Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Paris (CDG)

About Paris

Discover Paris

Why visit Paris?
Paris combines grand boulevards, intimate neighbourhoods, and world-famous art into a city that feels instantly recognisable yet always surprising. From elegant avenues to riverside promenades, you can explore at a gentle pace and discover something new at every corner.

What to expect
You will find iconic landmarks, renowned museums, and leafy squares woven together by café culture and a strong sense of style. Each district has its own character, from creative hubs lined with galleries to quiet residential streets with local markets.

Plan your trip
Paris works well for a short city break or as the starting point for a wider journey across France and Europe. High-speed rail and regional connections make it easy to link your stay with vineyard regions, coastal towns, or other major cities.

Top sights in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Take in sweeping views of the city from its viewing platforms and enjoy the surrounding Champ de Mars gardens.

Louvre Museum

Explore one of the world’s most extensive art collections, from classical sculptures to famous masterpieces.

Seine River banks

Stroll along the riverside paths, pause on historic bridges, and watch the city lights reflect on the water at dusk.

Montmartre

Wander cobbled streets, browse small studios, and enjoy open views of Paris from its hilltop vantage points.

Musée d’Orsay

Admire impressionist and modern works in a beautifully restored former railway station beside the river.

Le Marais district

Discover a mix of boutiques, galleries, and historic mansions in one of Paris’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Luxembourg Gardens

Relax by the ornamental ponds, shaded avenues, and lawns favoured by locals and visitors alike.

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Walk one of Paris’s most famous avenues and climb to the top of the arch for classic city views.

Experience Paris’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Paris Métro and RER trains are the most efficient ways to move between districts and key landmarks. Buses and bike-share schemes offer a slower, scenic view of the streets above ground, while walking is often the easiest way to cover the final stretch of your journey.

Local life & culture
Street life in Paris centres on terraces, local cafés, and small squares where people linger and watch the city go by. Different neighbourhoods highlight different sides of the city, from creative quarters filled with galleries to residential streets where weekly markets and community events set the tone.

Where to unwind
You can unwind in Paris’s many parks, riverside spaces, and tree-lined avenues, which offer quiet corners throughout the day. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for relaxed walks, when softer light and cooler temperatures create a calm atmosphere in the gardens and along the Seine.

A taste of Paris

Street food & local specialties
Paris offers local bakeries, crêpe stands, and casual cafés where you can try classic pastries, savoury snacks, and comforting daily specials. Neighbourhood markets around the city showcase fresh produce, cheeses, and prepared foods ideal for picnics in nearby parks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find a wide range of brasseries, bistros, and contemporary eateries spread across central districts and shopping streets. Many menus are designed for sharing, with smaller plates that encourage you to sample a variety of flavours in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, consider dining in venues with rooftop terraces, river views, or interiors set within historic buildings. Restaurants overlooking the Seine, major squares, or landmark-lined boulevards pair thoughtful cooking with a distinctive Paris backdrop.

Retail therapy in Paris

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large department stores and central shopping centres bring together international brands, local designers, and food halls under one roof. These spaces are popular meeting points, combining fashion, homeware, and leisure facilities in grand historic or modern settings.

Markets & local crafts
Paris’s smaller streets and markets are ideal for discovering independent labels, vintage finds, and handcrafted items. Districts such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Canal Saint-Martin area offer a mix of boutiques, studios, and speciality shops to browse at a relaxed pace.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated avenues and late-opening stores give parts of the city a lively yet refined shopping atmosphere. Certain streets stay active into the evening, with cafés and shops side by side, and you can rely on public transport to reach these areas and return to your accommodation comfortably.

Best time to visit Paris

Spring in Paris (printemps, March to May, 10–18°C / 50–64°F, shoulder season) brings milder temperatures, blossoming parks, and longer days ideal for walking tours. Light layers work well as conditions can shift from cool mornings to pleasantly warm afternoons.

Summer in Paris (été, June to August, 18–26°C / 64–79°F, peak season) offers warm days, vibrant outdoor terraces, and extended daylight for evening strolls along the river. It is a popular time to enjoy open-air events and make full use of the city’s parks.

Autumn and winter in Paris (automne and hiver, September to February, 3–15°C / 37–59°F, low season) bring crisp air, atmospheric streets, and fewer crowds at many attractions. Cooler days lend themselves to museum visits, cosy café stops, and exploring the city’s lit-up avenues.

Frequently Asked Questions