Paris, France. The capital of France is famously known as both “The City of Light” and “The City of Love” because of its romantic ambiance. It is not only an international hub for fashion but also a global leader in exquisite cuisine. The city is divided into 20 different districts, with popular tourist attractions including the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame cathedral, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
There is a plethora of dining, shopping, and sightseeing options in Paris, which is experiencing a resurgence after a two-year decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, France was the most visited country in the world, and Tourism Minister Olivia Gregoire is optimistic about the summer of 2022 showing signs of recovery. With over two million jobs provided and contributing to 8 percent of France’s GDP, the tourism industry is poised for a significant comeback.
Thanks to the favorable exchange rate of the Euro, an increasing number of American tourists are taking advantage of Paris reopening its borders and loosening pandemic restrictions. The requirement for a COVID certificate has been lifted, vaccine pass regulations eased, and mask mandates no longer in place, though still recommended. This relaxation has raised concerns about overtourism, prompting the French government to explore sustainable tourism practices that consider environmental impacts.
American travelers make up a substantial portion of tourists to Paris, benefiting from numerous direct flights by airlines such as Air France. Air France is offering competitive round-trip prices from cities like Atlanta and Denver to Paris over the next three months (September, October, November). For instance, flights from Atlanta start at $774 round trip, with prices varying for each month. Similarly, flights from Denver are priced from $785 to $1,244 round trip, depending on the month.
In addition to these direct flights, Air France has introduced new long-haul comfort kits and upgraded its Business cabin on select Boeing 777-300s, debuting on flights from Paris to New York (JFK) in autumn 2022. The comfort kits, available in Business and Premium Economy classes, include essentials like toothbrush, earplugs, and hand cream from Air France’s partner Clarins.
Paris attracts millions of visitors annually, offering a blend of history showcased in its Neoclassical architecture and historic churches, alongside bustling streets filled with locals and tourists exploring markets and sidewalk cafes. As Ernest Hemingway described it as the “city of many splendors,” Paris boasts luxury boutiques like those on Champs Élysées and in Le Marais that showcase the latest creations from renowned designers. While the city exudes glamour, don’t miss the opportunity to wander through its various districts while indulging in delicious street crepes and buttery croissants.
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