What to Know About Paris

What to Know About Paris
📍 Palais Garnier, Paris

Blazer || Shirt || Jeans || Ballet Flats (Similar) || Similar Handbag || Earrings

Bonjour de Paris! After an unintentional break away from social media and blogging, I’m so happy to be back after a long trip to Paris and Provence. The perfect recipe for a stellar vacation was equal parts exploration and relaxation. I kept thinking it felt like a second honeymoon, and I’m so thankful for our time abroad. I’ll be sharing all of the details from our trip soon, but first, I wanted to talk about the preconceived notions of traveling to France. You may have heard some negative comments from loved ones who have traveled to the ‘City of Lights.’ If you’re toying with the idea of traveling to Paris yourself, I wanted to help squelch some of those misconceptions. Here’s what to know about Paris.

Are Parisians really that rude?

No. This comment is probably the number one feedback from traveling Americans. Maybe it’s just because of luck, but I’ve never really encountered the rude Parisian. The biggest thing to remember is that Paris is a bustling city. Like in any city, locals don’t have time to cater to tourists. From a restaurant standpoint, it’s critical to have a few French phrases in your pocket to greet and ask for a table. This little act truly goes a long way.

Is Paris a safe city?

Yes, but with reason. Again, Paris is a big city with different levels of ‘safety’ in particular neighborhoods. On this trip, David and I took the crowded metro, had late night walks back to our hotel, and strolled through more touristy parts of town. There was never a point where I felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Keep in mind that I was never alone and am very used to city living. It’s most important to trust your instinct and know that Ubers are readily available in the city for you to get to your next destination.

Is French food even worth it?

A resounding yes! I have a deep love for food, and it was one of my top reasons for wanting to visit Paris in the first place. The ingredients are simple, the flavors are awe-inspiring, and the meals are so memorable. I genuinely don’t think we had a bad meal once while we were in France. There’s your standard French fare, think escargot and bœuf bourguignon, but don’t forget to try different cuisines that have made their place in French culture, like Vietnamese and Lebanese.

Is speaking French essential?

No, but make an effort. The vast majority of Parisians will speak English to varying degrees. At hotels, boutiques, and restaurants in particular, you’ll be less likely to have a language barrier. However, as a guest in their country I think the least you can do is learn a few key phrases to help bridge the gap.

• Parlez vous anglais? Do you speak English?
• S’il vous plaît. Please.
•  L’addition, s’il vous plaît. The bill, please.
• Bonjour (day) and Bonsoir (evening): Hello.
• Merci. Thank you.
• Au revoir. Goodbye. 
• Ou sont les toilettes? Where are the toilets? 
• Excusez-moi. Excuse me. 

Is the fashion like Emily in Paris?

No. From my point of view, most of the people who were dressing like Emily were American tourists looking for an Instagram moment I know we really want to believe that French fashion is all bright colors and designer labels, but that’s just not typically the case. Parisian style is undoubtedly effortless and chic, but it’s also extremely practical. Imagine staples with a twist and comfortable sneakers to get around the streets of Paris.

Are the museums touristy?

Yes, but that’s the fun! I recently read that there’s a huge difference between a spot being touristy and a tourist trap. There’s no shame in going somewhere that is popular amongst tourists. The top art museums in Paris host some of the most precious pieces of art in the world, but you won’t always see local Parisians there. Bar Hemingway is a favorite amongst Americans, but it’s a must-visit for any literature lover. When visiting a new city, let yourself be a tourist and have fun finding local favorites along the way. 

Is Paris too big to enjoy fully?

Not with a Metro card! It’s easy to underestimate how spread out the city of Paris is. It could take you hours to walk from one site to the next. My first piece of advice? Wear your most comfortable pair of sneakers. I highly recommend Vejas sneakers. The second piece of advice? Get from Point A to Point B via the Metro. It’s clean, efficient, and surprisingly easy to navigate. It saved us so much time as we traveled around the city and is cheaper than Uber.

Is a trip to Paris worth it?

Absolutely, 100%. Paris has something to offer every single visitor. Whether your focus is shopping, art, dining, or history, there’s so much to uncover. Often, all of those mediums are infused together. It should be every traveler’s bucket list. I promise you, especially if you come with an open mind, that you’ll be sure to fall in love with this incredibly romantic city.

Paris, I absolutely love you! I can’t wait to keep sharing my travels and adventures. If you have any questions about French travel, I’m more than happy to answer. If I can convince anyone to finally take the plunge and book your trip, than I consider my posts to be a success!

Love from Paris,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.