Planning a trip on your own can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if you are wanting to go to a big city like Paris. Making sure to find a travel agent can assure that you will get the most out of your trip while still experiencing a tailor-made itinerary fit just for you. There are a lot of factors to consider when looking to find a travel agent that is right for you, and many questions to ask yourself to make sure you make the most out of your experience in Paris.

What is your budget?

Do you want to spend more on a large and more popular travel agency or spend less on a quirky, up-and-coming, and smaller travel agency? Establishing a budget is one of the first steps if you want to find a travel agent that is right for your trip to Paris. The price of the trip will depend on the size of the travel agency as well as the activities you would like to enjoy. If you would like a more organized, all-inclusive trip to Paris, expect the price to be higher than a pick-and-choose more relaxed trip. Credibility and popularity can come with a higher price tag. Are you traveling with one person or your whole extended family? This can also be a deciding factor on the price and agency for your trip.  

Do you want a traditional or more unique itinerary?

Is this your first time in Paris? Do you want to see big tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles? If so, finding a larger travel agency may be easiest for you. This way you will be able to check many popular attractions off of your bucket list without the hassle of organizing transportation and schedules. If this isn’t your first time in Paris or you just want to experience Paris like a local, wanting to find a travel agent with a more unique itinerary and smaller audience may be best to guarantee a truly tailor-made experience.

What matters most to you?

Are you a history buff excited to learn about the extensive past of how Paris came to be what it is today? Do you want to go to every museum and see the many residences of famous artists within Paris? Did you come all the way to Paris just to eat as much French food as possible? These are all important questions to consider when looking to find a travel agent in Paris. This is your trip, do what you want to do. By answering these questions you will be able to narrow down the most important aspects of your trip to Paris, which will make planning and organizing much easier for you and your travel agent. 

Start your search!

Once you have answered these questions and have a better idea of what you want out of your trip to Paris, the next step is finding a travel agent that is right for you. With the wonderful invention of the internet, finding a travel agent is easier than ever with the help of Google, Google Maps, and Trip Advisor. Alternatively, travel books and tourism information centers, while they may be old-fashioned in today’s world, are also very helpful resources to get started on your hunt of finding a travel agent that is right for you. One of the best resources to use are those family and friends around you. Ask questions! Their needs may be different than yours, but they will help narrow down what you do or don’t want out of your trip to Paris. If you want a more personalized trip maybe search for the smaller travel agencies, where help is available to make sure your needs are met. If you want to experience Paris in a more general sense, a larger travel agency may be best for you. Before searching for your perfect travel agency ask yourself: What do I want to get out of this trip? 

 

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With so much to see and do in France, visitors can often feel overwhelmed, or worried that they do not have enough time to take in all that they want to see. Luckily, there are organizations such as ours and other French DMCs that can help you find your top choices of locations and the most efficient schedule to ensure that you get the most out of your trip to France. Specialized to large corporate and business groups, most French DMCs do a lot to ensure a well-organized, efficient trip to France with your company. This article will show you the top 4 things that the French DMC does to help you plan your next visit to France.

1. What does DMC mean?

DMC stands for Destination Management Company. What does a DMC do? A DMC basically means that it is a company that helps clients to manage their travel plans when visiting other countries, and ensure a fulfilling, jam-packed visit filled with trips to tourists’ sights or less popular attractions, depending on what the client wants. Unlike other French DMCs, who work primarily with larger groups, if you are looking for a smaller, more specified cultural tour of France, ParisbyM is definitely a great fit for you.

2. Why should I use a French DMC?

Using a French DMC is a great tool when traveling with large groups of people such as companies or with business trips. A French DMC can successfully accommodate big groups. Within some French DMCs there are groups that help to cater towarsd buisness and corporate groups. An example of this is called Corpo’Events, which specializes in handling business groups traveling abroad. This group will help you to plan things like seminars, conferences, and intensive trips, as well as any sight-seeing within France that can handle large scale groups. Corpo’Events will help to ensure efficiency when traveling abroad with a business or company, which is often a struggle with so many people.

3. Why should I NOT use a French DMC specialized in buisness groups?

As stated, some French DMCs work mostly with large business and corporate groups, meaning that they plan various trips and meetings based on the large number of people as well as the business-oriented visit abroad. If you are looking to travel either alone or with a small group for pleasure, but still want to take advantage of a trip planner, groups like ParisbyM are a much better fit for you and what you want to get out of your visit to France. With smaller trip planner companies, we will ensure that you get a specialized, intimate visit to France filled with sight visits and events catered directly towards your interests.

