Paris

Getting there

Gateway airport

CDG

From the airport

Charles de Gaulle (CDG), 35 minutes by RER

Fly to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly. CDG is 35 minutes to the city center by RER (train), a reliable and cheap option. Taxis and ride-share are more expensive. A car is unnecessary in Paris; the metro and walking cover everything.

When to go

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) have mild weather and manageable crowds. Summer (June–August) is warm and peak tourist season—museums have long waits and prices rise. Winter (November–March) is cold and gray but fewer tourists visit; museums have extended evening hours, making night visits practical.

Getting around

The metro is fast, frequent, and covers the city thoroughly. Walking is the main pleasure—neighborhoods are compact and each arrondissement has its own character. Buses are another option. The TGV train puts Normandy and Burgundy within 2–3 hours, making day trips realistic.

Neighborhoods and areas

Marais

Medieval streets, galleries, museums, Jewish quarter, and cafes. Walkable and central; good for first-timers.

Left Bank (Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain)

Student and literary heritage, bookshops, cathedrals, gardens, riverside. Walkable and bohemian.

Montmartre

Hilltop neighborhood with the Sacré-Cœur, steps and stairs, art history, and views. More touristy but walkable.

Arrondissements (1st, 8th, 6th, 5th, etc.)

Each ring around the city center has its own vibe—luxury in the 8th, museums in the 7th, fashion in the Marais and 4th. The numbers radiate from the center.

Good to know

• French is the main language; English is less reliably spoken outside tourist areas, but most signs are bilingual.
• Tipping is not obligatory; a small amount (5–10%) is appreciated but not expected.
• Cafes and restaurants close late (10pm+) but kitchens stop serving earlier; plan dinner accordingly.
• A Paris Museum Pass exists and saves money if visiting multiple paid museums.
• Pickpocketing occurs in crowded metro cars and tourist spots; keep awareness and bags zipped.

Suits you if

• You want to walk the world's most walkable major city and revisit it without getting bored.
• You're comfortable with French cultural touchstones and don't need a beach or nature break.
• You're planning 4–7 days and want easy day trips to chateaux or wine regions.