Paris Travel Essentials

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"The City of Lights"

Paris Tourism

Located in the north-central part of France on the river Seine, Paris is the country's cosmopolitan capital. "The City of Love," as people call it, is said to be one of the most beautiful and romantic cities brimming with culture, art, fashion, food, and history. Home to some of the most popular iconic monuments and museums, Paris consists of a large part along the Seine designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most significant art repositories in the world, Paris harbors artistic lineage under Renoir, Rodin, Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh. One of the greatest adobe of exceptional impressionist collections and the modern and contemporary art, the Louvre and several other small museums in the city showcase collections in every genre thinkable. Iconic wrought-iron spire of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées,the Arc de Triomphe, the regal Notre Dame cathedral, lamp-lit bridges spanning the Seine, and art nouveau cafes spilling onto wicker-chair-lined terraces add to the scenic vibe of the city.

The forefront of international brands, chic designer boutiques, vintage shops, flagship haute couture stores, and flea markets at every step of Paris - redefine style, elegance, and class. Tree-lined boulevards, prolific green parks, and the grand Seine, the city is often recognized and celebrated through its wine and cheese. Exquisite French cuisine, enticing patisseries and boulangeries (bakeries), luscious fromageries (cheese shops), and fragrant wine shops give Paris a phenomenal character.

From taking a stroll through backstreets to watching the Eiffel tower all lit up, Paris caters to people of every age. People dancing their hearts out and singing their top notes along the river Seine gives Paris a laidback feel during evenings. A mix of architecture, art, culture, and music makes Paris a dream destination for many. 

Must Know Before You Travel to Paris

  • Getting here: Paris has 3 airports and is well connected by train with rest of the Europe. 
  • Getting into the city: Air France airlines run air shuttles that connect Charles de Gaulle and Paris (EUR 17) and Orly to Paris (EUR 12). Apart from this there are several bus stations, metro and RER stations near the airports that connect them, directly to the city.
  • Getting around: While walking through quaint streets of Paris to explore the city is most encouraged method to move around, other commute options include bus, metro and RER subway which are pocket friendly. Another unique experience would be exploring the city through a hired bicycle or electric scooter; taxis are a more expensive way. You can learn more about public transportation in Paris in detail here.
  • Most museums and exhibits are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
  • Entry to most of the national museums is free on first sunday of every month. 
  • Sightseeing passes:  Investing in a sightseeing pass like Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass allows a prepaid entry along with queue jumping of more than 60 attractions. The passes are prices according to the durations of the trip and include free access to free metro & public transport travel. The pricing starts from Euro 90 for a two day card.
  • Safety: Being a vigilant about the people and surroundings can save you form pickpockets, petty thefts and scams that are common in Paris.
  • European adapters: Powerplugs in Paris are different from rest of the world and it would be wise to carry a universal adapter.
  • Booking a table in advance: In your attempt to try food on one the michelin starred restaurant in Paris, do not forget to book a table in one or two days advance.
  • Laid back life: Dinner in Paris doesn’t start until 7:30 in the evening. Businesses and local establishments along with local shops and restaurants remain closed for afternoon break. They may also remain closed on Sundays and even take a summer break in August.
  • Sale season: Sale season in Paris or Les Soldes, as it is called in french operates in June and January. These months can be considered as the best time for shopaholic in you to visit Paris.

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Shopping in Paris

Paris is the mecca for even any ordinary shopaholic! From flea markets to second hand and vintage clothes shops, from designer boutiques to international labels, you ought to loosen your purse strings here. (Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive, since Paris is for the indefatigable shopper!)

Golden Triangle - From Porte Maillot to George-V, avenue Montaigne and the rond-point des Champs-Élysées, Paris offers the best in haute couture and ready-to-wear luxury fashion. You will find all your Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Ralph Lauren and a dozen more exquisite international labels. Rue Saint Honore - Stretching from Palais Royal and ending at the Elysse Palace, this is the pit stop for designer shopping and elite French brand names.

The ultra hip Collette is located here with its various close competitors in line. Le Marais - Le Marais is for the youngsters - street fashion and casual wear. Dotted with boutiques of young designers and concept stores, this neighbourhood is chic, hip and creative. Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Haven for street shoppers, this pretty street is lined with Parisian buildings and a lot of greenery. There are many interesting stores for home decor, clothing and gourmet food.

