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As an American, I wear sweat pants, a hoodie, a baseball cap (backwards, of course), and sneakers (what you would call tennis shoes or gym shoes). Yeah, I look weird to a European, but I'm comfy and can walk for miles a day (I'm from New York, so I'm no stranger to walking long distances through a city and taking the subway [what you call a Metro])...
I live 5 ours from Paris and spend many long weekends there and still saw not everything. The tourist spots yes. But there is so much more to see and do. When you go for coffee or a drink. Ordering at the bar is the cheapest, sitting inside at a table cost more and the most expensive is sitting on the terras outside. A small cup of can cost 8 dollars or more. Depending where you are. Go for diner outside the tourist zone. Better food, less pay.
I'd add another tip: appreciate the beauty around you, and don't get hung upon the tourist sites. When I visited the Louvre, I gave up on viewing the Mona Lisa because the crowd in that gallery was horrendous, but in the corridor outside, there were two more stunning Leonardo paintings, and I had them all to myself!
I remember seeing the Mona Lisa back in the 70s. Best picture I got was the tiny painting, inside its viewing box, and a bored guard staring at the crowds. So, yeah, you didn't miss anything.
So true! So much to see inside the Louvre that is not the Mona Lisa. Let the crowds gather around this painting, and you’ll enjoy the most amazing art pieces in a much more relaxed atmosphere
So true! So much to see inside the Louvre that is not the Mona Lisa. Let the crowds gather around this painting, and you’ll enjoy the most amazing art pieces in a much more relaxed atmosphere
I agree with the others, but if the Mona Lisa is important to you, there's a way to avoid the worst of the crowds. Buy a timed ticket for 9:00 AM, be in line by 8:30, and make a beeline for that gallery as soon as you get in. I was there last week, and was able to see Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory before the crowds got too bad. Waking up early works!
Finally, people who know what they are talking about. I would add, get up early morning, like before dawn, and walk to favorite landmarks. Nobody is there. You get the best photo shots and the best natural lighting. I do this almost everywhere I travel. Good job folks.
Well, as a European and a frequent visitor of France and Paris in particular: this was BY FAR the best travelling advice I have ever seen! And yes: a lot of this advice is applicable for the whole of Europe. Good job.
One thing I actually did right (by accident) was "Elevator UP, Stairs DOWN" at the Eiffel Tower. Going down the stairs, especially at night, is a magical experience! Same with Montmartre. Train or bus to the top at or near Sacré-Cœur, then you can walk straight down the stairs to the center of the city, or wander in a general, slightly downhill manner through the neighborhood. No climbing stairs or hills!
Thanks for this tip. I’ve been to Paris a couple of times & am itching to go back, this time with hubby. I was worried about the stair situation because he’s had hip arthritis since he was young (now 65). 🌸
Yes... and no... most parisians will tell you to come in august, because that's when almost half of the locals are away for vacation. So the subway is way less crowded. But there are also a lot of tourists and some bar and restaurants are closed for holiday.
I'll have to soften point number 24 : No, *not* everyone offering spontaneous help is suspicious. I'm a true Parisian, born and raised, and I offer to help seemingly lost or confused tourists every time I encounter some. Like most of my friends often do too. My godmother met my mom that way, I've met friends that way : by spontaneously offering help and directions. Sadly, my "alternative" looks can scare some that hastily judge without even listening (nor thinking, because if I was a scammer or thief, I certainly wouldn't sport such an alternative look). Being cautious about their belongings is one thing, but living in fear or being systematically suspicious of, and rejecting anyone offering to help is excessive and sad. That may not be the majority but many Parisians, especially those with language skills, do offer unsolicited help and directions to tourists that seem lost or confused (for free, of course). In particular when they spot tourists that are about to get scammed, so they come to the rescue, as I often do. The most frustrating part is when tourists judge on the looks and choose to follow a scammer instead of the person warning them. P.S. And when some want to tip me, I politely refuse and tell them to give it to homeless people people they stumble on instead.
We accepted assistance in areas that were leisure spots for locals and in small communities. There are some wonderful people to help you out. We rode the train and there are people who will want to talk because they want to practice their English. Keep your id, cash and cards in a safe place. I bought a pouch that attached to my bra on one trip. A little difficult to get into but a pickpocket would have no luck. Their are travel wallets you can wear around your neck or waist. And be aware that scammers and thieves are watching you. They may want to see where you put away your wallet or grab your equipment. We went to Europe several times and had no problems just a wonderful time.
Lots of heavily-laden tourists get off at my work Tube stop in London, including, sometimes, women with multiple suitcases that look like they weigh more than their owners. I always offer to help carry heavy bags up the steps, and it's almost always accepted; suspicious refusals are the exception. Yet I definitely have that big-city thing of not ordinarily striking up conversations with strangers, which I know people from chattier towns can experience as unfriendly.
When I was last in Paris with my husband, we stumbled upon the Petit Palais by accident. Don't let the diminutive fool you (it's in comparison to the massive "Grand Palais"). It houses a fantastic museum, and free restrooms. It became our home base when we needed to duck out of the cold and use restrooms.
Good to see that our recent trip was well planned! We stayed at a cute little hotel in the Latin Quarter, ate at local restaurants (favourite being Loulou because they had a lot of gluten free😊), we didn’t visit every single top tourist place, we walked kms in our comfortable shoes, and we took the Metro extensively with no problems. We also had a week in a little village near Aix-en-Provence and visited a lot of villages and vineyards In the Luberon and bought a lot of food at local markets. We love France!
That's the way to do it, you are travellers not tourists. My almost 9 year old daughter loves Paris, she has been twice, she loves the Eiffel tower at night and a cruise on the Seine and of course the macarons 😊. We always use public transport and walk a lot, we also try to learn a few words in french, a smile and politeness goes a long way 😊
This is the BEST video you can watch to prepare for your trip to Paris. We followed 90% of the recommendations and are happy we did. Our trip to Paris (last November) was a complete success due to Colleen and Antoine’s advice!
I'm a Parisian, and I must say, this is great advice you're giving, and a beautiful video too ! Why not prepare a special one for the 24 Olympic Games, because, a lot of things, including signs, arrows and directions in public transportations or in the streets can be misleading for tourists and with ten times more tourists than usual, the city may become like a gigantic Jacques Tati movie, if you see what I mean 😄
Personally, I’d avoid any city that’s hosting the olympics because it just gets too crowded. I’m in Sydney & in 2000 olympics I stayed cocooned in my local area.