4. How do I use a French DMC?

If you were to visit a website, you would see the easy way to reach a French DMC directly in order to plan your next visit to France with your corporate group or company, is by simply entering your information, which sometimes requires your specific work place if intending to travel with a buisness. You simply have to enter your contact information and your company’s information and then the French DMC will get back to you quickly, reaching out to form a plan about the company’s trip. As stated before, if looking for a more intimate, smaller tour of your favorite destinations in France, groups like ours are perfect for you, for we help to make your visit to France a perfect trip including your tops picks of tourist sights and eateries.

If you are hoping to have well-organised, worth while trip to France, you should definitely consider using a French DMC. French DMC’s will help greatly in ensuring that you have a great, exciting visit to Paris and France. All you have to do is reach out and contact a French DMC and you will then be on your way to having an amzing trip to France.

 

Why should you use a local travel agent in Paris?

Recommended Day Excursions for Corporate Trips to Paris from a French DMC

Private Guided Tour

 

Spending 48 hours in Amsterdam…

You might not think 48 hours in Amsterdam is enough time, and yes, if you want to truly acclimate yourself to the city and their customs while seeing all the marvelous attractions it has to offer …. 48 hours might not be enough. BUT, if it’s all the time you have to spare, book your tickets and go because there is so much you can check off your bucket list in those brief 2 days….and I guarantee you will not regret it.

If you are going to pull the trigger, I suggest flying in for a weekend so that you optimize the positive vibes and good energy in which the city draws out of all its inhabitants and visitors. When booking your flight, it is a good idea to look into the earliest possible arrival times at Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam’s international airport) in order to take full advantage of your time. The airport is pretty close to Central Amsterdam, around 22 min by car or about 35-40 minutes via public transport.

When deciding where to stay, it is first most important to think about your budget. How much will you want to spend on the flight? Lodging? Food? Activities? Regardless, it’s important have a plan when it comes to budgeting for your trip.

The great thing about Amsterdam is that if you want to spend a decent amount of money on a hotel or Airbnb, you totally can! However, if that isn’t necessarily in the cards for you, fear not! There are many decent and inexpensive options to explore in and around the city, you just need to do a little research to find what suits you best!

DAY 1 

Rent Bikes! Amsterdam is regarded as the city of bikes and as soon as you arrive, you will understand. Not only is biking a great way to see the lively architecture that decorates the city, you also get some exercise! Be sure to ask wherever it is you’re staying if they have bikes, have discounts to local rental shops, or suggestions for the best place to rent. That will make navigating how to find them a little easier, although there are rental shops ALL over the city.

For lunch, I suggest keeping it short and sweet in order to delve into as much as possible. Grab a sandwich at any café (I suggest going to Dam Square or Liedersplein) and then head to Vondelpark. Here you can find a spot to sit and enjoy your meal while also observing Amsterdam’s natural beauty. There are also a ton of vendors in the park, so if you just want to head there and grab a street waffle, hotdog etc. with a cold Heineken, that is also an option! 

After lunch, I suggest biking over to the Amsterdam museum to learn about the city and how its evolved in the last 800 years! This is a fun way to get your history lesson in. If you want to be prepared, you can order tickets ahead of time online, but you can also get them the day of at the museum.

If you are someone who likes to make plans as you go, head over to the Jordaan district next. Here you will find lots of trendy shops and hip eateries with a range of cuisines. Personally, I made never made reservations and  I didn’t wait more than 5 minutes for a table.

Viewing the city via the canals is another MUST do. There are canal tours at all times of the day, however I recommend going at night to see all the lights of the city and enjoy the atmosphere. It is spectacular. There are all sorts of tours you can do so I suggest finding one that works with your budget. I also recommend you book the tour ahead of time and online.

DAY 2

Now that you have spent time exploring Amsterdam, spend the better half of your morning exploring areas that might have sparked your interest from the day before. After this, consider spending a majority of your day at the marvelous museums the city has to offer.

Start with the Anne Frank House. The only way you can view this historic site is by purchasing tickets online, so be sure to do that! Another site worth visiting is the Van Gogh Museum, which is dedicated to none other than Vincent Van Gogh. You do not need to purchase tickets prior to visiting. Another museum worth checking out is the Moco Museum, which is conveniently located next to the Van Gogh Museum.

There are endless possibilities for having an amazing experience with only 48 hours in Amsterdam. Don’t worry about not being able to do it all…it only gives you more of a reason to come back!

 

Here are 3 other articles you may be interested in:

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Main reasons to take an all inclusive package for your trip to Paris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Eiffel Tower

When you think of Paris you immediately think of the Eiffel Tower, one of France’s most iconic constructions. This monument is the most visited sight in France. Every year, more than seven million people visit the Eiffel Tower, making it the most visited monument in the world. Some people see the Eiffel Tower as an unofficial wonder of the world. It is therefore also a monument that everyone wants to have visited in their lives.

 

 

Hours of operation

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year:

Opening hours during the summer period (15 June – 1 September) from 9:00 am to 00:45

and the rest of the year opened from 9:30 to 23:45.

