From time to time, I’m asked about travelling to Paris, I’m adding to this page as questions arise.

reaching Paris

There are two main airports, Orly (ORY) and Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG). Most flights land in CDG but Orly is closer. Find all information at [url=http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/Adp/en-GB/Passagers/]Aéroports de Paris[/url]. I tend to think that Orly is easier by bus and CDG using the RER, if you don’t want to take a cab.

I’ve been travelling a lot between London and Paris and can wholeheartedly recommend [url=http://www.eurostar.com]Eurostar[/url]. I generally leave London around 7pm, arrive in Paris before midnight, enjoy a good night sleep and am ready to go the next day, on the way back, the 8am train reaches Waterloo by 10am only a little late for work… City center to city center in just two hours and a half, unbeatable. I also recommend 1st class (Leisure Select), which provides more space and a hot meal which is particularly suited to the London-Paris leg of the trip because of the time difference.

getting around in Paris

The tube system is very good, with stations everywhere: it’s usually not worth taking the tube for just one stop as it’s probably within walking distance. Trains run very often, and if you see a train at the station, it’s not worth running, the next one shouldn’t take long to arrive. For those situations where the tube doesn’t provide a convenient route, check the buses, they’re good too.

A book of ten tube tickets (valid on buses) costs 11€. There is a pass called [url=http://www.ratp.info/informer/anglais/paris_visite.php]”Paris visit”[/url] that is good if you’re going to move around a lot. I have a feeling tickets end up cheaper: walking around is a great way to discover Paris…

staying in Paris

It’s not difficult to find a place to stay in Paris, there is plenty of accommodations for all styles and purses. I have been surprised by how much better two-stars hotels have become, in France. There isn’t much difference left between a good ** and a low ***. My guess is that it has to do with fiscal matters on business expenses, look out for hotels that target business rather than tourists, especially on WE.

food

Please, avoid fast foods! Stop in a café and have a “plat du jour” instead, with a glass of “côte du Rhône” and an espresso to get going again. If you’re even more on a budget, have a “croque-monsieur” and “un demi” (a lager, served in half-pint).
But think carefully about reducing your “food” budget in Paris, after all eating is one of the charms of the city.

days of the week

On Monday, many shops are closed, bad day for shopping.

On Tuesday, many museums are closed, bad day for culture. Always pay close attention to opening days and hours for museum and exhibitions you may want to visit. Always disappointing to face closed doors…

On Sunday, shops are closed and restaurants tend to have a “brunch” instead of the normal menu, at midday. In the a lot of restaurants are simply closed. Museums are generally opened, though.