Flights to Paris

Paris is served by two major airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY). Delta serves Charles de Gaulle, the primary airport located 16 miles northeast of Paris and one of the ten busiest in the world. Orly, an alternate airport, is situated nine miles south of the city and is the busiest French airport for domestic flights. Both airports are well-outfitted with restaurants, cafes and bars, plus retail and duty-free shopping.

Paris Monuments & Landmarks

Even if you've never been to Paris, once you arrive, it's instantly recognizable. Of course the most iconic monument in town is the wrought iron lattice Eiffel Tower, built between 1887-1889 for the World's Fair. Visitors can purchase tickets to ascend the tower by elevator or foot. 

The city's other famous landmark is the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon and completed in 1836. It stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées boulevard and is open to visitors, who are well rewarded with panoramic views of the city at its pinnacle.

Of Paris' grand cathedrals, the best-known is Notre Dame. Built between 1163-1345 (yes, it took almost 200 years), the medieval Catholic cathedral houses some of the religion's most important relics. Visit and marvel at its rose windows, flying buttresses and ornate gargoyles.

Paris Museums

Of Paris' numerous museums, by far the most famous and vast is the Louvre. You’ll want to set aside the better part of a day to take in its expansive collection. And still, you’ll only be dipping your toe in the water. The cavernous 782,910 square-foot museum houses Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman works, Islamic art, sculpture, painting, decorative arts, prints and drawings. And all those people crowded into a single room? They’re trying to lay eyes on the Mona Lisa.

Other not-to-miss museums include the Musée d'Orsay with its Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces, the Musée Rodin dedicated to the French sculptor most famous for The Thinker and the modern Centre Pompidou.

Shopping in Paris

There is no mistaking that Paris is a city for shopping. You might find here that even the corner drugstore sells fine perfumes and fancy handbags. Ground zero for lining your arms with shopping bags is the Champs-Élysées, where the flagship stores of luxury French labels like Hermès and Louis Vuitton mingle with other recognizable British, Italian and American names.

Paris Restaurants & Nightlife

Ah, but the French cuisine … oui oui. Paris is as famous for its traditional bistros as it is for its five-star establishments. Dine fashionably at Le Chardenoux des Prés for traditional French cuisine by celebrity chef Cyril Lignac. Top it off with a double espresso if you're feeling sleepy after dinner, because Paris nightlife has something for everyone, and you don't want to miss it. Visit Showcase for its energetic partygoers or Chez Papa Jazz Club to listen to jazz all night long. The Bar Hemingway at the Ritz is perfect for those who like it low-key and underground.

Paris' climate is mild and moderately wet. In summer, average temperatures hover between 59-77°F. Spring and autumn are generally mild and winters see scarce sunshine with lows around 37°F. There is no real rainy season in Paris, with precipitation distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.