City Information
Essential Information about the city
Passport/Visa
France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris is served by two major airports. Most international flights arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, 30 kilometres from the city centre. Orly (ORY) is 18 kilometres from the city centre. A third airport, Paris-Beauvais (BVA), is mainly served by low-cost airlines. One of the cheapest and fastest transfer options (approximately 45 minutes) is the underground RER B to Gare du Nord running every 10-15 minutes, from where you can connect to Paris’s metro network. Alternatively, the RoissyBus shuttle provides a direct link between Paris-Opéra and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport in 60 minutes. The frequency ensures a departure every 30 minutes. It's crucial to be cautious at airports to avoid fake cabs; authentic taxis are identifiable by an illuminated sign. To locate legitimate taxi stands, it's advised to follow the designated markings on the ground.
Paris-Orly Airport
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is located approximately 20 km away from Paris city centre. There are basically three transportation options to reach Paris: taxi, train, and bus. Opting for a taxi offers the most convenient and direct transfer, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes, with taxi ranks readily available outside all airport terminals. Unfortunately, there are no direct train lines from Orly Airport to the city centre. Travellers opting for the train option need to take the Orlyval metro to Antony Train Station and then transfer to the RER B line, with the entire journey taking around an hour. Trains leave from all terminals, simply exit the arrivals gate and follow the signs leading to the Orlyval metro platform. The Orlybus, a direct shuttle service, is a swift and direct bus option taking 30 minutes to reach Place Denfert-Rochereau in the city centre. While public buses are available, they make frequent stops and take longer than the Orlybus. Bus stops are conveniently located outside all airport terminals.
Paris Beauvais Airport
Paris Beauvais (BVA) is mainly served by low-cost airlines. A shuttle service is organised between the terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot, which is located close to RER (line C) and metro (line 1) stations. The shuttle journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it is designed to align with flight timetables.
Public Transport
Paris offers an ideal setting for exploring on foot, yet public transport remains a practical necessity during your visit. The iconic Paris metro, characterised by its Art Nouveau entrances, stands out as a fast and economical means of navigating the city. With currently 16 lines and over 300 stations, the metro operates daily from 5:30am to midnight on weekdays and until approximately 1:45am on weekends. Tickets for the metro and other public transportation options, including buses and trams, can be conveniently acquired from machines in mainline or metro stations. The Navigo Easy pass, designed for occasional use, comes pre-loaded with 10 transport journeys in central Paris and can be easily recharged at stations. For unlimited travel spanning 1, 2, 3, or 5 days in Paris and Île-de-France, the Paris Visite pass is a convenient choice. Beyond the metro, Paris boasts an extensive transportation network, including 5 RER lines serving both the city and its surroundings, 13 tram lines covering the outskirts and parts of Île-de-France, and a comprehensive bus system. Buses operate Monday through Saturday from approximately 7am to 12:30am, with nearly half of the lines running on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, the Noctilien night bus service ensures travel between 12:30am and 5:30am. Finally, Transiliens, regional trains departing from major Parisian stations, offer further connectivity to the surrounding areas. For more information, visit the RATP website.
Batobus
Batobus is a boat service through the heart of Paris, with 9 stops at key locations along the river Seine. Serving as a hop-on-hop-off service, it provides the freedom for travelers to craft their own itinerary, allowing exploration of Paris's historical monuments and neighbourhoods at their own pace.
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed at stands or on the street, but they can be hard to find, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. However, Uber, the widely-used ride-sharing service, operates in the city, providing a convenient alternative for both locals and tourists to navigate Paris seamlessly. When it comes to taxis in Paris, it's crucial to be cautious at airports, especially, in order to avoid fake cabs; authentic taxis are identifiable by an illuminated sign. To locate legitimate taxi stands, it's advised to follow the designated markings on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris (FAQs)
- What is the best time to visit Paris? As one of the most visited cities in the world, it is safe to say that there is never really a bad time to visit the French capital. The weather is best in summer, but crowds are by far the biggest. Autumn is also highly recommended for its pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and stunning foliage. Having said that, the best time to visit Paris is from June to October. - How many days do you need in Paris? In order for you to visit the main sights and attractions in Paris, walk around the city and explore its characterful arrondissements, you will need from 4 to 5 days. - Is Paris dangerous? Despite being a major European capital and one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is a fairly safe city for travellers. However, as with most main tourist destinations, pickpocketing is the biggest concern here. So, be careful with your belongings when taking public transport and around the city's main attractions. - Is Paris expensive? Yes, Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to hotels. Average spending in the City of Light is high, not only when compared to other continents, but also other European cities.
Post
Stamps are available from kiosks and news agents. For mail overseas, it is advisable to visit a post office. The central post and sorting office of the Louvre is open from early in the morning until midnight.
Pharmacy
Pharmacie des Champs-Élysées 84 Avenue des Champs-Élysées +33 1 45 62 02 41 Open Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–8pm Pharmacie Lafayette Des Halles 10 Boulevard de Sébastopol +33 1 42 72 03 23 Open Mon–Sat 8:30am–9pm, Sun 9am–9pm
Electricity
In France, the electrical supply operates at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. The country employs two main types of electrical plugs: type C and type E. Type C plugs feature two round pins. Type E plugs, on the other hand, also have two round pins but include an additional hole for the earth (ground) pin.
Telephone
Country code: +33 Area code: 1
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