Visits and activities during your stay in Paris -

Visits and activities during your stay in Paris

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Visit the Paris catacombs: important points, legends and cataphiles

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Customs rules for entering France: quantity and import value

1. Transportation and bookings of transportation

Booking your flight to Paris

We have selected 5 airlines that offer bookings on flights to and from Paris. Having several airlines to choose from allows you to avoid not finding the flight you’re interested in on the date that suits you best, and to easily compare the prices available.

Booking Kiwi
Booking Trip.com
Booking Aviasales
Booking WayAway
Booking Expedia : Ok avec Hotels.com → https://expedia.com/affiliates/flights-search-sfo-to-par.nyAOEoW
In case of delayed or canceled flyght: Booking Compenair
If you need to store your luggage temporarily : Booking Radical storage in Paris

Arriving in Paris by plane: how do I get to the center of Paris?

Paris has two airports: the main one to the north (Charles-de-Gaulle Roissy Airport – CDG ), 27 km from the center of Paris, and to the south (Orly – ORY), 16 km from the center of Paris. Charles-de-Gaulle airport consists of Terminal 1, Terminal 3 for charter flights to vacation destinations, Terminal 2 (le most important, with sub-terminals A to G).

Booking a chauffeur-driven car for airport transfers

Getting to central Paris from Charles-de-Gaulle airport

Traveling from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the center of Paris offers several transportation options, each varying in cost, travel time, and convenience. Here’s an overview to help you choose the best method:

Tips:

Navigo Pass: If you plan to use public transportation extensively during your stay, consider purchasing a Navigo Easy or Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited travel within selected zones.
Luggage: For travelers with heavy or bulky luggage, taxis or direct metro services may offer more comfort.
Peak Hours: Public transportation can be crowded during peak hours (8:00-10:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). Plan accordingly.

1. RER B Train (Fast metro – line B/B3)

Follow the signs RER or Trains. From Terminal 1 take first the CDGVAL automatic shuttle (3 mn ride).
Route: CDG to central Paris stations (e.g., Gare du Nord, Châtelet – Les Halles)
Frequency: Every 3 to 15 minutes
Travel Time: Approximately 25 to 35 minutes
Cost: €13 (as of January 2025) – The Ticket Paris Région <> Aéroports costs 13€ (single fare from-to Paris and any destination in the Paris region, as trains between Paris ans suburb). This special fare ticket is required to connect to CDG or Orly (the Ticket Métro-Train-RER is not valid for airport services).
Note: The RER B is one of the fastest and most economical ways to reach Paris, especially if you have manageable luggage.

Paris-lines-RER-aeroports-to-center-of-paris

2. Roissybus

Follow the Bus signage
Route: CDG to Opéra district in Paris
Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes
Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic
Cost: €13 (as of January 2025)
Tickets: Purchase at ticket counters, machines, or onboard (slightly higher fare)
Note: The Roissybus provides a direct connection without intermediate stops, making it convenient for travelers heading to the Opéra area.

3. Le Bus Direct (Line 2)

Follow the bus signage
Route: CDG to various stops in Paris, including Porte Maillot, Étoile/Champs-Élysées, and Trocadéro
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Travel Time: Approximately 45 to 60 minutes

4. Taxis

Note: Avoid solicitors inside the terminal offering taxi services, as they are probably not licensed. In case of accident, you will not be insured. In addition the price they ask to go to Paris is usually twice or more than the official flat price official taxies charge. Always proceed to the official taxi ranks.

How to Find Official Taxis at CDG Airport

To ensure a safe and legitimate taxi experience:

Follow Airport Signage: After exiting customs, follow the signs directing you to the official taxi stands.
Designated Taxi Ranks: Each terminal has specific areas for taxis:
- Terminal 1: Exit at Gate 24 on the Arrivals level.
- Terminal 2A: Exit at Gate 6.
- Terminal 2C: Exit at Gate 14.
- Terminal 2D: Exit at Gate 7.

