How to plan a trip to Paris

Paris is a city you have to visit at least once in your life. However, there’s so much to see and do that you’ll need several trips, or even several lifetimes, if you want to discover every corner of this wonderful city. One of the keys to make the most of your stay is to organize your trip in detail and inform yourself well before you go. And since we know that this research work can be a bit tedious, we’ve set out to help you plan your trip to Paris with the best travel tips.

Below we walk you through every stage of organizing your trip to Paris, starting with the best dates to travel, the most efficient way to travel and the most comfortable areas to stay. You’ll see that Paris is not a cheap city, so we encourage you to look ahead of time for the best deals. You can also read about other practical aspects to keep in mind during your stay, such as public transportation, currency, language and many other small details that will make your trip go perfectly.

1. Prepare the documentation for travel to Paris

When you plan a trip to Paris or any other place, the first thing to consider is the documentation required to enter the country of destination. In the case of France, this will depend on your country of origin. If you are traveling with the Passporter App, we remind you that you can securely store a copy of your documentation to keep on hand in case you need to present it.

The citizens of the Schengen area don’t have to apply for a visa, with ID card or passport in order they can access the country without problems. However, you must keep in mind that this only applies to trips with a tourist purpose and with a duration of less than 90 days. In case you want to stay longer or travel for other reasons, such as work or studies, you should inquire about the necessary documentation.

Other countries that also do not need to process a visa thanks to bilateral agreements are Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Vatican City, Costa Rica, Croatia, Colombia, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, South Korea, San Marino, Switzerland, Singapore, Uruguay and Venezuela.

If traveling from a country other than those previously mentioned you must process your visa through the embassy or consulate of your country or online.

These are the documents that you must prepare before applying for the visa:

• Visa application form: you must complete the form corresponding to the type of visa you are applying for (short stay or long stay).
• Card-type photographs: you will need two recent photos that meet the requirements for Schengen visas.
• Valid passport: your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your intended stay, and have at least two blank pages.
• Copies of previous visas, if applicable.
• Travel medical insurance: must cover the entire Schengen territory with a minimum of €30,000.
• Complete itinerary: details of your trip, including how you plan to arrive in France and proof of your return or onward travel.
• Proof of financial means: documentation showing how you will finance yourself during your stay.
• Proof of accommodation: this can be a hotel reservation, a hosting certificate, a rental contract, or a certificate of ownership.
• Certificate of criminal record from the country of origin.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee.

The processing of the visa has a cost of 80€, although it may vary depending on the duration or reason for the trip. It is recommended to apply for it a little more than a month in advance as it usually takes between 10 and 15 working days to be granted. We encourage you to save your visa in the Passporter App so that you always have it located and at hand.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Paris

Paris is a wonderful city that transforms depending on the time of year you go. However, it’s also a very touristy city — one of the most visited in the world — so it pays off to choose your time of year wisely if you don’t want to spend your life queuing to get into museums or the Eifell Tower.

In general the weather is most pleasant between April and October, however, it is recommended to avoid the summer months because of the high temperatures and the waves of tourists that flood the city. In addition, between June, July and August is the high season, which means that, although the tourist offer is more varied, hotel and flight prices can be quite a bit higher.

Our personal recommendation is to travel in spring or autumn. During these months, although there are also tourists (we’re still talking about Paris), there are fewer of them, and prices are not as high as during the summer.

And if you want to experience the city a little quieter, we encourage you to go during the winter. Despite the cold and the possibility of rain or snow, Paris has its own charm during these months. The Christmas markets, festive lights and fewer tourists make this a special time to visit. In addition, you’ll find better prices on accommodation and flights. Just be prepared for cold weather.

3. Find out how to get to Paris

As the capital of France and one of the most touristic cities in the world, Paris is well-connected both with other countries on the continent and internationally. This means that you can reach the city either by car, plane, bus or train.

• Airplane: There are three airports in Paris, but the most common for international flights are Charles de Gaulle or Orly. There are numerous companies offering flights between your destination and Paris, including several low-cost airlines such as Vueling, Easyjet or Ryanair. From Spain the trip takes about 2 hours. And remember that with the Passporter App you can compare and book your flights directly through Skyscanner.
• Bus: is a more affordable option in some cases (depending on the country of origin), although it is not the most comfortable. From Madrid for example the journey takes about 16h. There are many companies that offer these services, such as Alsa or Flixbus.
• Train: France has a very efficient network of trains. You can choose between regional or high-speed trains (TGV). The regional train is cheaper, but it also takes longer because it makes more stops. The advantage of the TGV is that it connects main European cities, allowing you to travel long distances in a very short time. From Spain there is only connection with Barcelona, from where it takes 6,5h. When buying your ticket make sure it stops at the station you are most interested in as there are 5 stations in Paris: Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare de Montparnasse and Gare de Saint Lazare.
• Car: This option is practical for touring France. However, if you’re only going to Paris, don’t even think about renting a car. Driving around the city can be tricky and you’ll have a lot of trouble parking.

