Mini Guide to Paris — Rebecca Dale

Paris is a place I always find myself going back to every year. I have always been a huge francophile, I minored in French in college and regret not studying abroad. I finally visited back in 2012 and it definitely surpassed my expectations. Since then I have been back to Paris almost every year. I know the city pretty well, but I am no expert. I do a lot of research though and I try to really immerse myself in trying to pretend I am a Parisian. Here are just few tips I have learned after visiting Paris whether it is your first time or 10th time.

Know before you go:

Learn how to speak a little french! Parisians are actually very polite people (even though it is not their reputation.) They are always saying Bonjour, Merci, Bonne Journee, etc. Be warned though they might start speaking to you in full French and then you will be lost. Just apologize “ Je Suis Desole, Je ne parle pas Francaise. ( I am sorry, I do not speak French). Most of the time though, the minute you say Bonjour they will know you are not French and begin in English. You will encounter most likely some not so friendly people, but it is a big city and that is bound to happen. The French are not as “perky” as Americans are.

Try to walk everywhere: Paris is a place that is best seen on foot. The metro can be a little confusing, but if you need to get somewhere there are stops virtually everywhere. I do not recommend Taxis, the drivers have a reputation of being rude and I have experienced that. Uber is actually amazing here. Try to get some WiFi near a hotel to catch one.

There is no tipping in Paris. The servers get paid salaries so no need to tip! If service is above and beyond it is a nice gesture to sometimes leave a euro or two.

Even though I love Paris, it is not like it is in the movies, although no place really is. Sometimes tourists have an idea in their mind about somewhere and all of these expectations and they don’t line up with reality. Paris is a big city like anywhere else and there can be times of chaos and craziness. In order to really get to know the city you have to let go of expectation, then you will be wowed.

When to visit

Rain or shine, hot or cold, Paris is beautiful year round. Here are a few tips for each season.

Winter: If you go in winter try and go during the holidays, it is beautiful and festive. It is also not as cold as January or February, try and avoid that time. If you do go in late winter, hope that it snows one day. You get to see Paris that many people do not get to see I have not been during a snow storm but I have seen the incredible photos and I hope to be lucky one day to see it.

Spring: Spring is just lovely in Paris. The weather is usually very nice, still a bit cold in early March but more sunny days. In late March -May is the time to see the cherry blossoms. The best places to see them are by Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower and near Notre Dame.

Fall: This is my FAVORITE time to be in Paris. I also just think that every city is perfect in the fall, but especially Paris. The weather is perfect, The leaves are changing but there are also flowers and greenery everywhere. The city is bustling but not super busy, it is great!

Summer- Summer is hit or miss in paris. You might catch it on a very nice week, but this is my least favorite time to come here. In late summer everything closes down as the Parisians go on vacation. It is also just SO hot and they do not have good air conditioning. If you go try and go in early June or July, avoid August.

All in all, anytime is a great time to come!

What to Wear

It took me doing a lot of research to really understand how Parisians dress. The first time i came to Paris I wore a beret ( this is a no-no if you don’t want to look like a tourist). Parisians just have this effortless chic style that is actually pretty simple. They keep things minimal most of the time and invest in quality items of clothing.

For Fall/Winter dressing: Layering is very important so it is helpful to keep things simple. Keep colors pretty neutral as well like black, white, grey and beige. I recommend a nice oversized coat, turtlenecks, jeans, a pair of black slacks, a scarf, and shoes you can of course walk in- booties or sneakers.

For Spring/Summer Dressing- Jeans and a T-shirt, white blouse, and ballet flats are a classic. Throw on a short jacket or trench coat on. Pair a cute dress with some strappy sandals or sneakers. It is okay to add a bit of bright color to Spring and Summer outfits.

As always, throw on a scarf and some cute sunglasses and you are good to go!

The Big Attractions

The Eiffel Tower is of course a must see while in Paris. The first thing I did during my very first trip to Paris was see the Eiffel Tower. I was in awe of how big it actually is. I am still in awe every time I see it. I still can’t decide if I like it better during the day or at night.

The first time I was here I went up the tower to the half way point (not the top because I am a chicken) I also think there are better views from further down. I think if it is your first time here, why not check it off the list? I would not do it again, there are much better views in Paris (especially views with no lines and are free)

Speaking of Eiffel Tower Views, here are my favorites:

Trocadero: This view is a classic. You can see the tower head on in all of it’s glory. I recommend coming during sunrise ( not sunset it is too crowded). It is also beautiful when it is raining because you get that reflection on the floor.

Arc Du Triomphe: This is probably the best vantage point in Paris. You have to walk up the spiral staircase but it is really fun, and once you get to the top you get sweeping views of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in sight.

Rue de l’Universite- A nice vantage point, very popular spot on Instagram to take a photo.

Printemps Rooftop- A favorite spot of mine, go all the way to the top floor and you will get a beautiful view on the terrace for free. It is usually not busy at all and Printemps is such a fun store.

Avoid Montparnasse Tower, the views are great but it is tourist central! For sunset I went up there and could barely see through all the selfie sticks.

Avenue de Camoens: It is a bit out of the way, but located in the very quiet 16th arrondissement. You get the beautiful tower surrounded by gorgeous buildings and a cobblestone street.

On Rue St. Dominique: This whole street has a beautiful view of the tower in between buildings, and also restaurants around it. It has a more bustling kind of feel.

In a hotel room: This one obviously costs the most money but it is worth it spending the extra money to wake up and go to sleep to the views. You feel as if the tower if yours alone.

The small ones ( you can hit a few of these in a day)

Musee Rodin: I would categorize this museum as being medium in size, but it is gorgeous. It is housed in a huge mansion with beautiful surrounding gardens. His work is not only inside but of course outside. His famous statue “The Thinker” is in a rose garden. I would leave more time for this museum as it is bigger than the ones below.

