Paris Holidays



Paris Holidays

Bustling boulevards, pretty patisseries and the iconic Eiffel Tower - Paris really has it all. By day, it's a medley of sweet-smelling bakeries, high-end boutiques and peaceful picnic spots, and by night you'll see the whole place come alive with a twinkling glow, from humble street lights to soaring skyscrapers, lit from head to toe. After all, that's why they call it the City of Lights. Paris, say bonjour to an unforgettable city break.

Why holiday in Paris?

Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or all three, Paris won't disappoint. Quaint streets lined with cream-coloured buildings are the perfect place to lose yourself in cafés and shops, whilst in the evening you can dance the night away in a lively nightclub or enjoy rooftop cocktails until the early hours. The best part? Paris is all about the laidback way of living, so dressing casual even in the evening is the norm. Less time getting dressed up and more time making memories? Count us in!

If you still don't believe us when we say that Paris has something up its sleeve for every type of holidaymaker, then get this - there is even something for beach lovers. Though there might not be a sandy coastline nearby, in the peak of summer the banks along the River Seine double as a holiday hotspot for sun-seekers, complete with sunbeds, parasols and even palm trees! It might not be your typical bucket-and-spade spot, but with the captivating Paris scenery as your backdrop, you won't have time to miss the sand and sea.

Sightseeing in Paris

Whether you're a fan of tourist attractions or not, the Eiffel Tower is one sight that can't be missed in Paris - quite literally. You'll find it in the Champ de Mars gardens, piercing the clouds with its wrought-iron peak. There are food vendors and gift shops at the foot of the tower to keep you occupied, but if you want the full experience then head to the top of the structure and admire the stunning Parisian cityscape from a bird's eye view.

The Arc de Triomphe is also worth a visit if you're a fan of beautiful architecture. You've probably seen this stunning archway in plenty of films, and if you climb to the top then you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Champs-Elysees avenue.

Sacre Coeur should also be on your to-visit list if you're interested in some outdoor exploring. Nestled on a hilltop away from the hustle and bustle, there's a total of 200 steps leading to this monument, but it's more than worth it for what waits at the top, including a lovely terrace area with panoramic views. Admissions are free, too, so it's great for sightseeing on a budget.

If you fancy exploring something indoors, then head to The Louvre. Not only is it the world's largest art museum which makes it an attraction in itself, but it's home to Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa, which has to make it on your sightseeing checklist!

If all of these sights and attractions seem a little overwhelming, then you can always take an open-top bus tour. Sightseeing buses are extremely popular in the city and follow a 'hop-on, hop off' schedule, so you can jump off at any attractions that you want to get a closer look at, and then simply hop back on the next bus!

Food and drink in Paris

From melt-in-the-mouth croissants at breakfast to opulent three-course dinners in the evening, Parisian cuisine will definitely steal your heart. When exploring the streets of Paris, crêpe stands and bakeries will be your best friend, giving off sweet aromas that simply can't be resisted, but if you're heading inside for a sit-down meal then you'll probably come across some more traditional dishes. Escargots - or snails to you and me - are a French delicacy, presented in their shells and stuffed with garlic, herbs and butter. It's not for everyone but it's definitely authentic to France! If you're not feeling quite brave enough to give the snails a try, though, then you might be tempted by some other Parisian staples, such as French onion soup - usually served with a crusty crouton topped with melted cheese, or croque monsieur which is essentially a grilled sandwich filled with ham, oozy cheese and sometimes a touch of béchamel. With the city's lively streets, you won't have trouble finding somewhere to eat, (although you might have trouble deciding!) but if you're after more of a laidback atmosphere then we recommend La Cantine de Méme - a charming bistro with a pretty outdoor seating area and a mouthwatering menu.

We haven't forgotten about drinks, either! Whether you simply want a quick coffee stop or some late-night cocktails, there are plenty of bars to suit your needs. Bar Hemingway is the city's most famous bar, hidden away inside The Ritz and serving a variety of crowd-pleasing cocktails, or you can head to Harry's New York Bar where you can sample a Soixante Quinze - a ‘French 75’ in English - which is a cocktail comprised of gin, champagne, lemon juice and syrup.

Visiting Paris

If you're travelling with the kids then Disneyland is a must. From big-thrill rides and lively shows in the main park to recreated Hollywood sets and movie-themed attractions at Walt Disney Studios, there's something for the whole family.

If you're sticking to the city centre though, then there's still plenty to do besides the typical tourist spots. You can picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont - a gorgeous public park bursting with greenery, or head to Avenue des Champs Elysées - a picturesque avenue lined with trees and pretty gardens, and packed with French boutiques, bakeries and high street stores where you can put those euros to good use!

You might also come across the River Seine during your explorations - a stunning river that cuts right through the heart of Paris. It's a lovely spot to simply wander along the waterfront, but you can also head on a river cruise which is particularly magical in the evening as the sun sets and the city's landmarks are illuminated.

Useful info for visiting Paris

Flight times to Paris are short and sweet, taking an average of just 1.5 hours from the UK. Although English might be spoken in some of the tourist hotspots, French is the official language of this city, so you're probably going to see and hear a lot of it. If in doubt, you can always pack a French dictionary and try your hand at some new phrases! There is a time difference, too, but Paris is only 1 hour ahead of the UK, so it shouldn't impact your itinerary too much. Last but not least, don’t forget to swap your pounds to euros so you can buy as many croissants as your heart desires and shop ‘til you drop at Avenue des Champs Elysées.

Resorts in Paris

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