Jet off to Paris, where every moment sparkles with romance, art, and croissants that'll make your heart sing as much as your taste buds!
Holidays to Paris Highlights
Café Culture Cool - sip on a café au lait at a streetside café – people-watching in Paris is practically a sport!
Fashionista's Paradise - strut down the streets where every corner feels like a runway. Ooh la la, indeed!
Artistic Wonderland - from the Louvre to street art, Paris is an art lover’s dream, one masterpiece at a time.
Gourmet Galore - indulge in a culinary journey from croissants that melt in your mouth to escargot for the daring.
Romantic Strolls - hand-in-hand walks along the Seine? Yes, please! Romance is always in the air here.
Good to Know
🥐 Fun Fact – the first public café opened in Paris in 1686, and the city hasn’t stopped sipping since.
🌳 Best Picnic Spot – Champ de Mars, right under the Eiffel Tower. Cheese, wine, and a killer view.
🥖 Fun fact - the first public café in the world opened on Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie in 1686, it's still standing as Le Procope, and you can have lunch in the same dining room where Voltaire used to put away forty cups of coffee a day.
Top tips about the best sights to see in Paris
Remember when Carrie Bradshaw traipsed the streets of Paris in her iconic Louboutins? Picture that, but with today's swagger and without the dramatic heartbreak. A city break to Paris isn't just about snapping a selfie with the Eiffel Tower or munching on croissants (although, let’s be real, those flaky pastries are life). It's about stepping into a world that's as timeless as your grandma’s vintage coat and as buzzing as last night's TikTok dance trend... but it's the most popular city in the world, so a few insider tips will help your trip go with a swing, so with that in mind, here are our top tips:
Notre-Dame: - this one-of-a-kind cathedral is renowned for its gorgeous French Gothic architecture and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It reopened in December 2024 after the post-fire restoration, and is free to enter. Make sure you book a timed slot online via the cathedral's website to skip the on-the-day queue, which routinely wraps around the cathedral square in summer.
Eiffel Tower - what's a trip to Paris without scaling this iconic landmark? It might as well be considered a wonder of the world at this point... okay, maybe that's a stretch. Book lift tickets online at the official site weeks ahead in peak season, since same-day tickets sell out by mid-morning. The cheaper alternative is climbing the stairs to the second floor (no booking required, walk-up only). The hourly sparkle from sunset to 1 am is the photo, every full hour for five minutes.
The Louvre - it's like the magnum opus of art, renowned worldwide for its extensive collection of exquisite pieces throughout the ages, the Mona Lisa's current address too, but you deffo already knew that. Book a timed entry slot online, pick two or three wings rather than trying to do it all, and head straight to Mona Lisa first thing or last thing to dodge the worst of the crowds. Even better, its free the first Saturday of every month from 6 pm to 9:45 pm.
Sacré-Cœur - this towering centre of religious worship is a marvel to look at from the outside as much as it is the inside, with white spires piercing the heavens. Its free to enter, no booking needed. The funicular up the Montmartre hill saves the legs; the view from the steps in front is the same either way. The interior dome climb (paid, walk-up only) gives the best free Paris panorama from the top.
Versailles - a blast from Paris' past, this sprawling site of luxury will make you feel like you've stepped straight into a Bridgerton-esque fantasy world as you wander the ornate hallways and palace gardens. Allow a full day, and book a timed Palace ticket online. The gardens are free outside the Musical Fountain Show days (Saturday and Sunday, April to October). RER C from central Paris drops you at Versailles Château-Rive Gauche, 10 minutes from the gates.
The Best Hotels for your Holidays to Paris
Whether you're planning a romantic city break for two, a family holiday with the kids, or something properly swanky, we've got Paris hotels to match. Here are some of our top picks, or you can browse all our Paris hotels here:
For Couples
Le Six – a gorgeous boutique stay in Montparnasse with an on-site spa, hammam, and a stunning glass-roofed Winter Garden lounge. Grab a cocktail, sink into an armchair, and live your main character moment. Proper romantic.
