While a day trip to Paris from London might seem ambitious at first, it’s easy when the journey’s so quick and comfortable.
In fact, if you take the first Eurostar and come back on the last, you’ll have more than eleven hours to enjoy in the City of Light. And since Paris is one hour ahead of London, you’ll be back earlier than you might expect. In short, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the capital.
Top Tips
The real secret is to be prepared. So swap apps and websites for these tips from our local in-the-know guides.
Breakfast like a true Parisian
Hot foot it to the 6th arrondissement and grab a table on the terrace at Les Deux Magots Café. Steeped in history and oh-so-French, it’s perfect for a spot of people-watching. Breakfast like a true Parisian with a café crème and a fresh, flaky croissant or a tartine with lashings of Échiré butter. An indulgent petit déjeuner to set you up for the day.
If there’s one tip to follow in the hunt for your dream déjeuner, it’s to eat where the locals eat. Luckily, there’s no shortage of choice, whether you’re vegetarian, visiting with kids or a romantic lunch à deux.
The classic French bistro
The islands of Paris
Two natural islands sit proudly in the midst of this stretch of the River Seine. Île de la Cité, the larger of the two, is home to the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Parisian nightlife
Before you hop on the train back to London, why not sample some Parisian nightlife? If you book ahead, you could even catch a concert at the legendary, and newly-renovated, Elysée-Montmartre music hall.
Paris is all about people watching, as you drink coffee on a café terrace.
Beer, waffles, chocolate and culture, and only 2 hrs from London by train.
At only 1 hr 30 mins from London, Lille is the perfect destination for a day trip or overnight stay.
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