Paris Travel Information

Paris is one of the world’s best-loved and most romantic cities. Looking down from the Eiffel Tower you can appreciate the wonderful symmetry of its beautiful buildings, parks and long avenues. It is quite simply a planning triumph. Not just unscathed by time, but growing more attractive, romantic and mysterious as the years go by.

The words of the old song are still true. Paris is at its best in springtime, even if it does come with the occasional shower. But Winter can also be a great time to visit with all sorts of cultural events going on, while in summer the weather is warm and lazy - at times even sizzling! Traditionally August is when Parisians flee for the beaches of the west and south but these days, many restaurateurs are opting not to lock up and leave town and you'll find considerably more places open during summer than you would a decade ago.

Shopping

Paris is justifiably world-famous for its infinite shopping opportunities and especially its legendary perfumes, cheeses, wines, fashion, fine jewellery and antiques. Its high-gloss department stores such as Au Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette are complemented by an astonishing variety of second-hand shops, art galleries, street markets and book stalls.

Paris has long been the fashion capital of the world and the Avenue Montaigne, Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré, and the Left Bank in St Germain-des-Prés (in the Marais district) are all leading areas for haute couture fashion. Among the many famous names there, you’ll find Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Valentino, Lanvin, Gian Franco Ferre and Hermes whilst some of the world's most elegant jewellers can be found on Place Vendôme and Rue de la Paix.

Eating Out

Paris is also renowned as the gastronomic capital of the world with its winning combination of talent, expertise and high-quality French produce. The variety of traditional French cuisine on offer is quite simply awe-inspiring not to mention the many establishments that reflect Paris status as an international culinary melting pot. Every one of its vast choice of restaurants, cafés and bars offers its own unique atmosphere and style and it would take more than one lifetime to explore them all.

Moving Around

You can get around Paris either by Metro (underground), Train RER, bus and car.