Want to visit Paris but not sure where to start? Consider this your ultimate Paris getaway guide. We can whisk you away on the ideal flight and put you slap bang in the middle of Paris ready for a few days of exquisite architecture, fine dining, and high culture, but getting to Paris is just the start.
Opodo can find you the best flights to Paris, but you’ll need some direction once you arrive. This guide tells you how to get from Paris airport to the city centre, when the weather is best, and what the must-see attractions are.
More than 44 million people visit Paris every year. It’s among the top three most-visited cities in the world, so there are plenty of things to do. For starters, it’s a cultural epicentre and the home of historic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and masterpieces like the Mona Lisa.
Paris isn't all high-brow tourist attractions. Fuelled by some of the world’s finest cuisine, Paris is a cosmopolitan city with exciting nightlife and plenty of places to eat, drink, shop or just watch the world go by.
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in Paris to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it here.
You'll need a flight before you can sample the delights of Paris. Enter a few requirements into our search engine to find the perfect flight to Paris. Being close to the city’s hotspots is important, so you need to know which Paris airport is closer to the city centre.
The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is closest to the centre of Paris. Orly Airport (ORY) is a little further afield and is a smaller airport, with less frequent flights. Direct flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) take just over an hour and can cost less than £50 with airlines like easyJet and Vueling.
Let’s say you’ve landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport and taken a 45-minute taxi ride to the city centre. Your bags have been dropped at the hotel and you’re eager to hit the ground running. There are plenty of must-see attractions in Paris. We can’t list them all, but we can give you a three-day itinerary filled with top-rated tourist attractions:
The obvious must-see things to do in Paris are the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. A trip to the Louvre, even if it’s just to see the Mona Lisa, is a must. The River Seine is also a prominent landmark you can’t ignore, but we’re not here to tell you things you probably already know. There are many more things you can do in Paris.
Day 1 should certainly be all about the big stuff. Do the iconic landmarks but add in a few more we haven’t mentioned, if you have time. Sainte-Chapelle and Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre are some of the most majestic and ornate buildings in Europe. Our top tip for getting around all the top attractions in a day is a guided bus tour or, if you prefer, you can rent bikes or electric scooters.
You’ll eat and drink every day, of course, but we’d dedicate at least half a day (or more) to sample the best food Paris has to offer. The city is packed with Michelin-starred restaurants, backstreet bistros and fantastic French fancy spots. Throw in a few places to drink and you’ve got the perfect second day.
Some of the spots you might want to consider on your Paris getaway are:
The final day of your Paris city break should be all about its modern marvels. By this, we mean visiting some of its newer tourist attractions and taking advantage of modern innovations. For example, if you want high-end fashion with a contemporary feel, take a trip to the concept mall known as Merci.
For a food spot with a difference, Ground Control is 1,500 square metres of open space within an old train station. Filling that space (and your stomach) are dozens of food stalls, pop-up bars, craft shops and local entertainment.
Other modern must-see attractions in Paris are:
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Paris and travel the open road.
You can contact airlines directly if you need assistance with children travelling alone to Paris. This can be done after using our software to book your tickets. Each airline has its own policies. For example, easyJet doesn’t allow children under the age of 15 to fly unaccompanied.
You need to contact your airline directly to inform them that you intend to travel with an assistance dog. For example, if you use our search engine to find the best flight to Paris with easyJet, you’ll need to contact the customer service team at least 48 hours before departure.
Our smart software bases search results on several variables, including real-time price data and availability, the time of year and your personal requirements. You can specify your preferred airports, routes and extra conditions, such as the ability to change a booking without incurring any fees.
Our search engine can pair flights with hotels in your destination city. Simply select the “flight + hotel” option and you’ll be shown a list of cheap flights to Paris based on real-time data. Once you’ve found flights, you can select a hotel and book everything via our website.
