Paris: city of lights or city of love? This picturesque capital is a worthy winner of both titles, drawing hopeless romantics far and wide who can watch the iconic Eiffel Tower come to life each night. But there’s so much more to uncover at this destination beyond its postcard-perfect nature, boasting an array of cultural museums, designer boutiques and delectable cuisine.
With something new to discover around every corner, it’s no wonder Paris has also served as a filming location for countless movies and TV shows across the years. Now it’s time for you to take on the starring role!
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There’s no doubt about it: Paris is a bucket list destination like no other, boasting all the glamour of a bustling capital, but the idyllic qualities of a local village. Surprisingly small (only just over 2 million residents call it home), it’s the sort of place you can quickly get to grips with, finding favourite boulangeries and crepe cafes nestled among towering landmarks.
It’s this combination of high culture and local charm that makes for a truly unique city break you’ll never forget. Audrey Hepburn said it best – “Paris is always a good idea.”
With our luxury Paris apartments, you’ll be at the heart of it all. But if you’re hoping to explore more of France, we’ve got family-friendly villas across the country, covering the Loire Valley, South of France and more.
For a first-timer in Paris, there are simply some things (as tourist-typical as they may be) that you just have to do. Grab a morning pain au chocolat and coffee in Montmarte and make your way up to the Sacre Coeur, enjoying your breakfast with breathtaking views. Then, head back down past the infamous Moulin Rouge and along to the Palais Garnier, which is home to the Phantom of the Opera.
Ready to splurge? The Galeries Lafayette has you covered, hosting all kinds of high-end boutiques, but there’s a surprise at the very top: a rooftop that’s free to access – so you’ll probably want to come back at sunset. The Arc de Triomphe and its surrounding streets offer a similarly luxurious designer offering.
Walk your way south to Angelina, a beloved cafe that does the best hot and iced chocolates you’ve ever tried. Take a post-lunch stroll around Jardin des Tuilieres before hitting up the Louvre Museum for your art fix. Still got some energy in you? You can either head across the river to the Île de la Cité (an island which is home to the Notre-Dame) or go west towards the Eiffel Tower.
Once you’ve got all that ticked off in a day (trust us, it’s doable if you’re pushed for time!), you’re then free to simply wander the streets of Paris at your leisure, discovering your very own hidden gems along the way.
When you think of Parisian food, you probably think of hitting up a bakery in the morning for a flaky croissant, grabbing a baguette or crepe to go come lunchtime, enjoying an afternoon patisserie (or two), and ending your day dining al fresco – with ample wine, of course. We’re pleased to report that, for once, expectations truly meet reality: French food is every bit as fresh and inviting as you’ve always hoped.
However, with such an abundance of choice, it can be hard to pick your priorities. We’d suggest sampling a fresh macaron – the brighter the better, and be sure to pick a flavour less ordinary! You’ll also find eclairs done in the very best way here, generously filled with cream and yet impossibly light on the palate.
Vegetarians turn away, because we’re about to talk meat and fish: oysters, duck confit and rare steak are all prepared to perfection in Paris, but for a meaty meal on the move, try a croque monsieur – aka, the best ham and cheese toastie of your life!
Those who enjoy a meat-free diet will have to dig a little deeper on their food quest (unless you fancy spending your whole trip eating steak frites and bread!) but the results are worth it. Vegan boulangeries like Land&Monkeys will have you covered for traditional French fare, while La Bauhina at Shangri-La Hotel Paris offers a totally plant-based afternoon tea.
There are many green spaces for tots to run around in, including the world-famous Jardin du Luxembourg.
Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other, meaning you you can avoid unnecessary public transport hassle.
Just like Emily in Paris, they’ll snap up the chance to fill their Instagram feed with this city’s beautiful buildings, dainty delicacies and rooftop views.
Paris is the most romantic city in the world! Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower, take a riverboat cruise, enjoy a fabulous candlelit dinner and stroll the pretty streets with your loved one. Its magical!
There are picture opportunities galore in Paris! Get the gang together for a snap in front of a magnificent monument so you can look back on great times spent together.
Plan ahead: The Louvre may be free to enter, but you’ll have to reserve your ticket in advance. Other monuments like the Eiffel Tower have an entry fee in addition to timed arrivals.
Mealtimes: Many restaurants in Paris close during the afternoon, typically between 3-7pm. Keep this in mind if you tend to have lunch late or dinner early.
Avoid rush hour: You’re on holiday, so the last thing you want is to battle commuters! Avoid trains and buses from 8-9:30, opting for a relaxed breakfast instead.
Like to keep your eco-conscious credentials intact when travelling? Paris has hundreds of free drinking water fountains throughout the city, letting you fill up your reusable bottle for free. Some even do sparkling water!
While Paris is far from the hustle and bustle you’d expect to find in a capital city, it is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. So, if you’re someone who seeks adventure and straying onto the road less travelled, you’re in luck: there are ample towns and villages near Paris to discover.
Want to extend your trip further? We’ve got holiday homes to rent in nearby Normandy and Champagne, as well as across the South of France.
Into your fairytales? Riquewihr served as Disney’s inspiration when creating Beauty and the Beast. Brimming with charm and colourful homes to boot, it exudes that storybook feel every daydreamer craves.
