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Discover Paris: Iconic Landmarks, World-Class Museums and Timeless Charm

Explore the best things to do in Paris, from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to historic neighbourhoods, with easy tickets and travel tips for your trip.

Tourism Tickets France Paris

How to Get to Paris

Paris is served by three airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the main international hub about 30 km northeast of the city; Orly (ORY) to the south; and Beauvais (BVA), used mainly by low-cost airlines, about 75 km to the north. Getting from the airport to the city:

  • RER B (from CDG) Direct trains to Gare du Nord and Châtelet–Les Halles in around 30–40 minutes
  • Roissybus (from CDG) Direct coach to Opéra in central Paris in around 60 minutes
  • Metro Line 14 / Orlyval (from Orly) Line 14 reaches central Paris in about 25 minutes; Orlyval connects to RER B
  • Beauvais Shuttle & Taxi Official Beauvais shuttle to Porte Maillot takes about 75–90 minutes; CDG and Orly taxis use fixed flat fares

Paris is one of Europe's biggest rail hubs, with high-speed TGV, Eurostar, and regional services arriving at six major terminals, including Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, and Montparnasse. Main stations: Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon & Montparnasse

  • London to Gare du Nord by Eurostar (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes)
  • Lyon to Gare de Lyon by TGV (approximately 2 hours)
  • Tours and the Loire Valley to Montparnasse (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
  • Lille to Gare du Nord by TGV (approximately 1 hour)

Long-distance coaches connect Paris with cities across France and the rest of Europe, offering a budget-friendly alternative to the train.

  • Main bus station Paris-Bercy Seine and the Gallieni International Coach Station at Porte de Bagnolet
  • Operators such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus are often the cheapest way to reach Paris from nearby French and European cities.

Paris sits at the centre of France's motorway network, making it easy to reach by car from across the country and neighbouring nations.

  • Typical driving times Lille: 2–2.5 hours Brussels: 3.5 hours Lyon: 4.5 hours Amsterdam: 5 hours
  • Driving in central Paris is challenging: traffic is heavy, parking is limited and expensive, and a Crit'Air low-emission sticker is required to enter the city.
  • Most visitors prefer to leave the car outside the centre and use the metro and RER.

FAQs About Visiting Paris City

What are the top attractions to visit in Paris?

Some of the best things to do in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d'Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, and the artistic district of Montmartre. Families also love a day at Disneyland Paris. Booking tickets in advance for the most popular attractions is highly recommended.

How do I get around Paris?

The Paris metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around, complemented by buses, trams, and the RER regional trains, all run by the RATP. You can buy single t+ tickets, a Navigo travel pass, or a Paris Visite pass, and a metro map makes it simple to plan your routes. Many central neighbourhoods are also very walkable.

Do I need to book Paris attraction tickets in advance?

Yes. Top attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Disneyland Paris regularly sell out, especially in peak season. Buying tickets online in advance secures your preferred date and time and helps you skip the longest queues.

Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?

For most visitors, the Paris Museum Pass is excellent value if you plan to see several museums and monuments. It includes the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, the Arc de Triomphe, and many more, and lets you skip ticket lines, making it ideal for culture-focused trips.

How do I get from the airport to central Paris?

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the RER B train reaches Gare du Nord and Châtelet in about 30–40 minutes, or the Roissybus serves Opéra in around 60 minutes. From Orly, Metro Line 14 reaches the centre in about 25 minutes, while the official Beauvais shuttle connects to Porte Maillot in roughly 75–90 minutes.

What are the best day trips from Paris?

Popular day trips from Paris include the Palace of Versailles, Monet's gardens at Giverny, the Château de Chantilly, Fontainebleau, and the Champagne region around Reims. With fast TGV connections from Gare de Lyon, cities such as Lyon are also within easy reach for a longer excursion.

What is the best time to visit Paris?

The best time to visit Paris is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and the parks are at their best. Summer brings long days and lively outdoor events, while winter offers festive lights, fewer queues, and a cosy atmosphere.