Ultimate Guide to Taking a Day Trip to Paris from London
Fancy enjoying a day OUT of England? A day trip to Paris from London is super easy thanks to the Eurostar – here’s everything you need to know about how to do it.
If you live in London, you’re never too far from Paris! And if you’re not, then here’s the best excuse for a day out in London we know. Stay overnight in the Big Smoke and you can use the next day for an amazing day trip to Paris from London.
Paris, the City of Light, is such an important part of British culture and history, why not take advantage of the great train and coach links between the two cities? As one of the most visited cities in the world, why wouldn’t you want to discover Paris on your next day trip? In this blog post, we will provide all the information you need to make the most of your day out in Paris.
e’ll cover everything from how to get to Paris from London, to what to see and do while you’re there. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, read on for the ultimate guide to taking a day trip to Paris from London.
How to get to Paris from London
The first thing you need to do is decide how you’re going to get to Paris from London.
The two most popular options are by train and by coach, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each option in turn.
– Day trip to Paris from London by Eurostar
Taking the Eurostar is by far the quickest way to get from London to Paris, with trains departing every 15 minutes from St Pancras International station. The journey is just over two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore Paris before heading back to London in the evening. The downside of taking Eurostar is that it’s the most expensive option, with tickets starting at £45 one-way. You can check the latest prices for the train from London to Paris with Omio here.
– Day trip to Paris from London by coach
The coach is definitely the best option if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful way to get to Paris from London. Coaches depart from a number of different locations across London, including Victoria Coach Station and Stratford, and the journey takes around six hours. The downside of taking the coach is that it’s a long journey, so you’ll need to make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you going!
Taking the coach makes it really difficult to do a day trip, as it’ll be six hours there, and six hours back. A lot for a day!
If you really want to visit Paris from London for the day on a shoestring, then either book the Eurostar super early for the best deals, or, do the coach one way, and the Eurostar back. You could also consider an overnight coach – that way you can sleep!
Those are your two main options for getting to Paris from London. Both have their own pros and cons, so it’s really up to you to decide which one is best for you.
READ MORE: Guide to Using the Coaches from England
What to do in Paris?
Now that you know how you’re going to get to Paris, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do when you arrive. As the capital of France, Paris is a huge city with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or simply want to soak up the city’s atmosphere, there’s something for everyone in Paris.
Don’t try and fit too much in your Paris itinerary though – it’s a big place and you’ll wear yourself out.
Here are just a few things you can expect to find in the City of Lights. We’d recommend you choose 2-3 to make the most of your day in Paris.
Visit the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Standing at over 1,083 feet tall, it is the tallest building in Paris and has become a symbol of French culture. The tower was built in 1887 for the World’s Fair and was originally intended to be temporary. However, its popularity made it a permanent fixture in the city.
If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.
Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of French history’s most iconic and significant buildings. Construction on the cathedral began in 1163, and it quickly became a symbol of the power and wealth of the French monarchy. Notre Dame Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture, with its soaring ribbed vaults and intricate stone carvings. The cathedral was badly damaged in the fire of 2019 but is currently undergoing restoration.
See the Louvre
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Louvre Museum. Home to some of the most famous works of art in history, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre is one of the world’s largest and most visited museums. With over 35,000 works of art on display, it would be impossible to see everything in one day – we recommend doing some research before your visit and planning which pieces you want to see.
Canal Saint-Martin
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris, head to Canal Saint-Martin. This charming district is located in the northeast of the city and is famous for its tree-lined canal. The area has a relaxed and bohemian vibe and is a great place to wander around and explore. Be sure to stop by one of the many cafes and bakeries for a delicious snack!
What to eat in Paris
French food is world-renowned, and there’s no better place to try it than in the city of Paris. From traditional French dishes like coq au vin and bouillabaisse to more modern fare, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. And, of course, no trip to France would be complete without having a baguette and a croissant.
In Paris, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants to suit every budget. If you’re looking for a cheap meal, then head to one of the many bakeries or sandwich shops. Make a reservation at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants for something a little more special. However, if you’re on a tight budget, then Parisian cafes are a great option for lunch or dinner.
Enjoy a night out in Paris
If you have time before your train home, check out some of Paris’ nightlife with a drink or two before you leave. Paris is home to some of the best European bars and clubs, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to enjoy a night out in Paris.
1. Rue Oberkampf
If you’re looking for a lively and vibrant atmosphere, head to Rue Oberkampf. This street is located in the 11th arrondissement and is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to start your night out, and you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
2. La Bellevilloise
This popular Parisian club is located in the 20th arrondissement and is a great place to enjoy live music. With two floors, there’s plenty of space to dance the night away. La Bellevilloise also has a restaurant and bar, so you can refuel after a long night of dancing.
3. Le Batofar
Le Batofar is a unique club on a Seine River boat. This club is popular with both locals and tourists, and it’s a great place to enjoy live music or DJs. If you’re looking for something different, then be sure to check out Le Batofar.
What to pack for a day trip to Paris from London?
When packing for your trip, be sure to pack comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Paris can be quite warm in the summer, so pack light clothes that you can layer. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, so pack a coat and scarf. And don’t forget your umbrella!
When is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, then we recommend visiting in the spring or fall. However, if you don’t mind crowds and want to experience everything the city offers, visit in the summer. It’s a city so there’s something do year round!
Taking a day trip from London to Paris
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning architecture, world-famous museums, and delicious food, there’s something for everyone in the city. We hope this guide has been helpful and that you have a fantastic time in the city.
Bon, voyage!
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