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There are lots of reasons for going to Paris for the day but three of the best are food, art and walking.
It's a wonderful city for aimless strolling and
there’s always
The city's excellent museums and art galleries include the world-class Louvre, the d’Orsay and the National d’Art Moderne.
For food lovers Paris is the gourmet mothership. There’s something for all tastes and budgets, from patisseries and simple bistros to the 60 plus restaurants with Michelin stars.
Gare du Nord is just over a mile from the historic centre and a few minutes on the metro.
The first St. Pancras train leaves at around 5:30am and arrives in Paris before 9:00am; and the last one back is about 21:15 and pulls into St. Pancras at approximately 22:30.
The first Ebbsfleet train leaves at about 5:45am and
Flying time to Paris' main airport, Charles-de-Gaulle, is as little as one hour and here is a selection of flights; arrival times are in brackets and all times are local.
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If you'd like more information on getting to Pairs, take a look at our booking and travel planning section.
Charles-de-Gaulle airport is around 14 miles northeast of the city centre and has three terminals connected by a free shuttle bus service.
There are also a number of bus services into the centre; journey times are 50 to 60 minutes and tickets cost around €12.
A taxi will set you back €40 to €60 and take about 45 minutes. All road times are approximate and depend on the time of day.
For more information on getting to Paris from the airport, click here.
Eco-friendly travel - to find out how you can make your travel carbon neutral visit CarbonNeutral or ClimateCare.
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The best way to get
around Paris is on foot but some of
A single journey costs €1.40 and a book, or carnet, of 10 tickets is €10.90. These can also be used on buses and zones 1 and 2 of the RER train network.
Tickets should be stamped at the beginning of a journey and retained until its end.
Both are valid for bus, metro and RER journeys and the Visite card also has discounts on several attractions.
Tickets can be bought at metro and train stations, bus terminals and some tobacconists. For more information, click here.
The most relaxing way to see some of the city’s top sights
Most operate from the area around the Eiffel Tower and one-hour cruises start from around €10. Some firms also run lunch and dinner cruises.
The Batobus is a waterbus and sightseeing service that stops at eight attractions along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to the Jardin des Plantes.
Boats leave every 15 to 30 minutes and a day pass costs €12. Operating hours vary throughout the year.
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What To Visit
Highlights include the stunning western front entrance and twin towers, the rose windows and the flying buttresses supporting the eastern end of the building.
The church square (virtual tour) is generally regarded as the heart of the city and France. All road distances are measured from a zero point in front of the cathedral entrance. Map
Musée du Louvre - this former medieval fortress and royal palace houses one of the most incredible art collections in the world, partly thanks to Napoléon’s pillaging of Europe - virtual tour of the courtyard and pyramid at night.
Over 35,000 works of art
are on display, from Egyptian
Musée d’Orsay - originally a railway station this stunning building was saved from demolition and converted into a museum and opened to the public in 1986 - interior virtual tour.
The collection covers work from 1848 to 1914 and includes painting, sculpture, furniture and photography. But it’s best known for its impressionist collection, which takes in work by Degas, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh. Map
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The relics allegedly cost more than the church itself, which given the building’s size and elaborate beauty must have been a vast amount of money.
Construction was completed in 1248 and the main attractions include the 50ft-high stained-glass windows, the spire, the apostle statues and the rose window. Map
Pantheon - originally built as a church by Louis XV as
thanks
Among others, Victor Hugo, Rousseau, Voltaire, Emile Zola, and the building’s architect, Soufflot, are buried here, together with the inventor of a reading system for the blind, Louis Braille.
Highlights include the dome and its galleries, the crypt, and the Sainte Geneviève frescoes. Map
Eiffel Tower - the city’s most iconic symbol, and possibly the world’s most famous monument, was built for the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1889 - virtual tours.
On a clear day you can see for over 40 miles from the top viewing gallery. There are also great views from the restaurants on the first and second levels. Map
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Centre Georges Pompidou, which always reminds me of an oil refinery, is one of the best-known examples of modern architect in the world and home to Musée National d’Art Moderne - exterior virtual tour.
The museum has works by Joseph Beuys, Kandinsky, Klee, Matisse, Verner Paton, Picasso, Pollock, Andy Warhol, but has to rotate the collection of 58,000 plus exhibits because it’s too large to display in one go. Map
Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur - Montmartre (martyr’s
It’s also Paris' highest point and crowned by one of the city’s most photographed buildings, the Sacré-Coeur. The church was built to commemorate French soldiers killed in the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War - virtual tour from the roof.
It was financed by public donations from all over France, took 46 years to build, and was completed in 1914 - with the exception of a few parts such as the stained-glass windows and the Great Mosaic of Christ. Map
Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe - avenue des
At the northwest end of the avenue is the massive Arc de Triomphe that Napoleon commissioned to celebrate his 1805 victory at Austerlitz. It was completed in 1836 and the viewing platform at the top provides stunning views of the city - virtual tour of the arch and surrounding area at night.
