When my husband surprised me with a trip to Paris I was thrilled and also a little nervous. We’d never traveled overseas so this was going to be a whole new experience for us. I asked for tips from friends and family. Here is a collection of my best tips for a first trip to Paris.
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DEE’S TIPS FOR A FIRST TRIP TO PARIS
I’ve only had the privilege of traveling to Paris once (so far!) so I’m certainly not a travel expert. However, I do have some tips for the first-time traveller. These are the things that David and I found helpful and I hope they will give you some ideas for YOUR first visit to Paris!
1. Anticipation is half the fun
Take ample time to plan for your upcoming trip. In addition to getting all the travel details worked out, I encourage you to watch films and read books set in Paris. Create a folder or binder for Paris inspiration. Envision yourself strolling along the Seine. Start a Pinterest board and/or follow mine:
2. Know your French etiquette
It really helps to understand a few basic tenets of French etiquette and what the French consider to be good manners. I honestly believe that much of the French reputation for rudeness stems from the traveler’s lack of understanding regarding social norms. Do your best to abide by a handful of etiquette rules and you’ll find the French to be lovely people.
French Manners and Etiquette ~ A Brief Guide
3. Learn at least a few basic French phrases
If you speak French fluently that’s wonderful! But even learning a few words and phrases will make your visit easier. Almost everyone we encountered in the service industry spoke at least a little English. But we began each encounter with “Bonjour” and a few words in French. Our poor pronunciation immediately tipped them off and they then spoke English with us. They seem pleased that we tried and then happy to not hear us butcher their beautiful language.
There are many ways to learn some beginner French. Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and many other options exist. A phrase book may come in handy while you are in Paris. We also downloaded a translation app which was very helpful in communicating via text with the hotel driver who picked us up at the airport.
10 Helpful Phrases to Know When Traveling Abroad
Rick Steves French Phrase Book and Dictionary
4. Choose your “home base”…
My cousin who had traveled often to Paris gave us this bit of advice. It’s something we tend to do when staying somewhere for a week or more anyway but it turned out to be an especially good suggestion in Paris.
We found a small restaurant with a bar nearby. This was where we ate dinner our first night in Paris. The food was good and the service quite pleasant. We returned there a few times over the course of our trip. On our final night in Paris we ended up doing shots with the young manager and she was referring to David “Papa”. It was truly beginning to feel like home and that’s a great experience in a foreign country.
5. Take a sightseeing bus…
The best thing we did was to take a sightseeing bus around Paris on our first full day there. We were given headphones that plugged in and offered historical information (in English or whatever language you desire) for each site we passed. Not only did we learn a lot of interesting facts but it gave us a great overview of the city and the locations of places we might want to visit.
In fact, it was SO interesting, we took the bus a second time later in the week.
6. Don’t try to cram in too much…
Paris is a large and fascinating city with many, many things to do and see. But try to avoid the temptation to do it all. First of all, you simply cannot. But more importantly, Paris is a vibe. If you rush around trying to see everything, you’ll miss what makes the city so special. Instead, choose just a few attractions that are very important to you over the course of your stay and then accept that there will be much you won’t see (at least on this particular trip). Take time to simply soak up the atmosphere. Wander the narrow streets, walk along the Seine, browse a few shops, and simply enjoy being in Paris.
6. Allow ample time to people watch…
People watching is fabulous in Paris, especially if you enjoy fashion. There is a reason that Parisian café culture is a long-standing tradition. Cafés are integral to the French way of life, serving as social hubs and providing a place for people to socialize, enjoy food and drink, and to simply watch the world go by.
Parisian Café Culture: What You Need To Know
We also enjoyed people watching while visiting the Jardin du Luxembourg. Watching well-dressed little French children floating their toy boats in the large pool of water in front of the Palais de Luxembourg was truly charming and felt like stepping back into an earlier era.
8. Be open to moments of serendipity…
On our final day in Paris I wanted to visit the Shakespeare and Company book store. I had only planned a short visit but it just so happened that Jimmy Page was there for a radio program and book signing. David couldn’t have been more thrilled!
That is why I think it’s important to leave enough room in your travel itinerary for serendipity. Some experiences simply cannot be planned for.
9. Plan for leisurely meals…
Do not expect to pop into a French restaurant for a quick bite to eat. Food is important to the French and if you are expecting to eat a quick meal before a scheduled event you’ll be frustrated. Instead, do as the French and make your meals part of the experience of your time in Paris.
We enjoyed lengthy, 3 course meals with wine every day. The food was delicious and I loved the fact that we were never rushed by servers wanting to turn tables. David can tell you that one of my pet peeves in many American restaurants is a server asking if we’ve “saved room for dessert” when I still have at least half of my dinner on my plate. I tend to be a slow eater and I absolutely loved not being hurried through my meals in Paris. If you are a faster eater just know that there will be time between courses in a French restaurant. Relax and enjoy the experience!
10. Night cruise on the Seine…
We took an evening cruise on the Seine and viewing the Eiffel Tower light up was truly special. This is something I absolutely recommend. They offer dinner cruises but we just did a sightseeing cruise.
Cruise on the Seine: The Ultimate Guide to Seine River Cruises in Paris
11. Pre-buy tickets for museums…
This is one of those things I wish we had known. Learn from our mistake and if you plan to visit a museum, purchase your tickets in advance. We waited in line at The Louvre for hours (we were there during fall break and it was busy!).
Here is some very helpful information:
Should I Buy Louvre Tickets in Advance
How to skip the lines in France
12. David’s tips…
I asked David for any suggestions I had missed.
- Don’t try to drive in Paris. (We didn’t but we definitely noticed how crazy the driving was.)
- Be sure to visit some cathedrals.
- Stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
St-Germain-des-Prés Paris – The Heart Of The Left Bank
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You may also enjoy…
Planning a Trip to Paris ~ Tips and Inspiration
French Films for the Francophile
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