Watching children run in the park and play with boats at Luxembourg Gardens on a Sunday, playing chess under one of the awnings there, eating a hotdog on a brioche bun. Watching people paint....also going into a pet store for a dog toy. That makes for a great souvenir! When I see my dog playing with his stuffed chicken we, of course, named, "Poulet" it brings back fond memories of my month in Paris
Личните възприятия са дори по-важни от посещенията на музеи, претъпкани с хора. Видях важните от тях в спокойна обстановка. Нека всеки има своя неповторим Париж и сам да го направи такъв. От BG
Wow! I've been visiting Paris for 20 years and I've avoided almost ALL of these! 26. Don't be afraid to explore stores like Franprix and Monoprix, especially their smaller 'convenience" stores and pick up some carry along food. Their prices are reasonable (especially for beer : ) ).
I spent 8 days in Paris alone, didn't see it all of course, but targeted one major site a day off the Metro. I gave myself time to wander though, to get lost and roam off the beaten track. I met interesting people along the way and had many conversations with locals who shared their experiences with me as well (and I don't speak French). These are the cherished memories of my stay. I suggest targeting a major attraction, but also allowing for the unexpected. What a city!
This was excellent. Thanks again for all of your videos. One tip you gave in a separate video regarding bathrooms was something I took to heart during my two months in Paris last spring: stopping at bathrooms in museums. This was hugely helpful. And in places like Le Petit Palais, it was free. I made a habit of using the restrooms in every museum, even if I didn’t need to! So thank you for that tip!!
You two wonderful people are such a help for those visiting France! Helped me when visiting Paris this time last year, and it was all I needed. Thanks for the amazing videos you do. Keep up the amazing work. Love from Nova Scotia Canada ❤
I have made a few trips to Paris, but many trips to Nova Scotia and I love NS! I'm so sorry for the wildfires in such a beautiful area of our earth. I've been from Digby to Annapolis Valley to Cape Breton to Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and of course Halifax, etc. It's a great place on our planet!
I 1000% agrée just taking your time. I am in Paris for 30 days and last week I sat at one of the fountains at Tuileries for 3 hrs! Read, relaxed and watched the ducks. Better than therapy!!!
One tip if you're gonna use trains to go to other cities or countries in Europe, once you know the date you want go, buy your tickets EARLY, I'm talking a month at the latest. Train ticket prices for those trains are not fixed (they used to be, ask my mom who used to travel the rail in Europe all the time and was surprised recently by the exorbitant prices when you wanna leave last minute some place. Not all trains will be this way, Ouigo tends to be the cheapest, but even Eurostar is priced like an airplane.
What's good about this video is that a lot of those advices can be applied to many cities in the world. I'm French so I know a bit about Paris... 😅 but now I live in Japan, and Tokyo is like Paris, every touristic places are very crowded, and your travel will be way more enjoyable if you avoid them. Walking without any goal destination and discover typical neighbours is the best thing you can do. You'll be able to discover and experience real local culture and atmosphere, I think it's just way better than following traditional travel itineraries ✌️
I recently was in Paris for the first time, and I loved it!! I got a great deal on an Airbnb studio flat. I was able to walk everywhere. One day, I did over 39k steps. My French is extremely limited, but I think because I tried, the French were very nice to me.
@@nanzjacobs9466 have a great recommendation in the 2nd. Stayed there in May/June. Large two bedroom flat, sleeps 4 to 6. Reasonably priced for its size/location . Let me know if you want more info?
I spent 6 weeks in France in May/June had carryon only ( so much easier with all those stairs in the metro)& travelled extensively by train. Had a wonderful time & would do the same again in a heart beat.
Just walk , because around every corner is something new, many times something amazing. Been here times , we just love walking and watching the people and places.
I don't know if I got scammed because I don't know any other options, but the one time I visited Paris, I bought the "Big Red Bus" tickets, used the busses as a taxi between interesting places, and they included metro tickets, entrances to many interesting places... I ended very happy with my purchase.
As someone similar in age who has never travelled, your videos are a godsend. I am very nervous about travelling to Europe for the first time but Paris is the only destination I am confident about, and that is 100% due to your videos. Thank you for these incredibly informative guides - they really are the perfect resource for inexperienced travellers like me. Love from Australia!
I'm from Australia and spent a week in Paris in 2011 walking alone. I'm now 70 years old and can't wait to do it all again next year. I felt very safe and the French people I came across were all lovely. I've been to most of Europe and Paris is my favourite city and France my favourite country. Stunningly beautiful❤
Actually as a European who has travelled a lot in Europe and lived in Paris these tips actually would be good anywhere though especially Paris . I would add check what days and times museums and shops are closed …since that varies from country to country and also often between museums also some countries are more cash based than others. Having some cash for some toasted almonds or chestnuts on the street or some nice trinkets is always nice also don’t forget botanical gardens and parks. That also goes for turist attractions as well as some places go there and decide if you want to do the outside, the park or ONE or more of the exhibitions. You are so close to everything that you can afford to be picky and btw museum shops can be really good. How you want to travel is a thing as well personally like to mix affordable but look at cleanliness always hostels with single rooms and small, cozy hotels with better standards to get a combo of a bit of luxury and Eh I’m fine just need to have a place to sleep. Do check the neighbourhood for example a hotel around Pigalle which also rents half days or by the hour … avoid ( prostitution and probably none to clean sheats)😅. Would also bring a passport and drivers license/ country issued identity card and always carry them separate and not keep all your money/ cards on you on one spot. Also wherever you are you’ll probably walk alot so be prepared for that - water and sunscreen even though you are Australian as the sun even on a cloudy day can get you. Anyway hoping for a great trip for you and must say I very much enjoyed my trip to Australia which is 12-13 years ago but really loved it ( did Melbourne and Sydney including country sides visited friends of my then husband to be)
Bravo! I'm an American who's lived in Paris for nearly thirty years, and my usual list of recommendations to visitors (friends and relatives) parallels yours .. well, about 95% of it at least! (I've never told my visitors to order champagne with pizza - a good Cote de Rhone would do - but, hey, why not, if you've got the budget! ) The other slight difference is - like you, I've always recommend that visitors get OUT of Paris a bit - but in easily accessible same-day trips (Fontainbleau or even Dieppes and the English Channel
We watched all of your videos before our trip to Paris last week. We had 6 glorious days in Paris. We got a lot in, but I knew there was no way we’d get to the Louvre. We’ll get that the next time. You helped us so much! We booked at Hotel Claude Bernard and it was perfect. Nice room at a fair price. Right near the Maubert-Municipalities Metro. You advice saved us so much grief and frustration! Merci Beaucoup!
I stayed at the Hotel Claude Bernard on my first trip to Paris 16 years ago! With so many options to choose from in Paris, what a fun little surprise and blast to the past your comment was for me!
Just mentioning Alsace as one of your top regions of France got me. That's where I'm originally from and, yes, it's absolutely amazing, but even the French ignore it, sadly. Great tip for tourists who actually want to visit France!
