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Paris

Paris travel guide

Capital and largest city of France

Flights from$720 round trip
Best time to visitAugust
Nearest airportJDP · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+1
Population2,103,778

About Paris

Paris is the capital and largest city of France, with an estimated city population of 2.04 million in an area of 105.4 km2 (40.7 sq mi), as of January 2026, and a metropolitan population of 13.3 million (2023). Located on the Seine in the centre of the Île-de-France region, it is the largest metropolitan area and fourth-most populous city in the European Union (EU). Paris is nicknamed the "City of Light" mainly due to its leading role in the Age of Enlightenment.

Cheap flights to Paris

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $720 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Cheapest month to fly

$720 Nov $975 Dec

Airlines travellers compared most often: Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Places to visit in Paris

  1. Eiffel Tower

    Eiffel Tower

    Landmark · 3 mi from centre

    The wrought-iron tower on the Champ de Mars is the symbol of Paris. Ride the lifts to the upper levels for sweeping views, or picnic on the lawns below and watch it sparkle after dark.

  2. Louvre Museum

    Louvre Museum

    Museum

    A former royal palace holding an enormous collection that spans ancient Egypt to the 19th century, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Pick a few wings in advance rather than trying to see everything.

  3. Notre-Dame de Paris

    Notre-Dame de Paris

    Religious

    The Gothic cathedral on the Ile de la Cite is famous for its flying buttresses, rose windows and carved facade. Walk around the island afterwards for river views and the nearby flower market.

  4. Musee d'Orsay

    Museum

    Set inside a grand former railway station on the Left Bank, this museum is the place to see Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh. Do not miss the view through the giant clock window.

  5. Montmartre

    Montmartre

    Neighborhood · 2 mi from centre

    A hilltop village of steep lanes, artists' squares and cafes crowned by the white Sacre-Coeur basilica. Climb the steps for a panorama over the city, then wander Place du Tertre and the quieter back streets.

  6. Arc de Triomphe

    Arc de Triomphe

    Landmark · 3 mi from centre

    Napoleon's monumental arch stands at the top of the Champs-Elysees above the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Climb to the rooftop terrace to watch twelve avenues radiate out across the city.

  7. Sainte-Chapelle

    Sainte-Chapelle

    Religious

    This royal chapel inside the old palace complex is lined with towering medieval stained-glass windows that tell biblical stories in vivid color. Visit on a sunny day when the upper chapel glows.

  8. Le Marais

    Le Marais

    Neighborhood

    A historic district of aristocratic mansions, small museums, boutiques and falafel shops. Start at the arcaded Place des Vosges and explore the lanes around Rue des Rosiers on foot.

Top experiences in Paris

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 323 available.

See all things to do in Paris

Where to stay in Paris

Popular hotels in Paris, out of 2,873 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Paris

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Paris is August, when average daytime highs are around 79°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 34° – 45° 14
Feb 39° – 50° 13
Mar 40° – 56° 14
Apr 45° – 63° 12
May 51° – 68° 17
Jun 57° – 75° 13
Jul 60° – 77° 14
Aug 60° – 79° 10
Sep 54° – 68° 14
Oct 49° – 62° 12
Nov 43° – 52° 10
Dec 39° – 48° 9

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Paris weather forecast

  • Wed 11 Nov 61° 51° 30%
  • Thu 12 Nov 51° 42° 3%
  • Fri 13 Nov 50° 38° 0%
  • Sat 14 Nov 48° 36° 1%
  • Sun 15 Nov 54° 33° 39%
  • Mon 16 Nov 58° 51° 61%
  • Tue 17 Nov 60° 48° 73%

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
French
Calling code
+33
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/ParisUTC+1

Upcoming public holidays in France

  • Armistice DayArmistice 1918
  • Christmas DayNoël
  • New Year's DayJour de l'an
  • Easter MondayLundi de Pâques
  • Labour DayFête du Travail
  • Ascension DayAscension

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Paris

These are the airports closest to central Paris. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • JDP Issy-les-Moulineaux Heliport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
  • LBG Paris–Le Bourget Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
  • VIY Villacoublay Air Base9 mi (15 km) from the city centre
  • ORY Orly Airport9 mi (15 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Paris

Paris has an excellent public transport system that spans every inch of the city. It is well-known for its Métro (short for Chemin de fer métropolitain, "Metropolitan Railway"), RER (short for Réseau Express Régional, "Regional Express Network,"), and Transilien rail networks. The Métro, RER and Transilien are complemented by a large network of trams and buses.

By Métro

Look for the Métro stations, marked with a large "M" sign or with an old-styled sign saying "Métropolitain".

By RER

There are five commuter train lines that cross Paris: RER A, B, C, D, and E. RER trains run at intervals varying from about 3 minutes (RER A) to 6 minutes (RER D), and stop at every station within Paris. Trains can run up to every 5 minutes during rush hour, and you will never have to wait for more than 1 hour between two trains, even on the least served lines in the evening or on the weekend.

By Transilien

The rest of the regional train network, called "Transilien", departs from the main train stations (Lyon for line R, Est for line P, Nord for lines H and K, St-Lazare for lines J and L, Montparnasse for line N), La Défense (line U) and Massy-Palaiseau (line V). Trains can run up to every 5 minutes during rush hour, and you will never have to wait for more than 1 hour between two trains, even on the least served lines in the evening or on the weekend.

Paris travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Paris?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Paris is August, when average daytime highs are around 79°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

What is the weather like in Paris?

August is usually the warmest month in Paris, with average highs of 79°F (26°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 103 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Paris?

Issy-les-Moulineaux Heliport (JDP) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Paris. Other nearby airports include Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG, 8 mi) and Villacoublay Air Base (VIY, 9 mi).

How much are flights to Paris?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Paris in the last 30 days was $720 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $720.

What currency is used in Paris?

Paris uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Paris in?

Paris uses the Europe/Paris time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Paris?

Paris has an excellent public transport system that spans every inch of the city. It is well-known for its Métro (short for Chemin de fer métropolitain, "Metropolitan Railway"), RER (short for Réseau Express Régional, "Regional Express Network,"), and Transilien rail networks.

What are the best places to visit in Paris?

Top sights in Paris include Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame de Paris and Musee d'Orsay. The wrought-iron tower on the Champ de Mars is the symbol of Paris. Ride the lifts to the upper levels for sweeping views, or picnic on the lawns below and watch it sparkle after dark.

What are the top things to do in Paris?

Popular experiences you can book in Paris include Dated Multiday Tickets - Disneyland® Paris, Disneyland® Paris - Dated Ticket and Paris By Night Christmas Lights Tour. Destina Holidays offers 323 tours and activities here.

Where should I stay in Paris?

Popular areas for hotels in Paris include East Disneyland Paris, Arr14/15:Montparnasse-T. Eiffel and Arr.9:Opéra-St Lazare. Well-reviewed options include Campanile Val de France près de Disneyland® Paris and Pullman Paris Montparnasse.

How many hotels can I book in Paris?

Destina Holidays currently lists 2,873 properties in and around Paris, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.