Book cheap flights to Paris

Paris experiences a continental climate, with steamy summers and snow-clad winters. Average temperatures range from 25 degrees Celsius in summer to 3 degrees Celsius in winter. Moderate rain falls throughout the year. The best time to visit Paris is during summer (June to August) when the weather is glorious and the city bristles with that fabled joie de vivre. However, this is peak season, so rates soar and crowds are dense. Spring (March to June) is the ‘other’ best time to go. Gentle temperatures caress the city and the streets bustle with café culture and street performers. Notable events include: European Museums Night (May), Fête de la Musique (June), Tour de France (July), Bastille Day (July) and Paris Fashion Week (September). For cheap flights to Paris, the best time to visit is during winter (end-December to March).

South African passport holders do require a visa when travelling to Paris, or anywhere else in France. You can apply for a Schengen visa through CAPAGO.

Passports may not be older than 10 years, must have 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of departure from the Schengen state

See this guide on how to apply for your Schengen visa.

Paris is considered a safe city. However, it is recommended that you take certain precautions and remain vigilant as you would in any unfamiliar and sprawling city. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended.

The government has tightened and reinforced security measures following recent terrorist attacks. A free app. is available that alerts users to security incidents. Search for ‘SAIP’ on your app. store.

Keep your luggage and belongings close on the métro, avoid using the lifts in Gare du Nord station, and avoid carrying large sums of cash and valuables, as pick-pocketing is common. Remain vigilant in crowded areas and avoid the northern areas of Paris.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Immunisation against hepatitis A & B and rabies are recommended. Other routine vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio and influenza.

Paris is an expansive city divided into 20 boroughs (or ‘arrondissements’), each of which have their own unique perks and quirks. Where you decide to stay will depend largely on what you want to do and what kind of person you are. However, staying in several different districts would be a great way to experience Paris’ many alluring personas.

For luxury, the Champs-Elysées is one of the most exclusive parts of Paris. Luxury hotels draped in aristocratic decadence and famous landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe line this grand boulevard. Montmartre, St-Germain and the Quartier Latin offer up stylish eccentricity, winding cobbled streets and trendy accommodation.

The Marais is the quintessential Parisian town with cafés spilling out onto cobbled streets and an easy-going atmosphere. The Marais and surrounding areas are a hub for nightlife. A number of hotels can be found hiding in this district.

Paris is a wildly interesting place, with something interesting around every corner, so walking is perhaps the best way to explore the city.

The Métro system is a labyrinth of tracks and stations that lace across the city, connecting every district and giving you a chance to explore every inch of this glorious Parisian metropolis. The lines operate from 5am to 12:30am and single and multiple tickets are available. More information is available on the RATP website.

The bus system is also reliable and a great way to see the city above ground. Métro tickets can be used, or you can buy tickets on the bus. Route maps are available at the stations and in bus shelters. Citymapper is an urban transit app. that will help you get around the city.