Ten Pro Tips for Your Upcoming Paris Trip

 
 

 

 
I am writing this so that more people benefit from the extensive research I did before visiting Paris and from my experiences there. These little things I am listing below will help you save time and money and experience the real, “offbeat” Paris.  Disclaimer: I and my wife were travelling with our 8 month old daughter, so if you are looking for party tips, you are on the wrong page.

Tip # Zero: Start every conversion with a Parisian with Bonjour Monsieur/Madame, even if that’s all the French you can manage. Do a social experiment. On one day, start all your conversations with Goodmorning. The next day, start all of them with Bonjour. Trust me, you will be blown by the difference it elicits in their friendliness towards you. The French are very proud of their culture and language and of course rightly so. They detest the assumption that they should be speaking English as much as they appreciate a foreigner making an effort to speak their tongue.

    
      Tip # 1: Stay at an Airbnb – Give the hotels a miss and stay with some locals by renting out a part of their apartment. It will definitely be way cheaper but that’s not even the biggest reason to be doing it. It will give you a glimpse into Parisian life that a hotel just can’t. We stayed with a young live-in couple. Staying in their home and having conversations with them taught us so much about the Parisian way of life. There will be Airbnbs for every budget, just make sure you go for one which has received good reviews from former guests. Oh, and also look out for a room on a lower floor or a building with an elevator. Don’t assume that buildings which are 6 floors high will have elevators. Its surprisingly rare.  
    
      Tip # 2: Buy your dinner from the supermarket – Especially if you are staying in an Airbnb and have access to the kitchen. A ready to cook pizza at a supermarket will cost 3-4 Euros, whereas the same Pizza served at an average restaurant would set you back by upwards of 12-15 Euros. All you have to do is grill it in the microwave! Same applies to wines and beers. Buying your stuff from the supermarket will cost you about a third of what a standard restaurant will charge. And trust me, you can still experience local cuisine; even the supermarket will spoil you for choices. 
    
      Tip # 3: Splurge on Lunch – Go for the two/three course formula menus at lunch. Lunch service at the same restaurant will be significantly cheaper than dinner. Also, in French restaurants it is mandatory so serve a bottle of tap water with food if the patron asks for it. And the tap water is absolutely safe. So just say “un carafe d’eau” and save loads on buying mineral water.
    
      Tip # 4: DON’T get the Paris Pass – The must see attractions covered in the pass –Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame tower, Arc de Triomphe can be covered separately for 46 Euros  whereas a two day Paris Pass will cost you E135 (prices as on August 2017). Though the Paris pass also covers your transport, it’s still not worth the money. A carnet of 10 tickets costs 19 Euros. The tickets are valid for one metro/bus ride reach, irrespective of the distance. The only thing that the Paris pass offers is convenience – you can buy it and forget about having to buy a ticket at pretty much any attraction or form of transport. But the convenience comes at a substantial cost.
 

A better bet might the museum pass if museums are your thing. The 4 day pass costs E62 is and is well worth it if you use it to see the four must sees I listed above and a few more museums in addition. It also covers entry to the Palace of Versailles which is a very popular day trip from Paris. A big advantage of having the pass is the queue cutter feature. You get direct entry to the attractions without having to wait in the tedious queue. This is a godsend if you are visiting in the peak season. 



Tip # 5Visit a Flea market – We made an impromptu trip to one of them. We just spotted one when we were on a bus headed somewhere else. Me and my wife just gave each other a look and got down at the next step and walked back to this amazing place. You can actually read up and plan a visit to one that is most conveniently located for you. Each of these flea markets is only open on one or two particular days in a week so do work your itinerary around that. You can get brand name designer wear at throwaway prices, old books and LPs, family heirlooms and a lot of bizarre nicknacks.   


Tip # 6: Visit a local produce market – We visited Marche Bastille. I promise you will have a lovely time watching locals shopping for their daily needs from colourful carts selling everything from locally grown vegetables to cold cuts, fish, cheeses and what not. A variety of lipsmacking Turkish and Lebanese snacks were also on offer. The profusion of colours may tempt you to bring out your camera, but do ask for permission before clicking the stalls. The stalls are mostly run by immigrants and I guess not all of them have their papers in order.  