During the Easter weekend and spring holidays, opening hours are extended until midnight.

Before you buy a ticket, it is better to check what the best choice is. There are many different options and rates. As an individual, the prices are slightly higher than in a group or with family.

Access by elevator (up to 2nd floor):

Access by elevator to top:

Adults: €14
12-24 years: €12.50
4-11 years / disabled persons: €9.50
0-4 years: free

Access via stairs (up to the 2nd floor):

Adults: €5,00
12-24 years: €3.50
4-11 years / disabled persons: €3,00
0-4 years: free

In collaboration with Ticketbar we offer you the tickets for the Eiffel Tower not only can you avoid the queue but you will also get a beautiful city tour by bus through the city of Paris so you can see all the highlights of the city. The Eiffel Tower is often sold out months in advance, but you can still buy tickets at short notice so you don’t have to wait in the queue.

Click here to book an entry time and for more information: www.tour-eiffel.fr

 

The Eiffel Tower consists of 3 floors :

To the first floor you can use both stairs and elevator. On the first floor you can walk around and enjoy the view over Paris. You can see the gardens around the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian monuments. On the outside of this floor are 72 names these are names of French engineers, scientists and other important people from the 18th and 19th century but there is also plenty to see on the inside of the tower there are photographs and paintings to admire.

There is also information about the construction of the Eiffel Tower and Gustave Eiffel you can even watch a short movie about the Eiffel Tower and there are information panels showing which buildings can be seen from the Eiffel Tower it is also no longer possible to climb to the top with this staircase because too many parts of the stairs are missing these were removed from the tower and auctioned. 

Then comes the second floor it can be reached by stairs as well as by elevator. On this floor you have the best view of Paris. Then the less tall buildings can also be clearly seen. On the first floors, the large buildings stand in the way of the view of the smaller ones. In the floor of this floor is thick glass this allows you to look down so you can look.

On this floor is also located the restaurant”Le Jules-Verne” this restaurant has 95 seats and has been awarded a Michelin star. To get to this restaurant, you can use their own elevator. The decoration of the restaurant is sober but this is completely well made by the beautiful view that you have when you look out of the window it is necessary to make a reservation for this restaurant (Tel: 0033 (0)1 45 55 61 44)

The third floor of the Eiffel Tower can only be reached by elevator. From the third floor it is possible to take a few more stairs to a platform outside the view from this floor is very impressive.  The disadvantage of this height is that the buildings are less clearly visible than on the second floor. On this floor Gustave Eiffel had his office only this site was actually used for meteorological research by Gustave Ferrié in 1910.

 

 

 

The Eiffel Tower visit in the evening

 

Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the daytime is beautiful but it is also worth the effort to go to the Eiffel Tower in the evening. At 22:00 , the lights and searchlights of the Eiffel Tower are switched on every 5 minutes. This gives an extra effect to the tower. The lights illuminate the tower and make it so romantic to visit the tower in the evening. The searchlights illuminate the Paris skyline.

 

 

Access: Metro station Bir-Hakeim (line 6)

RER : Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (line C)

 

 

 

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It’s time for you to step into the country’s fairytale-like towns which are transformed into glowing, joyful centres of true Christmas cheer, perfect for finding gifts for loved ones, enjoying the food and drink of different French regions and having a fun-filled day with you and your family.  Are you visiting France this festive period and wondering where you can get your dose of European Christmas magic? Well, look no further than our list of the Top 5 Christmas Markets in France.

1. Strasbourg

Situated near the border with Germany and Switzerland, the town has historically always been influenced by its Christmas-loving neighbours. This is no more evident than in the plethora of Yuletide celebrations and festivities that are put on in this Alsatian town, filling it with joyful, festive delights. A grotto of endless Christmas treasures awaits, including light-shows, beautiful Christmas trees and the delicacies of the food market. Their famous Christmas market provides everything you could possibly desire, from mulled wines to bredele cakes. Truly magical, the first markets in Strasbourg were held in 1570, the first to exist in France. This year, an addition of an Icelandic Christmas village has been added to the plentiful options of festive experiences in Strasbourg.

2. Reims

If you are enjoying a holiday in or around Paris, Reims is an ideal festive day-trip. Located but 45 minutes away from the capital their market of the season offers 145 stalls of festive magic for all the family. The 21^st edition of the Christmas market will take place at two UNESCO world heritage sites: the Cathedral and Palace of Tau, where you can be sure to find festive produce of every variety. Children will love meeting Father Christmas, the free ice skating and enchanting wooden toys. The beautiful Craft Market at the Palace of Tau is the perfect place to find Christmas presents for your loved ones. For something truly decadent and appropriate for the region, why not enjoy some champagne tasting on the big wheel high above the town? A day of yuletide enjoyment is guaranteed for everyone.

