Paris Travel Tips
Paris has something for everyone. Art lovers, fashion fans and foodies are particularly well catered for if they holiday in Paris, while sightseers can indulge in world-famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Every few steps visitors will find something to point at or photograph in this busy city. Paris has a thrilling nightlife and the shopping is some of the best in the world.
Paris is also a great city to visit for those travelling with children. Families can enjoy the fantastic delights of Disneyland Paris and amusement parks like Parc Asterix, which are within easy reach of the city. Kids will also enjoy the many parks, forests and gardens within Paris.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
Best time to visit: April to June (early summer), mid-September to October (autumn) and finally, for the holiday festivals and shows, December and early January (winter). however Avoid Paris in peak summer because many locals leave for their annual vacation at this time leaving only crowds of tourists, it can be uncomfortably hot and humid, and prices go up.
French is the main language spoken
How to Tip in France
Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15 percent service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another two to three percent is customary if the service has been good. If service is not included then 15 percent is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10 to 15 percent of the fare, and hairdressers about 10 percent. Hotel staff generally receive about €1.50 a day and tips of about €1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped.
Facts about Paris
The Eiffel tower was originally intended to be a temporary monument which would eventually be dismantled and sold as scrap.
There are at least three replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris. The most famous of them exists on an island in the middle of the Seine and looks towards her sister statue in New York.
It’s believed that Paris only has one stop sign in the entire city.
A flat in Paris was left unoccupied under lock and key for 70 years, but the rent was paid every month; when the renter passed away, a painting by Boldini valued at more than $2 million was found inside.
You can’t kiss on train platforms. Since 1910, it has been illegal to kiss in French train stations and especially on their platforms. The ban was intended to avoid costly delays to the service and overcrowding in the stations. It’s unclear for how long the law was enforced or, indeed, what the punishment was for an illicit smooch, but there is certainly no formal penalty in place today.
Tips for visiting Paris
Find a central place to stay in Paris. It does depend on your budget but often location is more important, especially if you are only in Paris for a short time. Try pin point what you want to see in Paris and stay within a short distance to those sights.
The Eiffel tower is crowded so if you wanting a romantic and unique experience book dinner at the top of the Eiffel tower. Or else if you climb the stairs behind the Croatian Embassy you may be able to find a quiet spot overlooking the tower. The view is gorgeous and definitely worth it, especially at night!
See the city from up high from the top of the Tour Montparnasse, Arc de Triomphe, or even a carousel in Tuileries, and actually have the Eiffel Tower in your view
Parisians tend to eat dinner around 8 or 9:00 PM. Many good restaurants won’t be open until 7:30ish PM, as they close between lunchtime and dinnertime.
Don’t be afraid to use the Metro. Keep your Paris metro ticket until you’ve exited the metro system at your final destination because the police might be checking your tickets inside the station. you can buy a carnet (pack of 10 tickets) to save some money, though if you plan on staying for longer than a week, you may want to look into the longer-term passes (Navigo Pass). On many Metro lines, the doors to the train do not open unless you press a button or lift a handle.
Versailles, Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Giverny, or the Loire Valley are only a few incredible places to visit beyond Paris. However, especially if you’re visiting France during the summer the palace can get VERY busy. Therefore don’t visit these attractions without a skip the line ticket
Things to do in Paris
The roof of the Galleries Lafayette, for the remarkable view of the city, and the casual relaxed ambiance. And best of all, entrance is free of charge.
Then to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, also for fantastic views of the city
The Louvre, for the massive art collection in the museum and also the colossal masterpiece of architecture that contains the collection.
Next to the Grands Boulevards around Opera to discover and visit the hidden shopping passages and buildings overlooked by most tourists.
And last but certainly not least, to enjoy a Seine River Cruise at night and see 75 percent of all main monuments in an hour or so, lit up in all their splendour. They don’t call it The City of Lights without good reason.
If visiting the Eiffel Tower we highly recommend pre booking your tickets to avoid long queues.
Your next adventure could be in Paris
