Paris is widely known as the ‘City of Love’ with its romantic charm, vibrant culture and exquisite cuisine. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, it’s no wonder why Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. There is something for everyone who visits this stunning French capital – from its awe-inspiring architecture and stunning monuments, to its captivating nightlife and world-famous cuisine. This guide will provide a brief overview of Paris’s highlights: a must-see for first-time visitors, as well as a source of inspiration for the more seasoned traveller.
Getting to Know Paris
Paris is the capital of France and is one of the most populous cities in Europe. It is home to over 2.2 million people, making it the 2nd most populous city in the country.
Paris is located in Central European Time Zone (CET), the most common time zone in Europe. This time zone is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
French is the official language of Paris. However, English is widely spoken. Other languages spoken in Paris include Arabic, Spanish, German and Chinese.
The currency used in Paris is the Euro (EUR). The Euro is the official currency of the eurozone, which is made up of countries in the European Union.
Climate and Weather
Paris is situated in the northern central portion of France, and it has a temperate oceanic climate with cool winters and warm summers. Summers are usually pleasantly warm, though occasional heatwaves can increase temperatures significantly. Winters can be mild or cold at times, with sometimes significant snowfall. Rain falls throughout the year, averaging around 600 mm (24 in) per annum. Summer temperatures range between 15 and 25 °C (59 and 77 °F), with very occasional high temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F). Winters generally range from 1–10 °C (34–50 °F), with occasional snow and nighttime temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F).
Touring Paris: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Paris: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY).
To get from the main Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to downtown in Paris, there are several options available. You can take the RER B train, which goes directly to Paris. The cost is €9.75 and it takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which goes to several locations in the city. The cost is €9.00 and it takes around 1 hour. Lastly, you can take a taxi from outside the airport. The cost is around €50 and the travel time depends on traffic.
Yes, there are currency exchange services at both Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY).
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Paris
- Paris is a city rich in history and culture, boasting many iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum
- Paris is known as the "city of love" and is a popular destination for couples looking to take romantic trips
- Paris is also home to a vibrant world of art and fashion, with a thriving art and design scene and many fashion shows occurring throughout the year
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