Whatever your point of arrival, it's fairly easy to get into central Paris. The city's airports are well served by trains, buses and taxis. Paris's train stations are all very central with direct access to the métro and RER network, while the main bus station , just outside the city proper, is close to a métro station

By air

The two main Paris airports dealing with international flights are Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly, known collectively as the Aéroports de Paris . Both have bureaux de change and information desks providing free maps and accommodation listings.

By train and bus

Eurostar trains (tel 08.36.35.35.39, ) from Britain terminate at Gare du Nord , rue Dunkerque, 10e. From here there are connections to the métro and RER. Arriving by train from somewhere in France or neighbouring countries, you'll come into one of Paris's numerous mainline stations, all of which are connected to the métro.

Eurolines (tel 01.49.72.51.51, ) and almost all buses coming into Paris - whether international or domestic - use the main gare routière on the eastern edge of the city at 28 avenue du Général-du-Gaulle, Bagnolet. The métro station here (Mº Galliéni), the terminus of line 3, provides a link to the centre.

By car

If you're driving into Paris, don't try to go straight across the city to your destination. Use the ring road - the boulevard périphérique - to get to the porte nearest to your destination: it's much quicker, except at rush hour, and easier to find your way at any time. Once ensconced at your accommodation, you'd be well advised to park the car at your hotel and use public transport, as parking is a major problem in the city centre.