Pollution in Paris has been causing public health concerns for some time now and the Government is driving plans to ban all petrol and diesel fuelled cars by 2030.
Restrictions are already in place that state diesel vehicles produced from 1997 to 2001 are not allowed to be driven in Paris. The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, plans to cut pollution by getting rid of all vehicles and offering a benefit of €600 (£522) towards alternatives modes of transport.
Parisians and tourists’ welcome cleaner travel such as, bicycles and public transport. The pollution is set to reduce over time so, when planning a short break to the city of romance, you should keep in mind the other ways to explore Paris.
Go on foot. Paris is a walkable city rich in history, architecture and hidden beauty. Rather than travelling by car why not walk to a less ‘touristy’ spot – there are plenty of museums, walking tours, galleries and cafés to explore.
Bicycles. A faster way to get around the city is to cycle and there are plenty of places offering bicycle services and tours. If you are looking to explore Paris in a short space of time, then this may be a good choice for you. With the plans to cut pollution, leading to less cars on the road, there will be more freedom in the cycle lanes – with this in mind, you may see more of the locals cycling.
By Boat. Continue the romance, with river cruises and boat tours. These are fantastic ways to see the city whilst you relax and enjoy the sites. Going by boat is a far more relaxing way to see the sites without the headache of traffic.
Once you have planned your trip to Paris you will need to buy your travel insurance.
As city breaks are usually only a couple of days long, a single trip policy will be suitable. However, it’s worth noting if you are planning more holidays over a 12-month period, a multi-trip policy will be more appropriate, as long as you’re not staying for longer for 31 days.
If you are booking excursions prior to your trip make sure your travel insurance covers pre-paid tickets should you need to cancel – remember to check the cover limit is enough to cover the cost you have paid out. Although you can buy tickets on the day at most attractions in Paris, it is more beneficial to book online as you will often receive discounts and ‘fast track’ entrance.