There are two options to get to Paris, France from London. You can either fly out from any of London’s airport’s, or you can take the Eurostar. Flying is generally more expensive but can be convenient if you live close by an airport. Eurostar can be cost effective if you are on a budget or perhaps live nearer to one the Eurostar links such as King’s Cross or Ashford.
Make sure that you check with your airline or carrier for up to date travel information.
A few things to note when travelling to Paris in general.
1. Arrive early for your Eurostar train or plane. For Eurostar, it states that you should arrive 90 minutes before the departure time on the ticket. Trains generally leave on time and security can be busy as there are many other departing trains from London, Kings Cross to various other destinations within France or Belgium.
2. Once arriving in Paris you will lose an hour as France is 1 hour ahead of UK GMT during the winter.
3. When you arrive in Paris, you may need to use the toilets. In France, generally one has to pay to use the public toilets. It can usually cost from €0.50 centimes to €1. But don’t worry, if you are dining at a restaurant this service is included. Note that is not normal practice to use the toilet facilities if you are not buying anything and you may be asked to leave.
4. Be sure to learn some French beforehand. Some simple words and phrases will go a long way and earn you some respect.
5. Be sure to greet the staff in shops and boutiques etc. In Paris it is seen as polite to greet the hotel staff, or other guests as they enter the lift with you. So be cautious if you enter a store or your hotel with your friends or family members during mid flow conversation. A simple “Bonjour” will do fine. And when out in public, do try to speak at a moderately quiet volume as you may get some looks, especially on the train.
6. Paris is a very multi cultural place, so if you do speak French, be aware that some people that you encounter might not speak French at all or very well – try not to assume.
7. Some parts of Paris, alike to many other places in the world; can be dangerous. Be aware of pick pockets or street side swindlers as you would in your own country. The best thing to do is research the area you want to go to in advance. There are some underground clubs and bars that use some unsavoury tactics on tourists, so be wise, stay safe and have fun in Paris!
Mocktails and Motivation 