Cheap holidays to Paris

Located on the banks of the River Seine in northern France, the perennially beautiful city of Paris boasts an ethereal quality that captivates millions of visitors every year. Package holidays in Paris are the perfect way to explore the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and characterful streets of Montmartre. A weekend in Paris is best spent exploring the most central of its 19 districts, or arrondissements – start at the 1st arrondissement and work clockwise. Central Paris is surprisingly small, and many of the main attractions can be reached on foot, making it an incredibly visitor-friendly destination.

While most nationalities can enter France visa-free, it's recommended to check with your local embassy or consulate before travelling. France has used the euro since 2002, and you can easily withdraw money in the local currency from cash machines across Paris. France is one hour ahead of the UK, meaning flying to Paris from Britain for a weekend in Paris is easy and you won't have to worry about jet lag. There are two airports in Paris, with almost all flights arriving at Charles De Gaulle and others arriving at lesser-known Orly Airport, located south of the city. Paris's metro system is efficient, affordable, and runs late into the evening on weekends, so you don't have to worry about getting home after dinner and a few drinks.

Paris is simply stunning year round. In summer, locals and visitors alike dine al fresco at its many fabulous restaurants, while winter is ideal for hibernating in its wine bars and soaking up the festive atmosphere. If you're planning lots of walking, then autumn and spring are excellent times to visit, offering moderate temperatures more amenable to extensive sightseeing. Whereas Paris is particularly popular during the summer, city breaks in Paris at other times let you avoid the crowds. Flights from Manchester to Paris are available year round.

Being a world city, Paris offers plenty to do for couples, families, and groups of friends. After booking your flight and hotel in Paris, arrange for one of the many walking tours, which are excellent for gaining orientation along with a comprehensive overview of the city's history. The Paris Museum Pass, available for several durations, is of excellent value if you're looking to visit more than a couple of museums. Montmartre is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon – stroll around the historic streets, have a coffee, or pop into Café des 2 Moulins, made famous by Amélie, for one of its excellent cheese boards. From the Louvre, you can walk through central Paris, down majestic Rue de Rivoli and Avenue des Champs-Élysées, finally arriving at the Arc de Triomphe. You'll pass many of Paris's most impressive landmarks, including the Place de la Concorde, France's largest public square. Stop for a glass of wine along the way and enjoy the spectacular views of the bustling heart of Paris.

Needless to say, no visit to this mesmerising city would be complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, or Pompidou Centre. Churches and cathedrals are plentiful in Paris, and a visit to Notre Dame is simply a must. Its Gothic architecture is breathtaking, and fans of the eponymous Victor Hugo novel will relish the opportunity to visit. Whereas Sacré-Coeur, perched atop the highest point in Paris, is a remarkable sight on its own, its vistas of the city are something quite special. Additionally, make sure to see the striking Pantheon, the final resting place of many of France's most influential figures, including Hugo, Marie Curie, and Voltaire.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Paris.

What to Eat in Paris

The French are known for their high-quality cuisine – look forward to enjoying fabulous food during package holidays in Paris. Classic dishes such as Steak Diane, escargots, coq au vin, and onion soup are ubiquitous and served many establishments, ranging from local bistros to Michelin star restaurants – whichever you prefer, keep in mind that it may be best to wander off the beaten path. Breakfast is one of France's specialities, and heading to a bakery in the morning and delving into freshly baked pains au chocolat and croissants with a coffee is an affordable but sublime way to start the day. If weather permits, head to a local supermarket and pick up a fresh baguette and local cheese and head to the banks of the Seine for a lunchtime picnic in the shadow of the iconic Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral. With a flight from London to Paris, you can indulge your inner foodie.

What to Bring Home from Paris

Paris is a shopper's paradise, and you'll find plenty of gifts to take home, either for yourself or friends and family. Choose from traditional magnets and mini attraction replicas, or local cheese and wine for a more practical and useable souvenir. Small jars of jam or foie gras are also easily transportable. For those interested in art or vintage, the many posters and trinkets on sale in the Montmartre district make an excellent gift or souvenir of your journey to this mesmerising city. A flight and hotel in Paris are the perfect way to make this timeless city your home for the weekend and experience the imposing beauty of the world's most romantic city for yourself.