Park Lane Paris – slap bang in the fashion and shopping district, so if you and your other half are into retail therapy, this one's your bag. The breakfast room is designed like a classic Paris Metro station, which is a nice touch.
Pullman Paris Montparnasse – four-star with a rooftop bar complete with nightly DJ sets. Close to Luxembourg Gardens and the Catacombs, and a brilliant base for exploring the Left Bank together.
XO Hotel – art-deco charm just outside the city-centre chaos, but with easy transport links into all the gorgeousness Paris has to offer. Room service with a wine list? Don't mind if we do.
For Families
L'Elysée Val D'Europe – a proper solid pick if Disneyland Paris is on the agenda. There's a free shuttle to the parks just 10 minutes away, restaurants on-site, and connecting rooms for bigger broods. Sorted.
Explorers Hotel – pirate-themed rooms the kids will go absolutely wild for, plus a waterpark, soft play areas, a 10D cinema, and a candy shop. It's basically a theme park before you even get to the actual theme park.
XO Hotel – works brilliantly for families too, with spacious rooms and a location that's easy to get into central Paris from without being in the thick of it. Good for keeping costs down while still seeing all the sights.
Pullman Paris Centre – Bercy – four-star with an indoor pool, spa, playground, and 392 rooms. Walking distance to Bastille and great metro links for getting the whole crew around the city without the stress.
For Groups
Pullman Paris Centre Bercy, the four-star group-friendly pick at scale. Indoor pool, spa, playground for the under-tens, but the real draw for groups is the Bastille walking distance and the strong metro links to Pigalle, Le Marais and the centre.
Park Lane Paris, central, walkable to Champs-Élysées and the Golden Triangle, and the Metro-station-styled breakfast room is a proper conversation starter. Solid pick for hen weekends and stylish group breaks.
XO Hotel, Art Deco character with city centre transport links. Suits stag and hen groups looking for boutique character without the boutique price tag.
Luxury
Shangri-La Hotel Paris – a five-star hotel with Eiffel Tower views, an indoor pool, spa, and restaurants on-site. If you want to wake up to la Tour d'Eiffel framed in your window, this is the one. Doesn't get much more Parisian than that.
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – another stunner in the Tour Eiffel area with modern rooms and brilliant facilities. A proper treat if you're looking to splash out on your Paris jollies.
Where to stay on your holidays to Paris
Tour Eiffel is the picture-postcard base, the 7th arrondissement, Eiffel Tower on the doorstep, Champ de Mars and the Seine for morning walks. Priciest area, but unbeatable for a romantic weekend or a first trip.
Latin Quarter is classic Left Bank, cobbled streets, Shakespeare and Company bookshop, bistros that have been there since the 1920s. Walking distance to Notre-Dame and Luxembourg Gardens, brilliant for couples and culture trips.
Montparnasse is the underrated pick, six metro lines on the doorstep, the Catacombs and Luxembourg Gardens nearby, hotel rates noticeably softer than the 7th. Local feel without being miles out.
Bastille is the going-out base, bars, bistros, the Sunday Marché Bastille, and quick metro hops to Le Marais, the Pompidou and the Seine. Best for groups, late-night types and second-time visitors.
Bercy is the budget-conscious central base, modern, residential, right by Gare de Lyon and the Accor Arena, with strong four-star hotels for less than central rates. Solid for families with older kids and concert-going visitors.
Disneyland Paris Area is for park-focused families, free shuttles to the gates, big family rooms, and the RER A 40 minutes into central Paris when you fancy a city day.
Local Lingo
French in Paris has a reputation for being unforgiving, but a few phrases delivered with a smile go further than you'd think. Even getting "bonjour" wrong is forgiven; what's not forgiven is skipping it entirely. A handful of common phrases to get you started:
Bonjour, bohn-ZHOOR, Hello (and the magic word, say it before anything else when you walk into a shop)
S'il vous plaît, seel voo PLAY, Please
Merci, mehr-SEE, Thank you
Excusez-moi, eks-koo-zay MWAH, Excuse me / Sorry
L'addition, s'il vous plaît, lah-dee-SYOHN seel voo PLAY, The bill, please
Paris Holidays 2026 / 2027 Travel Guide
Things to do for Families
Disneyland Paris - the obvious headline, a 40-minute RER A ride from central Paris, two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios), worth a full day or a two-day pass.
