Paris is waiting for you: A complete guide to discover the City of Light

Paris: The City of Light Opens Its Arms to You

Paris, the capital of France, is a city known worldwide for its romanticism, cultural and historical richness, and unique atmosphere. Whether you are passionate about art, history, gastronomy, or fashion, Paris has something to offer everyone. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for your trip and fully enjoy your stay in the City of Light.

Must-See Places in Paris

• - The Eiffel Tower: The undeniable symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see structureYou can climb to the top to admire a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
• - The Louvre Museum: Home to a collection of priceless works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world.
• - The Palace of Versailles: Immerse yourself in the history of the French royalty by visiting the Palace of Versailles, a majestic palace with beautifully landscaped gardens.
• - The Arc de Triomphe: Located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is an iconic monument celebrating France's military victories.
• - Notre-Dame de Paris: Admire the architectural beauty of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
• - Montmartre: Perched on a hill, the Montmartre district is home to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and offers a breathtaking view of the cityIt is also known for its street artists, vineyards, and bohemian atmosphere.
• - Luxembourg Gardens: Relax in the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, a peaceful and green public park, ideal for a stroll or a picnic.
• - Le Marais: Explore the charming streets of Le Marais, a trendy historic district full of shops, art galleries, and private mansions.

Getting around in Paris

Paris is a pedestrian-friendly city and has an excellent public transportation network. Here are the options available to you:

• - Metro: The fastest and most convenient way to get around the cityThe metro network is dense and covers most neighborhoods.
• - Bus: Buses are a more economical way to travel and allow you to see the city at the same time.
• - RER: The RER is a regional express train network that connects the city center to the suburbs and airports.
• - Vélib': Rent a bike-sharing service to explore the city in an ecological and pleasant way.
• - Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city, but they can be more expensive than public transportation.

Traffic Conditions in Paris

Languages Spoken in Paris

French is the main language spoken in Paris. However, English is widely understood in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in French will allow you to better interact with the locals.

Paris Specifics

• - Time Zone: Paris is in the UTC+01:00 time zone (Western European Time).
• - Currency: The euro is the currency used in France.
• - Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Paris, but it is always appreciated. A small tip of 10% is customary in restaurants and taxis.

Rules to Know for Tourists

• - Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in most public places in Paris, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation.
• - Queue Etiquette: The French generally respect queues. Make sure to wait in line and take your turn.
• - Noise: Avoid making excessive noise in public places, especially at night. Respect for tranquility is important, particularly in residential areas.
• - Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in France, as service is usually included in the bill. However, leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.
• - Politeness: Greetings are important. Always say "bonjour" when entering a shop or restaurant, and "merci" when leaving.
• - Meal Times: Meals are typically eaten at set times in France. Lunch is usually served between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner between 7 PM and 9 PM.
• - Dress Code: Paris is known for its fashion. Dressing appropriately, especially when visiting formal places like upscale restaurants or theaters, is recommended.

Following these rules will help you enjoy your stay in Paris and easily integrate into the local culture.

Getting to Paris and reaching the city center

Closest airports to Paris

Paris has two main airports:

• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): This is the largest airport in France and one of the busiest in the world.
• Orly Airport (ORY): Located south of Paris, Orly is the city's second major airport.

Transportation options from Charles de Gaulle Airport

Note: Distance and travel time from Charles de Gaulle Airport may vary depending on the specific terminal.

"Paris Airport Transfer": Your transport options from the airport to the city center

Several options are available to you to reach the city center from the airports of Paris:

• - Taxi: The most convenient and comfortable way to go directly to your destination. Book your "Orly Charles de Gaulle taxi" in advance to avoid queues and benefit from a fixed rate. Find out about "Charles de Gaulle taxi fare" and "Orly taxi fare" on our website or by phone.
• - RER B: The RER B connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare du Nord and other city center stationsThis is a quick and economical option, but it can be crowded during peak hours and if you have bulky luggage.
• - Bus: Bus lines connect airports to various points in the city. This option is more economical than a taxi, but the journey may be longer.
• - Shared shuttles: Shared shuttles connect airports to different hotels in the city center. This is an affordable option, but it may take longer than a taxi as it depends on other passengers.

Cities near Paris and how to get there

Paris is a central city well connected to other French and European destinations.

• - Versailles: Located just 20 kilometers west of Paris, Versailles is accessible by RER C.
• - Disneyland Paris: The amusement park is about 32 kilometers east of Paris and is accessible by RER A.
• - Lyon: The second largest city in France is about 465 kilometers southeast of Paris and is accessible by high-speed train (TGV).
• - Bordeaux: Known for its wine production, Bordeaux is about 500 kilometers southwest of Paris and is also accessible by TGV.
• - Cannes: This iconic city on the French Riviera is about 930 kilometers southeast of ParisYou can get there by train by taking the TGV from the Gare de Lyon in Paris, or by plane from the Parisian airports Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly to the Cannes-Mandelieu airport.
• - Nice: Nestled on the famous Côte d'Azur, Nice is located about 930 kilometers southeast of Paris. You can get there by train by taking the TGV from the Gare de Lyon in Paris, or by plane from the Parisian airports Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly to Nice Côte d'Azur airport. From there, a shuttle service by bus or taxi is available to take you directly from Nice airport to Cannes, offering a convenient and fast way to reach this popular destination on the French Riviera.

Practical advice: Remember to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist periods, to get the best rates.

Conclusion

Paris is a magical city that will captivate your senses with its rich cultural heritage, refined gastronomy, and unique atmosphere. This guide has provided you with all the necessary information to prepare for your trip and fully enjoy your stay in the City of LightDon't forget to book your "Paris airport transfer" with Airport Taxi for a comfortable and stress-free journey. We wish you a wonderful stay in Paris!