Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Paris (CDG)

About Paris

Discover Paris

Why visit Paris?
Paris is a city of grand boulevards, riverfront promenades, and timeless architecture that feels familiar yet always surprising. From elegant avenues lined with cafés to leafy neighbourhood squares, you will find a balance of classic charm and everyday city life.

What to expect
You can explore distinct districts, from the historic streets of the Marais to the creative Left Bank and the modern business quarter of La Défense. Wide pavements, frequent metro stops, and the River Seine make it easy to connect major landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre.

Plan your trip
Paris works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to wider France. Fast rail links connect you to regions like Normandy, the Loire Valley, and the south, while the city’s airports and train stations make onward European travel straightforward.

Top sights in Paris

Eiffel Tower

See Paris from above on the viewing platforms and enjoy the surrounding Champ de Mars gardens for relaxed walks and picnics.

Louvre Museum

Explore one of the world’s largest museums, home to iconic works of art and vast galleries set in a former royal palace.

Seine River banks

Stroll along the river, cross historic bridges, and pause on pedestrian quays where locals gather to read, chat, or watch the boats pass.

Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur

Wander uphill streets, discover artists’ squares, and enjoy sweeping views of the city from the steps of the white-domed basilica.

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Walk this famous avenue for grand architecture, cinemas, and cafés, then climb the Arc de Triomphe for a central city panorama.

Musée d’Orsay

Admire impressionist and modern masterpieces housed in a beautifully converted former railway station on the Left Bank.

Luxembourg Gardens

Relax among tree-lined paths, ponds, and statues in this central park, a favourite spot for locals to read and meet friends.

Le Marais district

Discover narrow streets filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafés in this historic yet fashionable neighbourhood.

Experience Paris’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Paris Métro and RER trains are the quickest way to reach most districts, with frequent services across the city. Buses and shared bicycles offer a slower, scenic way to see the streets, while walking is ideal for short journeys between nearby neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
You will notice a relaxed rhythm built around pavement cafés, bookshops, and small local parks. Each arrondissement has its own character, from lively nightlife streets to quieter residential pockets, and you can easily spend time simply observing daily life from a café terrace.

Where to unwind
For a break from busy avenues, head to riverside paths, central parks, or the landscaped gardens that ring the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant times to enjoy open spaces, when the light softens and the city feels calmer.

A taste of Paris

Street food & local specialties
Paris offers neighbourhood bakeries, crêpe stands, and simple bistro-style spots where you can try classic dishes in a relaxed setting. Areas around the Latin Quarter and the Marais are known for small eateries and takeaway counters ideal for a quick bite.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find many casual restaurants and food courts inside major department stores and shopping streets, with menus that range from French comfort dishes to international favourites. Portions often allow you to share plates or sample several courses, so you can discover different flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, choose a restaurant with views over the Seine, city rooftops, or a famous landmark. Many venues offer refined yet approachable menus, where the setting and skyline become part of the meal without feeling formal or overwhelming.

Retail therapy in Paris

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Paris combines traditional department stores with modern shopping centres that bring fashion, beauty, and homeware together. These spaces often include cafés and rooftop terraces, so you can pause between browsing and enjoy views of the city.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main boulevards, smaller boutiques and workshops offer clothing, accessories, and design objects with a local touch. Districts such as the Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, and parts of the Left Bank are ideal for discovering independent labels and creative studios.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, key shopping streets stay lively with illuminated façades and late-opening stores on selected days. You can pair window-shopping with a relaxed dinner nearby, and efficient public transport makes it simple to return to your accommodation afterwards.

Best time to visit Paris

Springtime in Paris (printemps)
From March to May, days gradually warm to around 10–18°C (50–64°F), and trees and gardens begin to bloom. This shoulder season offers pleasant walking weather, lighter layers, and a lively café scene without the busiest summer crowds.

Summer in the city (été)
June to August brings long days with average temperatures of 18–25°C (64–77°F), and occasional warmer spells. It is peak season, with more outdoor events, open-air terraces, and relaxed evenings along the river, ideal if you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.

Autumn and winter charm (automne and hiver)
From September to February, temperatures range roughly from 3–15°C (37–59°F), with crisp days and cooler nights. This low season is well suited to museum visits, cosy cafés, and illuminated streets, giving you a calmer, more atmospheric view of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions