Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / France / Paris-Ile-de-France / Paris
 |  | Fact File : Paris |
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| | | Paris | | Did you know?
There are catacombs running 1.6km under Paris. Bones were moved there in 1785 when city cemeteries were too full.
Language
French
Visas
None required from the UK
Getting there
Paris has two airports: d'Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Eurostar goes into the Gare du Nord, which is very close to the city centre.
Flying time from London
One hour
Getting around
The best way to travel is the Metro as there is a station within 500m of wherever you are. Buses are also plentiful. Driving in Paris is difficult but not impossible, except for the nervous.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Beer £2, roll of film £2.50, moderate restaurant meal £6-£14, litre of petrol 70p, four-mile taxi ride from £3. Prices vary considerably.
Weather
The best is spring though autumn can be pleasant. In August, most Parisians leave the city on holiday so many places are shut. Busiest time for tourists is June and July. The yearly average temperature is 12C (53F) but it can drop below zero in winter and go as high as the mid-30Cs (90Fs) in August.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 33 1
Voltage
220 volts 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin so adaptors are needed.
Opening hours
Most museums close on Monday or Tuesday. In July and August many shops and businesses will shut down for the holidays. Shop opening hours vary but most take a long lunch and stay open till 7pm, with few open on Sunday. Many Paris restaurants close on Sunday.
Health - Before you go
No jabs needed. The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with France so take an EHIC form with you (available from post offices).
Health - When you are there
If you need over-the-counter medicines French pharmacies are usually marked by a green cross, which is lit up when they're open.
Warnings
In the metro, watch out for beggars who may try to pick your pocket. And if you hate accordion music, take earplugs, as they are always jumping on the trains and playing loudly in your ear hoping for a few francs. Watch your step - Paris is dog excrement capital of Europe!
Emergency
Police dial 17. British Embassy, 16, Rue d'Anjou (Metro Concorde), Tel. 01 44 51 31 00
Customs
Watching other people while sitting at pavement cafes, especially ritzy ones on the Champs Elysees or in St Germain des Pres. The French are dog-mad and even take them into restaurants.
Pets
Under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme you can now take your dog or cat to France, with all the required paperwork and vaccinations. This takes several months to set up - check with your vet.
Tipping
French law requires restaurants, cafes and hotels to include 10%-15% service charge. The usual taxi tip is 70 cents to one euro (about 50-60p) whatever the fare. Most Parisians don't barter except in flea markets.
Tourist office
French Government Tourist Office, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V OAL, Tel. 09068 244123 (60p a minute).
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The apartment on the Avenue Marceau is in the center of the exclusive 8th Arrondissement, one of the beautiful neighborhoods that branch out from the
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Holiday Rentals in Paris |
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