Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Paris (CDG)

About Paris

Discover Paris

Why visit Paris?
Paris is a city of grand boulevards, intimate cafés, and striking landmarks, where history and modern style sit side by side. From the River Seine to the Eiffel Tower, you will find a walkable city that feels both iconic and surprisingly personal.

What to expect
Neighbourhoods like the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre each have their own character, from elegant avenues to village-like streets and hilltop views. Museums, galleries, green spaces, and lively riverbanks make it easy to shape each day around art, architecture, or simple people-watching.

Plan your trip
Paris works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring wider France by rail. With major train stations linking you to regions such as Normandy, Champagne, and the south, you can combine time in the capital with countryside, coast, or wine country escapes.

Top sights in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Take in sweeping views of Paris from its most recognisable landmark, then stroll through the surrounding Champ de Mars gardens.

Louvre Museum

Explore one of the world’s largest museums, home to renowned masterpieces and grand palace architecture.

Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur

Climb the hill to Sacré-Coeur for panoramic city views and wander the artistic lanes of Montmartre.

Seine River banks

Walk or cruise along the Seine to see many of Paris’s major sights from a different perspective.

Notre-Dame area

Admire the restored exterior of Notre-Dame and explore the historic Île de la Cité and nearby Île Saint-Louis.

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Stroll this famous avenue towards the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy its terraces, theatres, and tree-lined sidewalks.

Musée d’Orsay

Discover Impressionist and modern works in a beautifully converted riverside railway station.

Luxembourg Gardens

Relax among statues, ponds, and lawns in one of Paris’s most loved central parks.

Experience Paris’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Paris is well connected by the Métro and RER trains, which are usually the quickest way to cross the city. Buses and riverside walks offer more scenic journeys, and many central areas are best explored on foot, with short rides by taxi or rideshare for late evenings.

Local life & culture
Café terraces are an essential part of daily life, where people linger over coffee or an evening drink. Bookshops, galleries, and neighbourhood squares give each district a distinct personality, and regular cultural events mean there is often music, exhibitions, or performances nearby.

Where to unwind
The city’s parks, from the Tuileries to the Bois de Boulogne, offer calm green spaces for a break between sights. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for relaxed walks along the Seine or quiet corners in the gardens, when the light softens and the streets feel more gentle.

A taste of Paris

Street food & local specialties
Paris is known for fresh bread, pastries, and simple bistro classics served in local cafés. Food streets and markets across districts like the Latin Quarter and Bastille make it easy to try cheeses, crêpes, and other regional flavours in one outing.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find casual brasseries, contemporary bistros, and international options in lively areas such as Saint-Germain and the Canal Saint-Martin. Food halls and mall dining clusters offer a wide mix of cuisines, so you can share plates and sample several dishes in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, consider restaurants with river views or dining rooms in historic buildings. Rooftop terraces and venues near major landmarks combine refined menus with memorable outlooks, turning a simple meal into a highlight of your stay.

Retail therapy in Paris

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large department stores and shopping centres near the Opéra district bring together international brands, French labels, and gourmet food halls. These spaces often include cafés, roof terraces, and cultural events, making them busy social hubs as well as shopping stops.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood markets and boutique-lined streets are ideal for discovering independent designers and homeware. Districts such as the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Canal Saint-Martin are known for smaller shops, galleries, and studios showcasing local creativity.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, main shopping avenues and many department stores remain lively, with illuminated façades and window displays. Summer nights can feel particularly vibrant, and public transport makes it straightforward to reach central areas and return to your accommodation after browsing.

Best time to visit Paris

Springtime in Paris (printemps, March to May, 8–18°C / 46–64°F, shoulder season) brings blooming parks, milder days, and longer evenings. It is a pleasant time for walking tours and café terraces as the city moves from winter into a livelier outdoor rhythm.

Summer in Paris (été, June to August, 15–26°C / 59–79°F, peak season) offers warm temperatures and extended daylight, ideal for picnics along the Seine and evening strolls. Open-air events and riverside activities are common, creating a bright, energetic feel across the city.

Autumn and winter in Paris (automne and hiver, September to February, 3–15°C / 37–59°F, low season) bring crisp air, soft light, and quieter museums and attractions. It is a welcoming time for cosy café visits, indoor exhibitions, and seeing the city decorated with seasonal lights.

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