Parking in Paris
Parking in Paris
Parking in Paris is rarely easy and can often be quite a headache. To park your car, you have the choice between parking on the street or in an underground car park, between the cheaper peripheral “arrondissements” or the city centre. It is strictly prohibited to double park, to park in no-stopping zones (“axes rouges”), and in spaces reserved for the disabled or for deliveries.
Parking of tourist coaches in Paris
If you decide to park in the street, please note that as a general rule it is payable from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm. Night time and Sundays are free. On public holidays and during the month of August you can sometimes park free of charge in certain streets: this is indicated by a yellow sticker placed on the parking meter.
Tariffs are divided into 3 zones, ranging from an hourly rate of €3 in the centre of Paris, to €1 per hour on the outskirts. Parking meters do not accept coins and only take the “Paris Carte” card, available in tobacconists for €10 to €30. The machine will give you a ticket in exchange, which should be placed behind your windscreen, clearly visible from the outside. Street parking is limited to 2 hours.
You are not allowed to attach bicycles and scooters to street fittings (poles, fences, etc.). Make sure you have a robust anti-theft device. Parking of two-wheeled vehicles on the pavement is tolerated, as long as you are not blocking the way for pedestrians. Be careful though, fines are more and more frequent. So we recommend that you use the special parking areas provided for two-wheelers.
Parking campers or motor-homes in Paris should be avoided, so as not to block traffic. Instead you should head for the designated parking spaces at camp sites. In Paris, it is prohibited to sleep in your motor-home.
Underground car parks, of which there are many in Paris, are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for cars and motorbikes. They can be identified by a white “P” on a blue background, and can usually be found in busy shopping, tourist or business areas. Security is provided by guards and cameras. Tariffs vary depending on the neighbourhood: in the city centre and busy tourist areas, you need to allow around €2.50 for 1 hour, €5 for 2 hours and €20 or more for 12 to 24 hours. On the outskirts of Paris; prices are generally lower and you might pay on average from €10 to €15 for 24 hours. Underground car parks can also offer special tariffs for the weekend or by the week or month.
