When I first joined The Points Guy over 15 years ago, we would highlight a different destination every few weeks with our best points, miles and credit card strategies to get there and make the most of a trip.
As they say, what’s old is new again, since I’m relaunching The Points Guy’s destination series to help readers harness their rewards to travel further, faster and better.
Our first destination is one near and dear to my heart. It’s probably the city that I’ve visited the most since I first traveled there as a teenager many, many (don’t ask me how many!) years ago.
Paris is one of my favorite places on the planet, and I’ve been able to fly there and stay in some magnificent hotels countless times over the years thanks to points and miles, not to mention carrying the right credit cards and unlocking the benefits they afford. Today, I’m going to share some of my best points tricks for planning a great trip to Paris.
Keep in mind, this isn’t an exhaustive guide to getting to Paris and staying there on points and miles. Rather, it’s a handpicked selection of my top tactics. If you want more ideas, feel free to comment below or reach out to ask specifics. And if you want my personal favorite hidden corners (and bistros) in Paris, be sure to check out my “Talking Points” Substack post with all my insider Paris tips.
I also know the City of Light is not everyone’s coupe de champagne, so if there are other destinations you want me to highlight, leave a comment below.
And if you have some foolproof points ploys of your own when planning a visit to the French capital, be sure to share those in the comments as well!
Discount airline awards via Flying Blue Promo Rewards
This might just be one of the most obvious yet overlooked frequent-flyer promotions out there. Every month, Flying Blue, the mileage program of Air France-KLM, releases a list of “Promo Rewards” with significant discounts — typically 25% — on award tickets from specific cities that change each month and are good for travel booked within a three- or four-month window.
That means you can score economy tickets from various U.S. gateways to Europe (not just Paris or Amsterdam, the two airlines’ hubs) starting at just 18,750 Flying Blue miles each way — and as low as 45,000 miles each way in business class.
For instance, here’s a one-way ticket from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) this July for just 18,750 Flying Blue miles.
“But I don’t have Flying Blue miles!” I hear you saying.
Well, the good news is, the program is a 1:1 transfer partner of:
You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Flying Blue at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer.
So even if you haven’t been a Flying Blue devotee, there are lots of ways to use your credit card points to stock up on miles quickly.
Lately, there have been a lot more economy promos than in business class, but it’s not unheard of. If a Promo Reward pops up from your city, it’s worth considering, as you can save a significant number of miles.
That said, remember that Flying Blue levies sometimes hefty fuel surcharges and taxes ranging into the hundreds of dollars, so always double-check the price of a ticket in cash versus redeeming miles.
Find flight deals with Virgin Atlantic miles
As cheap as Flying Blue Promo Rewards are, you might find even better deals redeeming Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points for Air France flights. Namely, nonstop flights from the East Coast to Paris start at a mere 12,000 Flying Club points each way, like the following one from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to CDG (note that you can fly Virgin Atlantic from New York to Paris via London starting at 10,000 points each way, but taxes and surcharges with that route are higher).
Unfortunately, you’ll be on the hook for about $400 in taxes and fees round-trip. That’s a lot, but considering some economy flights are costing upwards of $1,600 these days, it’s not so bad. Do the math for yourself; in some instances, opting for the miles option can really work in your favor.
While you might not be accruing Virgin points right and left (or is it left and right if you’re flying in Britain?), remember, the program is a 1:1 transfer partner of:
And you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 3:1 ratio with the same bonus of 5,000 miles when transferring in batches of 60,000 Marriott points.
So there are plenty of ways to pad your points account.
Instead of ‘Bonjour,’ say ‘Maeva’ with Air Tahiti Nui
While it might not be top of mind, Air Tahiti Nui actually operates flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. What’s more, you can often use miles to book these flights cheaply.
They start at just 22,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles or 30,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points each way in economy. And the taxes and fees are often less than those of other carriers: just about $25 from the U.S. to France, and about $150 in the opposite direction.
Pick your points — and your arrondissement — for hotels
As you might imagine, Paris has no shortage of fabulous points hotels, which can make it harder to choose a home base for your stay.
I always counsel folks to think about which parts of the city they want to see and then pick a hotel that’s convenient for their purposes. There’s bound to be a points hotel or two that’s accessible from there.
My favorite Marriott hotels in Paris
If you’re a luxury traveler looking for a hotel, I love the art deco gem off the Champs Elyéees, Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where rates start at 134,500 Marriott Bonvoy points or $1,085 per night.
If you are a budget traveler and have Marriott points, j’adore Le Dokhan’s, Paris Arc de Triomphe a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which feels like a hidden jewel box in the leafy 16th arrondissement and a lovely stroll from the Eiffel Tower, and starts at 57,000 points or $480 per night.
Related: The best Marriott credit cards
My favorite Hilton hotels in Paris
Hilton Honors adherents have a plethora of options, one of which is the grandiose and centrally located Hilton Paris Opera starting at $315 or 100,000 points (go with the cash rate!) per night. But if you prefer a boutique hotel, I recommend the charming Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa in the stately 7th arrondissement, within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and Invalides. This hotel is part of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), and is bookable from 130,000 points or $565, thanks to Hilton’s partnership with SLH.
Related: The best Hilton credit cards
My favorite Hyatt hotels in Paris
The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome is a great hotel for luxury travelers near some of Paris’s toniest shopping streets, and is a perennial TPG favorite. Award availability is tight, but you can find nights starting at just 45,000 points apiece (though the 75,000-point mark is more common), or $1,675.