Underneath the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier and there's a small museum charting the history of the monument. Map
Hôtel des Invalides is a magnificent and vast complex of
Highlights include the stunning Dome church, which houses Napoléon’s tomb, and the Musée de l'Armée, one of the largest military museums in the world. Map
For more information about the city’s attractions, click here.
If you want to find an address that’s not listed on this page, click here.
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But at least in Paris, the gastronomic capital of France, and some would say the world, the odds are stacked in your favour.
There are hundreds of excellent restaurants, brasseries, bistros, and cafés and you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are still places serving tasty fixed-price lunches for as little as €10.
If you’re more interested in somewhere with stars after its name, Paris is the Michelin capital of the world. It has over 60 restaurants with one star or more, and nine with three.
There aren’t really any Parisian
speciality dishes, as the city
If you want to book a restaurant, the dialling code is 00 33.
Michel Rostang is one of the city’s best chefs and the minute you walk into his elegant and welcoming restaurant you instinctively feel that your taste buds are in for a treat. The two Michelin stars also give you a slight clue - virtual tour. Lunch menus from €70. Closed Sunday, and Monday and Saturday lunch. Map
Taillivent - set in an elegant 1852 townhouse and former embassy, this luxurious three-star Michelin restaurant offers one of the best dining experiences in Paris. Set lunches from €70 and wine from €28 a bottle. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Map
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There’s a two-month wait for dinner but you can snag lunch with just a few days notice, or a week or so for a window table. There’s a private access lift in the south pillar and fixed price menus from €60. Map
Altitude 95 is on the first tier of the Eiffel Tower and is less expensive than its more elevated stable mate, but the food is still good, as are the views.
It’s spread over two floors with a bar on the lower level, and you need to book to get a window table. Set lunches from €40. Map
Restaurant Lapérouse - this gorgeous restaurant with its
The scratches and graffiti on some of the mirrors were apparently put there by women testing the quality of the diamonds given to them by their lovers. Good food, romantic surroundings and fixed price lunches from €45 - 01 43266804. Map
Brasserie Bofinger is said to be the oldest brasserie in Paris and is everything you’d expect from a traditional French brasserie - tiled floors, leather banquettes, vast mirrors and wood panelling everywhere.
Brasserie Balzar - this famous and traditional brasserie near the Sorbonne may have seen better days but it still serves good value dishes such as onion soup, steak au poivre and pan-fried calves liver. Its fans have included Sartre, Camus and James Thurber. Set lunches from €20. Map
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Aux Crus de Bourgogne is an old-fashioned, family-run
House specialties include lobster and foie gras, and set menus start at €20. Closed Saturday and Sunday - 3 rue Bachaumont - 01 42334824. Map
L'Ourcine - this fabulous but small gastro-bistro serves modern variations on classic French dishes. The food is excellent and beautifully presented, and the menu changes almost daily.
Aux Deux Canards (Chez Catherine) is named after the two resistance newspapers that were printed here during WWII. It’s small and cosy and there can few places in Paris more welcoming.
Try the excellent mussel soufflé,
and the duck, the house speciality. Also sample the home-produced
spirit made from
Lunch Cruises - combining a sightseeing cruise with lunch is a great way to enjoy Paris. You can either book these lunch cruises directly with companies such as Bateaux Parisians and Bateaux-Mouches, or through third-party organisers such as Discount Paris and France Tourisme, who can sometimes be marginally cheaper.
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Café de la Paix - the opulent interior of this city landmark was designed by the architect of the stunning opera house across from its terrace. It’s not the cheapest place for a coffee, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful - 12 boulevard des Capucines. Map
Café Marly - if you’re in the vicinity of the Louvre and
you
Le Pictural Café - the bar in this lively canalside café with a terrace stays open till 5am depending on how busy it is. It hosts regular photography and painting exhibitions, and music evenings - 40 boulevard de la Bastille. Map
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Les Deux Magots - Oscar Wilde, Hemingway and Picasso, among others, were all regulars at this famous literary haunt named after the two wooden statues that dominate the interior. The café has been awarding an annual prize for literature since 1933. Map
Café de Flore - like its neighbour and rival, Les Deux Magots, this café was also a favourite of artists and intellectuals such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Salvador Dali and Albert Camus. Not cheap but worth it for the surroundings and atmosphere. Map
Le Sous-Bock Tavern is a must for beer lovers. It keeps
Le Baron Rouge - if grapes are more your thing, then this small wine bar in a old wine cellar is well worth a visit. There is a large selection of wines by the glass, and some are served straight from wooden barrels that clutter this small and popular bar at 1 rue Théophile-Roussel. Map
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April - Marathon de Paris - watch 35,000 people getting the kind of exercise we all dream about in our New Year’s resolutions.
July 14 - Bastille Day - Parisians celebrate the storming of the Bastille with a morning parade along the Champs Élysées, fireworks at the Trocadéro, and some serious partying.
July/August - Le Tour de France - the Champs
Élysées
September - Les Journées du Patrimoine - on the third weekend of the month buildings that are normally off limits to the public, such as the Elysée Palace, throw open their doors to anyone who fancies a peek.
September to December - Festival d’Automne - a major festival of dance, music and drama that takes place in venues across the city.
