A 7-day Paris trip from India costs ₹1,20,000-2,50,000 including flights (₹45-70K), Schengen visa (₹7,500), accommodation (₹35-80K), and daily expenses (₹6-12K/day). Best time is April-June or September-October. Apply for French Schengen visa 15-30 days before travel. Must-sees: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Seine cruise. Paris is perfect for first-time Europe travelers.
Paris Trip Budget from India
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (Roundtrip) | ₹40,000-55,000 | ₹60,000-80,000 | ₹1,00,000+ |
| Schengen Visa | €80 + VFS (~₹7,500) | ||
| Hotels (7 nights) | ₹28,000-45,000 | ₹55,000-90,000 | ₹1,50,000+ |
| Food (7 days) | ₹15,000-25,000 | ₹30,000-50,000 | ₹70,000+ |
| Metro Pass + Transport | ₹4,000-6,000 | ₹8,000-12,000 | ₹15,000+ |
| Attractions/Museums | ₹8,000-15,000 | ₹18,000-30,000 | ₹40,000+ |
| Total (7 days) | ₹1.0-1.5L | ₹1.8-2.7L | ₹4L+ |
Schengen Visa for Paris
- Apply at: VFS Global (French section) or French Embassy
- Cost: €80 (~₹7,200) + VFS fee (~₹1,800)
- Processing: 15 calendar days (standard)
- Validity: 15-90 days typically for first-timers
- Documents: Passport, photos, bank statements, ITR, employment proof, travel insurance, hotel bookings, flight itinerary
Paris Must-See Attractions
| Attraction | Cost | Time Needed | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | €18-29 | 2-3 hours | Book online to skip lines |
| Louvre Museum | €17 | 3-4 hours | Free first Sunday, arrive early |
| Versailles Palace | €21 | Half day | Book tickets in advance |
| Arc de Triomphe | €13 | 1-2 hours | Sunset views are magical |
| Notre-Dame | Free (exterior) | 1 hour | Still under restoration |
| Sacré-Cœur | Free | 1-2 hours | Montmartre area has artists |
| Seine River Cruise | €15-20 | 1 hour | Evening cruise for lights |
| Musée d'Orsay | €16 | 2-3 hours | Impressionist art lovers |
7-Day Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Montmartre
- Check into hotel, rest from flight
- Evening: Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre artists' square
- Dinner at local bistro
Day 2: Iconic Paris
- Morning: Eiffel Tower (book 8 AM slot)
- Afternoon: Trocadéro gardens, Seine walk
- Evening: Seine river cruise
Day 3: Art & History
- Morning: Louvre Museum (arrive at opening)
- Afternoon: Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde
- Evening: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe at sunset
Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles
- Take RER C train (40 mins)
- Full day at Palace and Gardens
- Return for dinner in Paris
Day 5: Left Bank & Museums
- Morning: Musée d'Orsay
- Afternoon: Latin Quarter, Shakespeare & Company
- Evening: Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafes
Day 6: Hidden Paris
- Morning: Le Marais neighborhood
- Afternoon: Père Lachaise Cemetery (famous graves)
- Evening: Canal Saint-Martin area
Day 7: Shopping & Departure
- Morning: Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marché
- Last-minute sightseeing
- Airport departure
Getting Around Paris
Metro
- Best way to travel - covers entire city
- Single ticket: €2.15 | Day pass: €14.35
- Navigo weekly pass: €30 (unlimited Mon-Sun)
- Use Paris Metro app for navigation
From Airport (CDG)
- RER B train: €11.80 (35-50 mins) - cheapest
- Bus (Roissybus): €16.60 (60-75 mins)
- Taxi: Fixed €56 to Right Bank, €65 to Left Bank
Paris Money-Saving Tips
- Paris Museum Pass: €62 for 2 days, €78 for 4 days - worth it if visiting multiple museums
- Free museum days: First Sunday of month (Louvre, Orsay, etc.)
- Bakeries for meals: Croissants, sandwiches are cheap and delicious
- Carafe d'eau: Ask for free tap water at restaurants
- Supermarkets: Monoprix, Carrefour for snacks and meals
- Walk: Paris is very walkable - save metro money
- Book attractions online: Skip-the-line and sometimes cheaper
Essential Paris Tips for Indians
Food
- Vegetarian challenging - "végétarien" still may include fish
- Indian restaurants in 10th arrondissement (Gare du Nord area)
- Specify "sans viande, sans poisson" (no meat, no fish)
- Boulangeries (bakeries) have vegetarian options
- Dining tip: "Service compris" means tip is included
Cultural Tips
- Basic French helps: "Bonjour" before any interaction
- Dress smart-casual - Parisians are stylish
- Don't be loud in restaurants or metro
- Shops close on Sundays (except tourist areas)
- August: Many local shops/restaurants closed for vacation
Safety
- Beware pickpockets at Eiffel Tower, metro, tourist spots
- Ignore petition scammers and "gold ring" tricksters
- Keep valuables in front pockets or money belt
- Generally very safe city for tourists
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Paris?
4-5 days for main attractions. 7 days allows for Versailles day trip and relaxed exploration. First-timers should plan at least 5 full days to see iconic sights without rushing.
What is the best area to stay in Paris?
Le Marais (3rd/4th): Central, trendy, walkable. Saint-Germain (6th): Classic Paris, cafes. Near Gare du Nord (10th): Budget-friendly, good transport, Indian restaurants nearby.
Is Paris expensive for Indians?
Moderately expensive. Budget ₹6,000-10,000 per day for comfortable travel. Save money with metro passes, bakery meals, and free attractions. Eating out at restaurants is the biggest expense.
Do Parisians speak English?
Many do, especially in tourist areas, but not all. Learning basic French phrases shows respect and improves interactions. Younger Parisians typically speak better English.