Instead, you might want to consider the nearby Hyatt Paris Madeleine, where rates start at a mere 25,000 World of Hyatt points or $500 per night.
Related: Which credit cards should you use for Hyatt stays?
My favorite IHG hotels in Paris
Finally, if you’re an IHG One Rewards aficionado, one of my all-time favorite hotels in the city is the palatial InterContinental Paris-Le Grand just across the street from the Opera Garnier. This is a grande dame in every sense of the phrase, and you can find nights starting at $620 or or 120,000 points apiece.
Casual travelers will also love the Kimpton St. Honoré Paris just across the street, where nights start at $570 or 113,000 points per night.
Family travelers on a budget should check out the Voco Paris Montparnasse, where rates regularly dip below $200, or down to 31,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, making it a great option if you need to book multiple rooms.
Related: Which credit card should you use for IHG stays?
Third- and fourth-night free hotel promotions
Of course, my preference is to use hotel points to book stays in Paris given the high price points. But every so often, I’m in the market for a splurge. When that’s the case, I always check the featured hotel listings of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts properties, where you can see fancy hotels that are offering third- or fourth-night free packages. You can book Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts if you have either the American Express Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
That way, I get to experience all those FHR perks (daily breakfast for two, a $100 on-property credit, availability-based upgrades and guaranteed late checkout) at a steep discount.
For instance, Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris near the Arc de Triomphe was recently offering a third night free, while Le Meurice, just across from the Tuileries, was offering a fourth night free. Granted, we’re talking about stays that cost well over $1,000 per night. But if that’s in your budget and means you also get an extra free night, that’s significant savings.
Related: Our favorite American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts around the world
Use a credit card with purchase protection for shopping sprees
When I was younger and would visit Paris with my family, you could bet that we’d spend at least one afternoon trailing my mother as she popped into the flagship luxury boutiques along Avenue Montaigne (I’m looking at you, Louis Vuitton).
Paris is one of the world’s fashion capitals, after all, so if your visit includes a shopping spree like ours sometimes did, best to pack a credit card that offers purchase protection.
This benefit covers eligible purchases in the case of theft, damage or loss, typically within 90-120 days of purchase, up to a dollar amount that depends on your specific card. This coverage can vary from $500-$10,000 per purchase, with maximums of up to $50,000 per year or per cardholder. So check the benefits guides of your specific cards and their coverage terms, then use the card that makes the most sense for major purchases.
My favorites include the American Express® Gold Card*, which covers purchases within 90 days up to $10,000 per item ($500 for natural disasters) and up to $50,000 per card per calendar year; and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which covers purchases within 90 days up to $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per cardholder.
*Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Say ‘bon appetit’ with dining statement credits, discounts and bonus earning
Every meal in Paris is an opportunity to create a memory, so don’t leave your restaurant reservations, or earning potential, to chance.
I carry the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, which offers up to $300 each year (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for purchases at restaurants worldwide, which can help you save on a meal. What’s more, it offers 3 points per dollar on dining purchases worldwide, too, so even after you earn that statement credit, you can continue earning at an increased rate.
But I also carry a few other cards that earn bonus points on dining purchases, including:
- American Express Gold Card: Earn 4 points per dollar on dining purchases worldwide (on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide.
- Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants.
Related: The best credit cards for dining
To save even more on dining in Paris, check out one of my favorite website, The Fork. By making a reservation through there, you can often save between 40-50%, even at hard-to-book restaurants.
Save money and earn more points on transport
Paris is a large city, and though many of its attractions are quite central, chances are you’ll still need to hop in a car, on the bus or take the metro to get around.
One way I save money while traveling in Paris is by using some of my Chase Sapphire Reserve‘s $300 in annual travel statement credits toward taxi and Uber rides as well as the purchase of Metro tickets and passes since all those purchases count as “travel.”
You might also want to consider bringing another card that earn bonus points on ride-hailing services and public transportation.
For instance, the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card earns 2 points per dollar on local transit purchases. The American Express Green Card® earns 3 points per dollar on travel and transit, including trains, buses and subways. The World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees), meanwhile, earns 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting.
So pack your walking shoes, but also a card that earns bonus points on transit expenses to make the most of your options for getting around.
The information for the Amex Green has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards for commuting expenses
Forget foreign exchange fees, and even earn bonus points on international purchases
One pesky expense that can add up the more you spend on an international trip is foreign transaction fees. These are add-on charges to purchases you make abroad that tend to be around 3% of your purchase price. Sure, that doesn’t sound like much, but if you’re spending $2,000 on a trip, that equates to an extra $60 in expenses.
Luckily, many of the best rewards credit cards waive foreign transaction fees. Make sure you’re carrying at least one of those on your next trip to Paris so that you can avoid extra fees.
The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card goes a step further, though. In addition to waiving foreign transaction fees, the card actually earns 3 points per dollar on foreign transactions, in any category. It’s almost too good to be true, and that makes it one of the best credit cards for trips abroad.
Related: The best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Fin
Paris is one of the world’s most perennially popular destinations, and just one visit there (hopefully booked using some of these tips!) will likely show you why. The city has spectacular museums, dining and shopping — and not to mention, some of the best hotels in the world. All the more reason to save your money on flights and nights, and spend it instead on unforgettable experiences throughout the city.
Hopefully, the tips above have given you inspiration for how to maximize your next trip to the City of Light. But if you have some ideas of your own, or want more specifics on the above, leave us a comment!
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