Most airlines allow you to take hand luggage at no extra cost. This may be enough if you’re planning a short getaway to Paris. One of the main airlines that fly to Paris from London and doesn't charge extra for 45 x 36 x 20 cm is easyJet.
You’ll get a booking number when you use our service. This number can be used to open the “my booking” portal of your airline. You can check in using the airline portal, usually 48 hours before you fly.
Yes, in general, you’ll be required to pay a fee when you cancel flights. The amount you’ll be charged varies depending on how close your departure time is. Flights cancelled 14+ days out will have a nominal fee. Cancellations made closer to departure may have fees totalling the full cost of a flight.
All flights from the UK to Europe are covered by the Civil Aviation Authority’s ADR scheme. This means you can get compensation of up to £520 if your flight is cancelled within 14 days of departure or you arrive more than one hour late. However, the compensation you will be entitled to depends on your ticket conditions and the distance of your journey.
Your flight to Paris starts at home but ends in a foreign country. Because of this, it’s a good idea to know what’s going to be waiting for you when you land. There are three main airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais. Most people fly into Charles de Gaulle, so we’ll focus on its facilities and location:
You can get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city centre via bus, taxi or train:
Top carriers at Orly Airport include: Air France, Transavia-France and KLM.
Paris Orly Airport is located roughly 13km south of the city of Paris.
The airport is well-connected to the motorway - A106. Taxis and shuttles are available to and from the airport. It is also accessible by using the RER B train, Orlyval shuttle, RATP, Albatrans, Daniel Mayer, Athis, VEA, Noctilien and Air France buses.
Top carriers at CDG include: Air France, Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa.
CDG Airport is located approximately 34.4km from the city centre of Paris.
Charles de Gaulle Airport is accessible by RER B train. The airport is also served by the TGV, a fast train. Buses, taxis and shuttles are other means of getting to and from the airport.
The most popular months for Paris city breaks are June to October when the weather is milder. Paris weather can be somewhat changeable, but you stand the best chance of sunshine and temperatures averaging 20°C to 24°C if you visit between June and October.
Flights to Paris are most expensive in June, with one-way fares averaging £69+. July and August are cheaper, with prices for one-way flights starting at £24+. For Paris getaways in September and October, expect to pay around £30+ one-way. You can, of course, visit at other times of the year.
Paris is a perfect getaway all year round. Temperatures start to drop in November and don't start improving significantly until May. The lead-up to Christmas and the period after are popular times to visit Paris thanks to the festivities taking place across the city, including Christmas markets and light displays from the Eiffel Tower. This means you can go almost any time of the year and be guaranteed a great trip.
Get ready to witness history in the making as the city prepares to host the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As the world's attention turns to the City of Light, there's no better time to plan your visit and immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of this global sporting event.
From 26th July to 11th August 2024, Paris will debut as the official host of the Olympic Games. Athletes from around the world will compete to bring home the gold for their respective countries. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply eager to be part of the world's premier sporting event, the Paris Olympics promise an unforgettable experience for all.
Plan your Paris 2024 trip in advance: With thousands of visitors expected in Paris during the Olympics, it's crucial to plan your trip well in advance. Book your flights, accommodation, and event tickets early to avoid any last-minute hassles. Book your flights, hotels, and cars with eDreams for the best options and prices!
Competition dates and schedule: Stay informed about event schedules, transportation options, and any special regulations or restrictions that may be in place during the Games. Here are the actual dates for some highlighted competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics, based on the official International Olympic Committee calendar:
These dates are subject to possible changes and adjustments by the organisers of the 2024 Olympic Games. We recommend verifying the information from official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate dates.
Prepare your stay in Paris for the 2024 Olympics: Beyond the excitement of the games themselves, there's much more to explore and enjoy in Paris during this special time. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Take leisurely strolls along the River Seine, savouring delicious French cuisine in cosy cafes tucked away in charming neighbourhoods. Here are some ideas to help you plan your trip to Paris.