Aquarium de Paris - a properly grown-up aquarium near the Eiffel Tower, with a Mediterranean tank, a shark tunnel and feeding sessions every hour.
Bateaux Mouches Seine cruise - an hour on the river, every Paris landmark from a different angle, ice cream on the deck.
Jardin du Luxembourg - the model sailboats on the central pond are pure 1900s charm, plus a playground, pony rides, and shaded benches for parents.
Cité des Sciences - hands-on science museum at La Villette with a planetarium and a kids' play zone for under-12s. Easily a half-day in bad weather.
Things to do for Couples
Sunset on Pont Alexandre III - the most ornate bridge in Paris, gold cherubs and lamp posts, the Eiffel Tower lit up to the west. Bring a bottle, no glassware.
Seine dinner cruise - a 90-minute float past the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower with three courses and wine.
Musée d'Orsay - Impressionist heaven in a converted Belle Époque train station, far less of a scrum than the Louvre.
A bistro lunch in Saint-Germain - Le Comptoir du Relais or Allard for old-school Paris dining, two courses and a glass of wine for £35 to £50 a head.
Sacré-Cœur at dusk - the steps in front of the basilica fill up with buskers and a panoramic city view as the lights come on. Free, and the photo of the trip.
Things to do for Groups
Moulin Rouge cabaret - the original Belle Époque show, two-hour sit-down with bubbles, books up months ahead. From around £100 a head, depending on the package.
Bastille and Oberkampf bar crawl - two adjacent neighbourhoods packed with cocktail bars, dive bars and late-night terraces. Start at Le Comptoir Général by Canal Saint-Martin and work eastward.
PSG at Parc des Princes - if a home Ligue 1 fixture lines up with your dates, this is one of the loudest atmospheres in European football.
Catacombs underground tour - 1.5 km of bone-lined tunnels under the 14th arrondissement, properly memorable.
Belleville street-art walk - the 20th arrondissement has the best graffiti and tagging scene in the city, free guided walks every Sunday from Place des Fêtes Metro.
More places to stay in France
When you think about your holidays to France, sometimes (only sometimes), Paris doesn't come to mind, but there are plenty more places to holiday like a true Parisian icon, even away from the capital. Here are the top French destinations to add to your travel list:
The Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) - this is where the South of France turns it up to eleven. Experience Nice's iconic pebbly shores and vibrant promenade energy, or head to Cannes for pure red-carpet glamour. For a quieter escape, Menton offers gorgeous views right on the Italian border, while St. Tropez delivers exactly the upscale, boutique experience you'd expect.
Normandy - swapping Mediterranean sunshine for dramatic coastal scenery, Normandy serves up striking chalk cliffs, world-class cider, and some of Europe's most stirring history.
Annecy - if you are looking for something a little more off the beaten track, Annecy is a fairytale alpine town wrapped around a crystal-clear lake. It is the kind of picturesque destination that makes your camera work overtime.
Bordeaux - as the world's wine capital, this place blends majestic 18th-century architecture with a vibrant, modern food scene. It serves as the perfect gateway to legendary vineyards, world-class tastings, and the sweeping Atlantic beaches of Arcachon, just a short trip away.
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Weather in Paris
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Paris doesn't really do extremes, summer averages 22°C with the occasional 30°C heat spike, winter hovers around 6 to 8°C, and spring and autumn sit comfortably in the mid-teens. You'll get four genuine seasons, packing-wise: a light jacket in shoulder season, a proper coat in winter, sundresses and shorts in July and August.
