skip to main content
Paris Eiffel Tower

Your ultimate travel guide for a holiday in Paris, France

Paris, France

London Southend Airport now flies to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, offering you a chance to experience one of the greatest cities on earth without breaking the bank. With so much to do, we’re giving you a guide on everything you need to know to get the most out of Paris, from travel and accommodation recommendations to restaurants and activities around the city.

If you’re ready to go, why wait? Book now

Travelling from Charles de Gaulle Airport into Paris

Once you’ve landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you’re just a hop, skip and a jump from one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Whether you’re planning to travel by train, car or bus, we’ve got you covered. 

Train: Hop on the RER B train for just €12, which will take you to Paris-Nord in 30-40 minutes, with trains around every 10 minutes. 

Bus: There’s a bus which stops at every terminal at the airport at 15 to 20 minute intervals. The journey into Paris takes about an hour, but this can change depending on traffic, so it’s recommended that you leave at least 80 minutes for your journey. Ticket prices range from around €6-12, far cheaper than taxing a taxi. RoissyBus provides a direct shuttle that takes just 60 minutes to get into the city.

Taxi: You can take a taxi from the airport for around €50-60 depending on the time and demand. Feeling adventurous? Beat the traffic with a motorcycle taxi instead. 

Car: Charles De Gaulle Airport has plenty of car rental options. If you’re driving from the airport into the centre of the city, the journey will be around one hour. However, it’s unlikely your hotel is right on top of Notre Dame Cathedral, so make sure to plan your journey with your accommodation in mind. 

Accommodation

Staying in the centre of Paris can be costly – but with the city’s great transport system, you have plenty more options with reasonable price tags. Here are some recommendations to get you started on your search.

Hotel Beaugrenelle Saint Charles: Just a 20-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower, this hotel offers comfortable rooms for less than €80 per night. Its proximity to the metro and local boulangeries adds to its appeal.

Square Caulaincourt Hostel: Square Caulaincourt Hostel in Montmartre offers budget-friendly rooms just minutes from Sacré-Cœur. With free Wi-Fi and breakfast included, it ensures a comfortable stay.

Plug Inn Hostel: You’ll find the Plug Inn Hostel in the trendy Abbesses district. Just a two-minute walk from the iconic Moulin Rouge, this hostel is nestled between the area’s bohemian cafes.

Airbnb: There are thousands of Airbnb listings in Paris, so if you fancy doing some digging in advance, you’re sure to find some great deals, especially as you get further away from the city centre. Just make sure you’re near some easy transport into the capital! 

At the airport

Inspired to book your break? 

Dining

If you’re visiting Paris, odds are you’re already anticipating some truly world-class cuisine. Here are five recommendations to get you started on your fine-dining journey.

Breizh Café: Prepare to be charmed by this crêperie’s galette complète, stealing hearts with its local flair and offering a huge range of sweet and savoury fillings. 

CheZaline: This hidden gem offers perfect Parisian sandwiches. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch while exploring the city. 

Le 17:45: With a delightful atmosphere, this restaurant specialises in cheese and charcuterie platters. It’s a must-visit for lovers of planche apéro. 

Le Café de la Nouvelle Mairie: A picturesque cafe by the Panthéon, they offer a daily menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Ideal for a leisurely lunch. 

Le Colimaçon: A foodie’s haven in Le Marais, Le Colimaçon offers creative takes on French classics, promising a fine-dining experience and atmosphere that’s hard to beat. 

Unmissable landmarks

The Paris skyline is one of the most famous in the world. Here are the landmarks you can’t miss if you’re visiting Paris with London Southend Airport.

The Paris Catacombs: Descend into the mysterious underworld of Paris, exploring the haunting labyrinth of ancient tunnels and bone-lined chambers.

The Eiffel Tower: No list of Paris’ unmissable landmarks would be complete without the Eiffel Tower. You can grab a ticket on-site to take the stairs and lift all the way to the top.

The Louvre: Marvel at the world’s most famous painting and iconic sculptures in the Denon Wing at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. 

Musee d’Orsay: Nowhere does art quite like Paris – but that doesn’t just mean ancient masterpieces. Delve into the world of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work at the Musee d’Orsay, a former railway station turned museum.

Notre Dame: Admire the timeless beauty of this Gothic masterpiece, a symbol of Parisian architecture and history. Its interior is closed for restoration, but there’s still plenty to see from the square outside.

Sacré-Cœur: Climb the steps to this basilica atop Montmartre, enjoying panoramic views of Paris.

Free activities

Just because you’re in Paris, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. In fact, the French capital has plenty of free activities that still let you see practically everything the city has to offer. Here are the free activities you need to take advantage of during your stay. 

La Promenade Plantée: Explore this floral walkway above the bustling city, a haven of tranquillity amidst the urban landscape.

Marché d’Aligre: Indulge your senses at this food lover’s paradise, a market offering a delightful array of fresh produce and gourmet delights.

Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris: Dive into the artistic wonders of this museum, showcasing a mesmerising collection of modern art.

Parc de la Villette: Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant spirit at this park during its free events, offering a taste of Parisian culture and entertainment.

Parc du Champ de Mars: Experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower’s light show from this park, a breathtaking spectacle that captures the essence of Parisian charm.

There’s so much to explore in Paris – this guide is just the start of your journey. We’ll see you when you fly out with London Southend Airport. When you fly back, make sure to tell us all about it.

#FlyLondonSouthend

At the airport

Inspired to book your break?