Short Breaks in Paris
Paris is the ultimate destination for a short city escape. Romantic streets, iconic landmarks, charming cafés, and vibrant markets make breaks in Paris a perfect choice. From a weekend getaway to a mini adventure, the city has something for everyone. With P&O Ferries, you can enjoy a relaxed crossing before you even arrive!
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Please note
More than 9 of you travelling?
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Special assistance required
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Paris is close, compact, and brimming with attractions. Here’s why it works so well for short breaks in Paris:
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Accessibility from the UK: Just a few hours via the Dover–Calais route, Paris is perfect for a spontaneous city escape.
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Compact and walkable: Iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre are all within easy reach, allowing you to see more in less time.
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Cultural variety: From art museums and historic streets to vibrant markets and riverside cafés, you can experience culture, cuisine, and local life in just a couple of days.
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Flexibility and freedom: Travelling with your own car on P&O Ferries lets you explore at your own pace, stop where you like, and carry as much luggage as you want without stress.
With these advantages, planning a short break in Paris becomes straightforward. You can balance sightseeing with leisurely meals, hidden neighbourhoods, or spontaneous detours; the city adapts to the traveller, not the other way around.
Paris is beautiful year-round. Each season offers unique experiences:
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Spring: Blooming gardens and mild weather, perfect for walking tours.
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Summer: Longer daylight hours, outdoor dining, and lively street life.
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Autumn: Golden foliage, quieter streets, and seasonal food markets.
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Winter: Cosy cafés, sparkling lights, and festive events like Christmas markets. Check our Christmas Markets in France guide for details.
Knowing the best season for your interests ensures your mini break to Paris feels perfectly timed and memorable. For travel tips and inspiration, explore Plan Your Trip to France and find the best ferry options with our Ferries to France.
Starting your trip with P&O Ferries makes the journey part of the adventure. The Dover–Calais route is quick and hassle-free. Modern lounges and onboard dining let you unwind before you arrive.
Taking your own car adds freedom. Pack what you like, explore at your own pace, and enjoy flexible luggage without stress. Your ferry crossing becomes the relaxing beginning to your city breaks in Paris, making it easy to jump straight into sightseeing.
For a weekend break in Paris, a well-balanced itinerary lets you enjoy the city’s highlights while leaving room for discovery:
Day 1:
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Stroll along the Seine, taking in Notre-Dame and the bridges adorned with love locks.
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Grab a coffee at a riverside café and watch the city wake up.
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Stop by Shakespeare & Company, a literary landmark with a unique charm.
Day 2:
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Explore the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay for art and history.
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Wander through Montmartre, soaking up its artistic streets and local ateliers.
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Finish the evening with a magical Seine River cruise, admiring Paris lit up at night.
Optional extras:
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Visit local markets like Marché d’Aligre or Marché des Enfants Rouges for fresh produce, pastries, and authentic Parisian snacks.
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Discover hidden gems like covered passages and small independent boutiques.
Combining famous sights with these lesser-known treasures ensures your city breaks in Paris feel both iconic and authentic. For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Paris.
Sailing with P&O Ferries makes the trip as enjoyable as the destination:
- Comfortable cabins and lounges: Perfect for relaxing or preparing for the day ahead.
- Onboard dining: Snacks and sit-down meals cater to all tastes.
- Stress-free travel: No airport queues or luggage limits.
- Flexible luggage: Pack freely with space for Halloween outfits, accessories, and all your festive finds.
- Groups: Travelling with family or friends is easy, with plenty of space on board to relax together before heading to your event.
Whether you’re travelling to France, Ireland, or the Netherlands, P&O Ferries offers plenty of activities to do onboard that make the whole trip even more fun before the Halloween festivities start ashore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the best European city breaks include Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and Rotterdam. Each offers a unique mix of romance, culture, and food. Canal-side walks in Amsterdam, Christmas markets in Bruges, art and history in Paris, or festivals in Rotterdam there really is something for everyone. These destinations are ideal for weekend getaways or longer city breaks across Europe.
The top ten city breaks in Europe often include Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and Rotterdam, along with Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Lille, Cologne, and Hamburg. These cities are popular for their mix of history, culture, and vibrant food scenes, making them some of the most rewarding European city break destinations to explore. Why not also explore some of the most underrated city breaks in Europe and get away from the crowds and enjoy more authentic culture like the Lyon or Galway. Whatever you decide, make sure to book your ferry to Europe now and start planning your next trip today!
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