A great place to shop for souvenirs to take back home. Covered Passages - These architectural gems were precursors to shopping malls, with glass ceilings, marble walls and mosaic floors. The elite Parisians frequented these places for the luxury stores, restaurants and cafes. Even today the charming vestiges of these preserved passages are home to boutiques, art galleries, fine dine restaurants and cafes. Although there are very many to see, some of the best include Galerie Vivienne, Passage du Grand Cerf, Passages Joffroy & Verdeau, and the Cour du Bel Air. Rues Des Martyrs - Paris's market streets are usually overlooked, but this bustling street full of fromageries, boulangeries and boucheries demands a visit. This central neighbourhood market has been in existence for over two hundred years.

The older purveyors selling from fruit to fish compete with the newer, more high-end pastry shops, chocolatiers, gourmet cafes, and upscale boutiques, creating a lively atmosphere. If you are in the city during sale season, held biannually, first time during January - February and again during June - August, you will have a glamorous wardrobe to flaunt back at home and all at a steal!

Nightlife in Paris

The City of Lights earned its name not without reason. Paris is awake all through the night. Paris' turbulent variety of subcultures and moods is perhaps best witnessed on a night out. Experience a younger, edgier nocturnal scene, or a classic night at a cabaret or jazz show, you are sure to have a memorable evening out. You can have more information on what to do in Paris at night, here.

Marais, Oberkampf, and Gambetta are some of the dynamic nightlife destinations crowded with pubs and nightclubs, while Vendome spells opulence in terms of chic establishments like the Ritz bar frequented by Ernest Hemingway! Ready to party?

History of Paris

From Lutetia to Napoleon's Empire, from the declaration of the Republic to the Paris Commune: Paris was right at the heart of events that marked French history and shaped it presently. Paris was inhabited by the Parisiis, a Celtic Gaul tribe in the 3rd century BC. Realising the strategic importance of the city owing to the river Seine affording numerous trade opportunities, Julius Caesar conquered the territory in the war of Lutetia in 52 BC. Thus was established the Roman city of Lutetia. This era saw the grandiose of Roman architecture as baths, palaces and theatres were built. Christianity was introduced in the second century AD. Roman rule continued till the 5th century, when the Franks invaded led by Clovis I. Paris was made the capital city, named after the Parisii tribe that inhabited centuries ago.

Currency in Paris

Visa and Master Card is widely accepted in hotels, restuarants and shops, though only few places accept American Express. Carry smaller denominations in Euros especially for public transport.

Daily Budget for Paris

Paris is essentially a luxury destination, however you can tailor your daily expenses factoring in your budget, by making compromises here and there. A minimum of approximately EUR 60 - EUR 80 will have to be spent inclusive of public transport, entry to museums, two course meals at small cafes and a coffee/glass of wine or two. If you choose to dine at the expensive bistros, shop at the boutiques, visit the night clubs be prepared to shell out a good EUR 250 per day.

Exchanging Money in Paris

Though some banks in Paris will exchange your currency for Euros, Exchange Bureaux specialise in these transactions. A commission is usually levied for exchange depending from place to place and the form of payment. The Bureax, like CCF, display the exchange rate outside based on everyday fluctuation. If the difference between buying and selling rates is approximately 5% then the rates are correct. Numerous exchange bureax are situated in busy tourist areas. Alternatively you can withdraw Euros from 24 hour cashpoints using your international credit or debit cards.

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FAQs on Paris

What are the places near Paris?

The top places near to Paris are Cannes which is 690 km from Paris, Bordeaux which is located 499 km from Paris, Corsica which is located 918 km from Paris, London which is located 343 km from Paris, Rotterdam which is located 372 km from Paris

What are the things to do in Paris?

The top things to do in Paris are Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre. You can see all the places to visit in Paris here

What are the top hotels in Paris?

There are 6178 in Paris which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Paris are Prestigious Appartement Trocadero, La Chambre Parisienne - B&B, Eiffel Tower Apartment, Tour Eifel - Quai André Citroën ID 273, Two-Bedroom Apartment Champs-Elysées, Apartment Quai Blanqui. You can see all the hotels in Paris here

How much does a package cost for Paris?

The packages for Paris start at INR 39193 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the local food in Paris?

The word 'cuisine' is of French origin, which is in itself saying a lot! So intricate in nature and delicate to the palate, French cuisine is more of an art form. The French have an eye for detail, which can be envisaged in the presentation techniques of various dishes.

