You’ve done it. You scrimped and saved, and now you have enough to finally start planning that trip to Paris that you’ve always wanted to take. But now you’re left wondering how to plan a trip to Paris. Where do you even start? Grab a glass of wine and get cozy in front of your computer. This planning is going to take a little bit of diving into the internet.
It can seem overwhelming to plan a trip to a different country, but it’s no different than if you were going to the other side of the United States. It is just a matter of doing a little research and determining what you want to see and do. Yes, there are specific items to consider when entering a different country, but this article will help guide you in making your trip to Paris an absolute blast.
This article details how to plan a trip to Paris. It starts with some essential planning tips, details how to prepare an itinerary, provides options on ways to get around Paris, includes some reminders to consider before leaving the country, and finishes with preparing to leave for Paris. Don’t stress about how to plan your dream vacation.
The Basics
Let’s start by considering some of the essential information before you plan your trip.
Dates
The first step to planning your trip is to decide when the best time is for you to go to Paris. Paris is busy all year round, but some months are more active than others.
- July through August is the primary tourist season.
- September through October is when the annual fashion shows and trade fairs are.
- November through February mark the winter season.
Resident Parisians are known to skip out of the city during the prime tourist months. If you want to know Paris like the Parisians know it, tourist season might not be the best time to go. Unless you’re big into seeing the fashion and trade shows, Paris is going to be bustling during that time. Finding a decent place to stay might be difficult.
Spring is a lovely time of year, with fresh blooms. Christmas in Paris, with all the lights of the season, would be a festive time as well. But take into consideration that winter in Paris typically means rainy, overcast, and can get very chilly.
While Paris has moderately decent temperature ranges, they have recently seen unusually hot summers and rather cold winters (a whole 30o F!). Depending upon where you’re from, winter in Paris just might be a vacation from winter.
Another item to consider when planning the date is the cost of airfare and hotels. These two items will be highest from Spring through Fall, as these are the peak times to visit Paris. If you are planning with a budget, you can consider traveling to Paris in early spring or winter.
Airline and Airport Considerations
To ease the stress that flying long distances can create, try to choose the same airline for every leg of the flight there and back. Dealing with affiliate airlines means your luggage goes from one company to another, and you may also be running from one gate to another. Plus, if there is a flight delay, you won’t have as much hassle with scheduling if it is all done by the same airline company.
If you can book your flight at least three months in advance, chances are higher that you can find a better price. CheapAir.com’s 5th airfare study found that prices can change 61 times before a trip. The prime booking window was found to range from 4 months to 3 weeks in advance. The key is to start planning early and keep an eye on prices.
There are two airports to fly into Paris, Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to the north and Orly (ORY) to the south. Orly is mostly used for domestic flights and has four terminals. Roissy is the primary international airport, is the second busiest in Europe, and has two main terminals.
Roissy and Orly both have RER transit rail stops to get to other parts of Paris. You’ll read more about the metro systems later on, in getting around Paris. You can purchase train passes in advance, with your plane ticket, or obtain a pass when you land. Both airports have options to get you to the RER transit stations.
Booking the Flight
Start looking for the best deals on flights to Paris on sites like Kayak or Travelocity. You can easily modify the search to look for the least amount of connections, arrival times, and more. Purchasing travel insurance is recommended as sometimes things happen that are out of our control. Having insurance provides at least some reassurance.
When you find decent flights around the time you want to go to Paris, call the airline directly to see if you can get a better deal. Sometimes they are more apt to meet or beat those prices. Remember the luggage fees, especially if you plan on buying things while in Paris.
Hotels to Consider
When traveling to a different country, it is crucial to keep in mind that hotels are not the same. Hotels overseas can be smaller and usually will not have all the necessities that American hotels offer for free. Make sure to have washcloths and purchase extra toilet paper when you get there.
Choose your arrival time wisely. Many hotels do not allow checking in before 3:00 pm. If you get there too early, you will have to cart your luggage around with you.
Try to find a hotel that is close to a Metro station, so you have easy access to transportation. You can cut back on travel times and avoid getting lost looking for the Metro.
