It’s hard to comprehend how one of America’s most instantly recognizable getaways doesn’t have a direct flight to one of the most visited cities on Earth.

That’s right — Paris may seem easy enough to reach, even if it means hours spent soaring through the clouds, but one U.S. city has been missing out on the party.

Oh, the irony…

Even more ironic is possibly the world’s best replica of the Eiffel Tower placed front and center for tourists’ enjoyment here, but let’s face it — nothing beats the real deal when it comes to Parisian delights.

Whether it’s starting your day watching the world go by at one of hundreds of sidewalk cafes, grabbing a buttery croissant from an authentic patisserie, wandering cobblestoned mazes that feel pulled from a painting, or visiting dozens of world-renowned landmarks and museums like the Louvre (well, what’s left of it…), there’s no denying France’s most popular city can’t be duplicated.

Forever a Travel Off Path favorite, we know visiting Paris is never a bad idea — and now “Sin City” residents can evade the bright lights of Vegas for romance, charm, and elegance, a world away from jingly slots and the neon Strip.

Vegas Residents Can Now Fly Nonstop To Paris

Yes, people actually live in Vegas full-time, and not just the array of overzealous street performers you’re forced to face on The Strip.

Vegas has become a full-fledged city; otherwise, professional sports teams wouldn’t be making their way here (sorry, Oakland…).

Believe it or not, as renowned as Las Vegas is across the world, Harry Reid International Airport doesn’t have nearly as many international flights as one might suspect.

And believe me, as someone who lives in a touristy city, there are certain pockets of the year when you can’t wait to make use of your passport.

As popular as Raiders games have become, that could be any given Sunday for locals who perhaps haven’t embraced their city as a newfound sports hub.

But now there’s a great escape more immaculate than Houdini…

Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but Paris is pretty awesome anyway you slice it. Plus, the timing of the new flight couldn’t be better for a desert city.

Air France is slated to launch Vegas’s only direct flight to Paris on April 15, 2026.

Beat The Desert Heat With An Unforgettable Trip To Paris

In a normal year, Vegas tourism numbers would be through the roof, but numerous reports say those very numbers are far from record-breaking right now, giving credence to a common complaint that the city’s most notable attractions as an entertainment capital have become way overpriced.

As a recent visitor myself, that’s certainly true as well. So, we can’t say locals are avoiding the crowds by leaving their beloved Vegas for a trip abroad, but there’s no denying they’re beating the summer heat as Sin City is notorious for blistering temps well over 100 degrees.

Air France’s new flight will take off in mid-spring next year. Just note it’s a seasonal route, so they can test the waters if it’s worthy of being extended.

The schedule is listed as followed:

Service will run through October 24, 2026, operating Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Scoring a flight July through September is a great time to visit, as Paris’s summer temps average 72 -79 those months, while people back home are practically melting into the sidewalk if they’re outside for 5 minutes.

The flight is expected to depart Las Vegas at 5:50 p.m. and arrive in Paris at 1:05 p.m. the following day.

Tickets are now live on Air France’s official website, with the inaugural one-way flight to Paris currently on sale for $498 for Economy class.

On-Board Experience With Air France

The new Vegas – Paris route will be Air France’s 19th venture in U.S. skies, and this particular journey will take place on a spacious, state-of-the-art Airbus A350.

On board, you’ll find just what the doctor ordered for long-haul flights:

• personal HD entertainment screens
• reliable WiFi
• newly-designed cabins
• complimentary meals (including champagne)
• separate Business, Premium (formerly Premium Economy), and Economy classes

Not to mention, Air France is codeshared with Delta. Don’t be shy — cash in your SkyMiles!

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Train travel has never been as trendy as it is right now, particularly in Europe, where new routes launch left, right, and center. However, as scenic and romantic as a railway journey may be, it’s not always affordable.

One such example is trains between Paris and Brussels, two sisterly capitals that the Eurostar serves, and despite the relatively short distance, can see train tickets between them rise to as much as $125 one-way.

That’s a lot of money for a one-and-a-half-ride, especially when you can go much further, as far east as Berlin, for much cheaper.

