Everything seems to have been said about Paris, and yet the French capital continues to surprise and delight visitors with its timeless beauty. Whether you can see the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower or the Invalides, the magic happens! Paris rhymes with mythical monuments. From the Sacré-Coeur cathedral to the Louvre pyramid, majestic cultural sites dot the city. At the same time, some of the most beautiful castles in Europe are only a few kilometers away. Traveling to Paris also means enjoying a certain art of living. Of course, a glass of wine or an espresso will taste totally different on a Parisian terrace. From great restaurants to friendly brasseries, the city is full of good addresses where you can enjoy a gastronomy renowned throughout the world. Creative Viennese pastries for breakfast, bistro for lunch and starred table for dinner, a perfect trio for your Parisian stay. The City of Light is also very festive. The agenda includes concerts, exhibitions and sports events on a permanent basis. The region’s amusement parks are the focus of year-round celebrations, as well as major fairs and flea markets. In the evening, night owls can choose between open stages, glamorous cabarets and trendy clubs. If a visit to Paris includes unforgettable things, the capital also reveals many unusual experiences. Beyond the classic tourist circuits, you can learn about perfume creation, enjoy a bucolic feeling at the edge of the woods or enjoy the porch of an alternative artists’ home. So, how many days to spend in Paris? A weekend, a week or more: as long as you like it, you won’t get lost!
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Best time to travel
In Paris, the low season generally lasts from autumn to winter. If the weather is relatively gloomy, the city remains animated. Spring and summer allow you to do the opposite and enjoy a mild climate. The number of events multiplied, as did the number of visitors.
Weather
Spring is a season of transition. In March and April, it is therefore preferable to bring light souvenirs and butter because temperatures can vary between 5 and 15°C. The weather in Paris is mild in May, sometimes reaching 20°C.
Events and celebrations
Spring is a festive time in Paris. In March, the capital will host the two-colored Color Run. At Easter, you will be invited to visit the Champs-Élysées gardens, the chocolate museum, Disneyland or the Parc Astérix. The Foire du Trône returns to Vincennes. Then, the month of May is the beautiful period of the European Night of the museums. From the Musée d’Orsay to the Quai Branly, stroll among the masterpieces until nightfall in a magical atmosphere. Please note: check the dates of festivities in advance.
Price evolution
March is one of the cheapest months to travel to Paris. Airline tickets are affordable, while hotels offer reasonable rates. Prices will increase steadily starting in April. In particular, the month of May has the highest rates of the year. Good to know: the currency used in Paris is the euro, even if some establishments exceptionally accept the dollar.
Weather
Temperatures in the French capital generally remain constant throughout the summer. Thus, the thermometer is around 20 to 25 °C from June to August. Note, however, that there may be a few ornamental rainstorms, as well as possible heatwaves.
Events and celebrations
From cultural to sporting events, summer is the festive season par excellence in Paris. The month of June is marked by the French Open tour, then by the Fête de la Musique on the 21st. In July, the tropical carnival, the Tour de France cyclists and the military parades of the national day take place. Other events are organized throughout the summer, such as the Rock en Seine festival and the open-air cinema at La Villette.
Price evolution
Despite the fine summer weather, prices are rising drastically. Thus, hotel rooms are scarce and it is better to book early. Air and rail also have high booking rates.
Weather
As autumn arrives, the weather turns cooler. In September, temperatures sometimes remain close to 20°C. On average, however, expect 10 to 15°C throughout the fall. November is the coldest month of the year, with rain on the horizon.
Events and celebrations
After the vacations, Paris is back in the cultural swing of things. In September, the European Heritage Days will reveal the sites of monuments usually inaccessible. Fashion Week also takes place in September, while Nuit Blanche takes place in early October. Finally, the theme parks celebrate Halloween.
Price evolution
Budget-wise, autumn offers unbeatable value for money in Paris. In September and November, the lowest airfares are shared. In addition, hostels often offer good deals on all types of accommodation.
Weather
Winter temperatures rarely fall below zero, alternating fully between 3 and 10°C. As a result, snow is not very common, although some years there are cold spells.
Events and celebrations
Christmas is the must-attend celebration of the Parisian winter. The illuminations of the windows and the great art, while the Christmas markets take their quarters from the Defense to the Tuileries garden. February is festive again, with Mardi Gras and Chinese New Year.
Price evolution
Winter offers a special price during school vacations. The winter season guarantees lower prices during the holiday season, both for transportation and accommodation.
What to see and do
How to get there from the airport
The French capital has three air entry points. Orly and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Orly are home to the majority of international and domestic scheduled flights. Located more than 100 km from the city center, the Paris-Beauvais airport welcomes low cost flights. Please note: some nationals require a visa to visit Paris, as elsewhere in France.
Where to stay
Photo gallery
