Under the Channel

Who it is for

For anyone who wants to combine the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and London’s museums, with a train crossing under the Channel.

Not for anyone on a tight budget, since both are among the most expensive cities in Europe.

The strategy

The proposal starts in Paris and continues by train to London. Compare arrival, departure, accommodation and total cost before reversing the order. Time on the train excludes station transfers, passport and luggage checks, and getting to the hotel; follow the arrival guidance for your station and ticket and leave a break after the crossing.

What you will see

• Eiffel Tower, Paris. Raised in 26 months for the 1889 World's Fair, it stands 330 m with the antennas, made of 7,300 metric tons of puddled iron, 18,038 parts, and 2.5 million rivets, and is hand-repainted every seven years.
• British Museum, London. Founded in 1753, it is the world’s oldest public museum and is still free.

Day by day

Paris

1. 1
   Day 1: The island, the river, and the Left Bank

   1. 4Sainte-ChapelleUp to half an hourEssential
2. 2
   Day 2: Museum in the morning, the Marais in the afternoon

   
3. 3
   Day 3: Montmartre, a cemetery, and the Eiffel Tower

   1. 1Eiffel TowerEssential
4. 4
   Day 4: Giverny (day trip)

   
5. 5
   Day 5: Versailles (day trip) · if you have more time

   

London

1. 6
   Day 6: Westminster, the river and the Tower of London

   1. 3Westminster AbbeyEssential
   2. 2Tower of LondonEssential
2. 7
   Day 7: Free museums and the south bank

   1. 1British MuseumEssential
   2. 4Tate ModernEssential
3. 8
   Day 8: East, market, and meridian

   1. 7GreenwichWorth a visit
4. 9
   Day 9: Windsor and Eton (day trip) · if you have more time