Rain is more of a year-round drizzle than a seasonal monsoon, and a sudden shower mid-stroll is part of the deal, duck into a café for a coffee until it passes. Read more about Paris weather for monthly breakdowns.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Paris?
How long does it take to fly to Paris?
The average flight time from the UK/Ireland to Paris is around an hour and a half - once takeoff and landing is deducted, you've barely got any time to ponder the inflight refreshment menu.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Paris?
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Paris?
Don't worry about prepping for jet lag, Paris is only one hour ahead of UK/Ireland time.
What language do they speak in Paris?
What language do they speak in Paris?
The official language spoken in Paris is French.
Is Paris good for a city break?
Is Paris good for a city break?
Paris holidays are nothing short of amazing. With such a short flight time and so much to do, you can really make the most of a weekend city break here!
How many days do I need in Paris?
How many days do I need in Paris?
Three to four days is perfect for first-timers. You'll hit the major landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame), wander charming neighbourhoods, enjoy some proper French food, and not feel completely knackered. Got less time? Two days works if you're efficient. Got more? Lucky you – you can really dig into different areas, take day trips to Versailles, and spend proper time in museums without rushing.
Is Paris expensive?
Is Paris expensive?
It's pricier than some European cities, but you don't need to remortgage the house. Budget around €80-140 per person daily for food and activities if you're being sensible – picnic lunches from markets, affordable bistros, and mixing free stuff (parks, window shopping, wandering gorgeous streets) with paid attractions. Museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Our hotel packages help keep accommodation costs down, and the metro's cheap for getting around.
Can you do Paris on a budget?
Can you do Paris on a budget?
You definitely can! Visit in January-February for cheapest hotels and flights. Picnic with market food (baguettes, cheese, wine) in parks instead of pricey restaurants. Museums are free first Sunday of the month. Walking everywhere is free and you see more. Grab pastries from boulangeries for breakfast instead of café sit-downs. Many churches and monuments are free to enter. The city itself is the attraction – wandering gorgeous streets, people-watching from café terraces with one coffee, and soaking up the atmosphere costs nothing.
What's Paris like at Christmas?
What's Paris like at Christmas?
Magical but busy. The Christmas markets, lights on the Champs-Élysées, and festive window displays are absolutely gorgeous – proper fairy-tale stuff. Ice skating at Hôtel de Ville, department store decorations, and the cosy atmosphere make it extra special. BUT to be fair, because it's so magic, it's usually buzzing sooo prices are that little bit higher for hotels and flights. If you know you want to do it, our advice is book well in advance for the best deals (with us obviously!) If you can handle crowds and don't mind spending a little extra, Christmas in Paris is absolutely incredible, you'll feel like you're in a film!
How do I keep a Paris holiday cheap and still make it brilliant?
How do I keep a Paris holiday cheap and still make it brilliant?
Loads of options. Picnic with market food (a baguette, cheese and a bottle of red from any boulangerie and épicerie) and eat in the Tuileries or Champ de Mars rather than a sit-down lunch every day. Walk between central sights, Paris is small enough that you can do Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower on foot in under an hour and see everything in between. Save the museum splurge for the first Sunday of the month when most are free, and stick to bistros a couple of streets back from the Seine where the prices halve. The city itself, wandering the bouquinistes along the river, café terraces with a single coffee, sunset on the Sacré-Cœur steps, costs nothing.
Where's the best shopping in Paris?
Where's the best shopping in Paris?
Depends what you're after. The Golden Triangle around Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne is the headline for designer labels, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, all clustered together (window shopping is free, and worth a wander even if you're not buying). Le Marais is the cool-kid quarter for concept stores, vintage boutiques and independent labels, and it's one of the few areas open on Sundays when most other shopping streets are shut.
The Belle Époque department stores on Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, are worth a look for the glass-domed atriums and free rooftop terraces alone. And for proper one-offs, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen on the city's northern edge is the world's largest antiques market, a full Saturday or Sunday morning of vintage furniture, art and souvenirs that aren't another plastic Eiffel Tower.
