Dancing at the top of every traveller’s bucket list gleams the City of Lights, a full-out Parisian excursion to the very definition of cityscape wanderlust. Paris is not an easy task to take on, and there are some things to keep in mind before bashing into this historical city in full force.
The word culture comes from France, and it comes as no shock the Parisians consider Paris to be the very epitome of the word. Here is my list of things that you need to know to help you make your time in one of my favorite cities much more enjoyable than walking in blind.
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PARIS TIPS: DRESS LIKE YOU’RE HAVING DINNER WITH YOUR BOSS
Mostly modest but tasteful- Parisians are never sloppy. From trendy to severe, Parisian fashion knows no bounds (duh), but looking unpresentable is definitely not acceptable. Scarves are worn most of the year -even in summer- so consider throwing a few in your bag. They make a great day-to-night transition and can add a little extra flare to any outfit. Those living in Paris tend not to be flamboyant, and muted colors, along with black and gray, are a norm. Always check to see what the dress code is where you are heading to dinner, and remember that dressing up is always better than dressing down.
PARIS TIPS: KEEP IT COOL
From what the media shows us, the folks living in Paris are subtle and relatively quiet. Considering the fact they believe etiquette was born in Paris and is the epicenter, public behavior should not be brash or abrasive. Low voices and proper manners will get you further than being rude (shocker!). Don’t assume just because someone is a Parisian, they are going to be rude, just as Parisians shouldn’t assume Americans are ignorant. Let’s fight the stereotypes of people and respect the cultural norms by keeping our voices down.
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PARIS TIPS: NOT EVERYONE SPEAKS ENGLISH
Okay, so I feel like this one is self-explanatory, but apparently, it’s not. The amount of people who consistently tell me how shocked they are when no one speaks English while they are abroad is pretty astounding. Well, friends, I am here to tell you the locals are just as shocked you don’t speak their language either. Look at it this way, when tourists come to America, do you guess at what country they are from and attempt to greet them in their native language, or do you say hello? You most likely say hello unless you live in Miami. In Paris, it’s considered rude to assume everyone speaks English, and an easy “Parlez-vous anglais?” (I looked that one up!) It goes a long way. Greetings with Bonjour and a merci after receiving change is always appreciated. A little bit of effort makes life a lot easier in the long run.
GETTING AROUND
As I said in my post about things, I, unfortunately, had to learn while IN Paris, instead of before, follow the crosswalks but don’t follow the lights. Parisians j-walk (usually within the crosswalks), but I don’t believe I ever saw a single person follow the light that blinks when to go or stop.
Moreover, while Paris has a small area compared to most major US cities, you will still want to buy a metro card or a booklet or two of tickets, depending on how long you are staying. Taxis are hard to come by, and the metro is a guaranteed ride anywhere in town. Don’t forget to download the Paris Metro App to map out your route!!
PARIS TIPS: TIME TO WINE AND DINE
Like in many European countries dinner is late and takes anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours. You can range from a 6-course meal to just drinks and an entree, but expect to sit down and enjoy yourself. Unless you’re in a touristy area (but even then), count on places closing around 2:30 or 3 after lunch. Most restaurants won’t reopen for dinner until 7 or 7:30 and will stay open until midnight. Plan your day accordingly and make sure to eat while there are places available, otherwise you might be stuck with a baguette from the grocery store (not really a bad alternative!).
UNFORTUNATELY, AS RABBIE BURNS ONCE WROTE, EVEN THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY. THAT IS WHY WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ALL EVENTUALITIES. OUR PARTNER, TRAVEL INSURED, IS OUR PREFERRED VENDOR FOR OUR CLIENT AND PERSONAL TRAVELS.
