The Ultimate Guide to a Trip to Paris

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world – and for good reason. People love to hate it, but I personally think it’s one of those places everyone should visit at least once. In this travel guide for your trip to Paris, I’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting the City of Love.

Getting to Paris from the Airport

Paris has 3 airports. If you’re coming to any of these, there are several options that will easily connect you to the city. Depending on which airport you’re flying to, as well as your budget and preference, you may choose a different way to start your trip to Paris.

1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

By Train

The RER B Train runs from CDG Airport to Paris city centre, with multiple big spots along the way. It’s the cheapest and fastest way to get to the city and it runs regularly.

• Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cost: 10-12€

By Bus

The bus is another great, inexpensive option for traveling from the airport to the centre of the city. If you need to go somewhere that’s a bit further from the centre, taking the bus will be your best option.

From CDG Airport, the Roissybus goes to Opéra, right in the heart of Paris. There are also several stops along the way, as well as great connections to other bus lines that run all over the city.

• Time: 60-75 minutes
• Cost: 12-15€

By Taxi

Like at most airports, there are taxis everywhere at CDG that you can take into the city. Of course, it’s the most expensive option by far (though probably the most comfortable). Keep in mind that it is more difficult to predict how long your journey will take, because taxis are heavily dependent on traffic – which can get quite bad in a city like Paris.

• Time: 35-60 minutes
• Cost: Flat rates: 53€ to the Right Bank and 58€ to the Left Bank

2. Orly Airport (ORY)

By Train

There isn’t a train that runs directly from Orly Airport to central Paris, so you’ll need to take the Orlyval train to Antony station, then transfer to the RER B train, which will take you to the city centre.

• Time: 30-40 minutes
• Cost: 13€

By Tram and Metro

Taking the tram and metro is a cheaper, but slower option than the train. From Orly Airport, take Tram 7 to Villejuif-Louis Aragon, and then transfer to Metro Line 7.

• Time: 50-60 minutes
• Cost: 4€

By Bus

If you insist on finding a direct route to the centre of Paris, the bus might be the best option. There are several bus services that go from Orly Airport directly to various locations in Paris. It’s also inexpensive and faster than taking the tram and metro.

The Orlybus takes you directly to Denfert-Rochereau, in the heart of Paris.

• Time: 30-40 minutes
• Cost: 10€

Le Bus Direct goes to different locations, including the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse.

• Time: 30-50 minutes, depending on your destination
• Cost: 8-12€

By Taxi

Again, taxis are the most expensive, but most comfortable option. They aren’t as reliable as public transport in terms of driving time, though.

• Time: 20-40 minutes
• Cost: Flat rate: 37€ to the Left Bank and 32€ to the Right Bank

3. Beauvais Airport (BVA)

Beauvais Airport is the furthest from the centre of Paris, so transfer services take longer and are more expensive than those from the other two airports.

By Bus

The Beauvais Shuttle Bus takes a route from the airport to Porte Maillot in Paris. It is the cheapest and fastest way into the city.

• Time: 75-90 minutes
• Cost: 15-17€

By Train

To take the train, you’ll first need to make your way to the Beauvais train station via a shuttle bus or taxi. From there, take the TER train to Gare du Nord in Paris.

• Time: 90-120 minutes
• Cost: 15-20€

By Taxi

Because this airport is so far away from Paris, taxis are very expensive, so they aren’t as commonly used.

• Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Cost: from 100€

Other Ways to Get to Paris

If you’re not flying directly to Paris or are combining the city with other stops on a longer trip to France or Europe, there are other, more inexpensive and convenient ways to get there.

1. By Train

Europe is famous for its well-connected train system. Every country has their own rail service – SNCF in France. Get the SNCF Connect App or check the website for details on schedules and to buy tickets. One of the options with SNCF is to take a TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) train. These are railway services that travel to Paris from cities in France and its neighbouring countries.

Eurostar is a great option if you’re traveling to Paris from London. The trains travel via the Channel Tunnel and arrive at Gare du Nord station in Paris. The trip from London to Paris takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Eurostar also has routes to destinations in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Tickets can be bought on the official website.

The Austrian rail service, ÖBB, also has night trains that run between various European cities, including Paris. It’s a great way to get to Paris without having to spend the whole day in the train. I would highly recommend spending a bit extra for a ticket in a sleeping car. Check the schedule and buy tickets on the official website.

If you’re already spending time elsewhere in France, check the SNCF app or website for Intercités and TER trains. These are regional and local trains that travel all over the country.

I recommend checking all these different rail services (depending on where you’re coming from) before deciding which train to take on your trip to Paris.

2. By Bus

There are various international bus services that will take you to Paris from all over Europe. This is a great way to travel cheaply if you’re visiting many different countries or cities. Of course, the buses aren’t quite as comfortable and fast as trains, but nevertheless, it’s an option I pick time and time again.

