Navigating your way through one of the biggest and greatest cities of Europe
The number one thing I say to people who are thinking of going to France for the first time is, where are you going and for how long? Really, it doesn't matter how long you're going for - make sure you have Paris on your list, and definitely think about spending some quality time there.
I don’t really even know where to start when I talk about going to Paris. It is truly a very special place. I fell in love with the city the first time I went there when I was eighteen years old.
I was young and it was a chance to explore a city far from anything I had ever seen and act like an adult. Since going there for the first time, I have been back 6 times. Some people are not lucky enough to go there one time, and here I am talking about how I have been there 7 times. Some trips have been quick and other have been for a number of days.
When people ask me why I love it so much, I tell them it’s very hard to explain. Maybe it’s the smells or the energy. It could be the history and the beauty and the ever changing opportunities of the city. It is really something that will be seen differently by everyone and something you need to experience for yourself
If this is your first time going to Paris and maybe your first time going to France, I’m going to give you 5 quick suggestions that might make going through all the information easier.
1. Get some literature from the library or from the internet and look up what you actually want to see. I am the type of person that enjoys relaxed travel, but I also always have a plan of a few things and places I would love to visit.
2. If you are planning on seeing any monuments or museums, buy your tickets beforehand to avoid lines. You should also check that the time of year you are going doesn’t happen to coincide with a national holiday or possible restoration. I also suggest that if you have already gone to a museum already and you are returning to the city for another visit, you may want to check out places you have already been to. There may be new exhibitions or changes that may not have been there the first time you had visited - Paris is constantly evolving! I have been to the Louvre twice already and there is no possible way I have seen everything there is to see in the building.
3. If you are planning a special dining experience, do some research and make a reservation before going. Some restaurants that are popular will naturally have a wait time to get a reservation. Some Michelin starred restaurants take reservations months in advance because of the demand. Also depending on the time of the year (during the summer months), they may be closed for their vacation.
4. Book your accommodation with attention to the location. Paris is huge and there are probably thousands of places to stay, ranging from prices and amenities. Try to look for a place with a good walking score, since most of the time you will be walking, taking the metro, a taxi or maybe even a bike. The better the walking score, the more the restaurants and things to do that will be close to your accommodation and the less you have to waste time getting there. I suggest finding an Airbnb or apartment if you are planning on staying 5 days or more. That way you can go to the market and maybe cook something when you return from your outings (it’s also a bit easier on your wallet than a long stay at a hotel).
5. Be as open minded as you can be. The French are very proud people with a very long history. Paris is a city with millions of people and tourists are constantly arriving daily to see their city. Forgive them sometimes when they come off slightly tired or don’t seem like they want to help. Just be a lovely traveler, thank them for their help and it will go a long way.
I encourage you to eat something new and drink something you have never tried. As North Americans we don’t have access to the ingredients that built their everyday cuisine. Enjoy what people are making and take the effort to tell other people when you come home about the interesting and delicious things you tried
If you have any questions about Paris or France, don’t be shy to send me an email and ask. I will be posting about other areas that I have visited and quick day trips from Paris and more about the city itself.
Enjoy the city of love
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