See my comment above: Choucroute Alsaciene is my go-to winter warmer at one of the brasseries in Paris, accompanied by a glass or two of Riesling, preferably from one of the world of wine's greatest producers, Domaine Zind Humbrecht.
As usual, you guys covered very essential mistakes that visitors seem to always make…hopefully this video helps many first timers with their experiences in France…in retrospect, I still reflect on things that I could have done better…like le Métro courtesy of stepping out the way of people going to work…same thing on The Tube in London…also I Remember packing an entire luggage set ( large and small suitcase with a cosmetic one and a garment bag ) for my first trip…lugging them around really got old really fast… by the third day I reverted back to normal appropriate casual wear and who would know or even care if you wore the same thing two days in a row?😱…and after a complete day of walking, just sitting on a park bench and watching people passing by…thank you again for helping me to reminisce wishing I was there😘😘
Seconding the formule menus and visiting other towns around France! Would also add making dinner reservations for proper restaurants…usually there’s only one sitting and once they’re full, that’s it for the night.
#20 made me laugh! It's not just Paris that doesn't have enough bathrooms, it's ALL of France. I've lived in France for 13 years and there are never enough bathrooms and when you do find one, more than likely it will be closed, super discusting, have no soap and water or toilet paper, etc. Even in the really touristy villages! My husband is about ready to hitch a portable toilet to our car because this situation irrates him so much. LOL I'm glad this was one of your valuable points!
Hey, as an European living in Brussels and so being often in Paris I was curious about your tips and I have to say that you nailed it ! One of the best if not the best video advices I've ever seen about Paris. Plus you can apply this recommendations to most of big cities in Europe
Just returned from a fabulous trip to Paris with a friend. Watched some of your videos before going, excellent advice! Had a great time, no bed bugs, beautiful sunny weather(in October!!!) and friendly people. I think taking your advice and attempting a bit of French definitely helped!
🍾❤Colleen, smiled and laughed about your Paris Mistake comment: "Not drinking enough Champagne." I will immediately follow your excellent guidance and begin drinking Champagne as I pack for my Paris October trip! Merci to you and Antoine for your channel, salut!🥂
Took the Metro all over Paris and did a LOT of walking. Took a bicycle tour out to Versailles for a day. Stayed in small, out-of-the-way boutique hotels and then took a train to Amsterdam. I'd love to go for a third trip someday.
Excellent list/recommendations. As someone who lived in Paris for a fair amount of my life and have welcomed loads of people to the city these are very credible and important tips. Well done ! I expected a clickbait list and instead I will be telling people who will soon visit Paris to watch this video now !
Hi Je suis français et 100% d’accord avec vos conseils. Vous avez une façon intelligente de voyager et de visiter. Bravo ! Have a nice stay in France !
We are lucky enough to have family who live just outside of Paris. My cousin, who speaks fluent English, came into the city every day to show us around and drive us to the various locations. I did get to use the metro a couple of times and often times we would walk too, which is the best way to see the city!
My sister and I just got back from a group tour of France and it was a perfect mix of activity and free time. I'm so appreciative of your videos..they were very helpful. We started in Paris and traveled to Deauville, Mont St Michel, Amboise and back to Paris. Wonderful time. We saw a lot and most favorite was Giverny, Normandy and St Malo. We toured Eiffel in the daytime and stayed on our own until night to see it lit up. Amazing!
Loved this video because you didn't overwhelm with information by talking too much. And most of the advice here is practical. I've learned to pack light and the shoes! I think the key takeaway is when traveling to a place, don't see yourself as a tourist, but as a local, to get that beautiful experience. I always refer to my accommodations as "home in the next few days". Thanks for this!
Thanks so much for your fantastic content, I’ve been subscribed for some time now and love the concise yet detailed information you provide us with! Honestly it’s a real pleasure to learn from you guys the tips and tricks and indeed the sheer joy of life in France. It’s clear that a lot of time, forethought and effort goes into every post and it’s very much appreciated.
Love your videos! I just came back from my first holiday in Paris and having watched almost all of your videos in advance I went to many boulangeries and other places you have recommended and I had a great time!(A couple of the patisseries or chocolatiers like Carton, Maison d’Isabelle, J. Genin were on holiday but so many other were open). I got the NAVIGO easy card during my stay and got a lot of use from, planned a sensible itinerary discovering historic sites and local highlights etc. Had such a lovely time! Merci à vous deux! I went to Au Levin D’Antan several times thanks to you both. Everything I had there was lovely. Try their praline feuilletage (some of the locals in the queue were talking about how great it was and said it was their specialty. I tried it on my last day in Paris and it was absolutely incredible! Meilleurs vœux à vous et merci beaucoup!
I am really enjoying your videos on Paris and France. My husband and I frequently travel to Europe for several weeks at a time and we spend a lot of time researching places to visit, to create an authentic experience. My husband visited Paris a few times and did not have a great experience. Thank you for your helpful tips and honest suggestions. We will be spending three weeks in the country next fall to experience the wine harvest.
What a sensible advice you gave in this video. The last time I went to Paris, I spent 3 days in Parc Citroen and one day in another park in the city, before taking the train home again.😊 And in Paris, I drink café au lait. Always eat one time in a Vietnamese restaurant, and eat choucroute somewhere around a station.
Your videos are really great and as a French guy living in Paris I can confirm most of the advice you give are very well-thought and based on experience. It is nice to see American born individuals being so knowledgeable about the French ways. Thank you.
Excellent video with very good advice. Most of the tips offered in this video are just as applicable in any metropolitan French or European city and in smaller cities like Nice, my home (where the weather is always sunnier than Paris), on the Côte d'Azur. So Bon voyage!
I just got back from a 2 week trip to France and I wanted to thank you for all your tips and tricks. This video was a little late for me but it was interesting to see what I followed and did not follow. For context, we (2 adults, 2 kids) did 3 nights each in Lyon, Marseille and Nice (unfortunately during the heat wave) before going to Paris for 5 nights. We stayed in some smaller hotels in the other cities, but we did stay at the Courtyard Gare de Lyon based on a recommendation. Small room, but we got a great view of the Seine and yes, the Eiffel Tower way off in the distance. Some nice dining spots in the area and minutes away from the Metro (and 10 minutes to RER C across the river). Comfortable shoes - most definitely. I brought a pair of Skechers that would work for day or night - they definitely did the job for me! Clothing and luggage was a bit tricky because we were traveling for 2 weeks, and going city to city by train. Fortunately, the hotel in Nice had a washer/dryer in the room, which allowed us to cut our wardrobe in half! And after the hot, hot weather, our clothing needed it! We did manage to travel with just a carry on and backpack each. And I will say that we weren't too concerned about not "dressing like a local" and looking like a tourist. But we're Asian, and used to sticking out a bit in the western world. Speaking of which... the Asian food in France was fine. But I think I'm spoiled for the food variety (and especially the East/SE Asian food) in Toronto (Canada), so maybe not the best comparison. But I certainly enjoyed almost everything we had. Because we were in Paris from Tues-Sat, we got the Navigo weekly pass. Bit of a pain waiting in line to get the passes, but worth every penny. Navigating the metro was a little confusing, but using google maps and taking a few extra seconds to get our bearings got us to where we needed to go... except when it came to RER C. I kept getting crossed up on that line. But it was useful to get everywhere we wanted to go in the city, and of course over to CDG when we were flying home. (And for all the Canadians out there - yes, our elementary school lessons and bilingual labeling will help you a little when trying to read menus and the like. But I would still ask for an English menu, just in case.)
