Turku to Paris Flights (TKU-CDG)

When we think about Paris, the first things that come to mind are normally famous attractions like the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre – but there’s much more to Paris than you might realise. Divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, scattered on either side of the River Seine, Paris has a lot for visitors to take in, but don’t be scared – it’s well worth the effort! France’s capital, affectionately known as the City of Love, is known for its fantastic cuisine and range of delicious wines that can be enjoyed at its many bistros, brasseries and cafés. Take time to check out the fashion, go shopping for French design or simply admire the city's historical hotspots and beautiful architecture. With nine million inhabitants, la Ville Lumière (the City of Lights) is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone.

SIGHTS IN PARIS

• Eiffel Tower– Paris's most famous landmark with a stunning view of the city.
• Sacré-Coeur – a Roman Catholic church located on top of the Montmartre hill, with beautiful views over Paris. You’ll also find many street artists in the area behind the Sacré-Coeur.
• The district of Montmartre is known for its nightlife, quaint cobbled streets and pretty houses. It’s also where you’ll find the famous nightclub and theatre Moulin Rouge.
• Louvre Museum – the world's premier art collection, with highlights including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Due to its size and the amount of art on display, it’s a good idea to do your research in advance and decide what you want to see.
• Pompidou Centre – a spectacular building housing France's Museum of Modern Art.
• Opéra Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier – a majestic opera house and theatre that was also used as the setting for the novel The Phantom of the Opera.
• Parks – pay a visit to Luxembourg Gardens, Paris’ most visited park (Jardin du Luxembourg), and the Buttes-Chaumont, a public park with more of a local feel.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO NEAR PARIS

• Disneyland Resort Paris – a resort with amusement parks 35 km east of Paris, about an hour away by commuter train.
• Palace of Versailles – a historic royal palace, the main attraction of which is the beautiful hall of mirrors consisting of 357 mirrors. Located 20 km from Paris, it’s only about 35 minutes away by high-speed train.

SHOPPING IN PARIS

Paris is the fashion and shopping capital of the world. There is a huge range of boutiques showcasing both famous fashion designers and new talents.

Designer clothes can be found at Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, and you can also discover several new designers in the Bastille district and in Saint-Germain-des-Près. If you’re seeking last year's fashion trends at lower prices on the other hand, Rue d'Alesia is the place to visit.

• Printemps & Galeries Lafayette – two large department stores that site side by side.
• Place Vendôme – a prestigious square where you can find designer clothes and luxury items.
• Troyes – an outlet city 90 minutes from Paris by train.
• Marketplaces and flea markets:
• Porte de Clignancourt – a famous flea market at the end of a metro line.
• The fruit and vegetable market Marché des Enfants Rouges offers fresh ingredients and affordable smaller restaurants. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is Paris’s largest flea market and a mecca for anyone looking for a bargain.
• Rue de Buci and Rue Mouffetard – two market halls where fresh ingredients can be bought.

Tip: On weekends there are market fares hosted on the main street of each district.

FRENCH FOOD & DRINK IN PARIS

Parisians are passionate about their food, and you’ll find bars, restaurants, cafés and bistros on every street. Bistros and brasseries are the typical places to get the best traditional French food. The many cafes in St-Germain-des-Prés are perfect for some café au lait and croissants, and the French kitchen is sure to impress even the most discerning culinary travellers. Gourmands should head to the Le Bon Marché department store designed by Gustave Eiffel to visit its La Grande Épicerie, the world-renown food shop.

• Oysters – served raw in their shell over ice. The oyster season is at its best during the winter months.
• Steak tartare – raw beef with egg yolk and spices.
• Escargots – cooked snails served with parsley and garlic butter.
• Coq au vin – cockerel stew with pork, wine and vegetables.
• Boeuf bourguignon – a rich beef stew cooked in wine.
• Cheeses – often served between the main course and dessert with biscuits or fruit. The French are proud of their huge variety of cheeses – ask the staff about their selection.
• Quiche Lorraine – ham and cheese pie.
• Crêpes and galettes – crêpes are thin sweet pancakes; galettes are savoury versions made with Saracen flour.
• Baguette – a long and thin loaf of wheat bread.
• Croissant – a flaky pastry named for its crescent shape.
• Wines – France is a wine country, and you can enjoy many different kinds. Try to avoid the cheapest table wines in most tourist areas.
• Champagne – sparkling wine from the Champagne region, which is just two hours from Paris.
• Calvados – a digestive brandy made from apples, normally served after a meal.

TRANSPORT IN PARIS

Central Paris is easy to explore on foot.

• Subway (metro) and RER (train) – the metro is an easy way to get around Paris, and the RER quickly gets you to the outer suburbs as well as the airport.
• Bus – a convenient way to get around, especially outside peak periods.
• Taxi – affordable and fast.