Practical Paris guide for Indians: when to visit, what to pack and what to see

Captivating with its rich history and fascinating culture, the city of Paris is instantly recognizable and is easy to fall in love with. It’s simply hard to resist the temptation of a city that glows with such glamor and grandeur. Which is why Paris finds a place on every traveler’s bucket list, especially us – Indians. So, if you are from India and are looking to visit Paris for the first time, then you would surely be stuck with a lot of doubts – when to visit, what to pack and what to see. Hold on, don’t start panicking again! Here is a practical Paris guide for Indians that will ease you and offer you the best of Paris.

When to visit Paris:

This is the first thing that pops up in your mind when you start thinking about visiting Paris. Paris typically has a Western European oceanic climate and the truth is: Paris can be visited all year round. It is just a matter of preference. Here’s how the Paris weather looks like with respect to the months.

Spring (March – May): There is a slow transition in the Paris weather from cold to ideal during this time. The days are mild and the nights are fresh. The average temperature ranges between 14.3 and 7.8 degree Celsius.

Summer (June – August): Summer days in Paris are usually warm and pleasant with a lot of sunshine. While it is the main tourist season, some attractions are closed in August. The mean temperature stays between 19.1 and 17.5 degree Celsius with July being the hottest for the year.

Autumn (September – October): The leaves turn brown and add to the romantic hue of the city. As the season starts to end, there is a gradual drop in the temperature. The scale varies from 16.4 to 11.6 degree Celsius.

Winter (November – February): Winter season officially starts during this time. The sunshine is very little with cold days and freezing nights. Expect light night frosts and snow falls, as they are pretty normal during the season. The average temperature varies between 7.2 and 4.2 degree Celsius with January being the coldest month of the year.

Peak season in Paris is during the Summer (June – August). The city will be crowded and the cost of stay will also be really high. The best time to visit Paris would be during Spring and Autumn. Alternatively, you can try visiting Paris during the Winter to strike a bargain on the hotel prices and to roam free without having to stand in queues all the time.

What to pack to Paris:

Ah, the million dollar question. For people, who are constantly confused when it comes to choosing the right clothing as they set off to work, figuring out ‘What to pack to Paris?’ will come in as a great challenge. But, you can shoot the challenge down with these simple tips.

Pack Light:

This is one of the most basic things you should do while traveling, let alone to Paris. When you are in Paris, you will encounter a lot of stairs, have to do a lot of walking, and will be constantly getting into elevators. So, lightweight packing is the way to go.

• Get a checklist ready to make your whole packing process easier.
• Pack neutral colored clothes which you can easily mix and match with other items.
• Leave the bulky-jeans and massive sneakers back at your home.
• Roll up your clothes in the suitcase and try re-wearing jackets, pants, and skirts.

Dress Appropriately:

When you are in Paris, do as the Parisians do.

Sorry, I had to change that a bit. While the fashion capital can be incredibly overwhelming, you can really wear whatever that is comfortable for you. But, try dressing more stylishly than you would normally do. Stick with black, as it is unofficially the French color and also try packing depending on the Paris weather during the season you will be visiting.

Summer:

• Cardigans
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight shirts, trousers, skirts, jeans, and jacket
• Scarves

Spring:

• Long Sleeve Tops
• T-shirts
• Light sweaters, layers
• Dark Jeans

Autumn:

• Leather jackets, shoes, pants
• Long sleeve shirts, trousers, jeans
• Heavy knitted sweaters

Winter:

• Sweaters, jacket (preferably waterproof), warm coat
• Long sleeve Tops, dark jeans, thick trousers
• Scarves, gloves, and boots

Footwear:

• Brogues
• Loafers
• Sandals
• Boots

In addition to packing clothes based on the Paris weather, pack in some well-tailored formal clothing because there are upscale places that follow strict dress codes.

Other essentials:

• Small Umbrella
• Map of the city
• Two photocopies of your travel documents. Leave one at your accommodation.
• Euros
• Universal adaptor
• Basic French guide

What to see in Paris:

Crowded with so many popular attractions to see, discovering what to see in Paris for Indians can be really tiresome. Every neighborhood in Paris has its own sense of feel and offers a special something. Narrowing down the list of the attractions, here are the top things to do in Paris.

Eiffel Tower

Synonym with ‘beauty’, Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist spots in Paris and the best way to discover the city is through this iconic landmark. Go on a full guided tour of Eiffel tour complete with panoramic views, bask in the sparkling golden light, stop for a quick glass of either rose or white champagne at the top, and dine high in the sky. Eiffel Tower will dazzle you with its magic and is a great place for couples who are on their honeymoon.

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Timings: Mid-June to Early September – 9 am to 12.45 am, Rest of the year – 9.30 am to 11.45 pm
Ticket Prices: Adults – €17, Children (12-24 Yrs) – €14.50

The Louvre

Originally a fortress, the Louvre is the world’s largest museum and historic monument in Paris. Take a walk through the endless galleries of the Louvre that carry some of the finest works of art, be stunned by the intricate interior decor, and get a closer look into the history and culture of Paris. Shimmering with lights in the night, Louvre is a must visit destination in Paris for the art lovers and is the third most visited museum in the world.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Timings: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday – 9 am to 6 pm, Wednesday & Friday – 9 am to 9.45 pm, Closed on Tuesdays, October – March – Free on first Sunday
Ticket Prices: Musée du Louvre – €17, Audio guide – €5

Arc de Triomphe

Overlooking the Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous monuments in Paris – Arc de Triomphe.Admire the architectural excellence of Arc de Triomphe, click a dozen selfies for your Instagram, and enjoy the amazing views from the top. If you are lucky, you can catch the parade which takes place during special days. Also, try visiting Arc de Triomphe during the nights, as it looks spectacular then.

Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Timings: January to March – 10 am to 10.30 pm, April to September – 10 am to 11 pm, October – December – 10 am to 10.30 pm
Ticket Prices: Full price – €12

Jardin du Luxembourg

Interested in going on a picnic? Then head to the tranquil garden of Jardin du Luxembourg. Spread across 23 hectares, the landscape of Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the refreshing places to be in Paris. Go on a stroll across the tree-lined promenades, catch the puppet show, feed the ducks, indulge in people watching, settle down with your favorite book, and just relax. Unhurried and unspoiled, Jardin du Luxembourg is a great escape from the brick and cement of the city.

Address: 75006 Paris, France
Timings: 7.30 am to 9.30 pm (depending on the season)
Ticket Prices: Free

Notre-Dame de Paris

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the medieval Catholic cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most historical monuments in the world. Admire the stained glass and rose windows, be awestruck by the magnificence, witness the power of spirituality work its magic on you, and climb your way to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of Paris. Mysteriously seductive, Notre-Dame de Paris will make you coming back for more.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Timings: Monday to Friday – 8 am to 6.45 pm, Saturday & Sunday – 8 am to 6.45 pm
Ticket Prices: Free

Disneyland Paris

If you are in Paris with your family & kids and are wondering where to go, Disneyland Paris will fit your requirement perfectly. Say ‘hello’ to your favorite characters, dance your way through the colorful parades, go screaming in the adventurous rides, and grab a delicious bite at one of the many themed restaurants. Regardless of your age, Disneyland Paris will keep you entertained and will definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Address: 77777 Marne-la-Vallée, France
Timings: Disneyland Park – 10 am to 11 pm, Walt Disney Studios Park – 10 am to 8 pm
Ticket Prices: Starts from €42 and goes up to €99 (depending on the package)

Champs-Élysées

Stretching from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle, Champs-Élysées is known worldwide for its luxury shops, theaters, cafes, Bastille Day military parades, and Tour de France race. Go on a shopping spree across the boulevard, grab the tickets for a contemporary cabaret show at Le Lido de Paris, stop for a quick espresso, catch an art show at Grand Palais, and end your ultimate walk along Champs-Élysées by soaking in the gorgeous views from Arc de Triomphe.

Address: 75008 Paris, France
Timings: 24 hours
Ticket Prices: Free

Musée d’Orsay

Housed inside a former railway station, Musée d’Orsay is now an impressive museum with collections from impressionist, post-impressionist, and art-nouveau movements. Wander around the various levels of the museum ogling at some of the finest pieces of art, get a clear insight into the real history of Paris, and keep your eyes fixated on the iconic paintings. The wonderful collection of art gives Musée d’Orsay a place in the Paris guide for Indians: what to see.

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays
Ticket Prices: Full price – €12, Free on first Sunday of every month & for Children below 18 Yrs

Montmartre

Perched at a height of 130 meters above the ground level, the small hill of Montmartre is an interesting escape from the ever buzzing city of Paris. Feel the bohemian vibe kindle the creative side of you, go on a gastronomic journey tasting the mouth-watering delicacies, and the ride the funicular to the top for enchanting views of the city. On top of it all, there are free walking tours across Montmartre that will offer you a complete experience of the neighborhood.

Address: 75018 Paris, France
Timings: 24 hours
Ticket Prices: Free

Catacombs of Paris

Containing the remains of more than six million people, the Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries that will give you a sense of the other side of Paris. Discover the thrilling secrets of the dead at the Catacombs through a descriptive audio guide, be fascinated by the beautiful patterns of skulls & femurs on the wall, and bask in the eerie darkness that prevails there. Catacombs of Paris is one of the creepy places in Paris that deserves a visit.

Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Timings: 10 am to 8.30 pm, closed on Mondays
Ticket Prices: Catacombs & Exhibition – €13, Audio guide – €5, Free for Children aged 17 & under

Temple of Love

Tired of being to the cliched romantic attractions in Paris? Take an escape to the lesser known Temple of love. Set on a beautiful island made out of two branches of river, Temple l’Amour or Temple of Love as it is popularly called is a special place to be in with your loved one. Trace your way around the pristine lake while enjoying the relaxing view, row away in a boat, and recite her a romantic poetry as the sun comes down filling the horizon with its fiery crimson. Visiting Temple of Love is one of the off-beat things to do in Paris.

Address: Parc du Chateau de Versailles, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: 12 pm – 5.30 pm, closed on Mondays
Ticket Prices: n/a

River Seine and Pont Alexandre III

Following right through the heart of Paris, River Seine offers the real essence of Paris. Cruise along River Seine on a sightseeing tour passing through the iconic landmarks of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris. Complete with audio guide, the River Seine sightseeing cruise will give you enough history and grace of Paris. Alternatively, you can also go on a stroll across the extravagant Pont Alexandre III bridge listening to the beautiful musicians as they play soul-stirring music that compliments the gorgeous setting.

Address: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France
Timings: 24 hrs
Ticket Prices: Varies based on the agency

I am sure after reading this extensive Paris guide for Indians, you will be fully packed. So here’s a complete Paris Itinerary for you soak in the irresistible glamor of Paris. Get on the plane now! Alternatively, check out Paris travel packages and Paris package for couples offered at Pickyourtrail!

Related:

Get the best out of your layover in Paris

Ultimate guide to Italy