Travel to Paris

Travel to Paris

The city of love and romance, Paris boasts its architectural grandeur, world-renowned landmarks and grand boulevards. Once you find yourself in Paris, you will be impressed by a variety of things to see and to do. With many fascinating museums, galleries, shopping and clubbing areas and first-class gourmet food, Paris is one of a kind and an ideal place to visit if you come to France.

Transportation to Paris

Paris has its own top-class international airport, Aroport Charles de Gaulle located 27 kms from the city centre. As a main airport receiving a number of flights from all over the world, Charles de Gaulle airport is Frances biggest airport and welcomes more than 200,000 passengers everyday. Another airport is Aroport dOrly, also known as Orly Airport. Situated 16 kms southwest of the city, Orly Airport is less crowded but still considered one of the busiest airports. Orly Airport also has its own railway station.

Driving around Paris can be quite confusing as the road network is extensive and complicated with the A1-E19 heading north to Charles de Gaulle Airport and on to Calais, the A15 northwest to Brittany, the A14 east, the A6 south to Orly, becoming the A10 and heading farther south into the countryside. Alternatively, TGV provides high-speed trains from many major cities to six stations in Paris. Eurostar also services between Paris and other cities. The traveling time from London to Paris on a Eurostar train takes only three hours.

What to see

There are many things to see in Paris so you will have to manage your time well. To get started with your sightseeing, walk along charming avenue des Champs-lyses starting from the Jardin des Tulieres in front of Louvre where you can find many pretty trees, flowers and lovely cafs. The streets lead to the business district of the city but you can also stop to admire Arc de Triomphe along the way.

The best views of Paris can be seen from the top of the Eiffel Tower, one of the first attractions you cannot miss. Also visit Muse du Louvre with spectacular collections and the remarkable Mona Lisa, located behind Centre Georges Pompidou boasting many galleries and museums.

Another must-see museum is the majestic Muse dOrsay situated to the west. This building is the former Orsay railway station and is famous for itsimpressionist masterpieces by Monet and Renoir.The Esplanade des Invalides and Hotel National des Invalides area complex of museums, the most notable ones being the Muse de lArme and Muse de lOrdre de la Libration.

As Paris is on the bans of the river Seine, another destination worth visiting is Ile de la Cite, the oldest part of Paris situated in the middle of the Seine. Here, you can find the famous 11th century Notre Dame Cathedral while the Latin Quarter, on the south bank, is home to the Sorbonne University, the most well-known university in France and also where the 68 student riots took place.

Day trips

If you want to escape from the bustling city, take a stroll in Bois de Boulogne, a park packed with many exquisite forested areas, charming paths and belle poque mansions located on the western edge of the city. For some fun and adventure, head to Euro Disneyland, only an hour drive away from Paris, where everyone in your family can enjoy the many rides and games. Another must-see place is the gigantic and impressive Chteau de Versailles, the most famous palace in France.

Also an interesting site, the Pre Lachaise Cemetery, southeast of the Pompidou Centre,is the resting place of Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Balzac, Proust, Delacroix, Modigliani, Piaf and even Jim Morrison. Alternatively, head to the Catacombes, dating from the late 18th century, which is a network of subterranean tunnels and rooms located in what once were Roman-era limestone quarries.

Activities and leisure

For some inspiration and artistic atmosphere, visit Mont Martre, a historic area on the Butte, where the Basilica of the Sacr Coeur and many studios and quaint cafs can be found. From the hill-top, you can see a breathtaking view of the city. The Moulin Rouge, the infamous red light district, is located at the foot of Mont Martre. Also take a relaxing and romantic stroll along River Seine.

Safety issues

Pickpocketing should be your main concern when traveling to unfamiliar areas especially at night spots or on the Metro. Taking out travel insurance for you and your family is strongly recommended.