Whether you’re travelling to or from London on the Eurostar and arriving and departing from Paris Gare du Nord, or using one of Paris’ other six main train stations, there’s plenty to do and see in France’s buzzy capital.
Eurostar to Paris
Catching the Eurostar from London to Paris is quick, easy and fuss-free, with trains throughout the day leaving from London’s St Pancras station and arriving at Paris Gare du Nord. The journey takes a total of 2 hours 16 minutes. Make sure to arrive 45-60 minutes before departure.
Must-sees in Paris
The Louvre Museum – Located on the Right Bank of the Seine, this is the most. visited museum in the world. With a total area of 72,735 square metres, it’s impossible to cover in a day so decide what you want to see before you visit. Highlights include Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s David and the Venus de Milo.
Centre Pompidou – Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers in the 1970s, the building is immediately recognisable by its exterior escalators and funky coloured tubing. It is internationally renowned for its 20th and 21st century art collections.
The Eiffel Tower – towering over the city, the Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid-for monument in the world. You can simply use it as a photographic backdrop to the city or climb up the tower (you can take a lift too). At 324-metres high, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the whole city from the top.
Where to eat in and around Gare Du Nord
Cafe La Chaufferie – this buzzy cafe and restaurant is situated a block away from the main entrance of the station. Inside you’ll find plenty of seating, free Wi-Fi and some great French classics on the menu including duck confit and omelette aux fines herbes.
Chez Casimir – just an eight-minute walk from the station, this popular restaurant offers guests an all-you-can eat buffet for €26 a head. Expect great French fare including charcuterie, omelettes and beef bourguignon. And don’t forget to leave room for the excellent dessert buffet. This is the perfect place to eat while you wait for your train.
Where to stay in Paris
Fauchon L’Hotel Paris €€€
This luxury 5-star hotel pays homage to famed French foodie Fauchon. The hotel is situated near the Paris Opera House and the Champs Elysees, offering guests the choice of 20 guestrooms and 17 suites.
Hotel Le Petit Belloy St Germain €€
This well-run 4-star hotel in the Latin quarter offers comfortable rooms with a busy bar and lounge for hotel guests.
Mary’s Hotel République €
Only 50 yards from Oberkampf Metro Station, Mary’s Hotel République is situated in the 11th district of Paris. It offers comfortable en-suite rooms, a 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi. There are plenty of reasonably priced café and bars nearby