Tips to plan your trip to Paris

A trip to Paris is a remarkable, fascinating and exciting experience. Each time you come here, you’ll be able to discover new sensations, new corners and memorable moments.

Trips to France are a big opportunity if you can’t wait to dive into a romantic dream framed by history, art and culture. From the legendary Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées, from the Louvre to the Notre-Dame cathedral, from the Latin Quarter to the Montmartre hill with its splendid Sacré Coeur, from the boutiques of the Faubourg St. Honoré to the colorful flea market of Porte de Clignancourt.

'Paris n'est pas une ville, c'est un pays', which means that Paris is not just a city, but a multifaceted universe that represents an entire nation. Here’s some handy tips to plan the perfect trip to Paris.

HOW TO MOVE AROUND PARIS

The plane represents the best way to reach this fabulous city, as it is the quicker and in some cases the most cheap. Paris’ two main airports are the ‘’Charles De Gaulle’’ and the ‘’Orly’’. Once you get off the plane you can reach the city center using the train, busses, or taxis. Furthermore you could book a private taxi at fixed price either to reach the city from the airport or to explore Paris and its neighboring places.

The quickest and cheapest way to get to know Paris is surely the metro which connects the various points of the city thanks to its 15 lines. To these are added the 5 RER lines that cross Paris to connect the suburbs.

The metro operates 7 days a week, from 5.20 am to 1.20 pm. Saturday evening circulates till 2.20 pm.

• PARIS VISITE’’ is a special ticket which allows all tourists to get an unlimited access to every mean of transport of the city.

If you prefer to take the bus it is possible to use the same metro tickets.

Buses are slower than the metro but are sure to offer a panoramic tour while on it! It is also possible to buy the bus ticket directly from the driver (with a small price increase). The tickets must always be validated if you’re taking advantage of any mean of transport.

WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS

1. Tour Eiffel

Built on the occasion of the 1889 Universal Exhibition, the famous Eiffel Tower had to be dismantled... but fortunately this wasn’t the case! Symbol of Paris, it’s the most visited monument in the world, with six million visitors every year. Illuminated after sunset, it offers a sparkling light show which is sure to capture your attention.

2. Louvre

Known as the most famous museum in the world, here are kept some among the greatest masterpieces of ancient and modern art. The rooms that this museum offers are numerous as for the artworks, so it is very important to plan what to see before the actual visit, avoiding the risk of getting lost among the many rooms of the museum. Unlike other museums in Paris, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 9 to 18 every day (until 21.45 on Wednesdays and Fridays). From October to March the first Sunday of the month is free. The ticket costs 15 euros, and is free if you are under 26 years old.

3. Orsay’s museum

Located in the pulsing heart of Paris, along the Seine, facing the Tuileries gardens, this museum was built inside the old Orsay station in occasion of the 1900 Universal Exhibition. We can therefore say that this building represents, in some ways, the first "artwork" of the Musée d'Orsay collections. The museum offers a fascinating and sublime art collection created in the decades between 1848 and 1914.

4. The Champs Elysées

2 km of one of the most beautiful roads in the world! But between so much history and architecture, there’s also entertainment, views and unique events. Here are located the best clubs, luxury shops and events that attract millions of tourists on Les Champs every the year. This is a must stop if you’re looking to do some shopping while enjoying the true Parisian atmosphere.

5. Notre Dame

Notre Dame of Paris is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. It is also one of the oldest, being built in the first Gothic style... In 1163 the first stone was laid. It has entered the collective imagination thanks to the novel of Victor Hugo. Make sure to arrive on the top of the cathedral in order to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

OUTSIDE PARIS

Versailles

Last but not least, just outside Paris it is the historic Palace of Versailles. A trip to Paris missing of this marvelous location would not be complete. This Palace is wonderful to visit especially during spring, with its blooming gardens and the sun hitting the antique windowpanes.

The Palace of Versailles can be reached by RER (the surface metro) with a 30/40 minute journey from the center of Paris. It is closed on Monday, and open from 9 to 18.40 from April to the end of October, until 5.30 pm from November to the end of March. The ticket costs 15 euros, and is free under 26 years.

WHAT TO EAT IN PARIS

One of the great things about France is definitely the food. Some of the most chic and refined restaurants are located in Paris. Even cheap cafes or street crepes vendor food are quite unique. Moreover Bistròts are always open in cases of need.

Paris is also packed with several hip nightclubs and jazz clubs which are to discover during the evening.

AUTHOR PLATE

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Airport Transfers Direct, the number one provider of Paris airport taxi. If you are looking for a fast and safe private transport, Leonard and his colleagues will be able to get you from the airport swiftly and safely.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in Milan.