Taxi Fares from CDG to Paris

As of February 2025, the fixed rates for taxi journeys between CDG Airport and Paris are:

Right Bank (Rive Droite): €56
Left Bank (Rive Gauche): €65
Please note that for all Parisian cab fares, only a passenger surcharge of €5.50 may be applied for 5th and subsequent passengers. No additional charges for luggage or other standard services.
Payment Methods: Most taxis accept cash and credit cards, but it’s advisable to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.
Receipts: If you require a receipt, inform the driver at the end of your trip.
Tipping: While not mandatory, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip for good service is appreciated (Usually 10 to 15%)
Night rate is a little higher (between 7:00pm and 7:00am)
Cab drivers tip: 10-15% – at customer’s discretion
Duration: Approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

If your destination is not the city of Paris, estimated rates from CDG airport are as follows

75-95€ to Disneyland
50-75€ Défense area (Business district)
80-95€ Versailles
75-85€ to Orly airport

5. Taxis VTC system

Reservations must be made in advance on the website NAVECO or Allocab or UBER.

VTC driver schedule blocked at time of booking.
Free waiting time: 1 hour at the airport and 15 minutes at the station.
A special welcome with a free sign.
Flight or train arrival tracking.
You receive the number of your VTC driver by SMS.

Where are the VTCs at Paris-CDG?

Terminal 1 – Dépose minute professionnel niveau Départs, porte 16
Terminal 2A – Dépose-minute niveau Arrivées, porte 5
Terminal 2C – Dépose-minute niveau Arrivées, porte 12
Terminal 2D – Dépose-minute niveau Arrivées, porte 6
Terminal 2E – Arrivée-minute 2E, porte 6.
Terminal 2F – Dépose-minute niveau Départs, porte 10.
Terminal 2G – Dépose-minute sur le parvis.

Getting to central Paris from Orly airport

Traveling from Orly Airport (ORY) to central Paris offers several transportation options, each varying in cost, travel time, and convenience. Here’s an overview to help you choose the best method:

Tips:

Navigo Pass: If you plan to use public transportation extensively during your stay, consider purchasing a Navigo Easy or Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited travel within selected zones.
Luggage: For travelers with heavy or bulky luggage, taxis or direct metro services may offer more comfort.
Peak Hours: Public transportation can be crowded during peak hours (8:00-10:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). Plan accordingly.

1. Paris Métro Line 14 – Direct to center of Paris

Route: Direct service from Aéroport d’Orly station to central Paris stations (e.g., Châtelet-Les Halles).
Frequency: Every 3 to 5 minutes.
Travel Time: Approximately 25 minutes to Châtelet-Les Halles.
Cost: €13 for a single journey (as of January 2025).
Tickets: “Airport Paris Region” ticket, valid for travel between the airport and any metro, RER, or Transilien station in Paris.

Note: This option provides a direct and efficient route to central Paris without the need for transfers.

2. Orlyval + RER B Combination

Route: Take the Orlyval automated shuttle from Orly Airport to Antony station, then transfer to RER B towards central Paris.
Frequency: Orlyval every 4 to 7 minutes; RER B every 3 to 10 minutes.
Travel Time: Approximately 6 minutes on Orlyval + 25 minutes on RER B to central Paris.
Cost: €11 for Orlyval (as of March 2023) + RER B fare (€2.50), totaling approximately €13.50.
Tickets: Combined tickets available at Orlyval stations.

Note: While this option requires a transfer at Antony, it offers flexibility in reaching various parts of Paris served by the RER B line.

3. Tramway T7 + Métro Line 7

Route: From Orly Airport, take Tramway T7 to Villejuif-Louis Aragon station, then transfer to Métro Line 7 towards central Paris.
Frequency: Tramway T7 every 6 to 15 minutes; Métro Line 7 every 2 to 7 minutes.
Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes on Tramway T7 + 30 minutes on Métro Line 7.
Cost: €2.00 for Tramway T7 + €2.50 for Métro Line 7, totaling €4.50. en.wikipedia.org
Tickets: Purchase separate tickets for tram and metro; consider loading them onto a Navigo Easy card for convenience.

Note: This is the most economical option, though it involves a transfer and a longer travel time.

4. Bus Services

Route: Several bus lines connect Orly Airport to different parts of Paris.
Examples:
- RATP Bus 183: Connects Orly to Porte de Choisy (Métro Line 7).
- Albatrans Bus 91-10: Connects Orly to Massy-Palaiseau station.
Frequency: Varies by line; typically every 15 to 30 minutes.
Travel Time: Approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the route and traffic.
Cost: €2.00 to €6.00, depending on the specific bus line and destination.
Tickets: Purchase onboard or at airport kiosks; some buses accept Navigo passes.

