European Cities · Destination Guide
Paris
France
Paris is one of those cities that manages the remarkable trick of exceeding expectations despite having the highest expectations of any city on earth. The Eiffel Tower is even more impressive in person. The Louvre is even more overwhelming. The food is even better. And the city itself, with its wide boulevards, beautiful bridges and neighbourhood cafe culture, is simply one of the great pleasures of European travel.
From the UK, Paris is also one of the most accessible city breaks imaginable. Under two and a half hours on the Eurostar from St Pancras, and you step out into the heart of one of the world's great cities.
Paris is a city of arrondissements, and where you stay shapes your experience significantly. The Marais is one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods, with its medieval streets, excellent restaurants and proximity to both the Pompidou Centre and the Bastille. Saint-Germain-des-Pres on the Left Bank is quintessentially Parisian. For access to the major sights, staying near the 7th arrondissement puts you close to the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d'Orsay.
The obvious starting points are obvious for a reason. The Eiffel Tower at dusk is genuinely special. The Louvre warrants a full day, and even then you will only see a fraction of it. The Musee d'Orsay, home to the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art, is one of the finest museums anywhere. Notre Dame, now fully restored after the 2019 fire, is more beautiful than ever.
Beyond the landmarks, the pleasure of Paris is in wandering. The covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement, unchanged since the 19th century. The bouquinistes along the Seine. A Sunday morning at the Marche des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. An afternoon in Montmartre for the view from the Sacre-Coeur and the village atmosphere of the Place du Tertre.
Paris rewards slow travel. Block out an afternoon with no plan, pick a neighbourhood and simply walk. You will not be disappointed.
Paris is a year-round destination, but spring and autumn are particularly lovely. April and May bring blossom and warm light. September and October are golden and less crowded than the summer peak. Christmas in Paris has a magic all of its own, with the city beautifully lit and the markets in full swing.
Eurostar from London St Pancras is the most civilised way to travel, arriving in the heart of the city in around two hours and fifteen minutes. Flights from regional UK airports are also plentiful and quick, typically under an hour and a half.
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