To get from the three airports to downtown you have these options:

• Charles de Gaulle: located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, it is France’s largest and busiest airport, serving as a major international hub. It offers a wide range of flights to destinations around the world, operating with multiple international and low-cost carriers. Facilities include multiple public and private transportation options to reach central Paris, including the RER B train, buses, cabs, and VTC services.
• Orly: located approximately 13 kilometers south of Paris, it is the second largest airport in the region and handles a mix of domestic, European, and some international destinations. It is known to be a major hub for domestic flights within France. Orly offers access to transportation to Paris via the Orlyval and RER B, OrlyBus, cabs, and car rental services.
• Beauvais-Tillé: located about 50 miles north of Paris, it is mainly used by low-cost airlines and offers flights mainly to European destinations. Transportation options to and from Beauvais include a shuttle bus service connecting to central Paris, as well as cabs and car rentals, although these can be significantly more expensive due to the distance.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Paris

Is it expensive to stay in Paris? Yes, it definitely is. But like any other trip, if you look ahead of time you can find affordable options. On the Passporter App you can read about other travelers’ experiences and also book your accommodation directly through Booking.

There are 20 arrondissements in Paris, but here’s a list of some of the best neighborhoods to stay in:

• Le Marais: mixes the historic and modern charm, ideal for those looking for culture, fashion and nightlife in the heart of Paris.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: embodies the bohemian and literary spirit, with famous cafes and direct access to important museums, perfect for art and history lovers.
• Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars: emblematic location with iconic views, ideal for those wishing to stay close to the main tourist attractions, although at the price is quite high.

Something you should keep in mind is that in Paris you have to pay a tourist tax which is not always included in the price of accommodation. The tax ranges from 0.65€ to 15€ per night depending on the category of the hotel.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Paris

Generally it is usually recommended to spend at least 4 days in Paris to see the must-sees, however, we decided to spend 10 days and did not regret it. Beyond the main tourist attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, Paris has a lot to offer and each neighborhood has a unique personality that you can discover if you go into its streets. In addition, the city is a paradise for foodies and especially pastry lovers, so you’ll definitely want to leave yourself some free time for shopping.

If you want to know more about this stunning city we encourage you to keep reading in this post: What to see and do in Paris France.

And here we leave you a summary with the top 10 things to see in Paris:

1. Eiffel Tower: the most iconic symbol of Paris. It is open daily from 9:30am to 10:45pm and the entrance fee is around 26€.
2. Louvre Museum: It is the largest and most visited art museum in the world, home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, among thousands of other works. The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Fridays until 9:45 pm. The entrance fee is 22€.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famous for its intricate design and gargoyles. The entrance fee is 8.5€.
4. Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur: a bohemian neighborhood offering spectacular views of Paris and the impressive white basilica at its peak.
5. Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe: the most famous avenue in Paris, leading to the monumental Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of French military glory.
6. Luxembourg Garden: magnificent gardens offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful statues, fountains and a palace.
7. Museum d’Orsay: houses an impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Degas.
8. The Seine: one of the best activities in Paris is to take a cruise on the Seine River offers to discover the most emblematic buildings of the city from another perspective. The price is around €14.
9. Palace of Versailles: Although it’s a bit outside Paris, this opulent palace and its gardens are a testament to the extravagant lifestyle of the French monarchy. Basic adult admission to the palace costs €18.
10. Latin Quarter: is a lively district known for its student atmosphere, bookstores, cafes and the historic Sorbonne University.

6. Where and what to eat in Paris

Paris is the cradle of gastronomy and its dishes have transcended internationally for their high quality and the importance of every detail, from the selection of ingredients to the presentation. On your way you will find restaurants of all kinds and for all tastes, but as always our recommendation is to try the local specialties, especially if you are in Paris.

Here’s the top 10:

• Ratatouille: vegetable stew originating from Provence.
• Boeuf Bourguignon: beef stew cooked slowly in red wine.
• Coq au Vin: chicken cooked in wine, traditionally with mushrooms and bacon.
• Quiche Lorraine: savory tart with egg, cream and pancetta.
• Crêpes: Thin pancakes served with a variety of sweet or savory fillings.
• Foie Gras: duck or goose liver, considered a delicacy.
• Soupe à l’oignon: onion soup au gratin with cheese and bread.
• Macarons: small round cakes, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, available in multiple flavors.
• Croissant: the world’s most famous flaky pastry. Find an artisan bakery and buy yours first thing, fresh from the oven.
• Cheese: In Paris, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious cheeses, such as Camembert, Roquefort, Brie and Comté.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Paris

Traveling with friends is one of the best experiences in the world. Traveling the world together living adventures and creating new memories to last a lifetime. However, if you have ever traveled with a group of friends you will also know that it comes with some challenges, such as agreeing on the destination, date, or budget. That’s why our recommendation is that you agree before you set out on your trip and help each other with the free Passporter App.

With the Passporter App organizing such trips is easier as you can plan the itinerary from start to finish taking into account everyone’s opinions. Invite your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travelers and create your ideal route together. You will also be able to share your experience through the pictures you take during the trip. To help you even more, we have prepared an article with useful tips for traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Paris

• The currency in France is the euro.
• You will be able to pay by card in the vast majority of stores.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• France uses plug type E, with voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are traveling from the European Union you will not need a visa to travel to France, a passport is sufficient.
• The official language is French, but in tourist areas you will be able to communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in France is drinkable.
• Paris is a safe city, but it never hurts to keep our belongings in sight.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Paris travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂
• Cover yourself for medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Paris

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to Paris.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Paris