Studying abroad in Paris? Get a crash course in how to make the most of time in The City of Lights with Her Campus’s Abroad Guide. We spoke to collegiettes who studied in the French city, and they shared their tips on everything from getting around to staying safe to enhancing your time in this new city!
What must you see while you’re living in Paris?
“Champs-Élysées and The Eiffel Tower are great for first-time Paris visitors!” While there are “dozens if not hundreds of museums in Paris,” one collegiette calls out “Musee D’Orsay.” As far as the many cathedrals to check out, “Sainte-Chapelle is my absolute favorite.” Learn about the “fascinating fact the city of Paris is built on hundreds of thousands of bones” at the Catacombs. For stunning views, “Sacré-Cœur has a great view and it’s really beautiful.” And for a relaxing afternoon, “the Luxembourg Garden is beautiful.”
What tourist sites are skippable?
The Louvre isn’t necessarily to be skipped, but remember “they have amazing pieces from a wide range of time periods; don’t be that tourist who asks where the Impressionism and modern art are.” Notre Dame is “impressionably huge but there are other cathedrals that are quite pretty as well, and less busy.” Collegiettes note that “Champs-Élysées is too crowded and expensive. I wouldn’t spend too much time there.” And a good tip no matter what city you’re in during your time abroad: “Don’t go to cafes near the tourist traps; they won’t be as delicious or cheap as cafes in the residential areas.”
Where can I get souvenirs?
“You’ll find a lot of places on Rue de Rivoli near the Louvre” and also “Rue de la Huchette near Notre Dame.”
Best places to buy clothes?
“Rue de Rivoli or Boulevard Haussmann, definitely visit BHV.”
What’s the best way to get around?
While “the Paris Metro is invaluable,” most areas are “very walkable as well.” And walking has it’s benefits: “Take the Metro if it’s a long distance, but explore the city on foot as well when you arrive at the general area you want to explore.”
Where should I go with my parents?
“Do a Seine dinner cruise! You get a beautiful view and great food.” Take them for a delicious dessert at “Angelina, on Rue de Rivoli. They’re famous for their hot chocolate and the decor is really beautiful.”
Any great dinner recommendations?
“Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore, are two of the most well-known restaurants in Paris and worth a splurge!”
What about where I can get authentic French food?
“Le Clos Bourguignon for typical French food and Clichy’s Tavern for mussels and fries.”
When should I go for an authentic night on the town?
In general, “the Latin Quarter and Bastille have a lot of good bars.” Les Enfants Rouges “has fondue and serves wine in baby bottles! It’s a unique experience.”
What are must-eat and must-drink items in Paris?
“Try the bone marrow! (Sounds weird, but it’s so tasty!)” Also in the same ilk, “make sure you try escargot.” And don’t let a fear of carbs keep you from “indulging in the bread. You’ll be ruined when you come back to America after tasting the baguettes, croissants and pastries.” Also make sure to “try as many different types of pastries and crepes. Mussels and fries are also a personal favorite.” As far as drinks, “wine is super cheap and mostly local so try as many different types. Kir is a drink specific to France that is also good.”
I want to make the most of my time in Paris, what should I do?
Foodies should “take a cooking class.” Everyone looking should act like a Parisian and “go for a stroll in the parks.” Plus, “take advantage of the numerous art and music festivals that go on. There is also a Museum Night that occurs in which all museums are free at night.”
Where do Americans go out?
“Bastille and Republique both have many popular bars,” but “Café Oz” is particularly popular among Americans.
What are good grab-and-go spots?
While “you can’t go wrong with a baguette or crêpe from any café,” Pomme de Pain got a special shout-out.
Any great day trips in the area?
“Fontainebleau is like Versailles, but smaller and less populated.” Go about an hour away to see “basically any castle.” And “Giverny (Claude Monet’s garden) and Disneyland Paris” are both worth visiting.
How will my phone work?!
“Make sure your phone is unlocked and get a preloaded SIM card, or get a cheap phone at a cell phone provider shop (such as Orange) that comes with a SIM card.” “Free is the cheapest, then SFR, and Orange is the most expensive. In general phone plans are cheaper than in America.” However, “a lot of places have wifi, so you can iMessage and Facebook message. I got an international pay-as-you-go phone in case of emergencies, and a lot of my friends did as well. Then we could keep in contact even without wifi.”
What can I not forget to pack?
Collegiettes called out plug adaptors, a journal, an umbrella and raincoat.
Any tips on staying safe?
“Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep your purse zipped closed and always on your body, never leave it on the back of your chair. Paris is full of pick-pockets.”
Any tips on the abroad programs?
“I would recommend UA in France and EF Paris but not EF St. Raphael because it was so party-oriented rather than school-oriented. EF Paris I got to live in one of the greatest cities in the world and get college credit for attending classes. UA in France was great because I got direct credit from my college and it was led by a professor at my university.”
“Look into programs that your university offers! Affiliate programs will take you wherever you want to go for whatever purpose, but programs through your university are easier to get credit for and help you make connections at your college.”
“I would recommend International Studies Abroad (ISA) / American Business School Paris. It helped me create lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. Also, they provide many excursions around France, so you can see the whole country rather than just Paris. The advisors are friendly and helpful, and there was a great support system while abroad.”