Tip # 7: Take a walk down Promenade Plantee – The Promenade Plantee is a park built on top of a disused railway line. It begins just near the Bastille Opera house and continues for almost 5kms. The landscape of the park changes as you walk along as do the buildings underneath. It offers a very different perspective on the city and you see things from an angle you wouldn’t get to otherwise.

 

 


Tip # 8 : Plan your Louvre visit very well – Let’s start with when to visit. If you are spending a Wednesday or a Friday evening in Paris, save one of those for your Louvre trip. The museum is open till 10pm on these nights, as against 6pm on other evening. Staying back till the end on one of the late opening nights is your best bet at enjoying the Louvre with least company. We got to spend a lot of time admiring Mona from up close without being shoved away when we visited on a Wednesday evening in May.

Don’t enter through the pyramid entrance and spend your time cursing the queue. Enter through the entrance called the Le Carrousel de Louvre. It’s an entrance to a shopping strip, accessible from Rue Rivoli, that leads up to the Louvre. EXIT the Louvre from the famed pyramid entrance to watch it and click it when it’s lit up in full glory in the evening. 



Tip # 9 : Skip climbing the Eiffel Tower – I know this is going to get me dirty looks and rolling eyeballs. But let me explain. If you want to climb the Eiffel Tower for the views, go to Montparnesse tower instead. There are no queues. There is an elevator that takes you to the top. It costs less. But the biggest reason is that the views are better. The view FROM the Eiffel Tower doesn’t have the Eiffel Tower in it. This does J. The best way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower is to get to a vantage point at sunset when there is a dazzling display of lights for 5 minutes and then the tower stays lit. We had the most romantic moment taking in the lights from the Pont de l’Alma (incidentally also the spot where Princess Diana crashed to her death).   

    

      Tip # 10: Be very careful of theft – Unfortunately, this bit is not just research but experience. In tourist attractions, it is very common for touristy looking young fellows to smile and request you to click a picture of them. If you leave your valuables unattended even for seconds, it’s enough for their accomplice to swoop in and run away with your valuables. Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that you act like a jerk and don’t offer to click photos for someone. But do remain very careful when you are doing that. We fell for this trick on our last day in Paris at Montmarte, in front of Sacre Cour and got our DSLR stolen. This was despite knowing that Montmarte is notorious for pickpockets. Another common trick is for someone to pretend to drop and scatter their change and when the saint in you leans down to help this distressed person, you’ll be relieved of much more than your change.


Paris is a fantastic city where every building is a landmark and every street corner is lined with terrific cafés and boulangeries. It is a city everyone dreams of visiting and everyone with the means must experience at least once. I hope this post makes it a tad easier for you on your dream trip.    

105 Replies to “Ten Pro Tips for Your Upcoming Paris Trip”

  1. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

  2. Very nice info and right to the point. I don’t know if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thx 🙂

  3. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  4. obviously like your website but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to inform the truth then again I?¦ll surely come again again.

  5. Hi there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!

  6. Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve take note your stuff previous to and you’re simply extremely fantastic. I really like what you’ve got here, certainly like what you’re stating and the best way wherein you say it. You make it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to stay it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.

  7. Needed to compose you the little observation to finally thank you very much yet again regarding the gorgeous tricks you have featured above. It has been quite tremendously generous of people like you to provide publicly what most of us would have made available for an electronic book to earn some dough on their own, notably given that you could have done it if you ever considered necessary. The ideas also acted as the easy way to recognize that other individuals have a similar desire much like my very own to know the truth much more with regards to this condition. Certainly there are numerous more pleasant moments in the future for those who see your blog.

  8. Terrific work! That is the kind of information that are meant to be shared across the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this submit higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)

  9. I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?

  10. Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get one thing done.

  11. I have been surfing online more than three hours these days, but I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It’s pretty value sufficient for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the net might be much more useful than ever before. “A winner never whines.” by Paul Brown.

