Airports in Paris
Orly Airport (ORY)
- Orly Airport (ORY) is one of Paris's main airports, situated 13 kilometres south of the city centre.
- It is the second-largest airport in Paris, primarily handling domestic and European flights.
- ORY offers efficient transport links to central Paris via various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and taxis.
- The airport features two terminals, Orly 1 and Orly 2, serving a range of airlines and destinations.
- Facilities include shops, restaurants, lounges, and amenities for passenger convenience.
Airlines flying to Paris from the UK
- British Airways
- Air France
- easyJet
- Ryanair
- Vueling Airlines
- Flybe
- Jet2.com
- TUI Airways
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Aer Lingus
What is the best time to get cheapest flights to Paris?
Securing the cheapest flights to Paris often depends on several factors, including the time of year, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. Here are some insights on the best times to find affordable flights:
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Off-Peak Seasons:
Travelling during the shoulder seasons, typically in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), can offer lower fares compared to peak summer or winter months. Avoiding major holidays and school breaks can also lead to more affordable options.
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Midweek Travel:
Flights tend to be cheaper when departing midweek, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as demand is lower compared to weekends.
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Book in Advance:
Booking your flight well in advance, ideally three to six months ahead of your travel date, can often result in lower fares. Airlines usually offer their best deals for early bookings.
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Flexible Dates:
Being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact the price of your flight. Use fare comparison tools to identify the cheapest days to fly within your desired timeframe.
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Keep an Eye on Deals:
Monitor airline promotions, flash sales, and fare comparison websites regularly to snag the best deals. Signing up for airline newsletters and following them on social media can also provide access to exclusive offers.
How long is a direct and indirect flight to Paris from United Kingdom?
The duration of a direct flight from the United Kingdom to Paris typically ranges from around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the departure airport and airline.
For indirect or connecting flights, the duration can vary significantly based on factors such as the layover time and the route taken. On average, indirect flights can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours or more, depending on the specific itinerary and airline.
It's essential to check the details of each flight when booking to understand the total travel time, including layovers, as it can vary depending on the airline and route.
What is the time difference between the United Kingdom and Paris?
The time difference between the United Kingdom and Paris is usually one hour. Paris is one hour ahead of the United Kingdom. For example, when it is 12:00 PM (midday) in the UK, it is 1:00 PM in Paris. This time difference is consistent throughout most of the year, except during periods when daylight saving time begins or ends, which may briefly affect the time offset between the two locations.
How much is a return flight from United Kingdom to Paris?
The cost of a return flight from the United Kingdom to Paris can vary widely depending on factors such as the time of booking, airline, class of travel, and time of year. Here are approximate average return fares across different classes:
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Economy Class:
Low-cost carriers: £50 - £150 Full-service airlines: £100 - £250
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Premium Economy Class:
£200 - £400
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Business Class:
£300 - £800
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First Class:
£600 - £1500
Which United Kingdom Airport can I fly to Paris?
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- London Stansted Airport (STN)
- London Luton Airport (LTN)
- Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Baggage Allowance on flights to Paris from the United Kingdom
Baggage policies vary among airlines, and specific details may change over time. However, I can provide a general overview of typical baggage allowances across different classes for flights from the UK to Paris:
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Economy Class:
Carry-on baggage: Usually, one piece of hand luggage and one personal item such as a laptop bag or purse are allowed. The weight limit for carry-on baggage is typically around 7-10 kg, and dimensions may vary. Checked baggage: Economy passengers typically have an allowance of one checked bag, with a weight limit of around 20-23 kg. Additional fees may apply for extra or overweight baggage.
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Premium Economy Class:
Carry-on baggage: Similar to Economy Class, premium economy passengers generally have the same allowance for carry-on baggage. Checked baggage: Passengers in premium economy may have a slightly higher allowance for checked baggage, often around 23-30 kg, depending on the airline.
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Business Class:
Carry-on baggage: Business Class passengers typically have the same allowance for carry-on baggage as in Economy Class. Checked baggage: Business Class passengers usually enjoy a more generous allowance for checked baggage, often ranging from 30-40 kg, depending on the airline.
