Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Paris, France

 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Paris, France

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Everyone remembers their first trip to Paris. The perfectly manicured streets, the Haussmannian architecture, the indulgent smell of pâtisseries and freshly baked bread wafting through the air. When it comes to romance, Paris has that special je ne sais quoi that captivates millions of visitors day in and day out. And soon, you will be one of them.

Where will you stay? What will you do? What will you eat? Are you going to be mocked for wearing New Balances? Maybe. The City of Lights isn’t exactly a walk in the park -- a challenging language and intimidating Parisians can make for an overwhelming experience, especially if this is your first time in Europe.

But fear not, intrepid puddle-jumper. Paris is easy to navigate, and half the battle is figuring out how not to piss off the locals. Here’s everything you need to know before you touch down in CDG.

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The best time to visit Paris? Not August

The myth that everything in Europe shuts down in August is not a myth at all and totally happens -- especially in countries like Italy, Spain, and you guessed it, France. Most locals leave for vacation this month, and many restaurants and small businesses stay closed for weeks at a time.

But truthfully, every month in Paris has its perks -- even August, if avoiding large crowds of Parisians actually sounds appealing to you. Winters aren’t too cold, and Paris during Christmas time is straight out of a movie. And of course, Paris in the springtime is hard to beat.

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Learn at least a little of the language

No, you don’t need to be fluent in French to communicate with Parisians, but knowing the basics will make a huge difference. Download Duolingo and get ready to put on your best French accent. The big four: "bonjour" (hello), "au revoir" (goodbye), "s’il vous plait" (please), and "merci" (thank you).

Most of the locals speak pretty good English and are eager to practice. But if you immediately speak English with a French person, they will pretend to not speak English. Speak French with a French person, they will switch into English. It’s just how it works.

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Pleasantries are mandatory

Say “bonjour”  (or “bonsoir” in the evening)  and “au revoir” to every shop owner, salesman, and server every time you enter and exit a store or restaurant.

Figuring out where to stay in Paris requires a little research

All of Paris’ arrondissements (that’s Parisian for “neighborhoods”) offer plenty of hotel and Airbnb options, so it really depends on the type of ambiance you’re looking for. For quaint Parisian charm and high-end shops, look to the Saint-Germain or Marais neighborhood. For something a little more local-feeling and off-the-beaten-path, try the 19th and 20th arrondissements.

For an extremely central location, not too far from most tourist attractions, look to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th arrondissements. And for that quintessential, artsy Parisian vibe? The hilly 18th, specifically near Montmartre, is just what you’re looking for.

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Step up your clothing, but don’t worry too much

Popular opinion will have you believe that all Parisians are beautiful, svelte snobs with perfectly mussed hair and designer clothes. Which is mostly true, but France has loosened up its dress codes considerably in the last 30 years. Plenty of people wear sweatshirts and tank tops. You can too!

Try not to be... so American

Keep your voice down if you want to blend in. The French tend to mumble inaudibly.

Don’t hug

“Faire la bise” instead! An air kiss on each cheek is a standard greeting for both men and women. And eschew the handshake if you’re introduced to someone -- state your name while you faire la bise and you’re all set. It’s actually an excellent system because there’s never any confusion about if you should shake hands, pound, hug, kiss, or high five.

Prepare for intense eye contact

People will make it with you. A lot. And hold it an uncomfortably long time. Do it right back.

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The best way to get around Paris is on foot, and the city is super easy to navigate

The best way to see Paris is simply by strolling through it. It’s incredibly difficult to get lost -- there are 20 different neighborhoods (arrondissements, remember?) and every single street sign in the entire city denotes which one you’re in. The city’s arrondissements are organized in the shape of a counterclockwise snail; find the 1st arrondissement on a map and count to 20, moving your finger in a counterclockwise, circular motion.

Don’t be afraid to use the Paris métro system

The métro system in Paris is super simple and a great way to get around. Over 15 métro lines connect the city underground, linking up with five larger RER lines that head out to surrounding suburbs. Best of all, weekly métro passes will only run you about 22 euros and change. Just be sure to lift the lever on the door if you want to enter or exit -- they don’t open automatically.

The métro doesn’t operate 24 hours a day

The system shuts down at 12:40 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 1:40 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. If you get stuck, there are night buses offering public transportation during those late night/early morning hours.

Don’t even think about taking a cab to the airport

Cabs are great, but grabbing one to the airport will run you upwards of 50 bucks. Hopping the RER B will take you straight to CDG for 10 euros -- and if you buy a weekly metro pass, your airport ride is included. (Be aware, hopping the RER to Orly will run you an additional 8 euros, as you must transfer to the ‘Orlyval’ at Antony.) Grab the airport bus from Denfert-Rochereau instead, which is free with your weekly metro pass.

Always have some spare Euros in your pocket

Most supermarkets and restaurants accept credit and debit cards, but having a few spare euros in your pocket is always a good idea, especially for those unexpected pit stops to the boulangerie (bakery). For outdoor markets, both produce or antiques, cash will also be a necessary commodity.

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