Paris Essentials

Paris Essentials

Currency Euro Flight Time UK 1 Hour Time Zone GMT = +1 hour Language French Voltage 240 V (European two-pin plugs) 


Paris Tourist Attractions

The sightseeing opportunities in the city are virtually unlimited, and whether your preference is for history, culture, art or contemporary entertainment, a weekend break in Paris will leave you with so many difficult choices for things to see and do. Most of the major attractions are open from 10am until 6pm with some, such as the Centre Pompidou staying open late until 9pm. Many museums are closed on Mondays. There are various all-inclusive tourist passes, which include local transport and free entry into a wealth of attractions citywide. Several iconic sights are free for visitors, such as the endearing cathedrals of Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur, and even the most popular attractions have free entry to all on the first Sunday in each month.

Opening Hours

Shops and stores are now legally allowed to remain open 24 hours a day from Monday to Saturday, although in practice this is only the case for a small number of major stores. The vast majority of businesses are closed on Sundays, except during busy periods such as Easter and Christmas time. Many shopping centres and department stores stay open until 10pm

Food & Drink

Known as "la Grande Cuisine", Parisian cooking encompasses flavours from all over France, and visitors looking for a taste of authentic local cuisine will not go hungry. Whether a la carte dining, or a homely back street brasserie, there is something to appeal to all tastes. Established favourites such as Steak Tartare, Bouillabaisse and Cassoulet are always popular for a filling lunch, while exquisite haute cuisine dishes of seafood and game will fit the bill. For many tourists, the chance to visit the tempting patisseries of Paris are reason enough to come, and the elegance and unique atmosphere of a typical Parisian restaurant make eating out here such a pleasure.

Tipping & Etiquette

Service charges are included in all restaurant bills, which may range from 10-15% of the total. For all other services, such as taxis, hotels and tour guides, the general rule of thumb is to tip an individual for any outstanding service, although gratuities are not normally expected. Contrary to popular belief, Parisians are friendly and open, and offer a warm welcome to visiting tourists. Any attempts to converse in French will be met with genuine interest.

French Phrases For Tourists

Hello Bonjour Do you speak English? Parlez vous Anglais? Goodbye Au revoir Excuse me Excusez moi Good Evening Bonsoir How much is it? Ça coûte combien? Yes Oui Where is...? Ou est …? No Non Hotel L'hotel Please S'il vous plait The bill please L’addition s’il vous plait Thank you very much Merci beaucoup Beer Une Biere How are you? Comment allez vous? Coffee Un café

Paris Useful Numbers

• Calling the UK from Paris – 0044 + area code minus zero + number • Police – 112 • Ambulance – 112
• Fire – 112

Disabled Access

Numerous museums and attraction in Paris cater well to disabled visitors, with induction loops, wide access ramps and lifts. Several also offer discounted entrance for the registered disabled and companions. Likewise, much of the Paris transport system is wheelchair-friendly, and many private transport operators offer a dedicated service to wheelchair-users. Apart from the larger hotel groups, most Paris hotels only offer a few rooms adapted as disabled accommodation, so it is advisable to make reservations as soon as possible, especially during busy periods.

French Embassies


• GB Embassy - 35, Rue du Faubourg St Honoré 75383 Paris Cedex 08 
Telephone +33 (0)1 44 51 31 00
• France Embassy - 58 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7JT Tel. (44) 207 073 1000


Weather

Paris sees an annual temperature of 12C, and experiences pleasant weather from April to September, with springtime being a popular time to visit. Summers see highs of 19C, and the temperature can often reach 30C. There can be showers at any time of year, with August being the wettest month, and spring and autumn often seeing heavy rainfall. Winters see lows of 3C in January, the coldest month, with Paris rarely experiences freezing temperatures.