Bring your own grounded power-strips and adapters. Electrical outlets can be limited in the hotel room, and the voltage is different compared to the United States. You can find adapters online, such as through Amazon. It can seriously damage your electronics (and cause a fire) if you do not have the correct voltage to charge them.
If the cost of the hotel isn’t a problem, the top-rated, 2019 Travelers’ Choice place to stay is Le Bristol Paris. It is built around a massive French manicured garden and is within walking distance to the Louvre, Grand Palais, and several restaurants and clubs. It is also only 3-5 minutes from the Metro so you can explore the city.
Most other hotels would prefer that you contact them directly to make arrangements. Usually, you can get a better rate anyways. Other great hotel options that are also Travelers’ Choice, include Hotel Monge, Hotel Signature ST Germain des Pres, Hotel de JoBo, and Hotel R de Paris.
Getting Around Paris
Determine how you want to get around town and how much you will spend on transportation. It is essential to keep in mind that Paris stations do not have restrooms, so plan bathroom breaks accordingly.
The Paris Metro has several stations and lines that run all over Paris and operate approximately 7 hours (weeknights) to 8 hours (weekends). With the proper maps and passes, you can quickly get from one destination to the next.
The Paris RER (Reseau Express Regional) is an express train that connects Paris center to its surrounding suburbs. There are five train lines with specific destinations (psst… the CDG Airport is one of them). The RER is an entirely different system from the Metro. You will have to purchase separate passes for the RER.
There is always a taxi option, but it is usually far more expensive than the Metro or the RER. When getting from the airport to your hotel, the RER is the most economical choice. Air France does have a bus option to the city center from the airport also.
Be sure to obtain a map of Paris to help when finding your way. Paris is divided into 20 districts, called arrondissements. Knowing where you’re going before you get there will ease stress. Also important are obtaining maps of the Metro and RER.
Make a Killer Itinerary
Before making your itinerary, it is essential to figure out what you want to see. There are so many things to see and do in Paris. The top of the list is usually the Eiffel Tower and then the museums. If you don’t already have a list of things to see and do, the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great place to start.
If the Eiffel Tower is on your list, be sure to purchase tickets before you even leave your home. Being the most iconic tourist destination, the lines to buy tickets to get into the Eiffel Tower are long. Then you have to wait even longer just to go up the Eiffel tower. Don’t waste a whole day waiting.
Museums
Most Paris museums are free on the first Sunday of the month. Some museums are even free every day, all year. With so much rich history to peruse, there are too many museums and monuments to catch in one day. You can, however, purchase a Paris Museum Pass. These passes are good for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days. It allows you to bypass ticket lines, make multiple visits, and save time. Buying tickets beforehand is also a saving grace for making bathroom stops.
While the Louvre is a famous museum to visit, Musee d’Orsay holds a fantastic art collection and was once a railroad station. At Mundolingua, you can discover the secrets of language, languages, and linguistics, and provides an interactive experience. The Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine is full of architecture replicas from different centuries. With 130 museums in Paris city limits, you will only be at a loss of where to go next.
The Notre Dame Cathedral would usually be included in a list of must-see buildings. Pope Alexander III set the first foundation stone in 1163. The Cathedral has seen so many changes over time. However, while undergoing restorations in the spring of 2019, a fire erupted in the attic. The fire destroyed most of the roof, a 19th-century spire, and more. Work is currently being done to remove toxic lead particles, with hopes of having some partial access to at least the square by March 2020. It is not recommended to visit the site until cleaning is completed.
The Catacombs of Paris
History weaves under the grounds of Paris in the Catacombs. Access to them is located at 1 av. Of Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. Tickets can be purchased in advance, saving that time spent waiting in a line. With several million Parisian remains, it is like walking through an underground cemetery. You can even commemorate the experience with a book about the Catacombs.
Take a Balloon Ride
For a unique view of Paris, take to the skies in the world’s biggest hot-air balloon. Of course, it all depends on the weather conditions of the day. The Ballon Generali de Paris has been in operation for over 20 years now.