Musee Jaquement Andre: Another gorgeous small museum with another beautiful staircase. They also have great small collections there as well.

Musee Gustav Moreau: A boutique museum located near Pigalle. You probably recognize the famous staircase on Instagram. The staircase is actually quite small but beautiful. It leads up to a room full of paintings.

Musee Yves Saint Laurent: If you are a fan of designer fashion then I high recommend this small museum.

Musee de Vin- Yes a wine museum! We stumbled upon this hidden gem on our last trip to Paris. It is located in such a beautiful area and one of Paris’s best kept secrets I think. For about $13 Euro you get entrance into the museum and an amazing glass of wine. The people are also SO nice there.

Where to Stay

There are really endless amount of awesome places to stay in Paris. I have stayed in 6 very different kinds of establishments here so I can at least say that I can speak for every budget. The first time I came to Paris was on a Contiki Tour( I was only 23 and on a budget). I stayed at the Ibis hotel very far away from the city. Let’s just say it was not good. After the tour ended I decided to stay in Paris a few more days by myself in a hostel near Canal Saint Martin. While the area was really cool, the hostel was pretty terrible. It smelled like sewer and there was a person crying the whole night on my bottom bunk. Yet these experiences still did not ruin my time here in Paris.

The next time I came to Paris I decided to do an AirBnB. It was cheaper than a hotel especially because I stayed there for an entire week. This AirBnB was located right next to Montmarte in Pigalle. I actually really had a great time staying here. I shared an apartment with the owners who gave me their bedroom. They were incredibly nice and hospitable, and the location was great. That being said I am not a huge fan of Air BnB’s and would not do one again, I just love hotels!

The next few times in Paris I stayed at 3 gorgeous luxury boutique hotels. My favorite was this past trip I took in December at Le Dokhan. My husband and I had the Eiffel Suite, and it was unforgettable.

All in all if you can, definitely stay in a nice hotel here, it is worth the splurge!

The Museums

Paris has some of the best museums in the world that house the greatest works of art. From big to small, they are all fantastic. Here are my favorites.

The big ones: ( you probably want to just do one in a day)

The Louvre: This is the most famous museum in the world, and for good reason! When you arrive, in order to not wait in line forever there is an underpass near the arc where you can enter from. You will actually get to see the underside of the pyramid from here. If you want to see the Mona Lisa, do it but be aware that you and about 1,000 other tourists with selfie sticks will be as there as well. The first time I saw it, I went, ok cool and then walked away. There is so much more to this museum. I recommend checking out the Napoleon rooms and the Greek/Roman atrium.

Musee D’Orsay- This is probably the best museum in Paris ( IMO) It is not as big as the Louvre, but has just the right amount of artwork. The building itself is also housed in an old train station so it is just breathtaking. Be sure to check out the famous clock while you are there.

The Grand Palais- The Grand Palais showcases many different artists and always has new exhibitions going on. They also have an ice skating rink in the winter.

Things to do

Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and museums there is so much to do in Paris. Here is a short list of the best things to do.

Eat outside at a Brasserie

Stroll on the Seine ( The River) and if you have time visit a market and pick up some items for a picnic on the water!

Drink Wine, and a lot of it!

Admire Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit the Opera Garnier, this is a must do!

Stroll through the many parks and courtyards

Visit a book store or book stand on the river.

Go up to Montmartre- The old Bohemian village near Pigalle. It sits on top of Paris and at the very top is the famous Sacre Couer Basillica with sweeping views of Paris.

Stop into a local pharmacy or grocery store, you will find such interesting things!

Try Mcdonald’s or fast food in Paris- No really! I honestly really wanted to try it and it was actually really good!

Visit a food hall- All around Paris you will stumble upon big indoor markets that have a ton of kiosks with all sorts of food and gifts.

Go Shopping- Paris has the best shopping of course. Try to visit local boutiques instead of big chains.

Get lost in an indoor arcade- No not for games! They are covered passageways that have such interesting little shops and cafes.

Where to Eat

There are way too many amazing places to eat in Paris, I could barely list them. Knowing where to go is actually very difficult, and best finding out by locals or wandering around, not YELP.

Another wonderful thing is that no matter the weather, you will ALWAYS see Parisians eating outside. Don’t feel weird about eating outside in the winter. Many restaurants have heat lamps too.

Here is a quick guide of where and what to eat in Paris:

Where to Eat:

Brasserie: A classic Parisian place to eat. You will most likely see one of these or a few on every single corner of Paris. They are basically the Starbucks of Paris. That being that they are what makes Paris what it is. I recommend looking up the best ones that are near your hotel.

L’Atelier Joel Robuchon- Every time we are in Paris we come here. It is some of the best food in the world and always worth the price. They also have the best mashed potatoes in the world!

What to Eat

There are a number of dishes you must have when you are in Paris. Whenever we come we always want to check all of these off but sometimes we just do not have the time or the room in our stomachs.

Macarons- The quintessential French sandwich cookie!

Croissant- The most famous French breakfast pastry.

Baguette- The best on the go food usually served with butter, ham, and cheese.

Fromage- Cheese, literally eat all the cheese you can! A lot of it is actually against the law to be served in the US because of pasteurization codes but it is perfectly safe to eat.

Crepe- A thin french pancake with a sweet or savory filling.

Frites- French fries ( do not ask for ketchup they are usually served with mayonnaise here)

Croque Madam or Monsieur- Basically bread with melted ham and cheese usually served with fries.

Escargot- Snails are a delicacy here and they are amazing, you won’t even know you are eating them.