Paris is located in northern central France, in a north-bending arc of the river Seine whose crest includes two islands, the Île Saint-Louis and the larger Île de la Cité, which form the oldest part of the city. The river's mouth on the English Channel (La Manche) is about 233 mi (375 km) downstream from the city. The city is spread widely on both banks of the river.[93] Overall, the city is relatively flat, and the lowest point is 35 m (115 ft) above sea level. Paris has several prominent hills, the highest of which is Montmartre at 130 m (427 ft).[94]
Excluding the outlying parks of Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, Paris covers an oval measuring about 87 km2 (34 sq mi) in area, enclosed by the 35 km (22 mi) ring road, the Boulevard Périphérique.[95] The city's last major annexation of outlying territories in 1860 not only gave it its modern form but also created the 20 clockwise-spiralling arrondissements (municipal boroughs). From the 1860 area of 78 km2 (30 sq mi), the city limits were expanded marginally to 86.9 km2 (33.6 sq mi) in the 1920s. In 1929, the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes forest parks were officially annexed to the city, bringing its area to about 105 km2 (41 sq mi).[96] The metropolitan area is 2,300 km2 (890 sq mi).[93]
Measured from the 'point zero' in front of its Notre-Dame cathedral, Paris by road is 450 km (280 mi) southeast of London, 287 km (178 mi) south of Calais, 305 km (190 mi) southwest of Brussels, 774 km (481 mi) north of Marseille, 385 km (239 mi) northeast of Nantes, and 135 km (84 mi) southeast of Rouen.[97]
Climate
Main article: Climate of Paris
Autumn in Paris
Paris has a typical Western European oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb), which is affected by the North Atlantic Current. The overall climate throughout the year is mild and moderately wet.[98] Summer days are usually warm and pleasant with average temperatures between 15 and 25 °C (59 and 77 °F), and a fair amount of sunshine.[99] Each year, however, there are a few days when the temperature rises above 32 °C (90 °F). Longer periods of more intense heat sometimes occur, such as the heat wave of 2003 when temperatures exceeded 30 °C (86 °F) for weeks, reached 40 °C (104 °F) on some days and rarely cooled down at night.[100] Spring and autumn have, on average, mild days and cool nights but are changing and unstable. Surprisingly warm or cool weather occurs frequently in both seasons.[101] In winter, sunshine is scarce; days are cool, and nights are cold but generally above freezing with low temperatures around 3 °C (37 °F).[102] Light night frosts are however quite common, but the temperature seldom dips below −5 °C (23 °F). The city sometimes sees light snow or flurries with or without accumulation.[103]
Paris has an average annual precipitation of 641 mm (25.2 in), and experiences light rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. However, the city is known for intermittent, abrupt, heavy showers. The highest recorded temperature was 42.6 °C (108.7 °F) on 25 July 2019,[104] and the lowest was −23.9 °C (−11.0 °F) on 10 December 1879.[105]
Climate data for Paris (Parc Montsouris), elevation:
PARIS (3 Days)
Day 1: London – Calais – Paris
This morning cross the English Channel either by ferry or Eurotunnel. From Calais, begin the journey to the French capital, Paris. On arrival take a scenic boat cruise along the River Seine; entirely glass fitted with a terrace, these boats are flawlessly designed to discover and admire the rich architecture such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral as well as other landmarks, palaces and ornate bridges.
Day 2: Disneyland® Paris
Depart for the world famous Disneyland® Paris. Here enjoy a fun and adventurous day out; choose between either Disneyland® Park; which explores five themed lands filled with Disney classic stories and fairytales or Walt Disney Studios® Park; the behind-the-scenes destination sensation allowing you to experience movie and cinema sets coming to life. Later, enjoy an Indian meal followed by a night tour of Paris, 'the city of lights'. This panoramic tour will cover the impressive 'Eiffel Tower', the world famous 'Champs Elysees', the beautiful 'Arcde Triomphe' and many other historic buildings.
Day 3: Paris – Calais – London
This morning depart for Paris to embark on a journey to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking bird's eye view of Paris. Followed by free time at the Avenue des Champs Élysées, the most prestigious avenue in Paris; with its cinemas, cafés, and luxury specialty shops (duration is time permitting). In the early afternoon, drive back to Calais for the channel crossing, then it is time to say farewell to the group before arriving at your drop off point.
Note: On occasions, due to large events, traffic and availability of reservations, it may be necessary to change the above itinerary. However all aspects of the itinerary will be covered.