Paris

paris is always a good idea...

Paris is one of the most influential cities in the world, and is the second most visited city in Europe after London.
From its stunning monuments and history-rich streets to its exceptional cuisine and museum culture, Paris is a destination unlike any other.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Language: While some people may speak English or other European languages, French is by far the most spoken language in the city.

Currency: Euros

Tipping: Is included and will be indicated on the menu or the bill with the phrase “service compris.”

Entry Requirements: Currently UK citizens travelling to France for less than 90 days do not need a visa. You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. 

Airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly Airport (ORY) or Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA).

Phone: To call France use code +33. Whilst in France, general emergency is 112 (as the rest of Europe) but you can also call 15 for Ambulance and 17 for Police.

Time Difference: Paris is 1 hour ahead of the UK.

Power Sockets: Type C, Type E or Type F.

Best time to visit

Summer

Paris is breath-taking all year round However, some may prefer visiting during the Summer months. During this period, it is less likely to rain and the days are longer.

Summers in Paris are very similar to those in London. From June to September, the average temperatures are minimum 55°F (13°C) and maximum 77°F (25°C). Sometimes it can get up to 86°F (30°C), but rarely. However, the heat in this city is humid and it can be oppressive to wander the streets of Paris during the hottest days.

Winter

The winters in the capital of France are cold, but not usually freezing. Average temperatures are minimum 33°F (1°C) and maximum 44°F (7°C). In winter, the rainfall is heavier and it can sometimes snow.

how to get there

  • Fly - 10 airlines offer direct flights to Paris from most major UK airports as well as some regional ones. There are direct flights from all London airports as well as flights from Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Bristol, Belfast, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff, Doncaster, Southampton, Exeter, Leeds & East Midlands. Average flight time is between 1hr 15 mins and 1hr 45 mins.

  • Eurostar - Travel direct from London St Pancras to Paris from 2hrs 16mins. You can also travel direct into Disneyland Paris direct in just 2 hours 49 minutes.

  • Drive - Eurotunnel/Ferry

  • Coach

Top Tip: The best time to book your flight to Paris from the UK is 17 weeks before, with an average saving of 25%.

getting around

  • Transportation in Paris is extremely affordable. Download the app "City Mapper" before you go for the best Paris public transport maps and helpful info! Hop on and off the metro or buses to get from place to place. There are also plenty of taxis or Uber available.

  • The Paris Transport Card will give you unlimited travel on the bus, metro, tramway, and RER networks and its suburbs. You can choose from 1, 2, 3, or 5 day passes. Make sure you check the zones of your pass. Zones 1-3 are for the city center and nearby suburbs, whereas Zones 1-5 will include further away destinations like the Palace of Versailles and the airports.

  • Batobus - Explore Paris by boat on the Seine River. Hop on and off at the 9 different stops.

paris neighbourhoods

Paris is separated into twenty arrondissements (or districts) and each offers a unique flavour of the city. The most popular Paris neighbourhoods worth visiting are:

  • Le Marais: Located in the third and fourth arrondissement, this area of Paris has long been where aristocrats have lived. It now has a vibrant Jewish community along with some of the city’s best hotels and art galleries.

  • 1st Arrondissement: Home to many of the city’s main sights including the Royal Palace and the Louvre, this is usually the starting point for those visiting Paris for the first time.

  • 8th Arrondissement: A popular area of the city that is home to several impressive palaces, along with the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees.

  • 11th Arrondissement: This area is a popular part of the city for those looking to enjoy the nightlife. There’s a good range of restaurants to enjoy, plus it’s home to the Edith Piaf Museum.

  • La Defense: On the edge of the city, this part of Paris has some wonderful modern art displayed and architecture. This is also one of the city’s main business areas.

top tips & information

Where to Stay

  • The Ritz

  • Four Seasons George V

  • Hotel Fabric

  • Park Hyatt

  • Intercontinental Paris Le Grand

  • Shangri La

  • The Hoxton

  • Hotel Du Louvre

  • Hotel La Comtesse

Bars & Restaurants

  • Girafe Paris 

  • Gigi Paris

  • Loulou 

  • Le Musset 

  • Laduree 

  • Café de Flore (Café Louise is across the road if it's busy!)

  • Pink Mamma 

  • Hidden/Speak Easy Bars - Lavomatic, L’epicier, No Entry, & Little Red Door

  • Le Comptoir Général 

Top Attractions

  • Eiffel Tower

  • Arc de Triomphe

  • The Louvre

  • Notre-Dame

  • Palace of Versailles

  • Galeries Lafayette

  • Musée d’Orsay

  • Jardin des Tuileries

  • Palais Garnier

  • Sacré-Coeur

  • Seine River

  • Le Moulin Rouge

paris in 3 days - itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary of what to do for a 3 day trip to Paris with the girls! This was a very similar itinerary to what we did during our trip there. 