  12. Very good written article. It will be beneficial to anyone who usess it, including myself. Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts.

  13. You really make it appear so easy with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be actually one thing which I think I’d never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely large for me. I am looking ahead to your subsequent post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  14. You have mentioned very interesting details! ps nice internet site. “‘We’re always lucky,’ I said and like a fool I did not knock on wood.” by Ernest Hemingway.

  15. Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and in no way seem to get one thing done.

  16. I do trust all the concepts you have offered on your post. They are really convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too short for novices. May just you please extend them a bit from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

  17. Together with every thing that seems to be developing inside this area, a significant percentage of points of view are generally quite radical. Nevertheless, I beg your pardon, because I can not give credence to your entire idea, all be it refreshing none the less. It seems to everybody that your commentary are generally not completely rationalized and in simple fact you are yourself not even completely convinced of the point. In any case I did take pleasure in reading through it.

  18. It¦s really a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  19. Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal site.

  20. Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

  21. Thank you for another wonderful post. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info.

  22. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

  23. Terrific paintings! This is the type of info that should be shared across the internet. Shame on Google for no longer positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)

  24. Thanks for any other excellent post. Where else may anybody get that type of info in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

  25. What does the Lottery Defeater Software offer? The Lottery Defeater Software is a unique predictive tool crafted to empower individuals seeking to boost their chances of winning the lottery.

  26. What is ProvaDent? ProvaDent is a cutting-edge dental support supplement crafted by Adem Naturals. It integrates the BioFresh™ Clean Complex and a sophisticated oral probiotic complex to rejuvenate the oral microbiome.

  27. What is Lottery Defeater Software? Lottery Defeater Software is a plug-and-play Lottery Winning Software that is fully automated. Kenneth created the Lottery Defeater software. Every time someone plays the lottery, it increases their odds of winning by around 98.

  28. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  29. It?¦s really a cool and useful piece of info. I am glad that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  30. Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?

  31. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this web site. I’m hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing skills has inspired me to get my own website now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  32. You actually make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I to find this topic to be really one thing that I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely broad for me. I am having a look forward on your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  33. I beloved up to you’ll obtain carried out right here. The cartoon is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nevertheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be turning in the following. unwell certainly come more previously once more since precisely the same nearly a lot frequently within case you shield this increase.

  34. What i do not realize is in reality how you are no longer actually much more neatly-appreciated than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You already know thus significantly on the subject of this topic, made me individually consider it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs great. Always take care of it up!

  35. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have truly loved browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

  36. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

  37. Hi! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Thank you!

  38. I am extremely impressed along with your writing skills as neatly as with the structure on your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self? Either way stay up the excellent quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a nice blog like this one today..

  39. Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design. “Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.

  40. Thank you for another fantastic article. Where else could anyone get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

  41. I will right away grab your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  42. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  43. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this website and give it a glance on a constant basis.

  44. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  45. I simply couldn’t go away your site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be again continuously to investigate cross-check new posts

  46. After study a number of of the weblog posts on your web site now, and I actually like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls try my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  47. Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!

  48. whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of people are searching around for this information, you can aid them greatly.

  49. You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart. “No man should marry until he has studied anatomy and dissected at least one woman.” by Honore’ de Balzac.

  50. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  51. I haven’t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  52. That is the precise blog for anyone who needs to find out about this topic. You notice so much its virtually onerous to argue with you (not that I truly would want…HaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply great!

  53. With everything which appears to be developing within this particular subject material, many of your viewpoints are generally rather exciting. However, I beg your pardon, but I can not subscribe to your entire plan, all be it stimulating none the less. It seems to everyone that your remarks are generally not entirely validated and in simple fact you are yourself not even entirely confident of your point. In any case I did enjoy reading through it.

  54. I feel that is among the so much significant info for me. And i am satisfied studying your article. But should commentary on few normal issues, The web site taste is great, the articles is in reality excellent : D. Excellent activity, cheers

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *