London to Paris Day Trips

Why take a day trip from London to Paris

It’s convenient and efficient: You can get from London to Paris on the Eurostar train in just 2 hours! Frequent departures and reserved seating let you easily fit a full day of sightseeing into your schedule.
A cost-effective travel option: Booking Eurostar tickets in advance can make a Paris day trip more affordable than an overnight stay. So, you can experience the city’s highlights without the added expense of accommodation, maximizing your budget.
See Paris’ most iconic attractions in a day: Paris is home to famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. A day trip allows you to visit these must-see sights, creating lasting memories in just a few hours.
Culinary delights: While in Paris, soak up the local vibe. Kick off with a buttery croissant at a quaint boulangerie and people-watch. Then, enjoy a Croque Monsieur or Soupe à l'oignon at a charming café, and for a special gourmet meal, dine on coq au vin or duck confit at the Eiffel Tower.

Things to know before you book your London to Paris tour tickets

Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in France. It should have been issued within the last ten years and remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Visa requirements for entering France depend on your nationality. If you need a visa, it must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Upon arrival in France, the Border Police may request proof of accommodation, sufficient financial means, a return ticket, and health insurance covering medical expenses, including repatriation, for the duration of your stay. So, keep the required documents ready!
Be ready to provide Advance Passenger Information (API), including submitting your passport details before traveling to or from the UK.
If you travel between the UK and France with €10,000 or more in cash, gold, checks, or other negotiable instruments, you must declare them to customs using the EU cash declaration form.

Your London to Paris tickets explained

Sightseeing tours

A guided sightseeing tour offers seamless travel from London to Paris with reserved Eurostar seating, ensuring comfort and efficiency for a stress-free day trip. A professional guide will be there with you at every step of the way, enriching your sightseeing experience with their insightful commentary about the city.
With fast-track entry to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and other major attractions, you can skip long lines and maximize your time to explore Paris's cultural treasures.

Recommended tickets:

Lunch tours

Sit back and enjoy a comfortable experience from London to Paris on the Eurostar. The train features spacious seating, food, and drinks for a comfortable journey.
The highlights of this tour include a delicious three-course lunch with wine at the Eiffel Tower or aboard a Bateaux Parisiens cruise, which combines gourmet dining with views of Paris from the Seine River.
One of the tickets also includes fast-track entry to the Eiffel Tower's 1st level, so say bye-bye to the hassle of waiting in long lines.

Recommended tickets:

Tips and hacks for your London to Paris day trip

Book your day trip tickets early, around 3-4 months in advance, to lock in the best rates.
If possible, stay at a hotel in the King’s Cross area of London, near St Pancras International, the night before for convenient access and to avoid missing your early train due to potential transport delays. Alternatively, if you are staying far away, make sure to reach the pick up point on time!
Upgrade to Standard Premier on Eurostar for breakfast service. This will allow you to start your day with a meal and maximize your time in Paris, without having to make frequent or early stops to an eatery.
Before your trip, download offline maps of Paris on Google Maps to navigate the city without needing data or Wi-Fi. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with the Paris Metro system in case you need a quick ride if you get off the HOHO bus and want to catch up with your group at another location.
Keep your passport handy for smooth border control between the UK and France. Choose skip-the-line tickets for top attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in advance to bypass long queues and make the most of your time.

Top things to do on a London to Paris day trip

Feel the breeze atop Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower, Paris's towering emblem, stands 300 meters tall, offering unrivaled panoramic views. Ascend to the summit for a 360-degree vista of Paris's landmarks like the Louvre and Notre Dame. The Eiffel Tower promises a blend of architectural grandeur and romance with its chic restaurants like Le Jules Verne and the Champ de Mars gardens below.

Admire the art at the Louvre

The Louvre's vast collection of over 35,000 artworks includes treasures like the Mona Lisa, The Coronation of Napoleon and the Venus de Milo. Check out the different galleries, housing ancient Egyptian relics, Renaissance masterpieces, and revolutionary French art, giving you a glimpse into the evolution of human creativity.

Get lost in Montmartre’s quirky streets

Perched atop a hill, Montmartre is Paris’s artistic cradle, blending old-world charm with bohemian flair. Wander through cobblestone streets once frequented by Picasso, discover the works of local artists at Place du Tertre neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement, and admire the grand Basilica du Sacré-Cœur.

Feel the buzz on the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées, stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, is a hotspot for luxury spots like Cartier and Chanel, and cultural gems like the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. It’s a lively place, with the historic cinéma Gaumont adding a touch of nostalgia. And if you time it right, you might catch the Bastille Day parades or even see the Tour de France finish there.

Find serenity in the Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg) is a tranquil gem in Paris. It features the elegant Medici Fountain and statues of historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, and Ludwig van Beethoven add cultural depth. The Grand Bassin is the perfect place for children to sail model boats, amidst vibrant flower beds of pansies, peonies, geraniums, and sunflowers.

Go for a cruise on the Seine River

Sail along the Seine River to view Paris’s treasures from the water, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and the Île de la Cité. You can also choose a lunch cruise for a culinary journey alongside city views, or a private boat to enjoy a unique perspective of Parisian landmarks such as Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier, Pont Neuf, and the historic Palais du Luxembourg.

