Paris is one of the most popular city break locations in Europe and has attractions to delight every member of the family.
The Haussman Plan of the 19th Century established a definitive blueprint for the city, with wide avenues, interesting boulevards and beautiful architecture. Paris stayed true to this vision, leading to the relatively unchanged main city of today. Some of the most popular attractions can be seen from most parts of Paris, including the iconic Eiffel Tower and the magnificent cathedrals of Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame.
A boat ride down the River Seine allows tourists to take in some of the sights, whilst the Louvre is a major attraction for anyone hoping to spot some of the major traditional artistic works, such as the Mona Lisa. Modern art buffs should head for the Pompidou Centre, an award-winning building with all the functional elements, such as escalators, plumbing and air-conditioning, on the outside. Take a walk from the Tuileries Gardens to the Arc de Triomphe and a stroll down the famous Champs Elysees. From there some of the best-known fashion house showrooms featuring designers such as Chanel and Dior are within walking distance.
Visit Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, the popular department stores. Take a trip to Fauchon, which specialises in gourmet produce. Explore the cemetery Pere Lachaise to seek out Jim Morrison's grave and take in an opera at the Paris Opera House. Take a short rail journey to visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Boasting a capacity of over 80,000, the Stade de France is one of the largest stadia in Europe and hosts both football and rugby matches. Parc des Princes is home to the Paris football team of Paris St. Germain and there is a large indoor sports complex and concert hall at Bercy.
Weather
Paris has a low level of rainfall but its lack of a specific rainy season means that it could occur at any time of year. The climate in Paris is temperate; winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing and summer temperatures can rise above 30C.
Events
Machines, drawings and projects inspired by Leonardo da Vinci are on display at the Citt des Sciences et de l'Industrie until August 18th 2013: Families will enjoy exploring the 40 machine models created from the legendary artist's drawings.
Chagall between War and Peace features at the Musee de Luxembourg: This exhibition of the life and work of the artist Mark Chagall runs from February 21st to July 21st 2013.
Foire de Paris, April 30th to May 12th 2013, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: This lifestyle even features events, workshops, competitions on themes exploring leisure and well-being, home and environment and world culture.
French Open Tennis Championship, May 21st to June 9th, at the Stade Roland Garros: The world's top tennis players compete on the famous clay courts.
On the 21st July, the Tour de France 2013 comes to an end in Paris at the Avenue des Champs Elysees: Witness the final stage of the 2013 Tour de France cycle race.
If you are planning a trip to Paris this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.
Best of Paris city breaks for...
- Active types: You get the best Paris panoramas when you climb the 704 outdoor steps to the second level of the 300m Eiffel Tower. Catch your breath with a glass of sparkling rosé in the top-floor champagne bar.
- Romance: It's love at first sight when you step into the elegant French Baroque Louvre museum and see the sultry Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo goddess of love. You'll want to say “je t'aime” on Paris city breaks in front of Canova's lovey-dovey Cupid's Kiss statue.
- Free & cheap: Get a free feel for grand French Gothic architecture at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. You can giggle at funny-faced gargoyles and peek into Esmeralda's cell on your climb to the north and south towers.
- Shopping: Parisian-chic seeps from the ornate balconies and 33m glass-dome roof in the sophisticated Galeries Lafayette department store. Real fashionistas stay 'on trend' at super-cool catwalk shows here every Friday.
- Families: Little princes and princesses love meeting cuddly, life-size cartoon characters at Disneyland Paris. Stay amused for hours in this fairytale wonderland with fairground rides and fancy-dress parades.
Getting into Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Once you have collected your bags it's easy to hail a taxi at the arrivals terminals. The ride to central Paris takes around 50 minutes.
- RER local trains leave Terminal One's station and transport you to central Paris-Châtelet les Halles station in less than an hour.
Getting around on weekend breaks in Paris
- Public transport: It's a breeze to get around on the 14 colour-coded lines of the Paris Métro. Pick up a standard “t+” ticket to cover standard trips on the Métro, RER zone one routes, trams and buses.