Open every day from 10:30 am to 8 pm (from 2 pm to 8 pm on Mondays)

Open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays

3. Colmar

The best thing about Colmar and its magical Christmas market is that the town is nearly fully pedestrianised, giving you the freedom to explore the wonderful nooks and crannies that this enchanting place has to offer. The market was voted the 3^rd Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2016 and it is for good reason that it remains a favourite.  The ambiance of the Old Town makes it feel as if you have stepped into a fairytale, illuminated by the glow of the Christmas lights and the beautifully assembled market. From monuments, churches, museums and alleys, the whole town is decorated, transformed into what they call “a veritable open air theatre where the warm Christmas mood envelops the heart of the town.”

Open until the 30th December at the following times:

from Monday to Thursday: 10:00am to 7:00pm

Friday and Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am to 8:00pm

Christmas Eve: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Christmas Day: 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

4. Montbeliard

Located in Eastern France, in the Franche-Comté region, you will find a Christmas market like no other, set in the town centre of Montbéliard. The Christmas market is pure enchantment, a fairytale dream with a glowing and hospitable atmosphere that the town is well-known for. The town revives the tradition of Württemberg through the market comprised of 160 stalls of beautifully crafted, top-quality products. You will find a host of hand-picked craftsmen, an enchanting display of lights, and carefully chosen activities for young and old and magic in the air.  Sample the delicious produce from the region, revel in the cheering music and choirs singing, and have a spin on the ice rink. An enchanting and heartwarming experience to be had by all.

The market is open until Christmas Eve, at the following times:

Monday: 2pm to 8pm

;Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11am to 8pm (except Thursday 21st December: 11am to 9pm)

Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9pm

Sunday: 11am to 8pm (except Sunday 24th December: 11am to 6pm).

Christmas Lights Illuminated every day: 4.30pm to 10pm

5. Metz

Considered to be the country’s second favourite market after Strasbourg’s, receiving 3 million visitors, Metz provides a beautiful and vast Christmas market, spread over 5 different sites. The city’s major monuments are lit up offering a beautiful light display across the town. This has merited the self-proclaimed title of “capital of lights”, seen particularly at the Gothic Cathedral and the Place d’Armes.  A view of the cathedral can be seen from the top of the 60m high ferris wheel. A ride on this should not be missed, taking you up above the town, and exhibiting some of Metz’ most iconic monuments. Furthermore, there is a huge ice rink of 1000m²and an Ice Sculpture Wonderland at Place de la République, both activities to be enjoyed by all the family. Featuring several different markets, providing the best of festive produce and Christmas cheer to all, Metz at Christmas is not to be missed.

For opening hours for the numerous different markets and events, visit the Metz Christmas Market Website here.

 

 

Paris is a remarkably safe city and, relative to the US, your chances of being the victim of violent crimes is incredibly low. You will even find that, in most neighbourhoods, walking around alone at night is perfectly safe. That said, there is a pretty substantial amount of petty crime here that, if you don’t know what you are doing, can be somewhat easy for tourists to fall victim to. Fortunately, you have ParisByM here to teach you the ropes… with some common sense and a degree of caution… you will have nothing to worry about.

 

1. Blend In

By far the easiest way to avoid being targeted by the pickpockets is to avoid looking like the tourists that they prey upon. For starters, this means dressing like a Parisian… Sorry everyone… No fanny packs, sun visors, tennis shoes with white socks, Sperrys… Remember that, although stereotypical, Americans have a tendency to stand out when they travel abroad and as a result are often targeted more frequently than others.

To blend in, one of the easiest things you can do is dress like a Parisian. For both genders, this means neutral, muted colours like brown, grey, black, and depending on the season… perhaps white. Additionally, leather shoes, jackets, and scarves will go a very long way here.

Additionally, avoid walking around with a camera or a selfie stick… basically anything that identities you as a tourist. Instead we recommend walking around with confidence, acting like you know where you are going (even if you don’t), and taking pictures with your cell phone.

2. Keep Your Bags Zipped Shut

Bags that can be sealed shut with a zipper are an absolute must here in Paris. Pickpockets look for easy targets and by having this one small additional obstacle for them to come… you can dramatically reduce your risk of being pick pocketed. Big wide bags that do not shut are a huge no no as they are easily accessible. Should you decide that you want to bring an open bag though… we strongly recommend you keep it in your lap and in front of you at all times… especially when in crowded places!

 

3. Keep Valuables In Front Pockets

Nothing is more attractive to pickpockets than an iPhone or wallet protruding from one’s back pocket, especially when you are in a crowded metro or museum and people can easily brush up against you without raising any eyebrows. For this reason… we recommend that you place all valuables in your front pockets or in your bag with a zipper.

