Coach trips to Paris
Language: French is the official language. There are many regional dialects, including Basque, which is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton, which is spoken by some in Brittany.
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European Standard Time = GMT+1, Central European Summer Time = GMT+2
Tipping: Tips are not compulsory and in France there are no generally established rules, although it is common practice to leave a sum amounting to around 10% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service you have received.
Paris is a beautiful city at any time of year and you will soon see why on coach trips to Paris. There are simply so many lovely things to see and do in this famous 'City of Light' that it's easy to see why it frequently tops travellers' must-visit lists. The city is also within easy reach of the UK especially with the fantastic Eurostar service which takes you from London to Paris in a journey time of 2 hours and 15 minutes – you'll scarcely have time to snooze before you arrive at the Gare du Nord in Paris.
For many, Paris is also known as the 'City of Romance' which is why so many people decide to whisk their beloved away on short breaks to Paris. Take your loved one on coach trips to Paris to wander hand in hand along the Champs-Élysées, join a cruise along the River Seine or perhaps drop to bended knee and ask the most romantic question of all at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Paris isn't simply a city for lovers, city breaks here are also great for the whole family with its variety of sights to visit and places to go. On your Paris city break you can expand the mind and learn more about its past by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Sacré Couer, Château de Versailles or the famous water lilies of Monet's Garden.
You can also entertain everyone in your party by following the trail of the Da Vinci Code to the Louvre and see if one of you can make the Mona Lisa smile! Whilst on a Paris city break, take a slight detour to Disneyland Paris and we're sure the kids will love you forever. The Moulin Rouge is perfect entertainment for adults where you can see the 60 Doriss Girls perform the world famous 'Can Can' routine. If that doesn't pack in enough 'Oh La La', you could always see if the famous 'Phantom' still haunts the Paris Opera House and after all that ghost hunting, why not take tea at the Café de la Paix which can be found next door.
Talking of food, you should also indulge yourself in the other culinary delights of Paris from light and fluffy croissants with your coffee in the morning to testing your stomach with the freshest steak tartare in one of the many bistros or Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. Wherever you end up, dining out in Paris is an absolute joy that should definitely be experienced on your city break.
The weather in Paris is changeable and similar to the UK so it would be wise to pack a brolly, a waterproof and wear comfortable shoes as its guaranteed that you will be doing a lot of walking whilst here especially if you wish to take in the sights of Montmartre or challenge yourself at the modern Centre Pompidou. Haggle for bargains in the local flea markets, shop for fashion in the homeland of Coco Chanel or admire the designer creations along the classy Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
With just one visit, you too will fall in love with the 'City of Romance' and will be planning your return visit more or less as soon as you get home so you can experience the Parisian way of life again!
Weather
Thinking of travelling to Paris? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Paris, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
Local Laws and Customs
Entry Requirements
Tourist Office
Health and Travel Insurance
When visiting France you should always ensure you have a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before travelling. The GHIC isn't a substitute for travel and medical insurance, however it does entitle you to state-provided medical treatment should it become necessary during your trip. Any treatment is on the same terms as the French nationals. You should always make sure you have adequate travel insurance in addition to the GHIC and also access to funds which can cover the cost of any medical treatments and also repatriation.
Local Laws and Customs
You must be able to prove your identity either by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Identity documents can be a passport, a photo driving licence or other documentation provided by a government body.
In France concealing your face in public places is illegal, which includes full veils, balaclavas or any other mask or garment that conceals the face. Failure to comply with this ban can incur a maximum fine of €150. The law doesn't provide any exemption for tourists and visitors.
Entry Requirements
If you are planning to visit France, you must meet the following passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.
Visas
You can travel to France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.
Passport stamping
Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through France as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.
Any other nationality looking to visit France must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.
Tourist offices:
For further information on Paris you can visit the official tourism website at en.parisinfo.com
There are so many wondrous sights to see when visiting Paris that it may be a little difficult in deciding which to see first. The list below should give some idea as to what you should see and remember you can always come back should you be unable to see it all in one trip:
Iconic Landmarks
Paris is full of icons from the Eiffel Tower, to the Sacré-Coeur and the Arc de Triomphe. The sightseeing list can go on and on so if you only have limited time make sure you decide beforehand which ones you really want to see. Instead of going up the Eiffel Tower, which can have long queues, why not visit the Montparnasse Tower? Go to the 56th floor where you'll be rewarded with some spectacular views that include the infamous Paris skyline and the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.
Museums
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to visiting museums here in Paris. You have the world famous Louvre art gallery as well as the Musée d'Orsay where the building alone is fascinating. Depending upon how many museums you are looking to visit, it may be worth purchasing a Paris Museum Pass which gives you access to over 60 museums and monuments.
River Cruising
A river cruise along The Seine is a great way to see Parisian life from a different perspective and is a perfect mode of transportation should you have tired feet or the weather is not that good for walking around. The cruise allows you to admire beautiful buildings on both sides of the river and also watch the locals go about their daily life.