Exclusive Paris Holidays
Visit Paris, The City of Lights
Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most enchanting and romantic cities in the world. Nicknamed ‘The City of Light’, it is renowned for its iconic architecture, world-famous art and culture, high fashion, gastronomy, and joie de vivre.
The city is situated on the banks of the River Seine in the north of France. It has a population of over 2 million in the city proper and nearly 12 million in the metropolitan area. The climate is temperate oceanic with mild summers and cool winters.
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Best Time to Visit
Paris attracts visitors year-round but the ideal times are spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
- Spring (March-May) sees average temperatures of 12°C to 18°C. Flowers like cherry blossoms bloom while cafe terraces come alive.
- Summer (June-August) is the high tourist season with warmer weather around 20-25°C. Major sights get very crowded. Book accommodations well in advance.
- Fall (September-November) brings cooler temperatures great for strolling. Parks glow with autumn foliage and the start of the cultural season.
- Winter (December-February) is the low season but Christmas lights and festive charm make it worthwhile. Temperatures average 5°C so bundle up sightseeing
Best Times to Visit Top Sights
With strategic planning you can avoid crowds and have a smoother trip. Some tips:
- Visit the Eiffel Tower first thing in the morning or night to beat queues. Purchase summit tickets well in advance.
- Go to the Louvre on Wednesday or Friday evenings when it is open late. Avoid Mondays when crowds are biggest.
- See Notre Dame on weekdays and get there early. Attend a service for quick access.
- Stroll Champs-Élysées early morning or late night as afternoons are busiest.
- Day trip to Versailles on weekdays when it is less packed.
Top Attractions and Activities
With iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, Paris offers endless sights to explore. Top attractions include:
- Eiffel Tower – No trip is complete without seeing Paris’ iron lattice centerpiece, the Eiffel Tower. Go up to the top for panoramic views.
- Louvre Museum – One of the largest and most visited art museums globally, home to works like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory.
- Notre Dame Cathedral – The medieval Catholic cathedral renowned for its French Gothic architecture, stained glass, and gargoyles.
- Arc de Triomphe – The famous 19th century triumphal arch situated in Place Charles de Gaulle honoring those who fought in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
- Palace of Versailles – The lavish 17th-century palace with Hall of Mirrors, opulent rooms, and vast gardens in the city outskirts that was home to kings like Louis XIV.
- Sacré-Cœur – Iconic Roman-Byzantine style basilica perched atop the Montmartre hill.
- Musée d’Orsay – Impressive museum in a former railway station home to French art from 1848 to 1914 including works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh.
- Latin Quarter – Lively Left Bank neighborhood with the historic Sorbonne University, shops, cafes, and jazz clubs.
- Jardin du Luxembourg – One of the most popular parks in Paris known for its gardens, fountains and palace.
Cuisine and Food
As the gastronomic capital of the world, Paris is a foodie’s paradise. From cozy bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, patisseries, food markets, and wine bars, the culinary scene shines. Signature French dishes to try include:
- Croissants, crepes, macarons, madeleines, mille-feuille and other pastries
- French onion soup, beef bourguignon, coq au vin, cassoulet
- Cheese and charcuterie platters
- Seafood like escargots (snails) and bouillabaisse stew
- Classic desserts like crème brûlée, soufflés, profiteroles
- Fine French wines and champagne
Top areas for dining and gourmet food shopping are Rue Cler, Rue Montorgueil, Bastille, the Marais, and around Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Many restaurants get booked up so reserve tables in advance. Luxury Michelin-starred dining like Guy Savoy and Le Cinq provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
How to Get There
Paris is conveniently connected by direct flights from major UK airports:
- London Heathrow – British Airways, Air France, Virgin Atlantic
- London Gatwick – easyJet, Vueling Airlines, British Airways
- Manchester – Air France, easyJet
- Edinburgh – easyJet
- Birmingham – Air France
- Glasgow – Air France
Flights take about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes from London or regional UK airports. Eurostar high speed trains from London St Pancras reach Paris Gare du Nord station in just over 2 hours via the Channel Tunnel. Ferries like DFDS Seaways connect Dover to Calais/Dunkirk for driving or taking the train into Paris.
Local Tips and Information
- Metro – Paris’ extensive subway system with 14 lines and over 300 stations. Fast and frequent service.
- RER Trains – Connects central Paris with farther suburbs and airports. RER B links to Charles de Gaulle airport.
- Buses – Extensive network of buses covering all neighborhoods and sights.
- Taxis – Ubiquitous taxis but can get stuck in traffic during peak times.
- Bicycle – Bike sharing systems like Velib’ offer an active and eco-friendly way to get around.
- Walking – Central Paris is compact and walkable depending on where you stay.
Other Local Tips
- Get a Paris Museum Pass for discounted entry to top museums/monuments and bypassing lines
- Make restaurant reservations weeks in advance for celebrated spots
- Learn key French phrases – bonjour, s’il vous plaît, merci. Locals appreciate effort.
- Carry cash for tipping at restaurants, cafes and taxis
- Consider staying in charming neighborhoods instead of just the main tourist areas
