Also forgot to mention, keep a photocopy of your passport on you but leave the real one at your Airbnb. Don’t forget to let your bank and credit card companies know you’re traveling.
It’s smart to keep a 15-20 euro in your pocket so you don’t have to take out your entire wallet on the street when buying something on the street. Pickpockets are everywhere, it’s crazy how many more Europe has than we do.
I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in France over the years (lived for a year in Angers during high school, visited many times throughout childhood and as an adult). You will love Paris! I recommend splurging on at least one fine dining meal. Snails (escargot) taste like mushrooms. Restaurants close between lunch and dinner so adjust accordingly.
Montmartre is a cool neighborhood full of artists and history and the Sacré Coeur is close by. The Louvre and Eiffel Tower are cool and a must see but be wary of little kids and gypsy schemes to make money/pickpocket. A common scam is women pretending to be deaf and then asking you to sign a clipboard and donate for a fake charity.
There are a lot of people selling keychains, magnets, scarves etc. under the Eiffel Tower and they’re pretty good for little souvenirs to bring back for friends. If you and your SO have a flexible budget for shopping, visit the Champs Elysée. They have French brands that are way cheaper than in the US, even with exchange rate (think Longchamp bags, Chanel). If you like sports cars, check out the Peugeot car shop to check some out on display. If on a tighter budget, check out the street markets! You’ll find cool stuff everywhere.
Paris is less friendly than the rest of France but only in the same way any major city will be. A lot of the “rudeness” is just due to cultural differences and miscommunication. The majority of young people in Paris speak English but expect you to ask “parlez-vous anglais?” before switching to english with you. Also, public bathrooms are not common in stores unless you visit a huge chain like Monoprix (like Walgreens). There are many public bathrooms separate from buildings, expect to drop a euro or two for toilet paper in them. When you enter any shop, say “bonjour, ça va?” Or “salut!” (pronounced “bohn-zhur, sah vah?” and “sahl-oo”). Both mean hello and ça va means how are you. Greeting the shopworker first and with a smile is expected by patrons. Servers and bartenders are usually not tipped (it’s included in price on receipt or they get paid a livable wage already). Expect the opposite of American service. They will leave you alone as much as possible to not bother or rush you. You will need to pay for all refills of drinks. I would pack an empty water bottle or camelback before you leave and just fill it up throughout the day.
Giverny and Versailles are both a quick train ride from Paris and worth visiting if you have the time. Monet’s gardens are beautiful and the house and tour can all be done in about 2-3 hours. Versailles could be done after that for a long afternoon/evening (expect to stay for 4-5 hours). Enjoy and have an awesome time!
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Haven’t seen any of these decorations since my sophomore year of college…nobody should own these after the age of 20-22
Ordering a cocktail at the dive bar is a dick move
Sounds like it’s time to make the switch from Walmart to Publix
Also forgot to mention, keep a photocopy of your passport on you but leave the real one at your Airbnb. Don’t forget to let your bank and credit card companies know you’re traveling.
It’s smart to keep a 15-20 euro in your pocket so you don’t have to take out your entire wallet on the street when buying something on the street. Pickpockets are everywhere, it’s crazy how many more Europe has than we do.
I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in France over the years (lived for a year in Angers during high school, visited many times throughout childhood and as an adult). You will love Paris! I recommend splurging on at least one fine dining meal. Snails (escargot) taste like mushrooms. Restaurants close between lunch and dinner so adjust accordingly.
Montmartre is a cool neighborhood full of artists and history and the Sacré Coeur is close by. The Louvre and Eiffel Tower are cool and a must see but be wary of little kids and gypsy schemes to make money/pickpocket. A common scam is women pretending to be deaf and then asking you to sign a clipboard and donate for a fake charity.
There are a lot of people selling keychains, magnets, scarves etc. under the Eiffel Tower and they’re pretty good for little souvenirs to bring back for friends. If you and your SO have a flexible budget for shopping, visit the Champs Elysée. They have French brands that are way cheaper than in the US, even with exchange rate (think Longchamp bags, Chanel). If you like sports cars, check out the Peugeot car shop to check some out on display. If on a tighter budget, check out the street markets! You’ll find cool stuff everywhere.
Paris is less friendly than the rest of France but only in the same way any major city will be. A lot of the “rudeness” is just due to cultural differences and miscommunication. The majority of young people in Paris speak English but expect you to ask “parlez-vous anglais?” before switching to english with you. Also, public bathrooms are not common in stores unless you visit a huge chain like Monoprix (like Walgreens). There are many public bathrooms separate from buildings, expect to drop a euro or two for toilet paper in them. When you enter any shop, say “bonjour, ça va?” Or “salut!” (pronounced “bohn-zhur, sah vah?” and “sahl-oo”). Both mean hello and ça va means how are you. Greeting the shopworker first and with a smile is expected by patrons. Servers and bartenders are usually not tipped (it’s included in price on receipt or they get paid a livable wage already). Expect the opposite of American service. They will leave you alone as much as possible to not bother or rush you. You will need to pay for all refills of drinks. I would pack an empty water bottle or camelback before you leave and just fill it up throughout the day.
Giverny and Versailles are both a quick train ride from Paris and worth visiting if you have the time. Monet’s gardens are beautiful and the house and tour can all be done in about 2-3 hours. Versailles could be done after that for a long afternoon/evening (expect to stay for 4-5 hours). Enjoy and have an awesome time!