Visit the Pantheon
The Pantheon has some of the best views of Paris, without the long waiting lines. First completed in 1790, the Pantheon is rich in history, artwork, and architecture. There is also a crypt that is home to the philosophers Voltaire and Rousseau, the architect Soufflot, and Madam Curie herself (among many others!). The Pantheon is also home to a working replica of Foucault’s Pendulum, demonstrating the rotation of the earth.
Dining
Make a list of places to eat to find out if reservations are recommended or required. Again, this can save time. It also gives you an idea of how much each restaurant will cost, what the expected proper attire is, and what the hours are. Lunches are typically from noon to 3 pm and dinner from 7 – 10 pm.
Tipping is not done the same way in Paris as it is in the United States. In Paris, tipping is a sign of appreciation. The bill is usually rounded up, but you can also give 5-10 euros if it’s an upscale restaurant.
For an upscale yet cozy experience, visit Verjus near the Palais Royal. For some home-style French cooking, look to Juveniles near the Pyramides Metro. A Mediterranean-influenced bistro that has a retractable glass roof is Bistro Grands Boulevards. With so many food places to choose from, you will never go hungry unless you want to.
Evenings of Entertainment
If you want to plan some evenings out, look and see what events will be going on and what shows might be playing. If the club is your scene, you can find a list of the best places to go that are near where you’re staying.
From an evening along the Seine River to the Parisian Cabarets, Paris has it all. The Moulin Rouge show is always spectacular, buy tickets sell out months in advance. The Eiffel Tower at night is also a vision to behold. Or you can take in a show at Opera Garnier Paris.
Parks
Make some time to visit some of the fantastic parks that Paris has to offer. From a lake with rowboats to Japanese Gardens to Canals, Paris has it all. You can plan a picnic at a park, soak up the sun, and enjoy all the beauty that Paris holds within its city.
Parc de Belleville sits on a hill so you have a panoramic view of the city. Parc Monceau has one of the most diverse gardens, from an Egyptian pyramid to a Chinese pagoda (and more!). Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has waterfall and temples and is the locals’ favorite. Jardin des Plantes not only has four museums and a botanical school but was initially built to be a medicinal herb garden for French royalty. From history to beauty, this park has it all.
Shopping
From shopaholics to fashion connoisseurs, Paris caters to everyone for anything you can imagine. If it is luxury you seek, check out Boulevard Saint Germain. The Boss store has menswear and is building its women’s line of luxury fashion.
Burberry is an iconic brand from London and has more than the classic trench coat and patterned scarf it became known for. If you’re looking for a new piece of luggage or top of the line fragrances, Louis Vuitton is a must. Karl Lagerfeld, well known in the fashion industry, has the latest fashion trends and accessories.
If you want to check out some vintage items, check out the Saint-Ouen flea market. Also known as The Fleas, it is the largest antique market in the world. It is open every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. There is also a café to have a seat and watch the other shoppers.
If it’s makeup or a grocery you need, check out the Rue Du Commerce street. Rue Du Commerce is a hidden street of shopping treasures and is just around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. Monoprix is like a French Target but also has a grocery store on the second floor! Sephora is a favorite makeup shop, and there is even a Starbucks nearby to make you feel at home.
If it’s hand creams, powders, essential oils, or acetate combs you’re in to, head over to Officine Universelle Buly. Located on beautiful Le Marais, this store specializes in skincare and sells a variety of skincare products and smell good items. You can even get a massage or a treatment while you’re there.
Check Out the Unusual
Say you want to get it away from all the usual places that tourists flock to. What else is there to do? There is never a shortage of things to see there. Pere Lachaise Cemetery contains the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, among others. But there are weird and unusual headstones and tombs that can keep you enthralled for hours.
Bibliotheque Nationale de France is one of the most celebrated library collections in the world. Originally founded in 1368, it is an excellent piece of history to explore. It holds over ten million articles, including over 5,000 Greek manuscripts, antique coins, and Louis XIV’s globes.
