Call it the Emily in Paris effect, or just a general draw to “the city of love,” but Canadians travelling in September have their hearts set on Paris. Information provided to Yahoo Canada by Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 23 per cent month-over-month increase in booked flights to the French capital from Canadian airports.
As temperatures start to get more mild, September is really the perfect time to explore Paris. A hot spot destination throughout the summer (especially this year with the 2024 Olympics), it’s also a great time to avoid some of the heaviest tourist crowds in the city.
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Why is Paris such a popular destination for Canadian travellers?
From delicious food to stunning architecture and historic sites, Paris has a lot of offer for its visitors.
“September in Paris is also a time when the city transitions into autumn, showcasing beautiful fall foliage in its parks and gardens, such as Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes and more,” Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert, highlighted. “The cultural calendar is packed with events, including art exhibitions at Musée Picasso and Musée d’Orsay, music festivals, like Fête de la Musique and Paris Jazz Festival, and food markets, such as Marché des Enfants Rouges in the 3rd arrondissement and Marché Bastille, in the 11th arrondissement.”
With 53 per cent of Canadians surveyed in Skyscanner’s 2024 travel trends indicating that food is a driving force in their vacation decisions, Paris certainly won’t disappoint.
“Visitors can head to Michelin-recognized Espadon, led by Chef Eugénie Béziat, who masterfully blends remnants of her childhood in Africa with Mediterranean influences, Le Bistrot d’Henri, a small gem in the heart of Saint Sulpice specializing in traditional French cuisine, or L’As du Fallafel, the famous falafel stop in Le Marais, established since 1979 and a must-visit for all,” Lindsay reccommended.
How much does it cost to go to Paris in September from Canadian cities?
Using Skyscanner search data for flights to Paris, roundtrip flights from Toronto in September are currently as low as $422.
Travelling from Montreal to Paris, roundtrip flights can be found for $669, and from Vancouver to Paris flights are as low as $712.
Don’t forget to check the Skyscanner site for live pricing.
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3 expert tips on what to do in Paris
A great way to lean into the Parisienne lifestyle starts with your morning coffee.
“Parisian coffee culture is all about slowing down and soaking in the city’s atmosphere,” Lindsay advised. “Sip on a rich espresso as life unfolds around you, observing the famous, fashionable locals passing by.”
“To truly experience Parisian coffee culture, visit iconic spots like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, for a classic cup of coffee whilst embracing the historic ambiance. In Le Marais, a boutique and romance-filled neighbourhood, visit spots like Café des Musées to soak up the charming, classic atmosphere, or Le Mary Celeste, known for its vibrant ambiance and expertly crafted coffee.”
Visitors to Paris won’t want to miss the city’s museums, from seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum, to taking in the works of Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir at Musée d’Orsay, located in a former train station.
“For those with an interest in more modern works, visit the Centre Pompidou, an architectural marvel, home to Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by [Pablo] Picasso, [Wassily] Kandinsky, and [Marcel] Duchamp,” Lindsay recommended.
Fashion lovers are sure to have a great time in Paris in September, with Paris Fashion Week running from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1.
“Visitors to Paris during Fashion Week will be treated to an unparalleled spectacle – the city itself becomes a runway,” Lindsay highlighted. “Amidst the grandeur of historic streets and chic boutiques, the latest trends and haute couture creations bring the essence of fashion to life.”
“During Fashion Week, Paris’s most fashionable restaurants become prime spots for celebrity sightings. Enjoy a meal at L’Avenue on Avenue Montaigne, Le Cinq at the Four Seasons George V, or Le Ralph, in the heart of the Golden Triangle to test your luck.”
Where to stay in Paris
Hotel Artus uniquely leans into 1950s and 1960s aesthetics with lots of colour contrast and patterned decor. With 27 rooms and suites, the hotel is on Rue de Buci, one of the oldest streets in Paris, but has been designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility.
Located on the west side of the 4th arrondissement, SO/ Paris has 162 rooms and suites with the most amazing views of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks. The property has impressively curated art featured throughout the hotel and the popular Maison Codage Spa.
When you’re looking for luxury, Dorchester Collection hotels are some of our favourites. On top of that, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, famously featured on Sex and the City, is still one of the most beautiful and chicest stays in the city. With 1,900 red geraniums featured on the hotel’s facade, it’s a must-see in the city, even if you’re not staying at the property. The hotel has the Dior Spa, in addition to its elegant guest rooms and five restaurants.
Skyscanner’s Saved Feature: Save those deals to look at later
Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.
Take advantage of the “Saved” feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.
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Step 1: Find your flights and hotel
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Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you’re logged into your Skyscanner account!
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Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you’re planning.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights
If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.
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Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.
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Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you’re hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.
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Consider “Everywhere”: If you’re hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the “Everywhere” search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.
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Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.