Paris, the “City of Love,” is a dream destination for many. But its reputation for expensive city breaks can leave some feeling discouraged. However, with a little planning and savvy travel strategies, you can enjoy the magic of Paris without breaking the bank.
The Cheapest Time of Year to Go to Paris
Like many popular destinations, Paris offers fantastic deals outside of peak seasons. Think beyond the holidays like Easter and Christmas, and you’ll find more affordable flights, train tickets, and hotel rooms. Data from Kayak suggests January, March, and September are the cheapest months to visit. These months avoid school holidays and bank holidays, which typically drive up prices.
While January and March offer significant savings, they also coincide with colder weather in Paris. The average high in January is around 8°C, and March sees temperatures around 13°C. If you prefer warmer weather, consider September for its pleasant temperatures (around 22°C) and smaller crowds.
Don’t forget about Paris Fashion Week! This twice-a-year event, held at the end of February and September, attracts fashion enthusiasts and drives up prices in popular areas. If you’re looking for a bargain, avoid these weeks.
The Cheapest Way to Go to Paris
If you’re travelling from London, flying is often cheaper than taking the Eurostar train. Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair can offer one-way flights for as little as £20, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates and times.
However, travelling by train is a more eco-friendly option. Eurostar prices start from £39 one way. Consider the cost of transportation to and from the airport when flying. A taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris costs around €50-€60, while a train ride costs about €12.
The advantage of the Eurostar is its central Paris drop-off, making onward travel by metro or a short, inexpensive taxi ride easy.
The Cheapest Time to Fly to Paris
The off-season months of January, March, and September generally offer the most affordable airfares to Paris. December is the most expensive time to fly, followed by July and August, which are popular summer travel months.
February and April also see higher than average prices due to Valentine’s Day, Fashion Week, and Easter school holidays.
The Cheapest Time to Take the Eurostar to Paris
Peak season for Eurostar travel aligns with peak flying season. However, there are ways to save money. Midweek travel, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is generally the cheapest.
Booking in advance also helps, as prices increase closer to the travel date.
The Cheapest Time to Visit Paris with Kids
School holidays significantly impact travel costs. Consider visiting in early September if your child’s school schedule allows. Summer travel during the week can also help you find lower prices on family-friendly hotels.
Peak summer travel (July and August), long weekends, and bank holidays like Easter are considered high season in Paris, especially for travellers from the UK, which makes them pricier.
Christmas is one of the most expensive times to visit Paris, and February is another busy month due to its romantic reputation. Booking top restaurants and hotels during Valentine’s Day can be challenging and expensive.
The Best Cheap Hotels in Paris
Paris offers a range of budget-friendly hotels. Staying in lesser-known districts like the 19th arrondissement can help you find bargains. We recommend ReMix Hotel, with its retro 80s theme and rooms starting from £87 per night.
For a more central option, Hôtel les Deux Gares is located right by the Eurostar terminal and features a stylish design by English designer Luke Edward Hall. Rooms start from £124 per night.
By planning ahead and considering less crowded times and travel options, you can experience the enchantment of Paris without breaking your budget.