Day 1 - City Sights & Crazy Horse

You've arrived in Paris! After checking into your hotel, head straight to the Louvre. After champagne and pastries at Café Marly, make your way to Galeries Lafayette for Shopping & Rooftop Views of the city. En route, take a pit stop at Le Musset for more champagne!

Head over to the Champs Elysees for more shopping and continue onto the Arc de Triomphe. Finish up at the Trocadéro Square for the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

Grab an early dinner before heading back to the hotel for glam. Tonight you're off to the Crazy Horse Show!

Day 2 - Pretty Cafés & Eiffel Tower

Start your day with breakfast in one of the many pretty cafés in St Germain. Café de Flore is a popular choice, but if it's busy, try Café Louise across the road!

After breakfast, wander nearby streets then head to the Luxembourg Gardens. 

From there, walk to the Notre Dame. Some parts are still yet to reopen following the fire, and will be fully operational in 2024.

Enjoy a nice lunch at Café Paris opposite before jumping on the Batobus to the Eiffel Tower as today you're going up to the top! 

Make sure to see the illuminations once nightfall hits to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle!

Time to head back to your hotel again for more glam. Tonight you're going for dinner and drinks - See my recommendations above!

Day 3 - Disneyland Paris

Time to check out of your hotel and head to Disneyland!

Arrive at the Disneyland Park for when the park doors open where you'll spend the morning.

In the afternoon, move next door to the Walt Disney Studios Park for more fun!

Once your day is complete, jump on the fast train to Charles de Gaulle Airport to fly back to the UK.

disneyland paris

Disney has 2 Parks: Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios Park with over 50 attractions. There are also shops, bars, restaurants and cinema at the Disney Village.

  • Disneyland Park - With Sleeping Beauty Castle at the heart of this fairy-tale setting, the attractions, parades and restaurants will immerse you in the Disney magic you know and love.

  • Walt Disney Studios Park - From the fun-filled colourful worlds of Disney and Pixar to the exciting action-packed Marvel Avengers Campus, fans of all ages will enjoy the unique zones of Walt Disney Studios Park.

My Tips for Disneyland Paris:

  • I'd recommend a minimum of 2 days to visit both parks.

  • Download the Disneyland Paris App before you arrive, it will show you ride wait times, maps, times for shows and parades as well as make restaurant reservations and book character dining.

  • If you're visiting the parks on the day you're travelling home, you can store your luggage for a small charge. Guest Storage windows are available outside the entrance to both parks. We paid 8€ each for our carry-on suitcases.

  • Take advantage of the extra magic time by staying at one of the Disneyland Paris Hotels.

  • Book character dining for 8.15am to be one of the first visitors in the Disneyland Park.

  • Disney Premier Access for fast-track - There are 2 types of Disney Premier Access — Disney Premier Access One and Disney Premier Access Ultimate.

  • Skip the lines by opting for Single Rider Queues.

  • To keep costs down, take a reusable water bottle and snacks with you. There are lots of places to refill your water bottle throughout the parks.

  • Take a portable charger with you, to keep your phone battery topped up!

  • To maximise time in the parks on travel home day, you can take the fast train directly to CDG airport which takes 10 minutes.

Disneyland Hotels


Disneyland Hotel

The newly reimagined Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris reopened in 2024.

  • 5* Hotel with luxury facilities, experiences and services

  • Fairytale residence inspired by Disney royal stories

  • Deluxe & Castle Club: luxury experiences and services available

  • Royal dining with Disney Characters

  • Iconic location right at the entrance of Disneyland Park

  • Royal Kids Club

  • Crystal Pool & Health Club, Disneyland Hotel Spa by Clarins

  • 487 Rooms and Suites


Other Disney Hotel Options:

  • New York, The Art of Marvel

  • Newport Bay Club

  • Cheyenne

  • Santa Fe

  • Sequoia Lodge

  • Davy Crockett Ranch


When you stay at a Disney Hotel, you’ll enjoy fully immersive experiences and benefits.

Even more Disney magic:

  • Immersive decor and theming

  • Disney Character Encounters

Legendary Disney service:

  • Dedicated Cast Members

  • Family-friendly services and amenities

More time in the Disney Parks:

  • Extra Magic Time: access to one or more Disney Parks before official opening time

  • Close to the Disney Parks

Ready to book your trip to paris? Let me help you!

 book with me