Note: Buses are a cost-effective option but may be subject to traffic delays.

5. Taxi

Route: Direct from Orly Airport to your destination in Paris.
Availability: 24/7 at designated taxi ranks outside each terminal.
Travel Time: Approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Fixed rates as of February 2024:
- Right Bank (Rive Droite): €56
- Left Bank (Rive Gauche): €65

Note: Taxis offer door-to-door service, ideal for those with heavy luggage or seeking convenience.

Taxi Fares from Orly Airport to Paris

As of February 2025, the fixed rates for taxi journeys between Orly Airport and Paris are:

45 € between aéroport of Paris-Orly and Paris “rive droite” (North of the Seine river)
36 € between aéroport of Paris-Orly and Paris “rive gauche” (South of the Seine river)
These rates are all-inclusive, meaning supplement – 4 persons max.- Note that for all Parisian cab fares, only a passenger surcharge of €5.50 may be applied for 5th and subsequent passengers. No additional charges for luggage or other standard services.
Duration: Approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Payment Methods: Most taxis accept cash and credit cards, but it’s advisable to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.
Receipts: If you require a receipt, inform the driver at the end of your trip.
Tipping: While not mandatory, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip for good service is appreciated (Usually 10 to 15%)Please

Other destinations are rate free but about:

75-105 € for Disneyland
40-70 € for Versailles
40-55 € for la Défense (Business district)
75-85 € for Roissy airport

How to Find Official Taxis at Orly Airport

To ensure a safe and legitimate taxi experience:

Follow Airport Signage: After exiting customs, follow the signs directing you to the official taxi stands.
Designated Taxi Ranks: Each terminal has specific areas for taxis:
- Terminal 1-2: Exit at Gate 14a on the Arrivals level.
- Terminal 3: Exit at Gate 32a.
- Terminal 4: Exit at Gate 48a.

6. Taxis VTC system

Reservations must be made in advance on the website NAVECO or Allocab or UBER.

VTC driver schedule blocked at time of booking.
Free waiting time: 1 hour at the airport and 15 minutes at the station.
A special welcome with a free sign.
Flight or train arrival tracking.
You receive the number of your VTC driver by SMS.

Where are the VTCs at Paris-CDG?

Orly Terminal 1-2 : porte 14a
Orly Terminal 3 : porte 32a
Orly Terminal 4 : porte 48a

Tips:

Navigo Pass: If you plan to use public transportation extensively during your stay, consider purchasing a Navigo Easy or Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited travel within selected zones.
Luggage: For travelers with heavy or bulky luggage, taxis or direct metro services may offer more comfort.
Peak Hours: Public transportation can be crowded during peak hours (8:00-10:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). Plan accordingly.

Arriving in Paris by train: how do I get to the center of Paris?

Map of main train stations locations in Paris (These railway lines are all interconnected with the metro):

Gare du Nord for trains from Great Britain, Belgium and the Netherland → Show also on the map the RER from airport
Gare de l’Esr for trains from Germany
Gare de Lyon for tains from Switzerland, South-East of France, Italia and Spain (Est cost)
Gare Montparnasse for trains from French Brittany, South-West of France, Spain (West cost)

Arriving in Paris by car: how do I get to the center of Paris?

Map of motorways. All the parts of the motorways close to Paris become free freeways.

2. Lodging reservations → Bookings links when required

→ Booking links – 4 or 5 links to compare prices – to avoid “no room availbale” sign

→ Differences between number of stars

→ Prices differences betaeen nomber of stars and locations in Paris (Districts = arrondissements)

→ Map of the arrondissements

3. Things to see during stay → Bookings links when required

→ Map of short list of points to see or to do

→ List should include Monuments, Museum Churches and Cathedrals, Disneyland – Parc Astérix, Cruises on the Seine and Canals (embarkments), Shopping in Paris, Cabarets and theaters, Père Lachaise cemetery

→ List should be listed below the map

→ We should be able to sort on the map only the monuments, or the museum, or the churches, or ….