Cheese, butter, black truffles (a type of fungi), wine, meats like veal and beef, etc. are the most commonly used ingredients to conjure a hearty Parisian fare. Breakfast is never a massive affair in Paris since the French prefer eating light. You must have the croissant, claiming its origin in France. Just in case the actual croissant doesn't appease you try the other forms of the light, flaky pastries like the Pain au Raisin (sweet custard-like filling and raisin), Pain au Chocolat (filling of pieces of chocolate) or a Chausson aux Pommes (baked with a filling akin to apple sauce). For a more savoury taste, try the French bread - baguette smothered with oodles of French Butter. The bistros and brassieres (French for breweries) serve some exquisite delicacies, which are a delight for meat and seafood lovers.

Some of the popular favourites you must try are Steak Frites (traditional steak with Frites), Huitres (oysters), Mouclade (mussels baked in cream and white wine sauce), Confit de Canard (duck confit), Beef Bourguignon (slow cooked beef stew with Burgundy wine), Chateaubriand or Filet Mignon (tender cut of prime steak pan seared in bernaise sauce), Coq Au Vin (chicken in wine sauce) or the well known Onion Soup (beef based broth, baked with onion & cheese) with Croque/Mounsier Madame (French version of the cheese grilled sandwich with ham filling). The more adventurous can try the Escargot (snails cooked in butter) or the Steak Tartare (finely chopped raw beef, marinated and seasoned) or even Cuisses De Grenouille (frog legs coated with bread and eggs!) Foie Gras or fattened duck liver, with a velvety texture and typically served with truffles, toasted bread and white wine, is a pleasure to the palate and demands a try when in Paris.

You owe it to yourself to indulge in some sinful decadence for dessert, so make sure you have room for enough. Choose from dessert soups, crème brûlée, soufflé, gauteux, madeleines, brilliantly coloured macaroons (visit Laduree, the shop that started selling these beauties) or simple ice cream (Berthillon sorbets are a must try! ) or chocolates; you will only be left craving for more!

Sample the crepes from the creperie stands while on the move. In an assortment of both sweet and savoury these ultra thin pancake like delights can make a quick snack as you amble around from one museum to another.

A visit to a Paris fromagerie will astound you at the sheer variety of cheese manufactured. Learn about cheese making techniques, the origin of ingredients while you sample some exotic varieties. Many bistros also serve other international cuisines, ranging from American to Asian. If you try the falafel on the streets, you will realise that this popular Middle Eastern dish has infiltrated the Parisian consciousness so much so that it is regarded as a local delicacy.

They say wine flows like water in Paris. Frenchie Bar a Vins or Juveniles or in just any other bistro, choose between the red, white or rose to compliment your food.
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What is the best time to visit Paris?

Summer, extending from June to August, is the most vibrant season for tourism. The weather is almost perfect at this time with long days of sunshine. This season tends to be the most expensive though owing to the immense footfall of travellers. So if you want to reduce costs you can visit in the Spring months between March - May, when the city seems to be reawakening. Alternatively Autumn is also a conducive time to visit, although the days are shorter, Paris is in blooming colours, with hotels offering significant discounts and offers.
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Popular Questions And Answers on Paris

Q. Hi Rohan here, I want to know about the Paris France trip.

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4 years ago
Kuch nhi passport, visa, paisa tayar rakh. Advance flight booking karle aur chala ja. Booking.com use kar, man chahe hotels milega.
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Paris Reviews

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Rutvi Saxena

on Eiffel Tower 5 years ago
This one is you have already seen-it's in every movie, every tv show, every book, the epitome of romance and French elegance. The Eiffel tower is a well, towering structure made of wrought iron situa (Read More)ted in Paris, France. The intricate lattice work and draws millions of tourists every year. There are four gateways at the four cardinal directions at the base of the tower, from where you purchase your ticket and go up-via an elevator or stairs. Very few people choose the over 1,000 steps-climb, and it would be a good idea to be particularly careful of your valuables; the crowd proves to be fruitful for pickpockets. There are three floors, with the first two having restaurants, patisseries and souvenir shops. The third floor provides a stunning overview of Paris, and is the highest point to observe from in all of European Union- Fashion Street, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées-all appear to be glittering points from the top. The Eiffel Tower lights up at night in beautiful colours, and you'll find several keychain sellers shouting Shahrukh Khan when they see an Indian; the smallest keychains cost 1 euro for 7 pieces-about Rs10 per piece! Make sure to take something warm to protect you against the howling wind on the upper storeys, and a good camera for those panoramas.

Bhambhani Sukesh

4 years ago
Paris is amazing place to go but it's very expensive, you can just travel in India also. "Link Hidden"

Kovid Kapoor

5 years ago
Paris was amazing - definitely as good as we expected it to be.
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