The oldest stone house in Paris is that of Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist. Believed to have discovered the Philosopher’s Stone, the house is located on 51 rue de Montmorency. It is covered in strange and fascinating symbols that have survived the test of time, having been built in 1407. While you’re there, stop in for some cuisine as it is now a restaurant.
There is a life-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty’s flame. Called The Flame of Liberty, it is located at Place de l’Alma, where Princess Diana had the fatal car crash in 1997. Today, it is a monument to Lady Diana and a symbol of friendship between France and America. It is a sight to behold.
Pre-Trip Reminders
Before leaving for your trip, it is crucial to make sure you have everything in place. The tips include securing your home, making sure your passport is current, ensuring proper cellular coverage, and notifying your bank. While a passport can take up to a year to get (keep that in mind if you need to get a new one), most of the pre-trip reminders can be taken care of 2-4 weeks before leaving.
Notifying family or friends that you are going away on vacation to Paris will provide a measure of security should something happen on your travels. While no one ever wants anything to go wrong, it is always a good idea to let others know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
Hiring a house sitter, or having friends and family visit your place, will help keep intruders from knowing that your home is empty. If you have timers on lights, you can set them to come on in the evenings to make it look like someone is home.
Unplugging most appliances will keep the electricity usage down and prevent potential fires. Since the chances are that you’ll be gone longer than a week, it is usually a good idea to turn off the internal water valve. Turning it off will keep your home dry in case a pipe breaks. There’s nothing like coming back to water spraying from a pipe for two weeks.
Put in a hold-mail request at your local post office. Notifying the post office will prevent people from snooping in your mail or from having the mail pile up.
Make sure that your passport is current and up to date. Without that passport, chances are slim you’ll be getting on that plane. If your vacation is going to be longer than 90 days, you will have to apply for a visa.
If you are planning on using your cell phone or tablet, notify your mobile carrier to make sure you get what you’ll need. Chances are you will have to have a different SIM card that is going to be compatible with the European networks. You will also most likely need an international plan that will allow you to make and receive calls. If you don’t want to do any of that, you can still purchase a disposable phone when you get to Paris.
Be sure to contact your bank and tell them that you will be traveling. If you don’t, you could end up spending hours on the phone trying to fix a situation. Also, determine if you want to use your bank card or carry cash. Most places in Paris are credit card friendly. You won’t have to worry about converting money or taking too much at once. However, make sure to always have some cash on hand.
Brush up on that French. If we expect people to speak English when in America, it would only make sense that people would expect you to speak French in Paris. When in Rome, right? So, whip out that dusty old college French book and bone up on the language. Or maybe just download an excellent foreign language learning app.
Make sure you have all of your passes and tickets printed out or are easily accessible on your mobile device. Having the tickets printed out will save you from having to hunt them down again.
Leaving for the Trip of a Lifetime
It is finally the night before your plane leaves, and you’re excited and ready to go! But do you have everything you need? The right clothes, the right shoes, the right luggage. If you’re planning on some fancy nights, make sure you have some fancy clothes packed or you may be having to spend more than you considered. And having the right shoes for all that walking will save some pain.
Your bag is packed and you’re heading out the door! Be at the airport with plenty of time to check your luggage and get through airport security. Security is a serious matter these days.
You will have to remove your shoes, so make sure you’re wearing something easy to slip on and off. The recommended time to arrive at the airport is 90 minutes before international flights. Even if you have time to wait, most airports have plenty to do while waiting to board your plane.
If you are taking a carry-on bag, make sure you know the liquid limitations. Everything has to fit into a one-quart plastic baggie, and no one liquid can be over 3.4 ounces. Electronics have to go in a separate bin at security.
It’s usually pretty simple, and security will tell you to take something out if they need to see it. Sometimes you even get a complimentary full-body millimeter wave or backscatter X-ray scan!
It’s all part of traveling. Taking this fantastic trip to Paris is worth every bit of it. So, enjoy all the wince, cheese, and crepes you’ll be feasting on. You’re going to need those calories to check out the places on this list.