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First Class:
Carry-on baggage: First Class passengers usually have the same allowance for carry-on baggage as in Economy Class. Checked baggage: First Class passengers typically enjoy the highest allowance for checked baggage, often ranging from 40-50 kg, depending on the airline.
Mini Travel Guide of Paris, France
Best Things to Do in Paris
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Visit the Eiffel Tower:
Iconic symbol of Paris, offering panoramic views from its observation decks.
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Explore the Louvre Museum:
Home to thousands of works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa.
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Wander through Montmartre:
Charming neighbourhood known for its artistic history, cobblestone streets, and the Sacre-Cœur Basilica.
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Stroll along the Seine River:
Enjoy picturesque views of landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Musee d'Orsay.
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Indulge in French cuisine:
Savour delicious pastries, cheeses, wines, and traditional dishes at Parisian cafes and restaurants.
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Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral:
Gothic masterpiece known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
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Explore the Palace of Versailles:
Marvel at the opulent palace, extravagant gardens, and Hall of Mirrors.
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Discover the Latin Quarter:
Vibrant neighbourhood known for its lively atmosphere, historic streets, and diverse eateries.
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Cruise on the Seine:
Take a scenic boat ride to admire Paris's landmarks from the water.
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Enjoy a show at the Moulin Rouge:
Experience the glamour of the world-famous cabaret with dazzling performances and colourful costumes.
Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Paris
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Le Marais:
Known for its historic charm, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
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Saint-Germain-des-Pres:
A chic neighbourhood with upscale shops, art galleries, cafes, and historic landmarks like the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
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Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin):
Bustling area with narrow streets, lively atmosphere, bookshops, cafes, and proximity to landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Pantheon.
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Montmartre:
Picturesque neighbourhood atop a hill, famous for its artistic history, cobblestone streets, the Sacre-Cœur Basilica, and panoramic views of the city.
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Champs-Elysees:
Prestigious avenue lined with luxury shops, theatres, cafes, and landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde.
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The Marais:
Historic district with a mix of medieval and modern architecture, trendy shops, art galleries, museums, and lively nightlife.
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Saint-Germain-des-Pres:
Elegant neighbourhood known for its literary history, upscale boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and proximity to landmarks like the Luxembourg Gardens.
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Ile de la Cite:
Island in the Seine River, home to Notre-Dame Cathedral, picturesque squares, historic buildings, and charming riverside walkways.
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Opera District (Opera):
Central area with grand boulevards, the Palais Garnier opera house, luxury shopping, theatres, and dining options.
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The 7th Arrondissement:
Prestigious residential area near the Eiffel Tower, with elegant boulevards, museums like the Musee d'Orsay, and scenic views of the Seine River.
Best Time to Visit Paris
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Spring (March to May):
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers create a picturesque atmosphere. Ideal for outdoor activities like strolling along the Seine River or picnicking in parks. Fewer crowds compared to peak summer months, making it easier to explore attractions.
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Early Summer (June):
Pleasant weather with longer daylight hours for enjoying outdoor activities. Events and festivals, such as Fete de la Musique (Music Day), offer cultural experiences.
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Late Summer (August to September):
Warm weather with fewer crowds, as many Parisians go on holiday in August. Perfect for leisurely walks in parks or along the riverbanks, enjoying outdoor cafes, and exploring museums and landmarks.
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Autumn (October to November):
Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage create a picturesque backdrop for exploring the city. Cultural events and festivals, such as Nuit Blanche (White Night), offer unique experiences.
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Winter (December to February):
Festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, holiday decorations, and ice-skating rinks. Opportunities to visit indoor attractions like museums, galleries, and theatres to escape the cold weather. Lower tourist numbers compared to other seasons, except during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Overall, the best time to visit Paris depends on personal preferences and interests, whether it's enjoying outdoor activities in mild weather, experiencing cultural events, or embracing the festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Best Hotels to Stay in Paris
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Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris:
Offers luxurious accommodations and amenities, including Michelin-starred dining and a spa.