 

4. Learn Basic French

An easy way to catch the pickpockets off guard is if you show them you aren’t some average tourist walking around Paris (even if you are). Learn a few basic phrases that will let them know you are prepared for them. “Va-t-en” is a great one as it means get lost. If this seems a little bit too rude for you, a more polite way of letting them know you are not interested is by saying “Non Merci, Je ne suis pas intéressé”. We personally recommend a slightly more firm tone however as this is most likely to drive them away.

5. Know The Tricks Of The Trade

While most pickpocketing simply happens in crowded places when you aren’t paying attention, many pickpockets here in Paris can be very creative in how they try to approach you. Many work together in small groups to distract or otherwise trick unsuspecting tourists.

Below we have outlined some tactics commonly employed

1. “The Ring Scam”– In this scam, a pickpocket will approach you with a ring and ask if it belongs to you. When you tell him or her no they will ask if you would like to keep it. Now… the unsuspecting tourist might do the following. He or she would accept the ring and then discover that the pickpocket would like you to give him 30 euro… or worse… someone else might steal belongings from you while you are distracted. But fortunately, with your ParisByM briefing… you are no ordinary tourist! To avoid this scam simply shut it down before it even starts. Don’t accept things that don’t belong to you from any strangers on the street. If you even look like you are considering taking the ring the pickpockets can be quite aggressive. Just say no and keep walking.

2. “The Friendship String Scam”– For whatever reason, I see this manoeuvre being employed most commonly up at Sacré Cœur and in Montmartre. That said, it can happen anywhere and for that reason knowledge of it is very important. In this scam, a group of individuals will approach you and ask you if you would like a friendship band. They will attempt to tie it around your hand, sometimes quite aggressively, and after they have done this they will demand money. Even if all they do is intimidate you into giving them 5 euro, there may be someone behind you slipping your wallet out of that back pocket (see not putting things in your back pockets up above). As with any pickpocket scam… its easiest to stop the maneuver before it begins. Just say no.

3. “The Do You Speak English Scam””– The people running this trick are not beggars but rather organised criminals. They will simply try to approach you by asking if you speak English. Often times, it will be obvious to a native English speaker that these people are foreign to the language making their request quite unusual. They will try to tell you a long sad story and at the end they will ask you for money. As always, just simply say no and keep walking.

4. “ATM machine scams”– ATMS are normally quite safe in France, however, we recommend using ones located inside of banks during operating hours, especially if alone. The reason for this is that it is possible for pickpockets to take advantage of people withdrawing money on the streets. They might stand a little to close to you and watch you enter your cards pin number… after doing this they could swipe the card and run for it. To avoid this, just hide the pin pad from peaking eyes with your hand.

Additionally, a more complex ATM scam is for criminals to hack into the machine and cause it to retain your card and record your pin number. The machine will tell you that the card was withheld for entering the incorrect pin number. Later when you have left, the card will be removed by the pickpocket and they will withdraw money from your account with their newly learned pin number. This is significantly less likely to happen in a secure banking facility during operating hours.

6. Speak Quietly

The French in general speak much more softly than foreigners. This is particularly true in the case of Americans who, culturally, are much louder on the whole. For this reason, we highly recommend speaking softly, especially when conversing in English, as this will significantly reduce the chance of someone identifying you as a foreigner.

7. Leave Your Valuables In The Hotel Safe

An easy way to avoid being wiped out by the pickpockets is to simply not carry that much around with you in the first place. Leave most of your money, passport, computer and all of your valuables in your hotels safe or secure locker. It may even be a good idea to leave your credit/debit card at home and just take out what cash you will need for the day and leave the rest. This way, if you are targeted, you will not be in serious trouble. Having just 80 euro robbed from you can be enough to sour a day… why risk losing even more and souring your trip?

8. Walk On The Sunny Side Of The Street

As cliché as it may seem, criminals do not want to be noticed and as a result tend to hang out in the shadows. We recommend walking on the more well lit part of the street during the day time where pickpockets are a little less likely to be. Even if this is erring a little on the side of caution, a stroll in the sun is much more pleasant anyway. It’s a win-win situation for you no matter what!

 

9. Do Not Walk Around With A Map

Nothing will label you a tourist faster than appearing to be hopelessly lost. When you open up a metro map, you are immediately labelling yourself as an easy target. Instead we recommend that you plan out your route either in advance from the comfort of your hotel room or just use the giant maps posted everywhere around the city and in the metro to help you get around. These maps are much more commonly used by experienced tourists and locals alike and they will allow you to keep your hands free and guarding your belongings.

 

 

 

10. Spread The Wealth

Literally, when travelling with cash it is a very good idea to avoid keeping all of your money in the same pocket/purse compartment. Instead, you can put some of your money in your left pocket, some in your right and then some in your bag. For the really cautious, you may even want to consider investing in a money belt that is worn underneath your clothing but outside of your underwear. This is a really easy way to keep your money safe as no one, not even a pickpocket, will be looking to stick there hands down there!

