Paris is one of the world’s great cities, known for its romance and culture. From the iconic Eiffel Tower and historic Louvre museum, to the bustling cafes and chic boutiques, Paris has something for everyone. In this article, you’ll get an overview of the many things to experience in this beautiful city – from its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems – and the best way to explore it all.
Getting to Know Paris
Paris is the capital city of France and the most populous city in the country, with an estimated population of 2.148 million people. The city sits in Central European Time Zone (CET). French is the official language of Paris and the currency used is the Euro.
Climate and Weather
Paris is located in northern France, within the humid continental climate zone, which typically has warm summers and cold winters. The Paris climate is greatly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with cool and humid winters, and mild to warm summers.
The average temperature in summer is approximately 18-20 degrees Celsius (64-68 Fahrenheit), with occasional peak temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). In winter the temperature generally ranges between 1-7 degrees Celsius (34-45 Fahrenheit), with colder nights.
Rainfall is spread out throughout the year and it is usually more frequent during the winter months. The driest months are usually May, June and July. Snowfall is rare and usually only occurs once or twice a year.
The climate in Paris is generally mild, but it can have periods of hot or cold weather extremes. Summer can be hot and humid, but generally very comfortable, and winter can be cold with occasional snow.
Touring Paris: Airport and Transportation
There are three airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY), and Beauvais Airport (BVA).
The most popular one is Charles de Gaulle International Airport. A taxi from Charles de Gaulle International Airport to downtown Paris costs around $55 USD, depending on the time of day and traffic. Alternatively, the RER train to downtown Paris costs around $10 USD.
Most airports in Paris (including Charles de Gaulle International Airport) have foreign exchange (currency exchange) services. However, in general, it is a better idea to make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses prior to arrival, as airport exchange rates tend to be less competitive than you may find at other money exchange locations.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Paris