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The Ritz Paris:
Iconic hotel renowned for its elegance, exceptional service, and prime location near Place Vendome.
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Le Bristol Paris:
A historic luxury hotel with opulent rooms, gourmet dining, and a beautiful garden courtyard.
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Mandarin Oriental, Paris:
Features stylish rooms, gourmet restaurants, a tranquil spa, and a central location near the Place Vendome.
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Shangri-La Hotel, Paris:
Set in a historic palace with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, offering elegant rooms and exceptional dining options.
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Hotel Plaza Athenee:
A luxury palace hotel on Avenue Montaigne, known for its lavish rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant, and renowned spa.
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The Peninsula Paris:
Offers sophisticated accommodation, world-class dining, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, and a spa.
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Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel:
A historic landmark hotel on Place de la Concorde, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and a luxurious spa.
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Hotel Le Meurice:
One of Paris's grand palace hotels, known for its regal interiors, Michelin-starred restaurant, and prestigious location near the Louvre.
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Hotel Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris:
Combines contemporary design with Parisian chic, offering stylish rooms, gourmet dining, an art gallery, and a spa.
Best Restaurants to Eat in Paris
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Guy Savoy:
Renowned for its innovative French cuisine and three Michelin stars.
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Le Bernardin:
Offers exquisite seafood dishes with a contemporary twist, earning three Michelin stars.
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Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee:
Known for its refined French cuisine and elegant setting, boasting three Michelin stars.
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Arpege:
Celebrated for its vegetarian tasting menu and commitment to seasonal produce, awarded three Michelin stars.
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Septime:
A trendy bistro serving creative, market-driven dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
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L'Astrance:
Offers an intimate dining experience with innovative French cuisine, earning three Michelin stars.
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Le Chateaubriand:
Known for its ever-changing tasting menu showcasing inventive dishes and bold flavours.
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Alleno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen:
Helmed by Chef Yannick Alleno, this restaurant offers modern French cuisine in an elegant setting, with three Michelin stars.
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Epicure at Le Bristol Paris:
Boasts three Michelin stars for its refined French cuisine, impeccable service, and luxurious ambience.
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Le Cinq at Four Seasons Hotel George V:
Offers classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist, awarded three Michelin stars for its culinary excellence.
How to Travel Within Paris
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Metro:
The Paris Métro is an extensive and efficient subway system with numerous lines covering the city and surrounding areas. It's the fastest way to get around Paris.
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Bus:
The city's bus network provides comprehensive coverage, including routes to destinations not served by the Métro. It's a slower but scenic way to travel and offers a good option for exploring specific neighbourhoods.
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RER (Reseau Express Regional):
The RER is a suburban train network that connects Paris with its surrounding suburbs. It's useful for reaching destinations outside the city centre, such as Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
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Tram:
Paris has a growing tram network, particularly in the outer suburbs. Trams provide a convenient way to travel within certain areas of the city, with dedicated lanes that avoid traffic congestion.
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Bicycle:
Paris offers a bike-sharing scheme called Velib, with stations located throughout the city where you can rent bicycles for short periods. Cycling is a great way to explore Paris, especially along the Seine River or through parks.
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Taxi:
Taxis are readily available in Paris and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks. They provide a convenient option for getting around, especially late at night or when travelling with luggage.
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Uber:
Ride-hailing services like Uber operate in Paris, offering another convenient option for getting around the city. Simply use the app to request a ride to your desired destination.
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Boat:
The Batobus offers a hop-on-hop-off boat service along the Seine River, stopping at major landmarks and attractions. It's a scenic way to travel and provides unique views of Paris from the water.
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Car:
While driving in Paris can be challenging due to traffic congestion and limited parking, having a car can be convenient for exploring areas outside the city centre. However, it's often more practical to use public transport within Paris itself.
Visa Requirements for Paris, France
UK residents do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in France, including Paris, as both countries are part of the European Union. However, following Brexit, travellers should ensure their passports are valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure and are issued within the last ten years. Additionally, UK residents should check entry requirements for longer stays, work, or study purposes, as separate visa regulations may apply. It's advisable to consult the official website of the French Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa information.