After years of excessively expensive fares, we’re glad to report the two French-speaking cities will now be linked by a low-cost, direct train for only $10:

Paris To Brussels For Cheaper Than A Breakfast Menu

As of December 19, you can travel from Paris to Brussels for less than the price of a breakfast menu in downtown Paris, thanks to the new OUIGO Train Classique line bridging the gap between the two capitals.

You’re probably wondering ‘well, this is only the starting price, surely on most days it’s a lot more expensive than that’, and we’re glad to report that, in actuality, most travel dates are on the cheaper end, with some of the priciest tickets reaching only $36.

That’s it.

Still pretty cheap.

3 Departures Per Day On Both Directions

There are three departures per day, with trains leaving Paris (Gare du Nord) at 8:18 a.m., 12:28 p.m., and 7:15 p.m., and arriving in Brussels (Midi) at 11:21 a.m., 3:21 p.m., and 10:21 p.m.

From Brussels, departures to Paris-Gare du Nord are set for 7:39 a.m. (arriving at 10:35 a.m.), 1:38 p.m. (arriving at 4:44 p.m.), and finally 6:38 p.m. (arriving at 9:35 p.m.)

Naturally, cheap comes at a cost, which, in our opinion, is still worth paying: don’t expect the high-speed WiFi you get at the Eurostar (there might not even be WiFi at all), nor the journey to be as fast:

While the Eurostar that has historically linked Paris to Brussels takes only 1h22 to complete the journey, with no stops, the new OUIGO trains will do so in over 3 hours, with stops in Creil, Aulnoye-Aymeries, and Mons.

Well, no biggie, unless you’re planning on visiting Brussels from Paris or Paris from Brussels as a day trip.

In that case, we’d suggest you take the fastest, considerably more expensive train.

Why Visit Brussels?

We guess Paris needs no intro.

Even if you don’t know an awful lot about it, other than the fact it plays host to a shimmery Eiffel Tower and a postcardy Montmartre district, it’s one of those places you’ll instantly recognize from films and travel guides you grew up watching and reading.

What about Brussels, though?

The capital of Belgium is certainly no hidden gem of Europe––in fact, it plays host to numerous European institutions––but compared to its French counterpart, it is most definitely overlooked.

Medieval Sights & Quirky Statues

If you love medieval sights, however, Brussels might just steal your heart, starting with the stately Grand Place, a huge central square flanked with ornate guildhalls, and the alleyway-traversed, colorful historic center that surrounds it.

Don’t miss the St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral, Brussels’ answer to the Parisian Notre Dame, and an equally beautiful Gothic marvel dating back to the Middle Ages, boasting soaring vaulted ceilings and a vast collection of sacral art.

If you want to see something a little quirky, the Pissing Boy Statue, or Manneken Pis is an absolute must, and chances are you’ll never see the same statue twice: they’re always dressing it in over 1,000 peculiar outfits throughout the year.

For something even quirkier, and to some even slightly unsettling, check out the Secret Pissing Girl statue, or Jeanneke Pis, Brussels’ pride and joy, or greatest shame, depending on how you look at it.

Away from the city center, the Atomium is both a science center and a viewing deck overlooking the Brussels suburbs that makes for a unique photo op, and if you’re looking to combine both unwinding with some sightseeing, the landmark-dotted Parc du Cinquantenaire is where it’s at.

You Can Even A Chocolate Museum!

This is a city known for its rich culinary traditions, especially within the realm of chocolate-making, and no visit is complete without a tour of Choco-Story Brussels, where the history of chocolate is documented, and you even get to top it off with some sampling.

For the best, crispiest Belgian fries in town, look no further than Friterie de la Barrière, and as for waffles, grab any from the little trucks parked around the Grand Place on a particularly busy shopping day, and you won’t be disappointed.

Staying in Brussels overnight?

Hôtel Aqua by HappyCulture is the best-value pick this season, with rooms starting at $80 and within a 20-minute walk to Grand Place, the city’s beating heart.

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Ever had hopes of visiting that medieval fortress in France located on a tidal islet, oftentimes completely surrounded by water, and that puts all of Walt Disney’s dreamiest fairytale-like creations to shame?

