Paris

Paris is served by two major airports. Most international flights arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, 30 kilometres from the city centre. Orly (ORY) is 18 kilometres from the city centre. A third airport, Paris-Beauvais (BVA), is mainly served by low-cost airlines. One of the cheapest and fastest transfer options (approximately 45 minutes) is the underground RER B to Gare du Nord running every 10-15 minutes, from where you can connect to Paris’s metro network. Alternatively, the RoissyBus shuttle provides a direct link between Paris-Opéra and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport in 60 minutes. The frequency ensures a departure every 30 minutes. It's crucial to be cautious at airports to avoid fake cabs; authentic taxis are identifiable by an illuminated sign. To locate legitimate taxi stands, it's advised to follow the designated markings on the ground.

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is located approximately 20 km away from Paris city centre. There are basically three transportation options to reach Paris: taxi, train, and bus. Opting for a taxi offers the most convenient and direct transfer, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes, with taxi ranks readily available outside all airport terminals. Unfortunately, there are no direct train lines from Orly Airport to the city centre. Travellers opting for the train option need to take the Orlyval metro to Antony Train Station and then transfer to the RER B line, with the entire journey taking around an hour. Trains leave from all terminals, simply exit the arrivals gate and follow the signs leading to the Orlyval metro platform. The Orlybus, a direct shuttle service, is a swift and direct bus option taking 30 minutes to reach Place Denfert-Rochereau in the city centre. While public buses are available, they make frequent stops and take longer than the Orlybus. Bus stops are conveniently located outside all airport terminals.

Paris Beauvais (BVA) is mainly served by low-cost airlines. A shuttle service is organised between the terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot, which is located close to RER (line C) and metro (line 1) stations. The shuttle journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it is designed to align with flight timetables.

Paris offers an ideal setting for exploring on foot, yet public transport remains a practical necessity during your visit. The iconic Paris metro, characterised by its Art Nouveau entrances, stands out as a fast and economical means of navigating the city. With currently 16 lines and over 300 stations, the metro operates daily from 5:30am to midnight on weekdays and until approximately 1:45am on weekends. Tickets for the metro and other public transportation options, including buses and trams, can be conveniently acquired from machines in mainline or metro stations. The Navigo Easy pass, designed for occasional use, comes pre-loaded with 10 transport journeys in central Paris and can be easily recharged at stations. For unlimited travel spanning 1, 2, 3, or 5 days in Paris and Île-de-France, the Paris Visite pass is a convenient choice. Beyond the metro, Paris boasts an extensive transportation network, including 5 RER lines serving both the city and its surroundings, 13 tram lines covering the outskirts and parts of Île-de-France, and a comprehensive bus system. Buses operate Monday through Saturday from approximately 7am to 12:30am, with nearly half of the lines running on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, the Noctilien night bus service ensures travel between 12:30am and 5:30am. Finally, Transiliens, regional trains departing from major Parisian stations, offer further connectivity to the surrounding areas. For more information, visit the RATP website.

Stamps are available from kiosks and news agents. For mail overseas, it is advisable to visit a post office. The central post and sorting office of the Louvre is open from early in the morning until midnight.

Pharmacie des Champs-Élysées 84 Avenue des Champs-Élysées +33 1 45 62 02 41 Open Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–8pm Pharmacie Lafayette Des Halles 10 Boulevard de Sébastopol +33 1 42 72 03 23 Open Mon–Sat 8:30am–9pm, Sun 9am–9pm

In France, the electrical supply operates at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. The country employs two main types of electrical plugs: type C and type E. Type C plugs feature two round pins. Type E plugs, on the other hand, also have two round pins but include an additional hole for the earth (ground) pin.

Country code: +33 Area code: 1