There's More to Paris Than the Icons
There's a reason Paris sits near the top of so many travel wish lists. Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle after dark, walking along the Seine, standing in front of a masterpiece you've only ever seen in books, finding a tiny wine bar down a side street or tearing into a still-warm croissant from the bakery downstairs all feel unmistakably Paris.
The famous sights could easily fill a trip on their own. There's the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and gardens made for doing absolutely nothing for an hour or two. But Paris is just as good between the landmarks. Wander through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, climb the streets of Montmartre, browse a neighbourhood market or settle into a pavement café and watch Paris carry on around you.
And then there's the food. Bakeries worth crossing the street for, long lunches that become even longer dinners, neighbourhood bistros, beautiful pâtisseries and restaurants at almost every level imaginable. Paris gives you plenty to plan for — but it's a city best enjoyed with some room left in the itinerary.
Paris — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~22–23 hours (1 stop)
Flight time from Melbourne
~23–24 hours (1 stop)
Best time for cheap fares
February (shoulder season)
Peak season
June, July, August
Main airport
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Visa required
No — 90 days for Australians
Time zone
CET (GMT+1) / CEST (GMT+2)
Top Things to Do in Paris
The Eiffel Tower
The most iconic structure in the world. Visit at dusk to watch the city turn golden, then stay for the sparkling light show that runs every hour after dark. Book tickets well in advance.
The Louvre
Home to the Mona Lisa and over 35,000 works of art spanning civilisations. Allow a full day — even that won't be enough. The glass pyramid entrance is iconic in itself.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
The artistic hilltop village above Paris, crowned by the beautiful white-domed Sacré-Cœur basilica. Explore the winding cobblestone streets, artists' studios and the famous Place du Tertre.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Currently undergoing restoration after the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024. A Gothic masterpiece and 850 years of Parisian history on the Île de la Cité.
Musée d'Orsay
The world's greatest collection of Impressionist art — Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas — housed in a stunning converted railway station on the banks of the Seine.
Le Marais
Paris's most vibrant neighbourhood — medieval architecture, trendy galleries, the Jewish Quarter, the best falafel in Europe and the beautiful Place des Vosges all in one area.
When to Fly to Paris
February and March are typically the cheapest months to fly from Australia to Paris — well before the peak summer season. Avoid June–August which is the busiest and most expensive time. Spring (April–May) is beautiful with mild weather and reasonable prices, while autumn (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit overall.
Paris's Airports
CDG
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris's main international airport, 25km northeast of central Paris. The RER B train takes about 45 minutes to the city centre and runs frequently from early morning to midnight.
ORY
Paris Orly Airport
A smaller airport south of Paris, mainly used for European and domestic flights. Well connected to the city by the OrlyBus and Orly tramway.
Getting Around Paris
The Paris Metro makes getting across the city relatively simple, with fares available on a Navigo Easy card or compatible phone. But don't automatically jump on a train for every trip. Paris is made for walking — many of its best-known sights, neighbourhoods, cafés and shops are closer together than they might look on a map.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders can visit France (and the Schengen Area) for up to 90 days without a visa.
- ETIAS: Once it launches, Australian travellers will need a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) approval — a quick online process costing €20.
- Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted but carry some cash for markets and smaller cafés.
- Travel Insurance: Pickpocketing around major spots like the Eiffel Tower and busy Métro stations is a genuine issue for tourists. Having travel insurance for France covers stolen passports, lost electronics, and missed connecting train legs across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Paris?
The main airlines include Qantas (via Singapore or Dubai), Emirates (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and Air France (via their hubs). Most routes involve one stopover with total journey times of 22–24 hours.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Paris?
February and March are typically cheapest. Avoid June–August (peak summer) and school holiday periods. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer excellent value with great weather.
Do Australians need a visa for Paris?
No traditional visa is required for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not yet in force; once it launches, an ETIAS authorisation will be required — a quick online application costing €20.
Which airport should I fly into for Paris?
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) handles most international flights and is well connected to central Paris by the RER B train. Orly (ORY) is mainly for European routes.
Can iFly help with hotels and rail passes too?
Absolutely. iFly.au is a full-service Australian travel agency. We can help with flights, accommodation, Eurail passes, transfers and travel insurance. Call 1800 242 373.