Starting this winter, you can take a direct train from Paris all the way to Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, without complicated transfers, and without switching to a bus along the way, and if you’re wondering how much tickets will cost, that’s roughly $30 for you!

Here’s everything you need to know about Mont Saint Michel, and the magical new journey there setting off from the City of Lights:

The Storybook Place That’s Almost Too Pretty To Be Believed

Mont Saint Michel is an imposing citadel built in the Middle Ages located a half mile off France’s northwestern coast, in Normandy, distinguished for being one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval citadels still inhabited, with only 29 lucky people calling it home.

Dating back over 1,000 years, it is a national symbol of France, second in significance only to the Eiffel Tower, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting over 3 million visitors every year, despite its remoteness.

High or low tide, and come rain or come shine, Mont Saint Michel is nothing short of fascinating, with narrow cobbled alleys lined with centuries-old shops and intact half-timbered buildings, as if it were still the 15th century, and not a car in sight.

The picturesque Grande Rue (Main Street) has its fair share of storied inns and eateries: don’t leave without La Sirene‘s cheese-filled galettes, and do make sure you stop by Auberge Saint-Pierre, even if you’re not staying the night, for their fish soup.

Other must-sees include the Church of Saint Pierre, a small church located on the nether parts of the citadel, dating back to the 11th century, the ramparts and fortifications that were built to protect the township from assailants, and that can be walked on, and the magnificent abbey.

Sitting at the very top of the medieval maze, with with its easily-recognized pointy spire, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is the main reason why tourists make the pilgrimage here from Paris, thanks to its unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements, and rich History.

Also part of the UNESCO-protected zone, the tidal bay surrounding Mont Saint Michel is not to be missed, either, particularly if you’re a photography enthusiast: from the boardwalk, to the sheep farms, to the zig-zagging river, there are many stunning locations to be shot.

Oh, and if you’re hoping to optimize your time in the mount, as there’s truly so much to be seen and so little time for most, we’d strongly suggest you book this guided walking tour, with an optional ticket for the abbey, from $52.72 per person.

France is truly so much more than just Paris!

Say Goodbye To Complicated Journeys!

A whole 221 miles northwest of Paris, and some 40 miles away from the nearest major city (Rennes), getting to Mont Saint Michel has always felt like a Homeric journey if the French capital is your starting point.

If you’re not driving, which is the case for most tourists, for years the easiest way to get there from Paris had been to take the train to Rennes, in the Brittany region, and then a shuttle from the local bus station towards the mount.

There is a bridge linking the mount to the mainland, and it’s only rarely submerged during high tide.

In the unlikely event the bridge is submerged temporarily, it typically subsides within an hour, and then passage is allowed again. Just be patient!

Previously, the Rennes route could take up to 5 hours, so it’s not like you could do it as a day trip, either… unless you’re booking one of those Viator tours covering the long distance in a coach, with more time spent on the road than at your destination, proper, to the tune of $190.

Well, from December 20, getting to this icon of French History will no longer have to be this hard, nor as expensive.

SNCF, France’s national railway company, is relaunching direct service from Paris to Mont Saint Michel every weekend, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with tickets starting at only $27.34.

What can we say? The French loves their $30 trains to storybook places as much as they love reblochon cheese, and we ourselves love them for it!

This Is Still Not A Day Trip

Now, you might be wondering how exactly can there be a train from Paris to Mont Saint Michel when it is, well, located on a tidal island, and you’re quite right: the train doesn’t reach the mount, but the nearby municipality of Pontorson.

The good news is, from Pontorson it’s a short 10-minute drive to the fortress, and your $30 ticket includes the shuttle leaving straight from the Pontorson – Mont-Saint-Michel train station.

Not bad, huh, considering the next best option is paying an exorbitant amount of money on an exhausting bus excursion.

With the direct train and shuttle service, it will take you a much shorter 3h48 to make it there.

Still not our go-to destination for a day trip, but luckily, there are plenty of accommodation options in Pontorson, from as cheap as $95-a-night.