Some of these services include:

• FlixBus
• Eurolines
• BlaBlaCar Bus

Download the apps or check the official websites for details about bus schedules and to buy tickets.

OuiBus is the regional bus system by SNCF, which travels to Paris from various French cities.

3. By Car

If you don’t like public transport, driving to Paris is also a great option. You can find car rental services at every airport, as well as many train stations. It’s a flexible way of traveling comfortably.

It may even be the cheapest option if you’re traveling in a group of 4 or 5.

4. By Ferry and Train

From Dover (United Kingdom), you can take a ferry to Calais (France). From Calais, you can either take a car or a train to Paris.

Alternatively, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle service will take you and your car from Folkestone (United Kingdom) to Calais in just over half an hour.

The trip from Calais to Paris takes 2-3 hours, depending on your mode of transport.

Where to Stay on your Trip to Paris

You’ve probably heard a few not-so-good things about Paris – that it’s dirty, run-down, and dodgy. And like in any city, there are definitely areas where this is the case. But Paris also has some great neighbourhoods to stay in that are clean and full of little gems to explore.

Find out exactly which districts you should stay in on your trip to Paris, based on your own preferences and budget, in my full guide here.

Things to do in Paris

Paris is a cultural and historical hub of Europe. There’s a reason it’s such a popular destination – there are SO many things to do. From super-famous sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre (where you can view the Mona Lisa) to visiting local markets and Speakeasy bars, there’s something for everyone in the City of Love.

Check out my post for an in-depth guide on the 21 Best Things to do in Paris.

How to Navigate the Public Transport in Paris

As a large European capital city, Paris is well-connected in terms of public transport. There are many different forms of transport you can take on your trip to Paris, depending on your budget and time constraints.

1. Metro

The Metro is probably the most convenient, efficient way to get from one place in Paris to another. It runs through the city centre to the city’s outskirts, covering most parts of Paris with 16 metro lines.

There are several apps that can help you navigate the metro with maps, but I found that Google Maps worked just fine.

The metro operates from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Although it’s the best way to travel, it can get really crowded, especially during peak hours. Be ready to be a bit squished and uncomfortable. Also, make sure that you keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

2. RER Trains

RER trains are regional trains that run in and around Paris. There are 5 lines (A to E) that you can reach by taking the metro to one of the stations.

If you’re staying in the suburbs of Paris rather than in the centre, you’ll probably have to take one of these trains. They will also help you get to other destinations on your trip to Paris, including Disneyland, Versailles, and Charles de Gaulle Airport.

3. Buses

The bus system in Paris connects a lot of more specific places in the city than the metro. It’s a slower way to travel, but a great way to see the city along the way.

The buses operate only from 5:30 AM to midnight, but there are also night buses that run during the other hours.

4. Trams

The last public transport system in Paris is trams. They mostly operate in the suburbs and are useful for getting around the outskirts of the city.

Tickets for Public Transport

You can buy tickets at any station or use a Navigo Easy card. The Navigo Easy card is a rechargeable card on which you can load tickets for the metro, buses, trams, and some airport shuttles. With the card, you’ll get slightly reduced prices for single tickets and it costs only 2€.

Make sure to check which zones you need to travel to before you buy your tickets. If you’re staying in the suburbs, for example, you might have to pay more, as you will have to include more zones.

The types of tickets that are available are:

• Single (t+) tickets
• Pack of 10 tickets (carnet)
• Day or Multi-day passes

Other Ways to Get Around on Your Trip to Paris

If you’re not a fan of public transport, don’t worry. There are many other ways to travel around the city.

1. Walking

Like most European cities, Paris is fantastic for walking. You also won’t have to walk too far from one attraction to another, because a lot of them are close to each other.

I like to combine walking with taking public transport, because it’s also just a great way to explore the city at your own pace. If you don’t walk anywhere, you probably won’t find any great local bistros, markets, or shops.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes when sightseeing in Paris. You’ll probably come across a lot of uneven ground or cobblestone streets on your trip to Paris.

2. Cycling

The majority of Paris has bike lanes next to pedestrian lanes. You can rent a bike from a Vélib station and return it to a different station somewhere else in the city.

I love cycling around a new city – it’s perfect for exploring the more suburban areas of any city.

3. Taxis and Ride-Sharing

If you’re not too concerned with a budget, you might consider taking taxis to get around. You’ll be able to hail a cab at any airport, train station, and most attractions. Alternatively, you can book a taxi by phone.

Uber and Bolt are two ride-sharing services that are available in Paris. Download the apps before your trip. I like to use Bolt whenever I need to get somewhere that’s a bit out of the way or when I’m on a time crunch and can’t walk to my destination. It’s also perfect if you want to go to a club late at night, when public transport is limited. Bolt is really affordable, and it’s super easy to use.