I'm planning to get the weekly pass when I arrive in Paris in a couple of weeks time. Was the process of getting it complicated? I know that I will need a passport photo and a form of ID, but besides that is it simple to purchase?
@@coletteee87Purchasing the pass is fairly easy. You just go to a Navigo service window (they are everywhere, but I recommend going to a larger Metro station like Gare de Lyon - I originally went to Gare d'Austerlitz and they were sold out) and ask for the weekly pass (listed as semaine on their lists). Photobooths are everywhere and four pics will set you back 5€. You do get a day or two grace for the picture, so no rush there.
@@coletteee87 Hello, it's quite simple, just go to a counter, it will be made very quickly. But yes you might have to wait in line a few minutes, expecially if you're doing it in a train station or at the airport. Smaller subway stations are less crowded (but also there can be nobody behind the counter). If you can, avoid doing it on the 1st day of the month, because that is when a lot of parisians renew their Navigo Subscription for the month so the queue are often huge.
Very good ! One thing though. As a Parisian, I do NOT recommend relying on RER B to go to Roissy CDG airport, because it is extremely unreliable. I recently missed my international flight even with 4h30 of headroom due to it, that served me a lesson. (and btw, the announcement that the trains were cancelled was made only in french) Order a taxi or Uber to go to the airport.
@@InXLsisDeo Good to know. I didn't have any issues myself, but I also understand enough French to catch the gist of an announcement. I would've been ready had there been a delay of some sort.
One of my favourite places to visit is the Musee Marmottan. It can be reached by taking a really pleasant bus ride which takes you very near the Musee; you do not need to worry about getting off at the right stop as you simply disembark at the terminus. There is the nice little Parc Ranelagh where you can enjoy a picnic (try a jambon buerre).
You two are so lovely and I find watching your videos to be very comforting. I was recently in Paris for a couple of months and found your videos and advice a great help. Keep up the brilliant work!
The price of all drinks, including café, is displayed on the menu outside of the bar, VAT and service included. They will charge you that price. If they charge you more, you are allowed to complain (perhaps double check from a french person at the next table before). But it shouldn't happen. There is no obligation to tip. Also, if you insist on visiting very crowded places like the Louvre or the Eiffel tower, make sure you check the opening times and aim for times where there is the least crowds. The Louvre closes at 9.30pm on Fridays, so a very good time to avoid the crowds will be between 7pm and 9.30pm on that day (although to visit the Louvre, you usually need more than 3h). For Versailles, the least crowded days are wednesday through Friday. Overall a very good video, and as a long time Parisian, all these tips are spot on. Just one remark: replace champagne by wine in general. The lady seems particularly fond of champagne, but her tip applies to all wines.
Congratulations !! Les Frenchies 😊😊 I have lived in Paris for 12 to 13 years and you got everything right... That video was very complete and you reviewed all or almost all the important points essential for foreigners who desire to enjoy a very pleasant stay in Paris and not leave the city of lights behind them with mostly frustrations. I've just viewed this video so far but definitely thumbs up 👍🏻.
Omg the production quality of this video was fantastic! Major props! We’re heading to Paris in April and these tips were perfect timing for us! Thank you!
Love your video ❤👍,having travelled to France a few times, l agree with your advice ,and have relayed many of your points to my friends. I just came across your video , so looking forward to seeing your other ones. Thank you. 🤗from Australia.
I visited Paris for the first time at the end of July. Loved it! Thanks to you guys. Coffee was excellent, food same, people were very friendly. Bathrooms ( water closets) seemed few and far between. Trains and bus is the way to go. It's easy just read and pay attention. Or just watch a lot of this lovely couples UA-cam. It helps!
Great video! Re-lived my month in Paris this summer! I stayed in a residential neighborhood(arrondissement-the 16th) and as it was my fourth time, I did nothing touristy. I was simply a flâneur. And yes, the metro and G7 are the way to go!
I agree 100% with all of your tips. It is of course difficult to not be drawn into the well known sites, but this city has an adventure around every corner. The adventure includes discovering new cuisines and small galleries. Thank you, well done.
Love this video and your series! You exactly right with every one of these tips! We went to visit our daughter studying abroad in Paris and we followed all of your tips and it was incredible! Navigo Easy was the way to go, not overpacking (backpacks only), not over planning, and going to local cafes. Thank you for these videos!!!
Such a nice, well made and - above all - REALISTIC video about Paris! I've been to Paris a couple of months ago for the fifth time and I'm planning on coming back next spring. I usually stay for four days, with a handluggage suitcase, a nice basic wardrobe and comfy shoes. I try to discover a new hotel in another arrondisment everytime i'm there, I buy tickets to museums and shows in advance, avoid overly crowded places and walk from one end of the city to the other as much as possible (or rely on the metro). I never had a single bad moment so far in Paris. When you relax and don't make too much of a fuss about the city and overly high expectations, you can experience the city in it's most beautiful way. What I personally like is taking walks through the cemeteries there (the last one was Cimetière Montparnasse - very charming) and I enjoyed a concert at Saint Chapelle in the evening, which was a lovely and memorable event as well! The only thing I haven't mastered yet is eating at a restaurant. I'm simply too shy and a bit afraid that I won't make it through the ordering process. Sounds silly, but the struggle is real. I will definitely work on that topic the next time in la belle Paris!
Another fab job guys!! I hope people that want to visit France watch this video and all others you provide! Paris looks SO crowded to me, I would be very intimidated by that. Maybe if I were younger I would enjoy that but not at 70 I dont do stairs if i can avoid it. The book is a MUST! Colleen you look marvelous! Antoine handsome man! Thanks again for your wonderful videos, fun informative and fast paced!
