Paris, a city brimming with history, culture, and breathtaking architecture, beckons travellers from across the globe. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre and the Louvre Museum's unparalleled masterpieces, Paris offers an unforgettable experience. The city's rich heritage, stunning architecture and vibrant culture consistently attract millions of visitors annually. Whether you're captivated by history, art, fashion, gastronomy, or simply the romantic atmosphere of the City of Lights, Paris has something to offer. The average direct flight from Melbourne to Paris takes approximately 21 hours, although this can vary based on weather conditions, air traffic, and the specific flight path. Several airlines offer direct flights, including Qantas and Air France, each operating several flights per week. If direct flights aren't available or don't fit your budget, consider cost-effective options with stopovers in major hubs like Singapore, Doha, or Dubai. These stopovers may add several hours to the overall journey, but often result in cheaper fares. To secure the best deals, start searching and booking flights three to six months in advance of your travel dates. Booking during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) often yields better flight prices compared to peak summer months (June-August). Paris experiences peak tourist seasons during these months due to pleasant weather, while winter months are quieter, offering the possibility of lower prices for budget-friendly travellers.

Paris enjoys a moderate oceanic climate. Summers are warm and pleasant, typically ranging from 15 to 25 °C, with abundant sunshine. Winters are cool, rarely dipping below freezing, but can be damp and windy. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and the charm of fewer crowds. Temperatures in summer usually range between 15 °C and 25 °C, while winters are typically around 3 °C to 7 °C. Spring and autumn present mild and transitional temperatures.

Melbourne boasts several airports, primarily serving both domestic and international flights. There are three major airports currently in operation.

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the primary airport for the city, a major international airport serving as a hub for several airlines. Opened in 1970, it's a very large and busy airport handling millions of passengers per year. It features multiple terminals and modern facilities.

Avalon Airport

Avalon Airport (AVV) is located in the west of Melbourne and is an increasingly important airport serving mostly domestic flights. Its size and number of airlines and flights is smaller than Melbourne Airport.

Essendon Airport

Essendon Airport (MEB), primarily handling domestic flights, and smaller charter flights, it's a smaller airport. It has some historical significance.

Main airlines for this route

• Qantas
• Air France
• Emirates

The Paris area is served by several airports, each catering to a different aspect of air travel. Two major airports handle most of the commercial traffic.

Charles de Gaulle Airport

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), a major international airport located north-east of Paris, is France's busiest airport. Opened in 1974, it's a modern, large airport with multiple terminals, serving countless airlines and millions of passengers annually. It is well-connected to the city centre via RER B train, taxis and car rental services.

Orly Airport

Orly Airport (ORY), another significant international airport located south of Paris, is also well-connected to the city centre via the Orlyval train, which connects to the RER B train. Taxis and car rental services are also readily available.

Le Bourget Airport

Le Bourget Airport (LBG) is mainly used for business aviation and private flights. It's a historic airport with some interesting architectural features. While public transport options aren't as plentiful, taxis and private transfers are readily accessible.

Paris, a city of romance and culture, offers an abundance of attractions. Whether it's iconic landmarks, world-class museums or charming cafes, you'll never be short of things to do.

• Eiffel Tower: Ascend this iconic structure for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
• Louvre Museum: Explore this world-renowned museum, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: Marvel at the architectural splendour of this historic Gothic masterpiece.