With all of these great safety trips, your visit to Paris is sure to go smoothly. Just use some degree of common sense, be award of your surroundings, and err on the side of caution whenever possible and the pickpockets won’t stand a chance against you!

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Planning a trip from the United States to Paris might seem overwhelming. Here have compiled a comprehensive list of different flights options that you have. With the hundreds of airlines that are boasting about their low rates, unbeatable service, or their stellar reputation, a vacation in Paris can seem awfully far away. Even buying a flight to Paris from the United States can be quite the daunting task. Here, you will find a list of ways you can begin planning your trip to Paris and to help find the flight that is right for you.

Finding your Flight

Flights are always less expensive if you buy them in advance. Therefore, one of the first things you want to purchase is your flight to Paris. Websites such as Expedia, Orbitz, TripAdvisor and Kayak can help you find the cheapest flights. Keep in mind that the cheapest flights might take the longest or have layovers and transfers. If you don’t find what you like on those sites, check out specific airlines online.

Some of the major airlines that offer flights to Paris are Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, and United airlines to name a few. Smaller airlines to mention are Aer Lingus, Delta, and Iberia.

Prices for flights out of the United States will start at $500 at the lowest and can go up to $2,000 per way. Of course this depends on the flight, airline company, and class choice. Prices tend to fluctuate as the seasons change, so be mindful of when you plan to travel and how that will affect the cost of your flight.

First Class

Interested in First Class? Many airlines offer First Class as an option when flying to Paris. First class options tend to provide direct routes to Paris without the layovers and transfers and offer more amenities, including meals, full menus, and most importantly: more legroom.

Don’t forget, this will cost more than an Economy seat! Air France, British Airways, SWISS and American Airlines all offer first class options. Typically, first class seats start at $1,500 and get higher from there.

Economy and Cheap Seating

For those of us who aren’t made of money, economy seating is the way to go. Economy seating generally tends to have the lowest fares attached to them. While these flights offer less legroom and fewer dining options, they will help your flight to Paris, and your Paris vacation do less damage to your wallet. Most airlines offer economy, or “coach” seating as an option. Airlines like Air France, WOW Air, Iberia and Delta offer first class as well as economy options, and are frequently boasting their affordable prices.

Economy seating can start as low as $250 one way, but on average cheap flights to Paris cost around $500. These flights may include long layover and transfers. Overnight flights to Paris also can help reduce the cost, as they are often purchased less, and are in lower demand.

Checking your luggage

Checking luggage onto the plane will cost extra, especially if the luggage is over a certain weight limit (usually around 50lbs or 22.6 kilos). Generally this fee is around $25-40 depending on your airline’s regulations. Carry-on luggage is generally less expensive, however, airlines are strict about the size of the carry-on and will not allow the luggage to be carried onto the plane. Be sure to budget adequately for the amount of luggage you are planning on bringing.

Again, the sooner you purchase your flight, the cheaper the flight will be. So plan early and book now!

Recent data, articles and studies show that the optimal time to book your flight is between 112 and and 21 days before you are planning on taking your flight. This is when the prices have been statistically their lowest. Studies show that those who wait until the last minute, between 13-0 days, before booking their tickets pay on average $200 more. All the more reason to start planning your trip to Paris today.

Most travel agencies recognize the seasonal “travel deadzones”, where people generally are not traveling as much as other times of there year. These “deadzones” are generally within the first weeks of December (before Christmas), the first few weeks of January (after the New Year), and the middle of spring and fall seasons.

Websites like eBooker, Kayak, FareCompare, Orbitz and TripAdvisor can help you find your ideal flight to Paris from the United States.

 

Your Guide to Finding Your Perfect Flight to Paris

 

Other posts you might like:

Top 10 Attractions in Paris

Itinerary – 4 Days in Paris – First Time

Best hotels in Paris

 

 

Book a package with us when you travel to France

You’re planning to travel to France and you don’t know where to begin? This comprehensive list by ParisByM will surely make your planning easier and relieve some of that unneeded stress that doesn’t belong near a vacation!

Big Tip: If you book a travel package with ParisByM, we can help you with most of your preparations and book your accommodation, transportation (to and from the airport as well as getting around the city), and activities while in France.

Practical information:

Before you travel to France, it’s important to read this post. It might just help you out if you’re ever in a pickle : this article includes tips on traveling to France with your passport, getting a cell phone travel data plan, calling back home from France, and the currency/exchange rate. Make sure to check the most recent exchange rate before leaving home. If you’re not from Europe, beware, prices in euros can appear better than they are back home. For smartphone users, there are a few free currency conversion apps that do the math for you: try XE Currency or Currency Convert.