We only had 2 days in Paris and the highlight was our daughter singing in a choir at Norte Dame - so that was the one tourist attraction we had plans to see. The 2 days were perfect weather 70, low humidity and sunny so we walked and walked. We had some general directions on our phone maps, but oh my gosh, the amazing streets, parks, churches, art fairs, food markets was more than enough to experience - and we did almost 30k steps. The best was stopping whenever we were hungry and eating at the nearest restaurant. We will be back for longer, but only to walk more parts of the city we didn’t get to. We had such a lovely time - we have used this “plan-no plan” in cities in Portugal, Italy, Austria and Norway. I really don’t like crowds anyway😊
I love your channel, and this is one of your best videos! Such great tips, especially about "you do you." Paris itself is art, and can be enjoyed by just taking it all in. And, of course champagne is ALWAYS a good idea. Thank you for allowing me to re-visit this fabulous city (even if it is only virtually)!
Excellent, I've visited Paris on many occasions, and still only been to a handful of the "must do" tourist sites. Great tips. Do some research, follow your feelings, leave expectations behind. There' s always some hit'n'miss - but that's part of the experience. Enjoy!
love the video. I no longer visit the large museums. I now visit the smaller museums. Last time i was in Paris i visited the Gustave Moreau Museum and others that were former residences like the Jaquermart Andre and the Nissem Comondo Museums. Great places to vist and no crowds
Visited Paris in 2004, 2011, and 2013. You guys are giving common sense advice for not only travelers to Paris, but anywhere. My 1st visit, I was trying to find Hotel Picard in the 3rd or 4th, and I had a large duffle bag with no rollers! Remember for visiting the sites, early, early, early. My first meal was Chinese food right along the Seine. Thanks!!
These are fabulous tips for anyone traveling to Paris! We always direct folks to your channel for tips. We did a ton of research and my biggest tip for Paris - if you're wanting to go to a lot of museums, Versailles, etc. - is to see if the Paris Museum Pass makes sense (check their list for what's included). Just going to the Louvre? Maybe not but 4 or more museums? Get it. Priority lines, little to no wait and it can save you money. There's are time limits for them (good for 48, 96 hours) but it made our trip so much smoother. Also, book any entry you can ahead of time (looking at you Louvre and Sainte Chapelle). And for Pete's sake, check hours beforehand! The Louvre is closed Tuesdays. I wonder if airlines and hotels can send that notification whenever anyone books a flight or room in Paris...
A lot of museums in Paris are closed on Tuesdays, which is not necessarily usual everywhere (in many other French cities, places are closed on Mondays, for instance), checking beforehand is definitely the best policy.
I like your videos! Thank you! Paris is a great city, great metro to get you around, wonderful food. My favorite Paris days are just spent walking around and relaxing in non-tourist areas.
Good video again guys! Apreciate all the tips you shared. I just got back from paris last week (6th time in paris alone) and i feel more confident navigating like a local thanks a lot and even with the metro disruptions 😂 i find my way with a breeze😊
I'm surprised you didn't say my #1 mistake about Paris (and all other major European destinations)...going in June-August. Summer is by far the worst time to visit Paris with the crowds, heat, costs and how all Parisians have left for vacation.
Good point. I went at the end of November to beginning of December for 9 days back when my daughter was studying there and it was wonderful. We could walk into charming uncrowded cafés and museums. There were some tourists but few and far between. It was fantastic. 😊
I like 6 weeks in Paris from 14th of July till the end of August. Parisians on holiday, tourists crowding famous spots, parisian sideways for myself. Heaven and almost privet haven.
Thank you for your honesty ! By the way, i liked your videos about Lyon and the south of France. I hope you will do more of them when you are on holiday.
Guilty of not drinking champagne! Good tips about ‘you doing you’ with itinerary and downtime. As local as possible always seems best, as well as using common sense with people you don’t know. Cheers, thanks much!
As Mme Bollinger said, "I drink champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it―unless I’m thirsty.”
Such an amazing video. You have a fantastic way of presenting yourself and It was so easy to follow. Thank you for taking forever to make your point ( unlike other youtubers)
Yes, you have to drink plenty of champagne when visiting Paris! This is a funny story: we went to the Feérie show at the Moulin Rouge, and our entry included one bottle of champagne, which was delicious! There was an elderly couple sitting next to us, and they too were drinking champagne, but they only drank one glass each. By the end of the show, we had already finished our bottle, and the elderly couple stood up, picked up their coats, and left, without taking their almost-full champagne bottle, so WE SNATCHED their bottle, and finished it up. For that reason, the waiters let us stay a little longer, before the next show started. 😂 You guys are my favorite You Tube travel vloggers!
final mistake i would point out: travelling to paris before the 2024 olympic games. there's a lot of renovation and construction works under way at the moment (you can notice some in the video). that means, many monuments are partially hidden and the transportation network can be more or less impacted. i believe paris will look much more 'polished' from 2025 onwards with some brand new transportation lines/stations and well renovated buildings.
other reasons for the current number of infrastructure projects: the renovation of notre-dame after the 2019 fire, the city council's plan for a greener city (bicycle lanes, energy renovations...), and the housing crisis for which the council is building plenty of new affordable housing.
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Please don't put your feet up on chairs, even outdoors.😢
@@beverleybarnes5656exactly 10 days.
As an American, I wear sweat pants, a hoodie, a baseball cap (backwards, of course), and sneakers (what you would call tennis shoes or gym shoes). Yeah, I look weird to a European, but I'm comfy and can walk for miles a day (I'm from New York, so I'm no stranger to walking long distances through a city and taking the subway [what you call a Metro])...
@@fredashaysorry but the sweatpants is just so not done in Europe. The cap as well. Special in France.
I live 5 ours from Paris and spend many long weekends there and still saw not everything. The tourist spots yes. But there is so much more to see and do.
When you go for coffee or a drink.
Ordering at the bar is the cheapest, sitting inside at a table cost more and the most expensive is sitting on the terras outside. A small cup of can cost 8 dollars or more.
Depending where you are. Go for diner outside the tourist zone. Better food, less pay.
I'd add another tip: appreciate the beauty around you, and don't get hung upon the tourist sites. When I visited the Louvre, I gave up on viewing the Mona Lisa because the crowd in that gallery was horrendous, but in the corridor outside, there were two more stunning Leonardo paintings, and I had them all to myself!
I remember seeing the Mona Lisa back in the 70s. Best picture I got was the tiny painting, inside its viewing box, and a bored guard staring at the crowds. So, yeah, you didn't miss anything.
So true! So much to see inside the Louvre that is not the Mona Lisa. Let the crowds gather around this painting, and you’ll enjoy the most amazing art pieces in a much more relaxed atmosphere
So true! So much to see inside the Louvre that is not the Mona Lisa. Let the crowds gather around this painting, and you’ll enjoy the most amazing art pieces in a much more relaxed atmosphere
I agree with the others, but if the Mona Lisa is important to you, there's a way to avoid the worst of the crowds. Buy a timed ticket for 9:00 AM, be in line by 8:30, and make a beeline for that gallery as soon as you get in. I was there last week, and was able to see Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory before the crowds got too bad. Waking up early works!
