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Welcome to Paris

Essential Travel Information

Cécilia Jourdan

Paris, France

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Essentials for Your Parisian Sojourn:

Currency & Exchange Rate: Ensure you're well-equipped with Euros (EUR/€), the local currency. As of 2022, the exchange rate hovers around 1€ ≈ $1.

Timezone: Paris operates on GMT +1, with a daylight time variation. Sync your watches for an effortless experience.

Language: While French dominates, a sprinkle of English and other European languages in service industries can ease your journey. Learn a few essential phrases for a seamless Parisian encounter.

Weather: Pack accordingly as you traverse the seasons:

Winter (Jan-Mar): 5-13°C / 41-55°F
Spring (Apr-Jun): 11-23°C / 52-73°F
Summer (Jul-Sep): 14-25°C / 57-77°F
Fall (Oct-Dec): 7-16°C / 45-62°F

Dialing Codes: International: +33 National: 01

Safety First: Emergency Numbers and More

In case of emergencies, remember these numbers:

Paramedics: 15
Police: 17
Firefighters: 18
General Emergency: 112 (114 via text/SMS)

For late-night health needs, head to the 4-hour pharmacy at 84, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 75008 (T: 01 45 62 02 41).

Navigating the Finances:

Most banks have ATMs, but cash is handy for smaller transactions and tips.

Mark Your Calendar: Public Holidays

Plan your itinerary around public holidays, with closures on specific dates:

January: 1st (New Year’s Day)
May/April: Easter Monday
May: 1st (Labor Day), 8th (World War II Victory Day), Ascension Day
May/June: Pentecost Monday
July: 14th (Bastille Day)
August: 15th (Assumption of the Virgin)
November: 1st (All Saint’s Day), 11th (Armistice Day)
December: 25th (Christmas Day)

Paris Insider Resources

For an authentic Parisian experience, tap into these resources:

Paris I Love You Spotify Playlist: Three hours of music celebrating Paris.
Official Instagram Account of the City of Paris
Website of the Paris Tourist Office.
Official Instagram Account of the Paris Tourist Office.
Exceptional Private Tours (Louvre, Versailles, Orsay, Montmartre, etc.).
@FrenchGuyTheo: Instagram account showcasing Paris and French culture.
France 24: French news.
France Channel: French streaming platform with documentaries about Paris & French films shot in Paris.

Arrondissements & Neighborhoods:
Paris, divided into 20 urban districts (arrondissements), offers diverse neighborhoods:

Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements): Historic Jewish neighborhood with pre-Revolution architecture, traditional markets, and LGBTQIA+ hub.
Pigalle / Montmartre (9th and 18th arrondissements): Whimsical area once bohemian, now flourishing with trendy bars and restaurants. Home to iconic landmarks like Le Moulin Rouge and La Basilique du Sacré Coeur.
Louvre/Beaubourg (1st and 4th arrondissements): Adjacent neighborhoods filled with art, modern & contemporary at the Centre Pompidou, and world masterpieces at the Louvre.
St-Germain-des-Prés / Quartier Latin (6th arrondissement): Artists' favorite, a walking neighborhood with charming cafés, shops, and small museums.
République / Bastille (3rd, 4th, 11th, 12th arrondissements): Vibrant areas with markets and iconic venues, ideal for experiencing Paris nightlife.
Invalides / Champs-Elysées (7th and 8th arrondissements): Home to Avenue des Champs-Elysées and elegant residential areas. Picnic at Esplanade des Invalides.

Fun Facts:

Paris was once called Lutetia and is often called the City of Light: La Ville Lumière.
It takes about two hours to walk from the southernmost point to the northernmost point of Paris.
Paris has over 6,000 streets ranging from just about 6 meters (3.3 feet) long (Rue de Degrés) to 4.3 km (2.6 miles), the Rue de Vaugirard.
Paris has an annual competition for the city’s best baguette.
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, and the Mona Lisa is the most viewed artwork globally. • Millions of human remains lie under Paris’ streets (The Catacombs).
The most visited cemetery in the world is in Paris (Le Père Lachaise).
Paris has 37 bridges, with the oldest, Pont Neuf (“New Bridge”), built in 1607.
The first Bloody Mary was made in Paris in 1921.

Discover Paris in Music: Listen to the Hello French Spotify playlist “Paris I love you” – a collection of songs paying homage to the city of love.

French Language Tips: Enhance your Parisian experience with the correct pronunciation of key words and arrondissements. Listen here.