What springs to mind when you think of Paris? For most it is the Eiffel Tower, artisan cafes and the world famous Champs-Elysees. France has much to offer, but Paris is certainly the jewel in the crown.
Whether you have been to Paris a number of times before, or if it’s your first time, there’s something for everyone and Paris never ceases to amaze and enchant time and time again. What’s even better is that it’s never been easier to visit Paris, with the travel connections and travel options making it more accessible than ever for every budget.
So if you want to get to Paris, other than booking a Holiday Taxis transfer, how can you get there?
Eurostar
You can get the Eurostar direct from London and be in Paris in two hours and 15 minutes. With up to twelve trains a day, you will not be waiting for long. The best part of Eurostar has to be the fact that you go city centre to city centre. When you arrive in Paris, there are no additional transfers – once you get off the train you are right in the city centre. With ticket prices from £39 in peak season (August) for a single, it is a quick, cheap and easy way to visit the capital.
Flights
With 17 UK airports, including London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Southampton and Cardiff all flying direct to Paris, there is bound to be a flight departing for Paris near you. Not flying from the UK? A large number of airlines fly direct into Paris Charles De Gaulle airport from the US, Canada, South America and all major European cities.
Ferry
There are also many shipping companies that offer ferry rides to Paris coming from the UK, parts of Europe, and even North Africa. Ticket prices vary depending on the travel route, number of passengers, and the time of the year. Some of the biggest shipping operators in Europe such as Eurotunnel, Brittany Ferries, and P&O Ferries offer over 1,000 sailings to Paris every week. This method favors travelers who plan to bring their pets or take their cars to France since majority of ferry services allow pets and vehicles to board.
Choosing the right travel option for you largely depends on your budget, time, place of origin, and baggage you’ll be bringing along. There’s no right or wrong way to go about this as long as your choice can provide all your travel needs and get you to Paris safely.
Accommodation
So, you’ve got your travel sorted, but what about the accommodation? Well, Paris has a whole host of different accommodation options. Paris has always been famous for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. One of the latest trends is to use Airbnb. Save yourself some cash, put on your adventure cap and dive into Parisian culture by staying with a local! Airbnb offers you the option to either rent out an entire flat or apartment for your own use, or we highly recommend just renting a room. Why? What better way to immerse yourself in Parisian life than to get to know a local? They will point you towards areas of exploration within the city that your guidebook won’t.
If the idea of staying in a stranger’s house does not appeal, there’s no shortage of hotels. There is anything from 5* luxury, through to boutique hotels and hostels.
However, if you’re staying for weeks or even months (to fully experience the French life), you need an accommodation that’s not too expensive but could still give you that ‘home away from home’ vibe. Studios in Paris are a great choice if you’re looking at a long-term stay, be it for leisure, work, or business. Many expatriates, professionals, and business travelers prefer fully-furnished apartments as they provide enough flexibility and privacy without necessarily breaking the bank. These high-quality apartments are maintained by professional landlords and come with amenities that meet business travel standards.
The best bit of advice for anyone travelling to Paris is to become a Parisian and to “flaner”, which means to stroll. Open your eyes, get out and wander! You will be surprised what you find. There are many lesser known shops, museums and restaurants, all of which are untouched by the crowds of tourists but adored by the locals.