@@FaithFink-we9ud Great advice!
Finally, people who know what they are talking about. I would add, get up early morning, like before dawn, and walk to favorite landmarks. Nobody is there. You get the best photo shots and the best natural lighting. I do this almost everywhere I travel. Good job folks.
👍👍👍
Can confirm this! We got to take stunning pictures outside of the louvre due waking up super early to avoid the crowds!
There's nothing better than waking up with the city.
And don’t travel in summer if you don’t absolutely have to
Or at night!
Well, as a European and a frequent visitor of France and Paris in particular: this was BY FAR the best travelling advice I have ever seen! And yes: a lot of this advice is applicable for the whole of Europe. Good job.
Thank you
Vero!
One thing I actually did right (by accident) was "Elevator UP, Stairs DOWN" at the Eiffel Tower. Going down the stairs, especially at night, is a magical experience!
Same with Montmartre. Train or bus to the top at or near Sacré-Cœur, then you can walk straight down the stairs to the center of the city, or wander in a general, slightly downhill manner through the neighborhood. No climbing stairs or hills!
Great tip! Thanks.
Thanks for this tip. I’ve been to Paris a couple of times & am itching to go back, this time with hubby. I was worried about the stair situation because he’s had hip arthritis since he was young (now 65). 🌸
The biggest mistake people make is visiting Paris only in summer. It's just as charming and far less crowded in spring or fall.
I'm going in the winter because no one goes to Paris for the weather!
Yes... and no... most parisians will tell you to come in august, because that's when almost half of the locals are away for vacation. So the subway is way less crowded. But there are also a lot of tourists and some bar and restaurants are closed for holiday.
In August, the city is empty, but lots of shops and restaurants are closed.
Biggest mistake people make is visiting Paris full stop! I haven't been back in 20 years and I don't miss it one bit.
@@mrdainaseAnd yet here you are.
I'll have to soften point number 24 :
No, *not* everyone offering spontaneous help is suspicious.
I'm a true Parisian, born and raised, and I offer to help seemingly lost or confused tourists every time I encounter some. Like most of my friends often do too.
My godmother met my mom that way, I've met friends that way : by spontaneously offering help and directions.
Sadly, my "alternative" looks can scare some that hastily judge without even listening (nor thinking, because if I was a scammer or thief, I certainly wouldn't sport such an alternative look).
Being cautious about their belongings is one thing, but living in fear or being systematically suspicious of, and rejecting anyone offering to help is excessive and sad.
That may not be the majority but many Parisians, especially those with language skills, do offer unsolicited help and directions to tourists that seem lost or confused (for free, of course).
In particular when they spot tourists that are about to get scammed, so they come to the rescue, as I often do.
The most frustrating part is when tourists judge on the looks and choose to follow a scammer instead of the person warning them.
P.S. And when some want to tip me, I politely refuse and tell them to give it to homeless people people they stumble on instead.
I would agree - i received plenty of help from the locals. Normal people know how to help without being creepy!
We accepted assistance in areas that were leisure spots for locals and in small communities. There are some wonderful people to help you out. We rode the train and there are people who will want to talk because they want to practice their English.
Keep your id, cash and cards in a safe place. I bought a pouch that attached to my bra on one trip. A little difficult to get into but a pickpocket would have no luck. Their are travel wallets you can wear around your neck or waist. And be aware that scammers and thieves are watching you. They may want to see where you put away your wallet or grab your equipment. We went to Europe several times and had no problems just a wonderful time.
Same!!!! I mean we are also tourists in other countries, how could we not help out when we know how it feels 😅😂
Lots of heavily-laden tourists get off at my work Tube stop in London, including, sometimes, women with multiple suitcases that look like they weigh more than their owners. I always offer to help carry heavy bags up the steps, and it's almost always accepted; suspicious refusals are the exception. Yet I definitely have that big-city thing of not ordinarily striking up conversations with strangers, which I know people from chattier towns can experience as unfriendly.
Bless you😊
“Paris is not a theme park.” EXACTLY! This goes for all big cities.
😉👍
I’m a retired international flight attendant and I have high compliments for you for this video. So very true and as well as practical!
When I was last in Paris with my husband, we stumbled upon the Petit Palais by accident. Don't let the diminutive fool you (it's in comparison to the massive "Grand Palais"). It houses a fantastic museum, and free restrooms. It became our home base when we needed to duck out of the cold and use restrooms.
Great tip! Great museum.
Good to see that our recent trip was well planned! We stayed at a cute little hotel in the Latin Quarter, ate at local restaurants (favourite being Loulou because they had a lot of gluten free😊), we didn’t visit every single top tourist place, we walked kms in our comfortable shoes, and we took the Metro extensively with no problems. We also had a week in a little village near Aix-en-Provence and visited a lot of villages and vineyards
In the Luberon and bought a lot of food at local markets. We love France!
Sounds like a great time! France is wonderful.
That's the way to do it, you are travellers not tourists. My almost 9 year old daughter loves Paris, she has been twice, she loves the Eiffel tower at night and a cruise on the Seine and of course the macarons 😊. We always use public transport and walk a lot, we also try to learn a few words in french, a smile and politeness goes a long way 😊
Thank you so much. Love from France 😊
This is the BEST video you can watch to prepare for your trip to Paris. We followed 90% of the recommendations and are happy we did. Our trip to Paris (last November) was a complete success due to Colleen and Antoine’s advice!
I'm a Parisian, and I must say, this is great advice you're giving, and a beautiful video too ! Why not prepare a special one for the 24 Olympic Games, because, a lot of things, including signs, arrows and directions in public transportations or in the streets can be misleading for tourists and with ten times more tourists than usual, the city may become like a gigantic Jacques Tati movie, if you see what I mean 😄
Personally, I’d avoid any city that’s hosting the olympics because it just gets too crowded. I’m in Sydney & in 2000 olympics I stayed cocooned in my local area.
Watching children run in the park and play with boats at Luxembourg Gardens on a Sunday, playing chess under one of the awnings there, eating a hotdog on a brioche bun. Watching people paint....also going into a pet store for a dog toy. That makes for a great souvenir! When I see my dog playing with his stuffed chicken we, of course, named, "Poulet" it brings back fond memories of my month in Paris
😊😊😊😊
Личните възприятия са дори по-важни от посещенията на музеи, претъпкани с хора. Видях важните от тях в спокойна обстановка. Нека всеки има своя неповторим Париж и сам да го направи такъв. От BG
We stayed at a family run hotel beside the gardens. Beautiful area to stay and not far away most attractions along the river.
On my first trip to Paris we found Luxembourg Gardens by mistake and it is now my absolute favorite spot in the city. It’s truly my happy place.
