Paris holidays

Best time to go to Paris

There’s truly no bad time to book a holiday to Paris – the city has something magical in every season, and Irish travellers will find it an easy and rewarding destination all year round.

• Summer (June to August) is perfect for anyone who loves long, sunny days and outdoor café culture. Temperatures often reach the high 20s, and you’ll find plenty going on – from open-air cinema nights to the vibrant Bastille Day celebrations on 14 July. Keep in mind that many locals leave Paris in August, so while tourist areas are busy, some independent shops and restaurants may be closed.

• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are arguably the best times to explore the city. Mild weather, blooming gardens or autumn colours, and fewer crowds make this an ideal window for sightseeing and museum-hopping without the summer rush.

• Winter (December to February) brings a different kind of charm – twinkling lights, festive Christmas markets, and romantic strolls through quieter streets. February is particularly atmospheric, thanks to Valentine’s Day in the City of Love, and often includes Mardi Gras and Chinese New Year festivities.

Whatever your travel style, Paris offers a reason to visit in every season – just pack accordingly, and don’t forget your umbrella in winter.

How to get to Paris

Flying from Ireland to Paris is fast and easy, with direct flights from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to the city's main airports. The journey typically takes under 2 hours, making Paris perfect for a weekend city break or longer escape.

Once you arrive, here’s how to get from each airport to the city centre:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG): The RER B train takes about 25 minutes to Gare du Nord. Tickets cost €11.45 – a quick and cost-effective choice.

• Orly: Use the OrlyVal shuttle to Antony station, then transfer to the RER B into Paris. The journey takes around 35 minutes, and a combined ticket costs €15.40.

• Paris Beauvais: Located further out, this airport is popular with low-cost airlines like Ryanair. The dedicated shuttle bus to Porte Maillot takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with tickets starting from €16.90 one way if booked online in advance.

Getting around Paris

Paris is easy to explore, whether you're hopping on the Metro or strolling between arrondissements.

• The Metro system is extensive, reliable and runs from around 5.30am to 1.15am (or 2am on Fridays and Saturdays). It’s one of the densest urban transport systems in the world – ideal for getting around quickly.

• You can buy tickets at stations, via vending machines, or now even on your phone. A book of 10 tickets (carnet) costs €16.90 and is great value if you’re planning a few short trips each day.

• Consider a Navigo Easy pass or a daily/weekly travel card if you’ll be using the Metro frequently – but remember, Paris is a very walkable city, so you may not need as many journeys as you think.

Between river cruises, scenic walks and café-lined boulevards, getting around Paris can be as enjoyable as the attractions themselves.

What to do in Paris

Paris is bursting with world-class museums, with the Louvre stealing the spotlight. Here, you’ll find over 30,000 works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Don’t miss the Musée d'Orsay, which showcases stunning Impressionist pieces, all housed in a beautifully converted train station.

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Head up to the top for truly breath-taking views of the Champ de Mars and beyond. And make sure to take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Elysées, where you can window shop at posh boutiques as you make your way to the imposing Arc de Triomphe.

Things to do in Paris for free

If you’re keeping an eye on your budget during your trip to Paris, you’ll be happy to know that many of the city's best churches are free to enter. While the interior of Notre Dame is closed until late 2024 following the fire in 2019, you can still see the restoration efforts from the square and check out the informative underground exhibit about its history and restoration.

In the charming and quirky neighbourhood of Montmartre, the stunning Sacré-Coeur Basilica welcomes visitors every day at no charge, and no reservation is needed. If the sun is shining, why not explore some of the city’s lovely parks? Jardins like the Luxembourg and the Tuileries are both centrally located and ideal for a relaxing stroll or a fun trip to the playground with the little ones.

What to do in Paris with your family

For a family day out, you won't go wrong with Disneyland Paris. There’s fun for everyone, from fairy tale rides like It’s a Small World to thrilling attractions like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The kids will love wandering through the delightful Fantasyland, while the older ones can ride the exhilarating Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

If you fancy a more French-themed adventure, consider Parc Astérix, inspired by the legendary Gaulish hero. It’s split into various themed areas including Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and even a Viking zone. Younger kids can enjoy the log flume, while thrill-seekers might fancy tackling the intense Goudurix roller coaster, which features seven loops!

Things to do in Paris in winter

Winter transforms Paris into a magical wonderland, decked out in shimmering lights and a cosy atmosphere. The Eiffel Tower, often dusted with snow, becomes even more enchanting and is perfect for romantic evenings together. It's a great time to explore the city's famous museums like the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, often with fewer crowds.

Take a stroll along the Seine, especially with the Christmas markets adding that extra festive flair. Warm up over a steaming cup of hot chocolate in a snug café or indulge in seasonal delights at a local bistro. Adventure seekers can enjoy ice-skating at pop-up rinks, like the one at the Grand Palais. The Champs-Élysées, all lit up for the season, is perfect for a lovely evening walk, showcasing the charm of Paris in winter.

Things to do in Paris for couples

Often known as the 'City of Love', Paris is a dream destination for couples. Imagine sharing a romantic walk along the Seine as the sun sets, with the city lights sparkling around you. The Eiffel Tower provides an unforgettable backdrop, whether you're viewing it from afar or getting up close.

For a dash of culture, make your way to iconic museums like the Louvre or enjoy a spectacular show at the Opéra Garnier. The enchanting streets of Montmartre, with their artistic vibe and stunning city views, are perfect for a leisurely wander. Treat yourself to a candlelit dinner in one of the city's splendid restaurants, where you can savour authentic French cuisine.

And don’t miss out on a cruise on the Seine; it’s a wonderful way to admire many of Paris's landmarks from a unique perspective. Paris's gardens, like the Jardin des Tuileries or the Luxembourg Gardens, offer peaceful spots for a quiet escape right in the heart of the city. Overall, Paris is a blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for couples.

What to eat in Paris

Paris has thousands of fantastic restaurants to choose from. Here are just a few pointers:

• Fine dining: L'Espadon offers gourmet cuisine with a surprisingly modern twist: chef Eugénie Béziat combines her unique perspective of growing up in Africa and summering in Provence to create unexplored flavours.

• Bistro: A stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, the charming Fontaine de Mars boasts the customary red awning and chequered tablecloths, with a fresh take on classic French cuisine.

• Steak: At Le Relais de Venise, they stick to what they know best. Diners only have one option: a walnut salad to start, followed by two servings of steak and frites with the famous house sauce. All you have to do is let them know how you want your meat cooked.

• Raclette/fondue: Pain, Vin, Fromages. This spot in the trendy Marais neighbourhood serves up deliciously cheesy specialities from the Savoy region paired with superb wines.

Café Culture

Paris is as famous for its food as it is for its fashion, with gourmet treats on almost every corner. If you have a sweet tooth, head to Laduree, at 16 rue Royale, a luxury pastry shop and tearoom founded in 1862. Their macaroons are a speciality and have been featured in films such as Marie Antoinette and the TV show Gossip Girl.