France
Paris
Essential facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
French
Time zone
Central European Time · UTC +1 (UTC +2 in summer)
Typical weather
Temperate climate. Summers average 20–25°C, winters 3–8°C. Spring and early autumn are pleasant and less crowded.
Plug type
Type E and Type C · 230V
Getting around
The Métro is fast and covers the city densely; RER trains reach the airports and Versailles. Navigo Easy cards and carnet tickets both work. Central Paris is very walkable.
Local customs
Always greet with 'bonjour' before asking a question — skipping it reads as rude. Service is included in restaurant bills; rounding up is enough. Dress tends to be smart-casual.
Travel tips
Many museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays — check before you go. Book the Eiffel Tower and Louvre online in advance. Watch for pickpockets around major sights and on Line 1.
Entry requirements for British citizens
- Visa
- British citizens can travel without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area as a whole.
- Passport
- Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter, and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you intend to leave.
- Return ticket
- You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket.
- Accommodation
- You may be asked to show proof of where you are staying.
- Health
- No specific vaccination requirements for entry. Check the latest health guidance before travelling.
- Customs
- Duty-free and cash declaration limits apply when entering from outside the EU.
Always check before you travel