May 23, 2024 at 4:36 AM
The Festival of Lights is an annual event that illuminates the city of Paris for several days in December. It is an opportunity to discover the French capital from a new and magical perspective. From iconic monuments to picturesque streets, the city transforms into an open-air art exhibition thanks to luminous installations and spectacular projections.
A magical journey in the City of Light
Usually taking place on the first weekend of December, the Festival of Lights attracts visitors from around the world.
During this period, the Parisian night comes alive with light shows and sound animations that highlight the city's architecture and history.
Illuminations for all tastes
The Festival of Lights offers a variety of light installations, ranging from video projections and light shows on monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and City Hall, to illuminated sculptures and light displays in neighborhoods and gardens.
Beyond the illuminations
The Festival of Lights is not limited to just lights. Many neighborhoods and institutions also organize animations and special events during this period.Expect concerts, artistic performances, workshops, and film screenings, offering an immersive and festive experience.
Distances between downtown Paris and the Festival of Lights illuminations
| Attraction | Arrondissement | Distance from downtown | Average travel time by public transport | Taxi - Distance | Taxi - Travel time | Taxi - Estimated price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champs-Élysées | 8th | ~ 2 km | 10-15 minutes (Metro) | ~ 2-5 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Lively avenue famous for its illuminations and luxury shops. |
| Grand Palais Éphémère | 7th | ~ 3 km | 15-20 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 3-6 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Site of monumental light installations. |
| Jardin des Plantes | 5th | ~ 3 km | 20-25 minutes (Metro) | ~ 3-6 km | 15-20 minutes | €15-25 | Botanical garden featuring light displays and installations. |
| Panthéon | 5th | ~ 2 km | 15-20 minutes (Metro) | ~ 2-5 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Historic monument illuminated in a spectacular way. |
| Hôtel de Ville | 4th | ~ 1 km | 10-15 minutes (Metro) | ~ 1-3 km | 5-10 minutes | €5-15 | Paris City Hall illuminated and often featuring a sound and light show. |
| Louvre Museum | 1st | ~ 2 km | 10-15 minutes (Metro) | ~ 2-5 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Illuminated facade and sometimes the Napoleon courtyard lit up. |
| Arc de Triomphe | 8th and 16th | ~ 3 km | 15-20 minutes (Metro) | ~ 3-6 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Majestically illuminated monument. |
| Galeries Lafayette Haussmann | 9th | ~ 2 km | 10-15 minutes (Metro) | ~ 2-5 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Department store decorated and illuminated during the festival. |
| Sacré-Cœur | 18th | ~ 3 km | 20-25 minutes (Metro, Funicular) | ~ 3-6 km | 15-20 minutes | €15-25 | Basilica illuminated offering a breathtaking view of the city. |
| Canal Saint-Martin | 10th | ~ 3 km | 20-25 minutes (Metro) | ~ 3-6 km | 15-20 minutes | €15-25 | Canal decorated with illuminations and festive atmosphere. |
| Palais Garnier | 9th | ~ 2 km | 10-15 minutes (Metro) | ~ 2-5 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | National opera house illuminated and sometimes featuring animations. |
| Place Vendôme | 1st | ~ 1 km | 10-15 minutes (Metro) | ~ 1-3 km | 5-10 minutes | €5-15 | Luxurious place decorated and illuminated during the festival. |
| Jardin du Luxembourg | 6th | ~ 3 km | 20-25 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 3-6 km | 15-20 minutes | €15-25 | Beautifully lit gardens and fairy-tale atmosphere. |
| Bois de Boulogne | 16th | ~ 6 km | 30-40 minutes (Metro, Bus) | ~ 6-9 km | 20-30 minutes | €30-40 | Wooded park offering illuminations and light animations. |
| Château de Vincennes | 12th | ~ 7 km | 40-45 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 7-10 km | 25-35 minutes | €40-50 | Fortified castle illuminated and sometimes the scene of sound and light shows. |
Remarks:
- Distances are approximate and may vary depending on your exact starting point in Paris and the entrance to the attraction.
- The travel time by public transport is an average and may be affected by the frequency of transportation and connections.
- Taxi costs are estimates and may vary depending on the exact distance and the time of the ride.
Practical information for tourists
Plan your evening
The Festival of Lights is a very popular event, and it is advisable to plan your evening in advance.Consult the official program to see which neighborhoods and monuments are participating and discover the proposed animations.
Payments and tickets
Most of the Festival of Lights' luminous installations are free. However, some special events or animations may require a paid ticket. Check the website of the relevant organizer for more information.
Getting around the city
Paris has an excellent public transport network, including the metro, RER, and buses. These will operate with modified schedules during the Festival of Lights. Expect heavy crowds and plan for longer travel times. For more flexibility and comfort, consider booking a taxi.Airport Taxi offers reliable and affordable transfers from airports and train stations to all neighborhoods of Paris.
Coming to Paris by plane
Paris is served by two main airports: Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly (ORY).
From Charles de Gaulle Airport: Plan your arrival in Paris with peace of mind by booking a taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your destination. Check out our advantageous rates for your journey, including the prices for a taxi between Paris and Charles de Gaulle.
From Orly Airport: An Orly taxi can be an interesting option to reach your hotel in Paris. Find out about our packages for a transfer in complete serenity.
Coming to Paris by train
Many European cities are connected to Paris by high-speed trains (TGV).If you arrive by train, you can easily reach your hotel by metro or taxi.
