Day Trips from London to Paris
In part IV of this series of looking at the best day trips from London, we will be going further afield to Paris. Yes indeed! You can get to France and explore Paris and get back to London in one day! A lot faster than it takes going to Scotland!
This day trip is by train (Eurostar) and leaves from London King’s Cross / St. Pancras International Station. Travelling by rail can be less stressful than travelling by air. In just over two hours, you will arrive in the French capital ready to begin a few hours of exploration to discover the beauty of this city. It is one of the most culturally captivating cities in the world.
However! First things first! Check your passport and travel documents before you even purchase let alone travel! For UK nationals, your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. You can travel to France which is part of the Schengen area, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Check Requirements Here. For foreign nationals, check entry clearance which you applied for allows multiple re-entries before travelling to the UK.
Discover Paris at Your Leisure
Your Journey to Paris will depend on the type of Paris product you have purchased. However, you will need to make your own way to St. Pancras International (next door to King’s Cross Station) where you will either have a fully escorted guide, meet a representative who will provide you with train tickets etc and an information pack or alternatively, you will be sent e-tickets and an information pack instead, in which case your tour will most likely be unescorted.
Sightseeing visits include Parisian gems such as the Eiffel Tower (for breath-taking views across Paris), Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre Museum which is the iconic glass pyramids constructed solely of glass and metal and Notre Dame, shopping or simply sit idlily at cafés. There is also an Open-Top Bus Tour you can do and a River Cruise on the Seine too which is an hour-long luxury cruise through central Paris.
The Palace of Versailles is most definitely worth when going to when in Paris especially if you staying overnight or two. Visit the Great Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, the Queen’s Apartments and the magnificent gardens.
Christmas Markets in Paris
The Magic of Christmas in Tuileries Garden or La Magie de Noël is next to the Louvre and is said to be the biggest Marché de Noël within Paris. It stretches along the garden’s entire north edge from Rue des Pyramides to Place de la Concord. The Christmas-themed carnival and Christmas market is easily the most popular Christmas Market within Paris, attracting millions of visitors each holiday season.
The Christmas trees, fake snow, and close-up views of the famous “Iron Lady,” the Eiffel Tour Christmas Village gives you an experience you’ll remember for a long time. The market specializes in delicious gourmet foods and local cuisine ready to be served on the spot. Lookout for the Alsatian and Savoyard stands with their regional specialties and sip hot mulled wine as you meander through the market.