I’m willing to bet that visiting the City of Love is on everyone’s bucket list. Here are some tips and tricks from a (semi-) experienced Paris traveler.
Download the app, Bonjour RATP
The hub for all of Paris’ public transportation options, Bonjour RATP makes exploring the city SO easy! You simply type in your current location and where you would like to go, and the app generates a list of different itineraries with clear directions. A single metro ride is 1.90 euros and tickets get cheaper as you buy in bulk, so definitely take advantage! I would recommend buying a pack of 10 when you first arrive, so you don’t have to wait in line each time you need to use the metro! Paris is HUGE, and while walking is not impossible, it definitely takes several hours to get from landmark to landmark on foot.
Avoid visiting during peak tourist season (July – August, but especially August)
If you can. The first time I visited Paris was a weekend trip during a heat wave in the middle of August. I still had a fantastic time, but it definitely was not ideal. People pack themselves like sardines in the metro cars (which often are not air-conditioned, more on this later) and swarm in front of prime photo spots. During these months, making your way up the Eiffel Tower or into the Louvre takes several hours.
During August, known widely by the French as “vacances” (or holiday, in English), a majority of the population takes a month-long vacation from work. Some, but not certainly all, stores and restaurants in Paris may be closed. (Though it is worth noting that Paris undoubtedly attracts the most tourists, so you run more of a risk with closures in other parts of the country.) Further, the holiday makes flying or taking a train in or out of Paris overwhelming and stressful. Avoid making my mistakes and do not travel during the first or last weekend of August.
Further, the lack of air-conditioning in Europe poses enormous challenges for us spoiled Americans. Think back to the first week of school in the dorms, but ten times worse. Most affordable Airbnbs will NOT have air-conditioning. When I first arrived in France, I would take two to three showers a day and go to sleep SWEATING (like beads of sweat dripping down my face sweating). June or September are typically much more pleasant than the summer months
Carrefour!
A French version of 7-11, you can find a Carrefour on virtually every block in Paris. Make a trip to Carrefour (or Monoprix, or Franprix, etc.) on the first day you arrive! To save money, I always buy a few yogurts and fruits for breakfast. I also grab a bottle or two of my favorite wine to stick in the fridge – a bottle at Carrefour is the same price as a glass at a restaurant. Most importantly, Carrefour sells humongous water bottles for something like 0.60 euros. If you buy anything, make sure it’s these. Europeans do not drink water like Americans, and bubblers and hydration stations are hard to come by. Even when you can manage to find water, it is almost NEVER cold. Stick these in your fridge and fill up your reusable water bottle before you embark on the adventures of the day.
Pro tip: There is a Franprix on Avenue de la Bourdonnais, right next to the Eiffel Tower if you’re looking to have an impromptu picnic with cheese and wine. Forgot a wine bottle opener? Don’t worry, the other tourists in the area will be happy to open your bottle for you. The best part: finding this little convenient store led me to finding my favorite (and in my opinion, the best) view of the Tower. Take my word for it and you’ll see what I mean :-)
Musée d’Orsay
Everyone knows the Louvre, but have you ever heard of Musée d’Orsay? Of course, the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and the other works of art in the Louvre are must-sees. However, I found Musée d’Orsay to be much less overwhelming and easier to navigate. Data supports this: it would take you 200 (yes, two hundred) days to see every piece of art in the Louvre (if you spent 30 seconds at each one). Musée d’Orsay contains an astounding collection of impressionist paintings, those of Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. These were my personal favorite and I would HIGHLY recommend checking them out. After all, it’s right across the street from the Louvre!
Pro tip: If you are studying abroad in the EU, you have free entry to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Don’t waste your money on a ticket.
Maison Ladurée
Ladurée is a little French macaron chain, inspired by Marie Antoinette. If you do anything in Paris, please order a hot chocolate from Ladurée. It is phenomenal, so phenomenal that our chocolate tour guide in Switzerland – the chocolate capital of the world – insisted that we try it. Since then, my life has forever changed. To be frank, any hot chocolate you order in France will be worlds above most American hot chocolates, but I’ve been here for three months and Ladurée remains at the top of my list.
Sainte-Chapelle
It wasn’t until my fourth visit to Paris that I visited Sainte-Chapelle, and shame on me! A short walk from Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle was built during the reign of Louis IX and now stands as part of the Palais de Justice. Over 1,000 biblical stories are depicted on the stained glass windows. Visiting Sainte-Chapelle is a genuine religious experience. You cannot miss it.
Pro tip: Don’t look up pictures of Sainte-Chapelle before you go to add an element of surprise.
Montmartre
My favorite little neighborhood in Paris. About 300 steps to reach the top, visiting Montmartre is no small feat. However, experiencing the stunning Sacre-Cœur Basilica, putting a love lock on the fence, and taking in the beautiful panoramic views of Paris makes the burning thighs worth it. Walk a little further behind the Sacre-Cœur and you will find a small square, full of artists’ exhibitions and adorable restaurants (though I wouldn’t recommend eating in Montmartre – it’s pricey). The first time I visited Montmartre, my friend ran into the same man who drew her caricature five years prior. It was adorable. As if it couldn’t get any better already, you can always expect to hear a number of musicians playing Edith Piaf here. Absolutely dreamy.
Pickpocketing
I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, I sure have. Be careful: use a cross-body bag, don’t carry around wads of cash or important documents, avoid putting your phone in any pockets, and simply pay attention to your surroundings. I certainly would not consider Paris the safest of places, but if you use good judgment, stay with friends, and avoid interactions with strangers, you will be all set.