Wow! I've been visiting Paris for 20 years and I've avoided almost ALL of these!
26. Don't be afraid to explore stores like Franprix and Monoprix, especially their smaller 'convenience" stores and pick up some carry along food. Their prices are reasonable (especially for beer : ) ).
I spent 8 days in Paris alone, didn't see it all of course, but targeted one major site a day off the Metro. I gave myself time to wander though, to get lost and roam off the beaten track. I met interesting people along the way and had many conversations with locals who shared their experiences with me as well (and I don't speak French). These are the cherished memories of my stay. I suggest targeting a major attraction, but also allowing for the unexpected. What a city!
Great philosophy. :)
This was excellent. Thanks again for all of your videos. One tip you gave in a separate video regarding bathrooms was something I took to heart during my two months in Paris last spring: stopping at bathrooms in museums. This was hugely helpful. And in places like Le Petit Palais, it was free. I made a habit of using the restrooms in every museum, even if I didn’t need to! So thank you for that tip!!
Very wise. Always been one of my routines. And the other advice is great!
You two wonderful people are such a help for those visiting France! Helped me when visiting Paris this time last year, and it was all I needed. Thanks for the amazing videos you do. Keep up the amazing work. Love from Nova Scotia Canada ❤
Nova Scotia is somewhere I would love to visit! I'm in California.
I have made a few trips to Paris, but many trips to Nova Scotia and I love NS! I'm so sorry for the wildfires in such a beautiful area of our earth. I've been from Digby to Annapolis Valley to Cape Breton to Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and of course Halifax, etc. It's a great place on our planet!
I 1000% agrée just taking your time. I am in Paris for 30 days and last week I sat at one of the fountains at Tuileries for 3 hrs! Read, relaxed and watched the ducks. Better than therapy!!!
😊
One tip if you're gonna use trains to go to other cities or countries in Europe, once you know the date you want go, buy your tickets EARLY, I'm talking a month at the latest. Train ticket prices for those trains are not fixed (they used to be, ask my mom who used to travel the rail in Europe all the time and was surprised recently by the exorbitant prices when you wanna leave last minute some place. Not all trains will be this way, Ouigo tends to be the cheapest, but even Eurostar is priced like an airplane.
What's good about this video is that a lot of those advices can be applied to many cities in the world.
I'm French so I know a bit about Paris... 😅 but now I live in Japan, and Tokyo is like Paris, every touristic places are very crowded, and your travel will be way more enjoyable if you avoid them. Walking without any goal destination and discover typical neighbours is the best thing you can do. You'll be able to discover and experience real local culture and atmosphere, I think it's just way better than following traditional travel itineraries ✌️
I recently was in Paris for the first time, and I loved it!! I got a great deal on an Airbnb studio flat. I was able to walk everywhere. One day, I did over 39k steps. My French is extremely limited, but I think because I tried, the French were very nice to me.
👍
Yes, a little high school French goes a long way. If Parisians actually talk with you in French so much the better and you know you’re in.
Any recommendation on Airbnb?
@@nanzjacobs9466 have a great recommendation in the 2nd. Stayed there in May/June. Large two bedroom flat, sleeps 4 to 6. Reasonably priced for its size/location . Let me know if you want more info?
@@johnwilson8309 Can you please share your rec for airbnb?
I spent 6 weeks in France in May/June had carryon only ( so much easier with all those stairs in the metro)& travelled extensively by train. Had a wonderful time & would do the same again in a heart beat.
That definitely seems like the way to go.
Sounds amazing ❤
God! I can’t live with just carry on! I bring changes of clothes and wear them all!
@@catherinemori4496 😂 Me too! No way can I travel light. I like to choose my daily / evening outfits wherever I go.....just me😂
@@jacqueline8559 I’m afraid there’s too much judgment placed on those of us who want a big suitcase…with clothes AND room for purchases! 😂
Just walk , because around every corner is something new, many times something amazing. Been here times , we just love walking and watching the people and places.
I don't know if I got scammed because I don't know any other options, but the one time I visited Paris, I bought the "Big Red Bus" tickets, used the busses as a taxi between interesting places, and they included metro tickets, entrances to many interesting places... I ended very happy with my purchase.
As someone similar in age who has never travelled, your videos are a godsend. I am very nervous about travelling to Europe for the first time but Paris is the only destination I am confident about, and that is 100% due to your videos. Thank you for these incredibly informative guides - they really are the perfect resource for inexperienced travellers like me. Love from Australia!
I so hope you get there!
It's a good idea to go to abroad with a friend or relative who has done it before. There's courage in having a companion.
I'm from Australia and spent a week in Paris in 2011 walking alone. I'm now 70 years old and can't wait to do it all again next year. I felt very safe and the French people I came across were all lovely. I've been to most of Europe and Paris is my favourite city and France my favourite country. Stunningly beautiful❤
Actually as a European who has travelled a lot in Europe and lived in Paris these tips actually would be good anywhere though especially Paris . I would add check what days and times museums and shops are closed …since that varies from country to country and also often between museums also some countries are more cash based than others. Having some cash for some toasted almonds or chestnuts on the street or some nice trinkets is always nice also don’t forget botanical gardens and parks. That also goes for turist attractions as well as some places go there and decide if you want to do the outside, the park or ONE or more of the exhibitions. You are so close to everything that you can afford to be picky and btw museum shops can be really good. How you want to travel is a thing as well personally like to mix affordable but look at cleanliness always hostels with single rooms and small, cozy hotels with better standards to get a combo of a bit of luxury and Eh I’m fine just need to have a place to sleep. Do check the neighbourhood for example a hotel around Pigalle which also rents half days or by the hour … avoid ( prostitution and probably none to clean sheats)😅. Would also bring a passport and drivers license/ country issued identity card and always carry them separate and not keep all your money/ cards on you on one spot. Also wherever you are you’ll probably walk alot so be prepared for that - water and sunscreen even though you are Australian as the sun even on a cloudy day can get you. Anyway hoping for a great trip for you and must say I very much enjoyed my trip to Australia which is 12-13 years ago but really loved it ( did Melbourne and Sydney including country sides visited friends of my then husband to be)
You shouldn't be nervous, in fact out of most of the cities Paris is probably the hardest, so if you can cope with Paris you can do any of them
Bravo! I'm an American who's lived in Paris for nearly thirty years, and my usual list of recommendations to visitors (friends and relatives) parallels yours .. well, about 95% of it at least! (I've never told my visitors to order champagne with pizza - a good Cote de Rhone would do - but, hey, why not, if you've got the budget! ) The other slight difference is - like you, I've always recommend that visitors get OUT of Paris a bit - but in easily accessible same-day trips (Fontainbleau or even Dieppes and the English Channel
We watched all of your videos before our trip to Paris last week. We had 6 glorious days in Paris. We got a lot in, but I knew there was no way we’d get to the Louvre. We’ll get that the next time. You helped us so much! We booked at Hotel Claude Bernard and it was perfect. Nice room at a fair price. Right near the Maubert-Municipalities Metro. You advice saved us so much grief and frustration! Merci Beaucoup!
you are very welcome
I stayed at the Hotel Claude Bernard on my first trip to Paris 16 years ago! With so many options to choose from in Paris, what a fun little surprise and blast to the past your comment was for me!
