Paris & Disneyland Paris

Paris is a brilliant choice for Irish people looking for a hassle-free getaway. It’s the ultimate two-for-one holiday; the timeless romance and culture of one of the world’s great cities, with the pure magic of Disneyland Paris right on its doorstep.  

And the best part? You can be there in less time than it takes to drive from Cork to Dublin. It's that nearness that makes it perfect for a spontaneous city break, a sporting event, a break away with friends, or a packed family holiday where you don’t need to waste a single minute.  

For city-break lovers, Paris, as we've said, is a hassle-free and easy-to-reach getaway spot. Imagine a weekend wandering from a café crème in Saint-Germain to contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou, followed by an evening watching the illuminated Eiffel Tower and a whole host of amazing sights from a Seine cruise. It’s a place where every corner feels like you're in a movie, plus, for ease of getting around, the metro makes navigating between iconic arrondissements wonderfully simple.  

For couples and groups of friends, the city offers an endless playlist of long lunches, boutique shopping in Le Marais, and vibrant nights in hip bars around the Canal Saint-Martin. It's not the first thing that most people think of, but Paris has a huge range of nightclubs, bars (yes, even Irish bars), and live music venues to party the night away.  

But for Irish families, this dual destination is truly unbeatable.  

Families get the amazing cultural experience of exploring one of the most historic capitals in the world, followed by the fun-filled rewards of a whole range of Disney magic at Disneyland Paris. One day you’re introducing the kids to the gargoyles of Notre-Dame and the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum; the next, you’re watching their faces light up as they meet their favourite Disney characters and soar through the sky on thrilling rides. The seamless blend is key - you can base yourself in the city and take the quick, direct RER train to the parks for a day or two of fantasy, or you can book a hotel directly within the Disney resort so that you're always close to the magic.  

The practicalities associated with a trip to Paris, are super straightforward. Direct flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Belfast land you close to the city centre. From there, an efficient metro and RER network connects you to everything. A dedicated express train (the TGV) can even get you from Charles de Gaulle Airport directly to Disneyland Paris in about 10 minutes, perfect for making the most of your time. Whether you choose a chic Parisian hotel or an immersive Disney resort hotel, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of both worlds.  

To put it simply, a holiday in Paris has something for every generation. It has the sophistication of an historic world-class city and the belly-bursting laughter of a fun-filled theme park, all just a short journey from home. It’s not about choosing between culture and fun, it's about enjoying the brilliant contrast of having both experiences right on your doorstep. 

A trip to Paris and Disneyland Paris together create a holiday playlist where world-class culture and pure gut-busting fun go hand in hand. The real trick is to embrace the amazing  contrast between these two worlds and enjoy every moment. Start in the city, where the attractions are as much about the atmosphere as the iconic sights themselves.  

In Paris, your must-do list naturally includes the great monuments the city is famed for. Book a timed slot online to ascend the Eiffel Tower - the view from the top will become an unforgettable lifetime memory.  

Next you might want to dedicate a couple of hours (it won't be enough to see it all) to get wonderfully lost in the Louvre, but have a plan in mind, head straight for the Mona Lisa or your own personal favourite piece of art, then explore the quieter wings.  

For a completely different perspective of the city, a Seine River cruise at dusk is non-negotiable, as the entire city begins to glow and sparkle as the sun sets. Beyond the city's famous icons, we recommend that you discover some real local experiences; hunt for vintage treasures at the Saint-Ouen flea markets, enjoy a puppet show in the Luxembourg Gardens, or simply wander the atmospheric hill of Montmartre and soak up its bohemian vibe.  

For art lovers, the Musée d'Orsay and the immersive Musée de l'Orangerie (home to Monet’s Water Lilies) are essential. For something uniquely Parisian, go underground into the haunting, history-filled (and bone-filled) Catacombs that run beneath the city's bustling streets 

Then, it's time to switch gears and head for the magic of Disneyland Paris.  

This is where your inner child takes over. The park is split in two, Disneyland Park for classic fairy-tale magic, and Walt Disney Studios Park for behind-the-scenes movie thrills. In Disneyland Park, don't miss the dazzling daily parade and the nigh-time Disney Illuminations show over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. For families, gentle classics like "it's a small world" and Peter Pan's Flight are loved by everyone, while the real thrill-seekers will want to brave the exhilarating drops and curves of the Big Thunder Mountain rollercoaster or the intense launch of Hyperspace Mountain.  

Next door at Walt Disney Studios, the energy is different. Here, you can plummet into the Tower of Terror, race through the Ratatouille adventure, or soar with the Avengers on the super thrilling Avengers Assemble - Flight Force coaster. And don't miss out on the latest offering, Avengers Campus, a world that buzzes with superhero energy and spectacular live shows that will keep kids of all ages open-mouthed.  

The beauty of this dual destination getaway is the balance between two completely different experiences. After a day of medieval history at Notre-Dame, you can spend the next day meeting princes and princesses, super heroes, and ogres, and a whole cast of beloved family-favourite characters. You can visit an art gallery to appreciate the fine brushstrokes of the old Masters one morning, and the next you can be designing your own rollercoaster ride at The Wonderful World of Crush.  

One good tip is to check the Disneyland Paris app for real-time ride wait times and show schedules - with a little forward planning you can make sure that the whole family experiences the maximum amount of magic.  

As we've said a hundred times already, you're not choosing between a city break and a theme park. You're getting the very best of both worlds and you're guaranteed to return home with a thousand stories that will tell themselves for years to come. 

As dusk falls, Paris transforms. The city’s nightlife isn't about chaotic clubs (though they do exist), but more about sophisticated enjoyment. Think of it as the art of la vie nocturne; animated terraces for people-watching, intimate cocktail bars hidden behind unmarked doors, historic cellars echoing with jazz, and world-class performances under gilded ceilings. It's a scene that favours style, conversation, and discovery. Whether you're sipping a crafted French gin or watching cancan dancers, the evening promises an unforgettable ambiance tailored for adults seeking a memorable night out.  

Here are 12 exceptional nightlife and entertainment experiences - but there are many, many more for you to discover yourself. We've even added a couple of Irish pubs to the list (we know how thirsty you can get exploring a city like Paris). 

• Moulin Rouge - The world's most famous Parisian cabaret. Experience the feather-and-sequin spectacle of the 'Féerie' revue in this historic Montmartre institution. But, book well in advance.  
• Le Caveau de la Huchette - A legendary, vaulted cellar in the Latin Quarter where jazz and swing have lived since the 1940s. The energetic dance floor is infectious and is sure to get you moving.  
• Le Comptoir Général - A quirky, hidden bar and cultural venue on the Canal Saint-Martin. It’s a tiki-style homage to the African diaspora cultures with a unique, and extremely eclectic atmosphere.  
• The Rex Club - A foundational temple of electronic music in Paris. Located near the Grands Boulevards, it's where renowned DJs play in a no-frills, dedicated underground space.  
• Bar Hemingway at The Ritz - An intimate, legendary hideaway. Sip exquisitely crafted classic cocktails amidst historic memorabilia, presided over by a supremely talented head bartender.  
• La Machine du Moulin Rouge - A massive, three-floor club complex in a former cabaret ballroom. The play list features everything from electro to pop in a stunning and unique historic setting.  
• Le Syndicat - A groundbreaking cocktail bar focusing solely on spirits made in France. Expect innovative drinks in a minimalist, speakeasy-style setting just off the Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis.  
• Philharmonie de Paris - The city's modern concert hall in Parc de la Villette. Offers an incredible acoustic experience for classical, jazz, and world music performances. Check what's on before you leave home.  
• Bisou - A trendy, playful cocktail bar in Le Marais with no menu. Bartenders craft a unique drink for you based on your personal preferences and mood. Don't worry, they speak English.  
• L'Opéra Garnier - Attend a ballet or classical concert in the opulent and always breathtaking surroundings of the Palais Garnier. The building itself is the star of the show and worth a look.  
• Le Duc des Lombards - A premier, modern jazz club in Les Halles. Renowned for hosting top-tier international acts in an intimate, comfortable, and acoustically perfect venue.  
• Les Deux Magots - The iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés café terrace. Perfect for evening people-watching over a glass of wine, following in the footsteps of famous literary patrons - Hemingway, Sartre and more. 
• The Galway (Le Galway) - An always bustling, authentic Irish pub in the 7th arrondissement, known for its lively crowd, regular live music sessions, and a great selection of Irish drinks. 
• Corcoran's Irish Pub (Various locations) - This is a much loved Irish pub chain with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for watching live sports, a great pint of Guinness, and meeting other city visitors. 

That's just a small sample of what a night out in Paris might entail. For the best local knowledge don't be afraid to ask your barman, waiter, hotel concierge, or just some friendly local for recommendations.  

(Some of the venues may be closed for renovations or may have changed purpose since the time of writing, so be sure to check online before you go.) 

Whether it's your first time in Paris or you're a seasoned visitor, planning your trip should be an exciting experience and not one that puts you in panic-mode. The key to avoiding the feeling of panic is smart preparation that leaves plenty of room for spontaneous things to happen. Here are a few things to get you started.  

So, what's the best time to visit Paris? The best times for visiting are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). You’ll enjoy mild weather, fewer queues, and a more relaxed local atmosphere (it's understandable that people get a little more harassed in a hot summer with millions of international visitors demanding their attention). Summer is vibrant but busy, whereas winter offers festive charm and a more relaxed atmosphere.  

In order to match Irish school holidays with your visit to Paris and Disneyland Paris, book you flights and accommodation at least 4-6 months ahead, especially if you want a Disney hotel (ask the Cassidy Travel experts who'll be happy to advise you). A midweek travel day can often save you even more money on flights.  

Consider a city package that bundles flights with a centrally located Paris hotel. For families, the value of a Disney hotel package (including early park access) is often unbeatable for a dedicated Disney Resort stay. Alternatively, base yourself in Paris (look at the 5th, 6th, or family-friendly 15th arrondissements) and add 2-3 day park tickets. Use the official Disneyland Paris app to book tickets, check ride times, and make restaurant reservations. 

Getting from the airport is pretty straight forward. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, the RER B train whisks you to central Paris in 30 minutes. The magic link is the RER A train (direction Marne-la-Vallée), which connects central Paris (e.g., Châtelet) directly to the Disneyland Paris gates in about 45 minutes (this means you're holiday begins once you hit the ground. Buy a carnet of metro tickets or a Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited travel if staying 3+ days. For Disney, a one-day, one-park ticket is often more than enough for first-timers, especially those with very young children. 

For the city's other main attractions, book timed-entry tickets online for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay - this is not a recommendation, it's a must. When it comes to eating, the golden rule is dine where the local Parisians dine, and especially avoid restaurants with picture menus, close to the major tourist sites and attractions. A lunchtime "formule" at a bistro is excellent value.  

At Disney, pack snacks and a refillable water bottle - as you probably already know, Disneyland can be a wonderful, but expensive place. The Disney Premier Access pass can be worth purchasing, especially for peak days, and to skip the long lines that always exist at the park's main rides.  

When you're packing your case before leaving home, remember, comfortable walking shoes are your most important item of clothing. Also, pack layers, a compact umbrella, and a stylish scarf (perfect for chilly metros and covering your shoulders in churches - and stylish, because it's Paris). 

A portable phone charger is essential for continuous navigation and photos. Finally, be sure to pack your sense of curiosity - some of the best moments come from getting lost in a picturesque passage or stumbling upon a perfect patisserie or wine bar. These are the moments that make good holidays truly great.