4. River Boats

If you want a more scenic way to do sightseeing, take the Batobus. It is a boat shuttle service on the Seine River. It stops near many major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame.

The Batobus travels from 10 AM to 9:30 PM, but varies according to the season. Day tickets are available, which can be used to use it as often as you want.

5. Electric Scooters and Mopeds

Electric scooters and mopeds are becoming more and more common in big European cities. You can find them all over the city, just sort of standing around. On the app, you can rent one very easily and cheaply.

It’s also just the most fun way to see the city. Just be careful of pedestrians and pay attention to the traffic while using these services.

Some of the apps you should download are Lime, Dott, and Cityscoot.

6. Car

If you want more flexibility and are planning to visit smaller towns and areas around Paris, you might be better off renting a car.

If you do plan on driving in the city, be extra careful, as the traffic can be quite bad. It is also difficult to find parking and it can be expensive as well.

When is the Best Time to Plan a Trip to Paris?

Depending on what kind of trip to Paris you want, you may choose a different season to travel there.

I personally think spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Paris. The temperatures are more pleasant and the crowds are fewer than in summer. The city is also extra beautiful when the flowers start to bloom and when the leaves turn golden.

Summer (June to August) is the worst time to visit if, like me, you hate huge crowds of tourists everywhere. Accommodation and activities are also most expensive in this season.

But if you want to experience Paris at its most vibrant, and want to attend events and festivals, summer will be your best bet. The days are longer (more time for sightseeing) and there are soooo many events!

Winter (December to February) is the quietest season in Paris. If you want a spectacular Christmas and New Year’s, it is at its most magical during the holidays. After all, what better way to start off the New Year than to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle?

During winter, you’ll be able to visit Christmas markets with ice skating rinks and see attractions without the crowds. On top of this, everything is a bit cheaper (even the flights!).

Day Trips from Paris

Around Paris are many charming little towns and historical sites that make for perfect day trips.

1. Versailles

The historic palace of Versailles and its gardens are only a 30- to 45-minute train ride from Paris. It used to be Marie Antoinette’s estate, so it’s one of the most extravagant palaces you can visit – and there are musical fountain shows in the gardens!

2. Giverny

The small, scenic town of Giverny is 45-60 minutes from Paris by train. Here, you can see the home of the painter and father of Impressionism, Claude Monet. In the gardens on the property you can find some of the inspirations for some of Monet’s most famous work.

3. Chartres

Just over an hour from Paris lies the town of Chartres. Here, you’ll find one of the most well-preserved Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Take a day to just stroll around exploring the town with its medieval architecture and atmosphere.

Foods you should try in Paris

1. Croissants

If you didn’t have a croissant, did you really visit Paris? It’s possibly the first food you think of when you think of Paris.

Obviously, you can buy croissants at just about any local bakery. Some of the places that are most famous for the croissants though are Du Pain et des Idées and Le Grenier à Pain.

2. Macarons

Paris is famous for its macarons. And of course, there are a lot of patisseries that have unique, innovative flavours I guarantee you’ve never tried before.

Some of the most famous macarons in Paris can be found at Ladurée and Pierre Hermé.

3. Hot Chocolate

The Parisian hot chocolate is a little different from what you’re used to. It’s much richer and thicker, because instead of using cocoa powder and sugar, it’s made using high-quality dark chocolate.

It’s the perfect match for a croissant or a pain au chocolat. Almost all cafés in Paris serve it, but some, like Café Angelina and Café de Flore, are famous for theirs.

4. Ratatouille

If you’re like me, you probably associate Paris (at least a little bit) with the movie Ratatouille. So what better place is there to have the famous dish than in Paris?

Some of the most beloved ratatouilles are served at Le Petit Prince de Paris and Chez Janou.

5. Escargot (Snails)

If you’re a more adventurous eater, you might want to try escargot. I know the idea sounds weird at first, but it’s one of those must-try foods on your trip to Paris.

The best places to have escargot are L’Escargot Montorgueil and Chez André.

6. Onion Soup

One of my favourite French dishes is French Onion Soup. The most well-known French Onion Soups can be found at Au Pied de Cochon and Les Philosophes.

General Tips

• Get a Navigo Pass and use public transport.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketers are very common in Paris, especially during high season. I use an anti-theft backpack whenever I travel.
• Carry a water bottle with you and refill it at the free drinking fountains around the city.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The ground can be really uneven and you WILL be walking a lot.
• Book activities and reserve at restaurants well in advance. Paris is so popular that things tend to sell out very quickly.
• Check websites of attractions for free entry days. Many museums offer free visits on certain days, usually Sundays, and often to people younger than 26.