Enjoy the city outside of the Festival of Lights
If you plan to stay in Paris longer, the city offers a multitude of attractions to discover during the day. Visit the Louvre, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, take a cruise on the Seine, or get lost in the charming streets of the Marais.
Cities near Paris
Paris is ideally located to explore other iconic French cities. Versailles, with its magnificent castle, is accessible by train in less than 30 minutes. Disneyland Paris is also a popular destination for families, located about 40 minutes away by car.
And if you are looking for convenient transportation options, don't forget to check the rates of taxis between Montparnasse and Charles de Gaulle to plan your trip with ease.
Book your taxi now
To fully enjoy the Festival of Lights and your stay in Paris, book your taxi in advance with Airport Taxi.We offer direct transfers from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports to your Parisian hotel, avoiding the hassle of crowded public transportation during the festival. Our professional English-speaking drivers will ensure you a comfortable and safe journey. Benefit from advantageous rates for transfers from Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports to your Parisian hotel, and don't forget to check out our special offers for the taxi price between Paris and Charles de Gaulle.
Means of transportation from Paris airports to the city center
| Airport | Means of transportation | Distance | Average travel time | Convenience | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | RER B | ~ 28 km | 30 minutes | Economical and fast | Ideal solution for most travelers.Direct lines to several central stations. |
| RoissyBus | ~ 28 km | 60 minutes | Convenient and comfortable | Direct buses every 15-20 minutes to the Opéra Garnier. No transfer required. | |
| Taxi | ~ 28 km | 40-60 minutes (depending on traffic) | Fast and convenient | Most expensive option. Can be affected by traffic. Ideal for groups or late arrivals. Estimated fare: 50-70 euros | |
| Private shuttle | ~ 28 km | 40-50 minutes (depending on traffic) | Very comfortable and convenient | Advance booking recommended. Cost higher than a taxi (~70-100 euros). | |
| Orly (ORY) | RER B (Antony) | ~ 18 km | 30-40 minutes | Fast and economical | Requires a change at Antony to reach the main B line.Check the schedules. |
| OrlyBus | ~ 18 km | 45-60 minutes | Convenient and affordable | Direct buses every 15-30 minutes to Denfert-Rochereau. Connections required afterwards. | |
| Taxi | ~ 18 km | 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic) | Fast and convenient | Most expensive option. Can be affected by traffic. Ideal for groups or late arrivals. Estimated fare: 40-60 euros | |
| Beauvais-Tillé (BVA) | Paris Beauvais Airport Shuttle | ~ 80 km | 1-1h30 minutes | Economical solution | Slowest option. Check shuttle schedules in advance. Not directly connected to RATP network. |
| Taxi | ~ 80 km | 1h15-2h (depending on traffic) | Not very economical | Fastest option from BVA to Paris. High cost (~150-200 euros). Reservation recommended. |
Remarks:
- Distances are approximate and may vary depending on the airport terminal and your final destination in Paris.
- Travel time is an average and may be affected by traffic, transport frequency, and connections.
- Ticket costs are not included in the table.Consult the RATP or transport companies' websites for updated fares.
- For a direct and convenient option, you can also opt for a taxi from Orly or Charles de Gaulle to the city center.
Distances between Paris and the main train stations
| Station | Distance from city center | Average travel time by public transport | Taxi - Distance | Taxi - Travel time | Taxi - Estimated price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gare de Lyon | ~ 2 km | 15-20 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 2-5 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Located to the southeast of Paris, serving the southeast of France, Switzerland, and Italy. |
| Gare Montparnasse | ~ 4 km | 20-30 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 4-7 km | 15-20 minutes | €15-25 | Located in the southwest of Paris, serving Brittany, the Pays de la Loire, and the southwest of France. |
| Gare du Nord | ~ 2 km | 10-15 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 2-5 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Located in the north of Paris, serving the north of France, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom. |
| Gare Saint-Lazare | ~ 3 km | 15-20 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 3-6 km | 10-15 minutes | €10-20 | Located in the northwest of Paris, serving Normandy and the west of France. |
| Gare de l'Est | ~ 4 km | 20-25 minutes (Metro, RER) | ~ 4-7 km | 15-20 minutes | €15-25 | Located in the northeast of Paris, serving the east of France, Germany, and Central Europe. |
Remarks:
- Distances are approximate and may vary depending on your exact starting point in Paris and the airport terminal.
- The travel time by public transport is an average and may be affected by the frequency of transportation and connections.
- Taxi costs are estimates and may vary depending on the exact distance and the time of the ride.
Why choose Airport Taxi?
- Competitive rates: We offer competitive prices for transfers from airports and train stations to Paris.Consult our website to find out our exact rates and get an online quote.
- Simple and fast booking: Book your taxi in just a few clicks on our website or by phone. We confirm your reservation by email and provide you with all the necessary information for your journey.
- Reliable and punctual service: Our drivers are experienced and know Paris perfectly. We guarantee a reliable and punctual service so you can fully enjoy the Festival of Lights without stress.
- Pick-up and assistance: We pick you up directly at your arrival terminal at the airport or train station. Our staff can also assist you with your luggage.
- Comfort and safety: Travel in peace in our modern and air-conditioned vehicles. Our courteous and professional drivers will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey.
Don't miss the show!
The Festival of Lights is a unique event not to be missed.Book your taxi now with Airport Taxi and enjoy an unforgettable evening in Paris.