The main attraction here is obviously the Palace of Versailles. It once served as the residence of King Louis XIV, and you can’t help but be bowled away by its beautiful interiors and similarly stunning gardens. The nearby Versailles Market is also perfect for fuelling up before a night at the Royal Opera of Versailles – book in advance!
Paris’ nearest neighbour city, Chantilly was once best known for its eponymous cream. Today, it’s become widely renowned among the horse-racing community for its racecourse, Hippodrome de Chantilly. For the dreamers, Chateau Chantilly is a must-visit, made up of a smaller and larger castle with several museums housed inside.
Located at the Belgium border, Lille is perfect for getting a taste of Flemish culture while staying in France. You’ll witness that collision through the architecture, seen especially well in the Old Town with its 18th century buildings. Your visit won’t be complete without a trip to the Grand Square, seeing the Colonne de la Déesse up close.
This idyllic village is famous for being the place where Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked. Today, you can visit Monet’s House and Garden to see many of his paintings for yourself. Then, venture to the main street to wander the various charming shops and locally owned cafes – you can’t help but feel instantly at ease.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive in Vernon. This medieval village attracts visitors far and wide for its iconic Old Mill, which appears suspended above the River Seine. Spend your time wandering the half-timber homes, embarking on a river cruise and stopping by the Gothic Collegiale Notre-Dame.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is another preserved medieval wonder. Snap photos of the iconic 12th century Tour César, with panoramic views from the top. Then head down into the Les Souterrains de Provins tunnels – not for the fainthearted! If you plan your visit around Christmas time, there’s also a popular Christmas market.
Some Metro lines split off into different directions, so check the side of the train before boarding – and consult a free Metro map from the ticket office if you’re unsure.
Paper tickets are being phased out on buses now, so you’ll need a contactless card to pay.
Parisians drive on the right! Don’t get caught out when crossing the street.
Whether you’re travelling to Paris from the UK or somewhere else in the world, you have many options available. London is a mere 214 miles from Paris, meaning you can take advantage of the Eurostar train service and arrive right in the city centre in 2.5 hours – from there it’s onto your luxury Paris apartment! You can also drive into the city via the Channel Tunnel, either by car or catching a coach.
Several airlines fly direct to Paris from across the UK as well as further afield, including easyJet, British Airways and Air France. While the flight time may be less than the train, you have to factor in getting to the airport early enough to go through security.
The Paris Metro is by far the most popular method for getting around the city, composed of 16 different interconnected lines. You can buy a single ticket for under 2 euros, which covers you for one journey. Day passes are available, as well as packs of 10 singles for under 15 euros.
Riders can alternatively pay using a Navigo Discovery card, which operates similarly to a London Oyster card, topping it up as you go. These are available as weekly, monthly or yearly cards, with a 5 euro issue charge.
The RER service is also part of the train system, connecting you with the airport and Disneyland Paris. Fares vary depending on destination.
Sometimes, travelling by bus in Paris can actually be faster than heading below ground. Routes generally run from around 7am-8:30pm, with some services extending later, but many won’t operate on Sundays at all.
Over 20,000 cabs hurtle around Paris’ streets every day, offering you a convenient and efficient way for getting from A to B. Licensed taxis will have a sign on their roof, plus a fare meter inside. They’ll always cost the same, whether you call ahead of time or hail one down, with a fare minimum of 2.60 euros.
Want to save money and see the city up close? Paris is made for walking around, making this an excellent option for those who aren’t in a rush. You’ll have to chance to soak up unexpected sights as you meander around cobbled streets, though come prepared – spring showers and winter frosts are expected, so pack layers and suitable shoes.
You’ll find that Paris is a pretty bike-friendly city, with cycle lanes an increasingly common sight in a bid to get more cars off the road. Bikes are available to hire at many shops, but the Velib bike-share scheme is the most popular option. There are 1400 stations across the city, and you need simply buy a daily or weekly pass at the docking point before getting on your way.
Return your bike before 30 minutes has passed and you won’t incur any additional charges! The only exception is if you opt for one of the fleet’s electric bikes.
Paris is famous for its iconic Eiffel Tower, art and culture, French cuisine, the Seine River, stunning architecture, history, and romantic atmosphere, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. It is also known for its fashion industry and haute couture.
Paris has so much to offer that you could easily spend a week or more exploring the city’s museums, landmarks, neighbourhoods, and cuisine. However, if you have limited time, you could see the major attractions in two to three days, such as visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Élysées, and taking a Seine river cruise. If you have more time, you could explore more neighbourhoods, visit more museums, and take day trips outside of Paris.
The best time to visit Paris is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is also popular, but more crowded and expensive, while winter (December to February) can be cold and rainy, but has a magical holiday season.
Paris can be an expensive city to visit, but it depends on your travel style and budget. Accommodation, food, and attractions can be costly, especially during the peak tourist season. However, there are ways to save money by staying in budget accommodations, eating at local cafes and markets, and using public transportation. It’s also possible to find many free or low-cost attractions in Paris, such as museums with free entry on certain days or walking tours.
Paris has many beautiful areas, such as the bohemian Montmartre, the historic Marais, chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and iconic Champs-Élysées. Other beautiful areas include the Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, and trendy Canal Saint-Martin.