If you plan on visiting Mont Saint Michel as a day trip, the best alternative remains booking a spot on a coach tour with early morning pick up from Paris.

Train tickets from Paris (Gare Montparnasse) to Mont Saint Michel can be purchased directly at this link.

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Last Updated 2 months ago

France took the world stage in recent months as the latest Olympics host.

Delivering mixed results, many enjoyed the experience while others, including locals, couldn’t wait to get out of dodge.

Those looking to escape the crowds without sacrificing France’s elegant culture probably didn’t know of a secret slice of France in North America.

Montreal is usually the go-to as one of the few primarily French-speaking cities this side of the world, but there’s another far lesser-known destination oozing French charm just off the coast of North America’s shores.

Split between 2 beautiful islands, a trip to Sainte Pierre and Miquelon is like visiting Europe without the long flights.

Easier to reach than you might suspect; rather than take the same regurgitated selfies at the Eiffel Tower, try a new adventure and brag to your friends about the secret French islands you’ve discovered close to home!

Our Overlooked French Neighbor

Ever keep to yourself in your community until you need something?

Maybe you’re short an egg or need someone to watch Scruffy.

Well, that’s what’s going on here with Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The reality is travelers are always on the prowl, seeking out new, exciting places.

With France one of the most popular places in the world, you need to come here to avoid the crowds without sacrificing the delights of France’s rich heritage.

You can say so long to Paris, Montreal, and even New Orleans and welcome our far-overlooked French neighbors as the perfect alternative to enjoy French cuisine, breathtaking nature, and intriguing history.

No, you can’t lounge along the gorgeous French Riviera or view the iconic Mona Lisa, but who wants to stand in line anyway?

Saint Pierre and Miquelon checks off all the boxes for the rest of your French cravings from charming villages, stunning landscapes, and of course, phenomenal food and wine like the islands’ locally sourced seafood visitors rave about!

Saint Pierre Or Miquelon: 2 Awesome Islands With Different Vibes

North America’s last remaining French territories are indubitably France, just set in an entirely different landscape than you envision France to be.

Saint Pierre is a small, vibrant island beaming various colors, exuding a Reykjavik-esque vibe.

Equally tranquil as it is lively, it may be small, but there’s enough room to escape the action-packed town center and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding scenery.

While many Americans are unaware this enchanting slice of France is so close, many Canadians visit throughout the year as it’s a stone’s throw from Newfoundland.

As such, neither Saint Pierre nor Miquelon are strangers to tourists, and there are plenty of guided tours to enjoy.

But most of all, the bar scene is something out of a movie, where locals and tourists alike share in a common accustom known as Le verre de l’amitié, essentially translating to “a toast to friendship”, proving we can all indeed get along if we so choose.

Miquelon, on the other hand, is more for nature enthusiasts to explore and where the island’s incredible local cuisine derives from, in many cases – lobsters, scallops, and yes, even controversial foie gras (banned in some U.S. states).

Guided tours are offered here as well, but unlike Saint Pierre, a majority of tours are nature-related, such as scenic hikes like The Cormorandière Valley walk for about $25.

Getting Here And Where To Stay

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the U.S. However, an easy one-stop flight through Canada is doable.

Saint Pierre And Miquelon has direct flights from its own airline, Air Saint Pierre, from the following Canadian cities:

• Montreal (definitely the easiest connection!)
• Halifax
• St. John’s

Some Americans can enjoy a cheap travel loophole right now if you time it right! Canada’s lesser-known Flair Airlines is offering nonstop flights from the U.S. from just $1!

One destination being the above St. John’s, where you can score an insanely affordable flight to connect to Saint Pierre.

Once here, the islands both offer some really unique, homey stays away from corporate brands. Boutique hotels and guesthouses are quite common, where Complexe Hôtelier Les Terrasses du Port is the top rated.

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Last Updated 2 months ago

For better or worse, Paris is having quite a year. First, the French icon was dethroned by Istanbul as the most visited city in the world, and now they have fallen out of the top 3 entirely.

Followed by the looming Olympics as the City of Light lays down their welcome mats to the world playing host to this magnificent global event Jul 26, 2024 – Aug 11, 2024.