Gaze up at Notre Dame’s Towers

Notre-Dame Cathedral is an emblem of French Gothic architecture, with its towering spires and intricate façades. Built on the Île de la Cité between 1163 and 1260, it boasts flying buttresses, stained glass rose windows, and a storied past, including Napoleon’s coronation. Despite recent damage, its exterior remains a testament to Parisian resilience and grandeur.

Relish authentic French cuisine

French cuisine is like coming to an extravagant party of some uber rich folks - thanks to the generous usage of butter and herbs like thyme, tarragon and rosemary. Try popular local dishes such as boeuf bourguignon and foie gras, or indulge in sweet treats like macarons from Pierre Hermé. The city’s culinary scene, from the Michelin-starred Le Meurice to the charming bistro, Chez Janou, showcases the artistry of French gastronomy.

More things to do on a day trip from London to Paris

Seize an opportunity to click romantic photographs: Stop by the I Love You Wall in Montmartre, where "I love you" is inscribed in over 300 languages. It’s a charming spot for capturing romantic photos.
Go to smaller museums: Skip the larger crowds and head to the Musée de l'Orangerie. Home to Monet’s Water Lilies.
Savor the street food: Dive into gourmet street food at Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’s oldest covered market. Grab a Baguette Sandwich or gelato while on the way to your city exploration.
Enjoy the artistic side of Paris: Belleville’s vibrant street art scene is a treasure for any person with a creative bone! The colorful murals and dynamic graffiti by local artists bring this multicultural neighborhood to life.
Discover the city’s deadly secrets: Step into the Catacombs of Paris, an underground world where the remains of over six million people rest. This haunting yet captivating site offers a rare peek into the city’s past.

Plan your visit to Paris

Distance from London: 470 km

Travel time: 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on the transportation

Best time to visit: Spring [March-May]

Getting there: Train, car, cab, bus

Approximate budget for a day: €100 - €300+ depending on whether you’re looking for a budgeted or a luxury experience

Places to visit: Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, Opera Garnier, Moulin Rouge, Parc Asterix, Paris Catacombs, Sainte Chapelle, Orsay Museum, Paris Pantheon, Paris Army Museum, Orangerie Museum, and Rodin Museum

By Train

Travel time: 2.5 hours

Train stations: From St Pancras International to Gare du Nord

Train line: Eurostar

Timings: The first train departs at 6am, and the last train departs at 9pm

Price: Around €88 for the return journey

Loulou Restaurant: Located near the Louvre, Loulou Restaurant offers sweeping city views from its outdoor terrace and a seasonal menu. Highlights include grilled sea bream, burrata salad, fregola pasta, and crème brûlée. You can eat a filling lunch for €30 to €50.
Le Jules Verne: Dine high above Paris at Le Jules Verne, where stunning Eiffel Tower vistas and gourmet dishes, such as scallop soufflé, Oscietra caviar, and caramelized calf sweetbread, create a memorable experience. A lunch meal would cost you around €100-€180.
Le Grand Colbert: Le Grand Colbert's classic Parisian charm features wooden paneling and gilded mirrors. Relish traditional French fare, including roasted free-range chicken, Chateaubriand, and delectable French onion soup. The restaurant’s À La Carte Menu costs €20 to €40.

Luxury: Hôtel San Régis, InterContinental Paris - Le Grand, an IHG Hotel, Maison Delano Paris
Mid-budget: Hôtel La Maison Champs Elysées, Hôtel La Tamise, Hôtel de Montesquieu
Low-budget:Hôtel Elysée Etoile - Paris, Hôtel Régence Etoile, Fertel Etoile

Frequently Asked Questions about your London to Paris day trip

What ticket options are available for the London to Paris day trip?

Various ticket options include standard, first-class, and guided tour packages, each offering different levels of comfort and inclusions.

Which ticket option offers the best value for a London to Paris day trip?

First-class tickets provide a luxurious experience, while standard tickets are budget-friendly. Guided tours add extra value with expert insights.

Is the London to Paris day trip suitable for families with kids?

Absolutely! With family-friendly activities like visiting the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Jardin des Plantes, or cruising the Seine River, this day trip is perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your little ones.

Why should couples consider this day trip from London to Paris?

Paris is the city of love, where romance is woven into every corner. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand through the Luxembourg Gardens, share a kiss atop the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a cozy café date in Montmartre, or go on a sunset cruise on the Seine, making Paris the perfect destination for a dreamy escape, even if just for a day.

Is Paris generally accessibility-friendly for visitors?

Yes, Paris is becoming increasingly accessibility-friendly. Many attractions offer wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, and priority entry for visitors with mobility issues. Public transportation also includes accessible options.

Can I bring my stroller or wheelchair on this day trip?

Eurostar trains and most Parisian attractions are strollers- and wheelchair-friendly, ensuring a smooth experience for families and individuals with mobility needs.

Can I explore Paris independently, or should I join a guided tour?

Both options are viable. A guided tour maximizes your time and knowledge, while independent exploration offers flexibility and personal discovery.

What’s the best way to avoid crowds during the day trip?

Visiting popular attractions early in the morning or during off-peak seasons helps avoid the rush and ensures a more peaceful experience.

What should I pack for a day trip from London to Paris?

Pack light! Essentials include a passport, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to capture your Parisian adventure.