A Dream Trip to Paris – What Every Indian Traveller Should Know (2025 Guide)

🗼 Why Paris?
Paris isn't just a city — it's an experience. From romantic strolls under the Eiffel Tower to fresh croissants in charming cafés, it offers a blend of history, fashion, food, and art like nowhere else. For Indian travellers, Paris remains one of the most desired destinations, and with smart planning, it's more affordable than it seems.

✈️ Getting There from India
Paris is well connected to India with direct and one-stop flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Non-stop flights take about 9 to 10 hours, while connecting flights via the Middle East or Europe may take 12–15 hours.
Airlines like Air France, Vistara, Emirates, and Qatar Airways regularly operate these routes. A round-trip ticket typically costs between ₹45,000 and ₹70,000 depending on the season and how early you book.

🛂 Visa Requirements
To visit Paris, you'll need a Schengen tourist visa. It generally takes 10 to 15 working days to process. You'll need a valid passport, confirmed travel and hotel bookings, a cover letter, bank statements for the past few months, and travel insurance. The total cost, including VFS processing fees, comes to around ₹7,000–₹9,000.

🏨 Where to Stay in Paris
Accommodation in Paris ranges from luxury boutique hotels to budget hostels. If you're traveling as a couple or family, consider staying near the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre for easy access to iconic sites. Areas like the Latin Quarter and Le Marais offer a great local vibe with affordable stay options.

Choosing a central location helps you save on transportation while soaking in the Parisian lifestyle.

🎨 What to Do in Paris
Start your trip with a visit to the Eiffel Tower — go during the evening for stunning sunset views. Explore the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa and thousands of artworks. Take a romantic Seine River cruise, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and explore the art-filled streets of Montmartre.

A day trip to the Palace of Versailles is highly recommended — it's only 40 minutes by train. Don’t forget to walk down Champs-Élysées and experience the Parisian café culture firsthand.

🥐 What to Eat
Paris is a paradise for food lovers. Start your mornings with buttery croissants and café au lait. Try crêpes filled with Nutella or cheese from street stalls near the Eiffel Tower. If you're looking for vegetarian or Indian food, head to places like Saravana Bhavan or Krishna Bhavan.

Don’t miss French staples like ratatouille, quiche, and macarons — all easily available at local bistros and bakeries.

💸 Budget Breakdown
A 5- to 6-day Paris trip from India typically costs around ₹1.3 to ₹1.6 lakh. This includes round-trip flights, visa fees, stay in a mid-range hotel, meals, local transport, and entry tickets to major attractions.

Traveling in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October) helps you enjoy great weather and avoid large tourist crowds.

💡 Tips for Indian Travellers

• Learn a few basic French phrases — it shows effort and is appreciated.
• Use the Paris Metro and RER trains for getting around; they’re fast, safe, and budget-friendly.
• Carry a universal travel adapter for European sockets.
• Book popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre online in advance.
• Avoid taking taxis — they're expensive and slower during peak hours.

📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
Get your best Eiffel Tower shot from the Trocadéro Steps. Explore the colorful street of Rue Cremieux, snap a photo outside Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, and don’t miss the stunning hilltop view from Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.

🎁 Final Thoughts
Paris is magical — whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or on a family vacation. It may seem luxurious, but with a little planning, it becomes surprisingly achievable. So if Paris has been on your bucket list, let 2025 be the year you tick it off.

Bon voyage! 🇫🇷