Health:

Purchasing travel insurance is a must when travelling anywhere. The easiest way to do so, if possible, is to organize your travel insurance with your pre-existing health or illness coverage. ParisByM can help you find and book the coverage that you need.

Accommodation:

If you’re traveling to Paris, save yourself some time and trouble and take a look at ParisByM’s Paris hotel guide. We can even do the booking for you. If you’re looking for a hotel that is more budget friendly, then read our post on how to find a cheap accommodation in ParisFor booking a hotel outside of Paris, a good tip is to compare hotel rates online. Metropolasia.com has a tool for that. If you choose a ParisByM vacation package, hotel booking is included and it’s based on your preferences and budget.

Transportation:

While in Paris, it’s easier to go everywhere and anywhere by metro or train. No need to rent a car. All you need is a pass which can include transportation to and from the airport. You can even purchase a metro and train pass ahead of time. It becomes active the second you use it. Go here for more details. Outside of Paris, it’s best to rent a car. You can find these car rental companies at most airports in France: Budget, Hertz and Europcar. Our packages also include booking any and all of your transportation.

What to see and do in France:

When you travel to France, it can be difficult to plan your itinerary with so many beautiful sights to see and places to go. Just take a look at the no fuss packages that ParisByM has to offer in and outside of Paris. We have a few day trips from Paris to some of the most enchanting spots in France: Reims, Loire Valley and Champagne.

By planning ahead and using our tips and tricks when you travel to France, coupled with one or more of our travel and vacation packages – you are sure to have the trip and vacation of a lifetime!

I hereby want to complete a guide, whereas you can pick from our selection of 3 cities in your European tour packages…

Barcelona – the charming and diverse city!

Barcelona is known for being an more and more international, beautiful and a city with a lot of possibilities for everyone, no matter age and gender. Barcelona is set on the northeastern Mediterranean coast, and has a warm, pleasant climate, sandy beaches, really good cuisine and excellent art and architecture!

You can either walk through Barcelona, to get that genuine, authentic experience that you only can do by walking through the streets, and perhaps getting in touch with other tourists or the locals… You can, however, also discover the lovely Barcelona by a hop-on-hop-off-bus, with an open-top.

There are three different routes included in one ticket and 44 stops at interesting places, such as Plaza de Cataluña, Via Layetana, the cathedral and its cloister, Gothic Quarter, Plaza Sant Jaume, Sagrada Familia, Parque Guell, Villa Olimpica and the Port Olimpic, up the Montjuïc Mountain for a panoramic view of the city and harbor and perhaps visit the Poble Espanyol, which is a Spanish village.

Barcelona is the perfect place if you want to shop, or walk around the amazing Ramblas! The Gothic Quarter is very famous, and for those interested in art; there are many museum, which includes the Picasso Museum!

London – one of the greatest cities in the world!

London is a diverse and exciting city with some of the world’s best sights, attractions and activities, and for good reason; there is a lot of things to do, and some days London is like a bag of candy, that never gets empty; always something to see, and always something to explore. You should definitely include it as part of your European tour package. You can either stroll down Oxford Street to shop, dine and explore, or you can take an open-top sightseeing bus tour, so you have a choice of routes around famous landmarks so you may get on and off wherever you wish.

From here, you will be able to view the city’s iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Madame Tussands just to mention a few…

And the extra plus? You can go from silver to gold in an short amount of time; you can take the train from London to Paris! You can make your own way to London St. Pancras railway station and take a beautiful train ride to Paris, romantic French capital. You will have a chance to enjoy a bit of the countryside in the comfort of a high-speed train.

Paris, the City of Lights

So you arrived to the most beautiful city, and the opportunities are many… You can find one of our many guides or blogposts on ParisByM, when you include Paris in your European tour package. You can enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Paris, in a hop-on hop-off double-decker coach, and from here view all the famous landmarks such as the Opéra, Place Vendôme, Concorde Square, Champs-Elysées Avenue, Arch of Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Orsay Museum, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sorbonne, Pantheon Church and more. Do not forget to buy one of our packages at ParisByM, for your perfect Parisian experience!

Instagram has over the years become a very popular social media. I myself follow all sorts of people, who in one way or another inspires me. Instagram can actually be very relaxing to go through. Snapshots from everyday lives, travels, experiences, and memories. However, in that connection, I also do follow Paris-based people, who puts up daily updates of the Parisian life. Those I hereby want to share!

https://instagram.com/vutheara/ is a photographer and designer based in Paris. He captures amazing moments from Paris. I mean, each of them could easily be postcards… Make sure to check him out!

https://instagram.com/MissCoolpics/ is also a photographer, who originally is from Poland. Her Instagram pictures from Paris capture her unique point of view, of the city of light. We highly recommend if you want to be inspired!

https://instagram.com/nathparis/ is an artistic director from Paris, who makes sure to inspire you for your next Paris vacation! Her pictures makes sure you can sense the creativity she got. Do not miss out on this one!

https://instagram.com/parisinfourmonths/ moved from Stockholm, Sweden to study and “ended up never leaving Paris”, to forward her quote in Instagram. We do understand you, Carin.

https://instagram.com/wheninparis/ moved from the United States to Paris. Her motto is “when in Paris, do as the Parisians do!” Shannon captures Parisians in their daily lives, the monuments, the city’s architectures and much more – make sure to check her out on Instagram.

