Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Paris (CDG)

About Paris

Discover Paris

Why visit Paris?
Paris is a city of elegant avenues, grand boulevards, and intimate neighbourhoods, where riverside walks and café terraces set a relaxed but confident pace. From world-famous museums to small galleries and leafy squares, you can explore at your own rhythm.

What to expect
You will find distinct districts, from the historic Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter to stylish areas around the Marais and Saint-Germain. Wide promenades, landscaped parks, and the River Seine tie the city together, giving you a clear sense of place as you move between sights.

Plan your trip
Paris works well for a short break or a longer stay that includes day trips to nearby towns and countryside. It is also a practical starting point for rail journeys across France and into neighbouring countries, with major stations and airports linking the city to the wider region.

Top sights in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Take in wide city views from the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the surrounding Champ de Mars gardens for a relaxed stroll.

Louvre Museum

Explore the Louvre Museum, where vast collections of art and artefacts are housed in a former royal palace by the Seine.

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Walk the Champs-Élysées up to the Arc de Triomphe, combining landmark views with cafés, theatres, and flagship stores.

Montmartre

Climb the streets of Montmartre for views over Paris, cobbled lanes, and a village-like atmosphere on the hill.

Musée d Orsay

Visit the Musée d Orsay in a former railway station, known for its impressive collection of 19th- and early 20th-century art.

Seine River banks

Follow the Seine River banks on foot or by boat to see many major monuments from a different perspective.

Palace of Versailles

Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles to wander through grand rooms, formal gardens, and tree-lined avenues.

Le Marais

Spend time in Le Marais, where historic streets, small museums, and independent boutiques sit side by side.

Experience Paris everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Paris Metro and RER trains are the most efficient ways to cross the city and reach key districts and landmarks. Buses and trams offer a more scenic alternative at street level, while walking is ideal for short distances between central neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
Terrace cafés, local bakeries, and neighbourhood squares shape daily life, with many residents taking time for a short break during the day. You will notice a mix of long-time locals and visitors sharing the streets, creating a steady but unhurried flow through the boulevards and side streets.

Where to unwind
Parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offer space to sit, read, or watch the city go by. Along the Seine, redesigned riverbanks provide places to pause close to the water, especially pleasant in the late afternoon and early evening.

A taste of Paris

Street food & local specialties
You will find fresh pastries, breads, and simple sandwiches in bakeries on almost every corner, making it easy to grab a light meal. Traditional bistros and brasseries serve familiar classics, especially in central districts and around local markets.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés, wine bars, and relaxed restaurants cluster in areas such as the Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, and parts of the 11th arrondissement. Menus often mix local and international influences, with smaller plates that encourage you to share and try different flavours.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, there are restaurants and bars with outlooks over the river, major avenues, or rooftops. Some venues near landmarks offer set menus designed around the setting, letting you combine a special meal with a strong sense of place.

Retail therapy in Paris

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large department stores and shopping centres in central Paris bring together international brands, homegrown labels, and dining options under one roof. These spaces often include rooftop terraces or quiet corners where you can pause between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and village-like streets showcase fashion, books, vintage finds, and design items. Neighbourhoods such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and areas around Canal Saint-Martin are particularly known for local boutiques and independent makers.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, many central streets remain lively, with illuminated façades and late-opening shops in key districts. Some markets and food streets also stay busy after dark, and you can rely on the city s public transport network to reach them and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Paris

Spring (printemps), March to May, brings mild days around 10–18°C (50–64°F) and blossom in parks and gardens, making it shoulder season. Outdoor terraces reopen, and you can enjoy long walks with a light jacket.

Summer (été), June to August, sees warmer temperatures of 18–26°C (64–79°F), longer daylight, and a busy calendar of outdoor events, so it is peak season. Riversides and parks feel especially lively, with more open-air activities.

Autumn and winter (automne and hiver), September to February, range roughly from 3–18°C (37–64°F) and form low season. Cooler air, seasonal lights, and quieter museums create a calmer atmosphere, and indoor attractions are particularly inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions