Private car transfer from Basel to Paris

Paris’s beginnings

The city of Paris, originally known as Parisii by the Celts, was captured by the Romans in 52 BC and renamed Lutetia. By the 4th century AD, it was again referred to as Paris.

Throughout the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, Paris became widely accepted as a cultural, religious, and political hub. It was the center of the French Empire and the French Revolution, both of which dramatically reshaped France’s political landscape and the international map.

In the 19th century, Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann redesigned Paris with the grand boulevards and buildings we know today, but not without sparking debate.

Paris: the capital of an empire

The effects of the French Empire are still prominent in Paris. You’ll notice the multi-ethnic population, restaurants with flavors from every corner of the world, and the many international companies that choose Paris as their headquarters.

French is a major international language with over 320 million speakers, most of whom live outside of France. Even the phrase lingua franca, meaning “the common language,” comes from a period when French was the language of trade. Today, French takes on many Creole forms and dialects, but Parisian French is still the textbook standard.

Why we can’t stop visiting Paris

Over 40 million people visit Paris each year- including you! Paris’s museums are treasure troves of priceless art, so much so that the art spills out into the city at sites like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. For French students, it is the ultimate test of fluency.

Paris is a city that must be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate its magic! What are you waiting for? Bon voyage!

Book popular attractions in advance

Paris is a top travel destination, so secure your tickets for well-known attractions and dining spots ahead of time! This small bit of planning can save you from long waits and potential disappointment, especially during peak seasons, holidays, and weekends.

If your favorite museum is fully booked, don't worry! With Paris's many museums and galleries, you'll find another great one to explore, or even better, another reason to return to this magnificent city.

Check when Parisian museums offer free entry

Many museums in Paris offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month or on select days throughout the year. Check the museum's website in advance to see if your trip aligns with a free entry day.

Keep in mind that free museum days tend to draw large crowds, so it’s wise to leave your hotel early. Also, look out for discounted tickets if you are a student, have a disability, or are of retirement age.

Driving from Basel to Paris

Hiring a driver is a great solution for travelers who want to see the smaller cities and sites in France without waiting all day for regional trains. Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Basel, and the direct journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break and stretch your legs. France is more than just Paris! Enhance your journey by making a few stops to explore towns like Belfort and Troyes.

Once your driver safely delivers you to Paris, you won’t need to worry about immediately figuring out public transportation or dealing with a rental car return. You’ll be dropped off directly at your hotel in Paris, with assistance for your luggage. The perfect way to arrive in Paris!

Trains from Basel to Paris

TGV trains are the high-speed option for traveling through France. Five direct TGV trains leave the Basel SBB station daily, starting at 8:34 AM. After a brief 3-hour ride, you will arrive at Paris’s Gare de Lyon station.

Tickets can be bought online from Deutsche Bahn (DB) or SNCF, and prices vary. For second-class seats, expect to pay between $60 and $192 (€56-€179), and for first-class tickets, $91 to $230 (€85 to €215).

Buses from Basel to Paris

According to its online timetable, Flixbus has one direct bus per day that leaves Basel’s SBB station at 11:50 AM. After an 8-hour ride, you will arrive at Paris’s Bercy Seine station at around 8:00 PM. Ticket prices vary, but the average is around $53.50 (€50) for one passenger and one piece of luggage.

Flights from Basel to Paris

AirFrance has one daily flight to Paris that leaves Basel at 6:40 PM. Tickets range from $192 to $220 (€179-€205), and the flight is 1 hour and 15 minutes long. They also occasionally offer morning flights but on a less consistent basis.

Head underground to the Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs, an underground ossuary, contain the remains of millions of Parisians and let you step into the intriguing and somewhat haunting past. Tickets for the tour can be bought online 7 days before your desired date.

It's advisable to book ahead to avoid waiting in line for a limited number of same-day tickets. The booking system is a little confusing, but the website walks you through booking the time you’re looking for.

Become an art critic at the Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

No visit to Paris is complete without exploring the Louvre! As the world’s most famous art gallery, it offers one of the largest and most remarkable collections. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the museum’s extensive range of artworks and artifacts, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, always leaves a lasting impression. Given its popularity, it’s wise to book your tickets in advance to avoid lengthy queues.

Ascend to new heights at the Eiffel Tower

What is the Paris skyline without the Eiffel Tower? Today, it is beloved and the most frequented paid attraction in Europe, but it wasn’t always popular with Parisians. For the best views of Paris, make your way to the multiple viewing platforms and telescopes at the top. To minimize waiting time, it's best to purchase your tickets in advance.

The most popular time to visit Paris is in the summer when school has ended, and work vacations are more easily planned, but the spring and fall have the most comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. If your calendar allows for it, definitely aim for a springtime trip to Paris when the balcony flowers are in bloom, and the summer heat hasn’t quite made it out yet.

For a cozy experience, explore “The City of Lights” in the weeks leading up to Christmas to see it beautifully illuminated with extra festive lights, trees, and markets. Paris has many museums, galleries, and theaters to escape from the cold, and the snow adds a romantic sheen to panoramic photos.