VISIT PARIS
How to Get to Paris?
By Plane
A few miles to the Northeast of Paris is France’s busiest international HUB, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Millions of passengers use the airport every year. When you arrive to CDG, you can take the RER B to Paris (30-35 minutes) for about 10 euros or one of the various buses for slightly less. A taxi to Paris can cost you anywhere from 20 – 50 euros. Not staying in Paris? That’s fine. The airport has direct TGV lines to other large cities. =
Flights from France and Europe usually arrive at Orly International Airport. You can find RER B or bus trips to and from this airport as well.
By Train
Train may be the preferred way to get to Paris if you reside in Western Europe.
The EuroStar can get you from London to Paris in just over 2 hours. The TGV (France’s bullet train) remains well connect to Paris – every major French city leads to the capital some way or another. Express trains also can get you from Germany, Belgium, Italy, or Switzerland in a reasonable amount of time.
By Car & Bus
OuiBUS & Megabus have competitive rates to get you to Paris. The journey time can be long though depending on your departure point.
If you own or rent a car, you can drive to Paris. Use this site to calculate the cost of tolls, because they do add up. For example, the drive from London to Paris would take anywhere from 5-7 hours and cost 50-70 euros.
Population
Restaurants
Museums
Great Experience
What to Wear in Paris?
- Wear black, lots of black
- Jeans with shoes, converse, or boots
- A scarf and/or hat in the winter
If you don’t mind looking like a tourist:
- Enormous cameras hanging from your neck
- Shorts
- Flip-flops
- Shirts with any depiction of the Eiffel Tower
- J’aime Paris T-shirts
How to Get Around Paris?
The best way to navigate Paris is by foot. Walk around the city for hours if you can.
Metro
Read our full 2,800 word guide on the Parisian Metro System.
Buy a carnet of tickets (pack of 10) and travel for a low rate. Also consider the RATP’s day passes. There are discounts for students and people of a certain age. The metro runs every couple of minutes depending on the station’s popularity. You should avoid it during rush hour.
Taxi & Uber
Taxis are everywhere! It’s hard not to find one. If you’re in a pinch then they’ll get you to your destination.
Things to Do in Paris?
Recommended Readings on Paris
Check out some of our content for Paris, France.
The Yellow Vest Movement Explained
Back in December of 2018, I was in Paris and got firsthand views of the Yellow Vest Movement, known in French as Le Mouvement des Gilet Jaunes. Thousands of protesters filled the streets accompanied by an equally larger police presence. Signs of discord and...
A Typical Day of a Working American Living in Paris
What is life like as an American living in Paris? I run through my typical day and share parts of the lifestyle that I love while living here in Paris.
Is Paris Expensive?
Dear John, Is living in Paris expensive? Mai Talât Hey Mai, The thing about your question is that the word "expensive" is relative. What's the context? When I lived in Bourg-en-Bresse I was able to rent a nice little apartment for about 250 euros/month. The same sized...
Useful Web Resources
The Official Website of Paris (http://www.paris.fr/)
Paris in 4 Months (http://parisinfourmonths.com/)