an atmospheric spot where it feels like time stands still. Home to monumental burial sites of icons such as Edith Piaf, Chopin and Oscar Wilde, this cemetery has long been a haunt of lovers.
A day trip with Eurostar
A great option for those travelling from London is to catch the Eurostar. In only 2 hours and 30 minutes, the train will drop you off in the heart of Paris. If you've always wanted to visit the Louvre and admire the Mona Lisa, you could even plan to visit Paris for the day on a combined London/Paris city break. If you book well in advance, a return ticket can cost as little as £60 and the seats come with plenty of legroom!
An hour out of Paris, the Palace of Versailles offers majestic scenery and a historic atmosphere that invites you to stroll through the magnificent house and gardens. Stop off to enjoy a café au lait with an amazing view. If love is a language we all speak, then Paris is the city where we can become fluent. Take a few days to ignite the romance on a city break in Paris.
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