November - Mois de la Photo - every two years the city hosts a wide range of themed photographic exhibitions, screenings, workshops and lectures organised by the Maison Européenne de la Photographie.
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Although Paris has its share of chain stores, it
seems to
The city is also fond of its arcades and galleries, and there are some wonderful 19th-century examples around the Palais Royal, such as Galeries Vivienne, Colbert and Véro-Dodat. Map
For modern counterparts head for the Passage du Havre, near the Gare Saint-Lazare - map - or the glass arcade in place du Marché Saint-Honoré. Map
Paris also has a few department stores that are worth visiting just to look at their façades and interiors.
Printemps Haussmann is Lafayette’s main rival and was opened in 1865. The building façade and the art nouveau stained-glass dome over the sixth-floor tearoom are listed historical monuments. Map
Le Bon Marché - described by Zola as a ‘cathedral of commerce for a congregation of customers’, the city’s first department store owes part of its stylish design to Gustave Eiffel. Map
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Place de la Madeline - if you want to pick up a few
These include two wonderful gourmet supermarkets, the famous Fauchon, and its smaller rival, Hédiard. Both have good restaurants and tearooms. Map
There is also a daily flower market in the square (except Monday) on the east side of the beautiful La Madeleine church.
This stunning building, which was started in 1764 but not consecrated until 1845, was built in the form of a Greek temple and is surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns.
Marché aux Puces de St-Quen, north of the centre, is the world’s largest antique market. It’s actually a sprawl of 15 markets comprising over 2000 shops and stalls.
Although some parts are always open, the official opening times are Saturday to Monday, 10am to 5pm. Map
Rue Mouffetard near the Pantheon in the Latin quarter is
one of the city’s oldest street markets and is said to date back to 1350. The
stalls mainly sell food and the market is
Marché d'Aligre in place d’Aligre near Gare de Lyon is one of the most fascinating in Paris, and the only one with an outdoor and indoor section.
Food is the big draw, especially the staggering choice of fruit and veg, but there’s also a flea market. Open every morning, except Monday, 7.30 to 12.30am. Map
For more information on shopping in Paris, click here.
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Muggings are rare but petty theft such as pickpocketing is not, so you should always be vigilant in crowded places, especially the metro and busy tourist areas. Always look after your valuables wherever you are.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the city and there are plenty of ATM machines.
Tips and service charges - a service charge of up to 15% is standard in most restaurants and its inclusion is normally indicated somewhere on the bill - service compris - but it’s customary to leave a small tip for the waiter if the service has been good.
If service is not included, and depending
on how you rated
You don’t have to tip taxi drivers, but it’s customary to give them around 10%.
Public transport tickets should be stamped at the beginning of a journey and retained until its end. If you are caught without a valid ticket, you'll be subject to an on the spot fine.
Local time and other useful information.
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The easiest way into town is by train
- RER line B - this 
the main sights are a few miles apart
so you might want to make use of
the city’s excellent metro - 
is from
the river Seine. Several companies offer sightseeing cruises including 
for his recovery from illness, the building was inspired by its namesake
in Rome and completed in 1790. During the Revolution it was turned into a
mausoleum for great Frenchmen. 
mount), north of the centre is synonymous with art and artists - 
Champs Elysées is one of the world’s most beautiful boulevards and although it did
lose some of its lustre in the latter part of the 20th century, it has
since recovered its former cachet. 
buildings built by Louis XIV as a home for disabled, old and destitute
soldiers; and it still serves that purpose for a small number of soldiers
today. 
Anyone prepared to
take pot luck when it comes to eating out, should also be prepared to be
disappointed, no matter which city or country they are visiting. 
river views and intimate private rooms has been a magnet for politicians and
artists since it opened in 1766. 
The
stunning art nouveau interior and stained-glass dome are
now a protected national monument.
Set menus from €23.
French bistro complete with chequered tablecloths and
waiters in bow ties and aprons. It's
in a pedestrian precinct, so you can sit on its terrace without worrying about traffic
whizzing by your table. 
Everything looks so good it’s hard to know what to have.
Set meals from
€20. Closed Monday and Sunday - 92 rue Broca - 01 47071365. 
orange rind. The house red is great value and set lunches start at €17. Closed Sunday, and Monday and Saturday lunch. 
Wherever you are in Paris, you’re never far from a café or
fancy a break, this café in the Richelieu wing of the museum is a great
place to take the weight off. If the weather’s good, grab a table in the arcade
terrace, it overlooks the glass pyramid - 93 rue de Rivoli. 
Café le Paris is one of the cheapest places to get a
almost 400 different varieties including several from small French breweries.
They also do great moules et frites (mussels and chips) if you’re feeling
peckish - 49 rue St-Honoré. 
November - Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau
epicurean treats, this little square contains some excellent speciality food
shops. 
Paris also has some great markets; here’s a selection. 
open every morning except Tuesday.
Paris is a relatively safe city, but at night you should be
careful in quiet and unlit out of the way areas. 
your experience, anywhere between 10 and 15%
is reasonable.