How To Travel To Paris: A Simple Guide for First-Time and Repeat Travelers

Paris isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. Whether you’re dreaming of your first visit or planning a return trip, there’s something timeless about walking through Montmartre, sipping espresso near the Seine, or watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.

But planning a trip to Paris isn’t always as magical as being there. Between visas, budgeting, flights, accommodation, and itinerary planning, it can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming.

That’s where this guide comes in. If you’re wondering how to travel to Paris—where to start, what to expect, and how to make it easier—this article covers it all. And even more importantly, we’ll show you how TRAVUL.ORG is building a platform that takes the stress out of the entire process.

Let’s dive in.

How Do I Travel To Paris?

Step 1: Get Your Travel Documents in Order

If you’re not from the EU or Schengen Area, you’ll likely need a Schengen Visa to visit Paris. This applies to travelers from Nigeria, India, parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Here’s what you need to prepare:

• Passport: Valid for at least 3 months after your trip ends
• Visa Application Form: Filled and signed
• Flight Reservation: A dummy ticket or confirmed round-trip flight
• Hotel Booking or invitation letter from a host
• Travel Insurance: Covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies
• Proof of Funds: Bank statement, payslips, or sponsor letter
• Cover Letter: Explaining your reason for travel

Tip: Applying through the French embassy or VFS Global can take anywhere from 10–20 working days. Apply early.

How TRAVUL Helps:
We know the visa application process is one of the biggest headaches. That’s why TRAVUL.ORG will include step-by-step visa support, document checklists, and even partner services that help you apply directly from the platform.

We’re working on simplifying this through integrations that pre-fill forms and suggest embassies with the fastest processing times.

Step 2: Plan Your Budget (Without Guesswork)

Paris is beautiful—but it’s also expensive if you don’t plan ahead. Here’s a quick average of what you might spend:

• Flight (Round-trip): $400–$900 (from Africa or Asia)
• Accommodation: $60–$150/night (budget hotel or Airbnb)
• Meals: $30–$50/day
• Metro Pass (Navigo Weekly): €30
• Attractions (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc.): €15–€25 each
• Total Estimate for 7 days: $1,200–$1,800

How TRAVUL Helps:
One of our key features is travel financing. Whether you want to save gradually or access a small travel loan, TRAVUL will help you set travel goals, calculate how much you need, and access flexible ways to make your Paris dream trip happen—without putting pressure on your wallet.

Step 3: Book Smart (Flights, Hotels, and Local Transport)

Flights
Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Try booking 6–8 weeks in advance and look for flights that arrive in Paris mid-week—they’re often cheaper.

Accommodation
If it’s your first time in Paris, consider staying near:

• Le Marais (charming, artsy, central)
• Latin Quarter (student vibe, great food)
• Montmartre (hilly, romantic, cheaper)

Avoid staying too far outside the city unless you’re okay with long train rides.

Transport

Get a Navigo Découverte pass once you arrive. It’s valid for unlimited rides on the metro, buses, RER, and trams—cheaper than buying single tickets daily.

How TRAVUL Helps:

TRAVUL.ORG is building an integrated booking assistant that lets you plan your entire trip in one place: flights, hotels, even airport transfers.

And since we know how stressful it is to jump between apps, we’re making it simple to compare, book, and manage everything inside one dashboard.

Step 4: Choose the Right Time to Go

Paris is great year-round, but each season has its mood:

• Spring (March–May): Best weather, fewer crowds
• Summer (June–August): Festivals, long days, but crowded
• Fall (September–November): Beautiful colors, cool weather
• Winter (December–February): Cold but magical during Christmas

Tip: Prices drop in January and February. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a good time to go.

Step 5: Build a Paris Itinerary That Matches Your Vibe

First time in Paris? Try this 5-day sample plan:

Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise
Day 2: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Champs-Élysées
Day 3: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge
Day 4: Versailles Day Trip
Day 5: Notre-Dame, Latin Quarter, Sainte-Chapelle

Don’t just stick to the “Instagram-famous” spots. Discover lesser-known gems like Rue Crémieux, Canal Saint-Martin, or Marché des Enfants Rouges.

How TRAVUL Helps:

Our platform will use your travel goals and style to give you personalized itinerary suggestions. Whether you want romantic spots, solo-friendly plans, or a food-focused trip, TRAVUL will tailor recommendations just for you.

Step 6: Stay Safe, Connected, and Travel Confidently

• SIM Card: Buy a local SIM (like Orange or SFR) for data and maps.
• Travel Insurance: Don’t skip it—it’s required for a Schengen Visa.
• Safety: Paris is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets, especially in touristy areas and on the metro.
• Language: Basic French phrases help! But many locals understand English, especially in central areas.

FAQs

Is Paris safe for solo travelers?

Yes, but stay aware, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid isolated streets.

Can I use credit/debit cards in Paris?

Absolutely. Most places accept Visa and Mastercard, but keep some cash for markets or smaller cafés.

How far is Charles de Gaulle airport from the city?

About 45 minutes by train (RER B). Or take a taxi (~€55).

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination to enter Paris?

As of now, no. But always check the latest official travel advice here.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Paris can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first international trip or you’re managing it all on your own. Between budgeting, visas, and planning every little detail, many people give up before they even get started.

But that’s exactly the problem TRAVUL.ORG is solving.

We’re building a platform that combines trip planning, visa help, budgeting tools, and travel financing, all in one place—designed especially for travelers who want a smoother, smarter experience.

No more 10 tabs open.

No more second-guessing your itinerary. Just one simple dashboard to manage everything from dream to departure.

If you’re ready to travel smarter—not harder—TRAVUL is here for you.

So, what’s the one thing holding you back from booking that trip to Paris?