Travel · City guide

Paris

Museums, cafés and neighbourhoods made for walking, a short flight or train ride from the UK.

Reviewed October 2026. Times and rules change, so check before you travel.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the sweet spot. August is quieter in the city as many Parisians go on holiday.

Getting in from the airport

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG), RER B runs to Gare du Nord and Châtelet. From Orly (ORY), Metro line 14 now runs straight into the centre. Eurostar from London St Pancras arrives at Gare du Nord.

Where to stay

Le Marais

Galleries, boutiques and falafel on Rue des Rosiers.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Classic cafés, bookshops and the Luxembourg Gardens.

Montmartre

Hilltop streets, artists and the Sacré-Cœur.

Canal Saint-Martin

Relaxed bars and canal-side picnics.

What to book ahead

Book timed entry for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in advance.
See the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny morning.
Notre-Dame has reopened and entry to the cathedral is free.
Walk the Seine between the Musée d'Orsay and Île de la Cité at dusk.

Tickets & tours in Paris ↗

Local tips

Many museums close one day a week: the Louvre on Tuesdays, the Musée d'Orsay on Mondays.
Contactless cards work across the Metro and RER.
Say 'bonjour' when you walk into a shop; it goes a long way.

Staying connected

Get a France eSIM before you fly and you'll have data the moment you land. How eSIMs work.

eSIM for Paris ↗

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