Last but not least, make sure you follow ParisByM on Instagram, too! Just press the green button on Instagram for daily updates about new blogposts, events in Paris, or just beautiful moments captured by our fellow Instagrammers!

Also(!) I want to mention a favorite blog of mine, http://www.mylittle.fr/mylittleparis/en/, who is like daily candy of France.. Writer Amandine Péchiodat and illustrator Kanako Kuno shares recommendations on all things and events, which are trendy in Paris through their website and newsletter. Make sure not to miss on this one!

What are your favorite Instagram account?

 

http://parisbym.com/which-chateau-de-france-you-should-visit/http://parisbym.com/which-chateau-de-france-you-should-visit/It’s become an icon for celebration–it may just be the best-known wine in the world. Of course, champagne is named after the area it comes from, as is typical in French viticultural tradition. Want to see where the magic happens? If you’re in Paris, then you’re in luck!

 

 

Bottle Up Your Excitement on the Bus

Of course there’s more to the place than just wine. Take a bus to Champagne from Paris for only 9€ (each way). It will take about 2 hours. You can buy tickets from Paris to Reims on the flixbus website.

 

 

Take the Train There

Fun fact: the ceremonial coronation of French monarchs took place at the Notre Dame de Reims (picture at the top of the page). Looking for a speedy 45-minute train-ride there?  Round trip train tickets cost around 30-40€. Make an itinerary with SNCF.

 

 

Cars Still Exist

Sure, we’d all like to transcend this shameful global automobile addiction already. And yes, France is not the auto-country the US is. Wine (champagne!) flows through her veins, not gasoline. That being said, going by car may only cost you the price of fuel if you’ve already got one. Like the bus, it’s around 2 hours away. If you’re interested in renting a car, here are the most popular car-rental companies:

www.rentacar.fr

www.europcar.fr

www.sixt.fr

www.budget.fr

 

 

So go and enjoy Reims and the countryside!

Champagne houses in Reims worth visiting

Wine Tasting in Paris

Which chateau de France you should visit

 

You’ve heard Paris will steal your heart – you want to find out for yourself. But how can you make the most of your trip to the city of lights? Choose an all-inclusive Paris vacation package!

Make Paris Yours

Enjoy a personalized itinerary without the backbreaking hassle of research and planning. Let experts recommend the best tours, boulangeries, museums, concerts, and cobblestone streets that fit your fancy. Like jazz, sculpture, or wine? An all-inclusive vacation package is for you!

 

 

Forget the Hassle

You’re in Paris to see, smell, and taste the city. So do just that! Let someone else worry about finding a hotel. Avoid burying your nose all day in a book for restaurant and museum recommendations. An all-inclusive package will grant you more time and freedom to explore the city!

 

 

Save Money

Personalized vacation packages are not traps for tourist–in fact, they’ll save you from the places that seek to exploit visitors. Experts can give you insightful and up-to-date recommendations for eateries, museums, and other events with tips for how to pay less for more.

 

 

Personal Contact

Another perk of choosing an all-inclusive vacation package? A friendly, relatable Parisian at your disposal! Expect prompt responses to your questions. A fellow lover of Paris is waiting to show you the marvels of their favorite city!

Paris is a living, breathing city and wine is her lifeblood. Day or night, you’ll see the stuff flowing through the capillaries of city. Dionysus would be proud.

In fact, France is known not only for its world-class wine production but also its culture of dégustation – that is, tasting. Want to become a sommelier during your visit?

 

 

Champagne or Loire Valley

You can escape the noise and bustle of the city for a day and discover the magical French countryside through a lovely wine tour. Champagne speaks for itself in the domain of wine. Many would argue Paris wine tours are bested by those in Champagne. As for the Loire Valley, you’ll find more than chateaux.

 

 

Group Wine Tasting

Part of a group? You can raise your glasses together! There are plenty of opportunities for you and your friends to taste wine in Paris all together. Don’t hesitate to send us a message to find out more!

Latin Quarter

Stay in the historic Latin Quarter! Train your palate at a homey wine bar. This neighborhood conserves the spirit of medieval Paris; many consider it the heart of city. Where better to try do a Paris wine tour?

 

Cheese Lover?

Want to feel French? How about pairing your wine with cheese?

 

Please contact us for more information and/or details.

Santé!