However, early reports are showing mixed reviews of Paris during this period.

Air France, expecting a gargantuan loss of $193 million, was quoted as saying, “International markets show a significant avoidance of Paris.”.

Taking a page out of Southwest Airline’s playbook, tourists are saying they ‘wanna get away’…or stay away for that matter.

Good news is you can, and very cheap at that. One of the main concerns tourists have visiting Paris during the Olympics is the all but guaranteed surge in pricing.

Fortunately, that doesn’t impact trains outta town, but there’s also great deals extending through fall.

Travel to these 4 underrated destinations from Paris under $30 by train:

Ditch France Entirely! Take A Short Ride To Luxembourg ($27)

Luxembourg is undeniably one of the most expensive destinations in all of Europe and also insanely beautiful.

Don’t let your travel budget deter you from visiting one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, however.

Although pricey for hotels and dining, Luxembourg is worth a splurge for a day-trip or weekend getaway and it’s more than meets the eye with small towns like Echternach, known as “Little Switzerland”.

Everybody likes free stuff, and when it comes to traveling, we all appreciate freebies even more.

Luxembourg offers free transit throughout their small nation and you don’t even need a ticket! Just hop on!

In this case, you would be arriving by train via SNCF Connect, so all you have to purchase is your ticket from Paris (Gare de l’Est) into Luxembourg, totaling 2 hours, 43 minutes after a brief stop in Metz.

Those looking to escape the crowds watching Lebron James light up the scoreboard will have to fork over anywhere from $50 – $100 during the Olympics, but can score $27 tickets various dates Sep – Oct.

Au Revoir, Nice! Hit Up The Northern Coastal Town Of Le Havre ($23)

Paris, Lyon, Nice, Cannes…none of these household names are Le Havre. You may have never heard of it and that’s okay.

The road less traveled, or in this case, the rail, is one of the best ways to explore the world.

Those looking to check out more of France and want to stay close to Paris should check out Le Havre, which is just a 2-hour and 18-minute nonstop journey.

According to Rail Europe, tickets are $27 during the Olympics and $23 in October – the perfect escape for a day trip away from crowds, especially since trains run throughout the day.

Visitors may find Le Havre is a bit quirky, but aren’t we all?

This artsy port city, blending modern architecture and well-preserved structures surviving World War II bombings, has earned itself UNESCO recognition.

Easy to explore with the city’s grid-like layout, Le Havre is full of surprises, from savory beachside seafood restaurants to eye-popping art installations.

If there’s one thing not to miss out on it’s the remarkable Saint Joseph’s Church, a feast for the eyes.

Toast To New Adventures: Visit France’s Champagne Capital ($14)

Reims is a city steeped in history, but its claim to fame is being France’s champagne capital.

We’ll toast to that!

Boasting phenomenal attractions ranging from historic to indulgent, you can visit such sites as the Gothic-style Reims Cathedral to the beautiful Abbey of Saint-Remi, both protected by UNESCO.

Of course, you can’t visit the ‘champagne capital’ without sipping some bubbly.

Feel free to pop bottles at Reims’ renowned Champagne Houses for tours and tasting.

A few of the top-rated are:

• Mumm
• Veuve Clicquot,
• Taittinger 

You can reach Reims easily from Paris (Gare de l’Est) as low as $14 during the Olympics on SNCF Connect. Oddly enough prices go up to $19 in fall.

The route takes 2 hours 11 minutes for these fares, but an express route via TGV Inoui will get you there in just 46 minutes for $26.

A Grand Tour Through Tours ($11)

Tours, France is a hidden gem in the Loire Valley and just a stone’s throw from Paris in terms of train travel.

The city is quaint, easily navigable, and underappreciated for authentic French cuisine, but the real draws are the world-class chateaux and wineries outside the city limits.

Explore more of Loire Valley and visit stunning castles like Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, and Amboise, each with its own unique style and backstory.

But first, you have to get to Tours. Doing so is easy aboard the direct SNCF Connect route from Paris Montparnasse station, reaching Tours in as little as 51 minutes.

Tickets are as low as $17 July 29th during the Olympics and as low as $11 September – November.

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