From craving that morning cuppa to indulging in comfort foods, many travellers seek familiar comforts on holiday. Now, a surprising destination has been revealed as the top choice for Brits wanting a taste of home abroad – Paris.
The City of Love, with its close proximity to London, even offering a day trip via Eurostar, might not be the first place that comes to mind for Britishness. We often associate ‘home from home’ experiences with resorts like Benidorm, known for their full English breakfasts and Union Jack pubs. However, according to the Ibiza Summer Villas study, Paris surprisingly surpasses Benidorm in this regard.
The study analyzed various factors, including the availability of British cuisine, prevalence of the English language, English-speaking local activities, and even rainfall patterns. Paris emerged as the most home-like destination for Brits. This ranking considered the size of each location and how it provided British amenities per square kilometer.
Paris secured second place for the number of restaurants serving British cuisine, fourth for English language prevalence, and third for English-speaking activities. The moderate rainfall, actually higher than London, further contributes to a familiar feeling. Interestingly, there’s also a strong reciprocal relationship between London and Paris, with a significant French population in London and vice versa.
Phuket in Thailand secured second place with a large number of British cuisine options and English-speaking activities, followed by Santorini in Greece, praised for its English-speaking guided tours and excursions.
So, how can you blend French charm with home comforts in Paris? From English-speaking tours to a quintessentially British afternoon tea, there are many ways to enjoy a slice of the UK in the City of Lights.
Things to do in Paris that feel British:
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Picnic or Stroll Along the Seine:
The River Seine echoes the Thames, offering a familiar feel with easily accessible walkways.*
St Ouen Flea Market:
With its abundance of antiques and treasures, this market offers a similar vibe to Portobello Road in London.*
Afternoon Tea:
Indulge in a quintessential British afternoon tea at venues like Le Jardin de Mademoiselle, Angelina, or High Societhé.*
Catacombs:
Experience a historic underground ossuary, reminiscent of The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh.*
English Tours:
The Louvre and Palace of Versailles offer both guided and self-guided tours in English, perfect for first-time visitors.Getting to Paris:
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Eurostar:
The Eurostar connects London St Pancras to Gare du Nord, offering a journey of around 2 hours and 16 minutes.*
Flights:
Flights from London Luton to Charles De Gaulle or Gatwick to Paris Orly take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Flights from Manchester to Paris Beauvais offer similar travel time, but note that it’s around 55 miles north of Paris, requiring an 80-minute bus transfer.With its surprising blend of familiar comforts and French charm, Paris offers a unique travel experience for Brits seeking a taste of home abroad.