Just mentioning Alsace as one of your top regions of France got me.
That's where I'm originally from and, yes, it's absolutely amazing, but even the French ignore it, sadly. Great tip for tourists who actually want to visit France!
😊
See my comment above: Choucroute Alsaciene is my go-to winter warmer at one of the brasseries in Paris, accompanied by a glass or two of Riesling, preferably from one of the world of wine's greatest producers, Domaine Zind Humbrecht.
As usual, you guys covered very essential mistakes that visitors seem to always make…hopefully this video helps many first timers with their experiences in France…in retrospect, I still reflect on things that I could have done better…like le Métro courtesy of stepping out the way of people going to work…same thing on The Tube in London…also I Remember packing an entire luggage set ( large and small suitcase with a cosmetic one and a garment bag ) for my first trip…lugging them around really got old really fast… by the third day I reverted back to normal appropriate casual wear and who would know or even care if you wore the same thing two days in a row?😱…and after a complete day of walking, just sitting on a park bench and watching people passing by…thank you again for helping me to reminisce wishing I was there😘😘
Seconding the formule menus and visiting other towns around France! Would also add making dinner reservations for proper restaurants…usually there’s only one sitting and once they’re full, that’s it for the night.
Yes!
#20 made me laugh! It's not just Paris that doesn't have enough bathrooms, it's ALL of France. I've lived in France for 13 years and there are never enough bathrooms and when you do find one, more than likely it will be closed, super discusting, have no soap and water or toilet paper, etc. Even in the really touristy villages! My husband is about ready to hitch a portable toilet to our car because this situation irrates him so much. LOL I'm glad this was one of your valuable points!
I peed in a bush outside Trocadero because I walked 10 minutes to get to the toilet I knew was there and it was closed 😅
Really appreciate the quick, concise delivery of your points.
just wanted to tell you both that your videos are fantastic. Your love for the greatest of all cities is authentic.
Thank you ❤️
Hello Jean, how are you doing ?
Hey, as an European living in Brussels and so being often in Paris I was curious about your tips and I have to say that you nailed it ! One of the best if not the best video advices I've ever seen about Paris. Plus you can apply this recommendations to most of big cities in Europe
Am glad I followed you while preparing for my vacation to Paris in June'23. Your advice is spot on. Thank you 💗
Just returned from a fabulous trip to Paris with a friend. Watched some of your videos before going, excellent advice! Had a great time, no bed bugs, beautiful sunny weather(in October!!!) and friendly people. I think taking your advice and attempting a bit of French definitely helped!
🍾❤Colleen, smiled and laughed about your Paris Mistake comment: "Not drinking enough Champagne." I will immediately follow your excellent guidance and begin drinking Champagne as I pack for my Paris October trip! Merci to you and Antoine for your channel, salut!🥂
Took the Metro all over Paris and did a LOT of walking. Took a bicycle tour out to Versailles for a day. Stayed in small, out-of-the-way boutique hotels and then took a train to Amsterdam. I'd love to go for a third trip someday.
Excellent list/recommendations. As someone who lived in Paris for a fair amount of my life and have welcomed loads of people to the city these are very credible and important tips. Well done ! I expected a clickbait list and instead I will be telling people who will soon visit Paris to watch this video now !
Hi
Je suis français et 100% d’accord avec vos conseils. Vous avez une façon intelligente de voyager et de visiter. Bravo !
Have a nice stay in France !
We are lucky enough to have family who live just outside of Paris. My cousin, who speaks fluent English, came into the city every day to show us around and drive us to the various locations. I did get to use the metro a couple of times and often times we would walk too, which is the best way to see the city!
How lovely!
Paris, 2-3 days then head south to Provence saturated with lavender and sunflower fields ❤️
What month would you recommend?
My sister and I just got back from a group tour of France and it was a perfect mix of activity and free time. I'm so appreciative of your videos..they were very helpful. We started in Paris and traveled to Deauville, Mont St Michel, Amboise and back to Paris. Wonderful time. We saw a lot and most favorite was Giverny, Normandy and St Malo. We toured Eiffel in the daytime and stayed on our own until night to see it lit up. Amazing!
Loved this video because you didn't overwhelm with information by talking too much. And most of the advice here is practical. I've learned to pack light and the shoes! I think the key takeaway is when traveling to a place, don't see yourself as a tourist, but as a local, to get that beautiful experience. I always refer to my accommodations as "home in the next few days". Thanks for this!
Thanks so much for your fantastic content, I’ve been subscribed for some time now and love the concise yet detailed information you provide us with! Honestly it’s a real pleasure to learn from you guys the tips and tricks and indeed the sheer joy of life in France. It’s clear that a lot of time, forethought and effort goes into every post and it’s very much appreciated.
Thank you so much!
Love your videos! I just came back from my first holiday in Paris and having watched almost all of your videos in advance I went to many boulangeries and other places you have recommended and I had a great time!(A couple of the patisseries or chocolatiers like Carton, Maison d’Isabelle, J. Genin were on holiday but so many other were open). I got the NAVIGO easy card during my stay and got a lot of use from, planned a sensible itinerary discovering historic sites and local highlights etc. Had such a lovely time! Merci à vous deux!
I went to Au Levin D’Antan several times thanks to you both. Everything I had there was lovely. Try their praline feuilletage (some of the locals in the queue were talking about how great it was and said it was their specialty. I tried it on my last day in Paris and it was absolutely incredible! Meilleurs vœux à vous et merci beaucoup!
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been stressing out over what to wear in Paris and now I’ll relax!
I am really enjoying your videos on Paris and France. My husband and I frequently travel to Europe for several weeks at a time and we spend a lot of time researching places to visit, to create an authentic experience. My husband visited Paris a few times and did not have a great experience. Thank you for your helpful tips and honest suggestions. We will be spending three weeks in the country next fall to experience the wine harvest.
What a sensible advice you gave in this video.
The last time I went to Paris, I spent 3 days in Parc Citroen and one day in another park in the city, before taking the train home again.😊
And in Paris, I drink café au lait. Always eat one time in a Vietnamese restaurant, and eat choucroute somewhere around a station.
Your videos are really great and as a French guy living in Paris I can confirm most of the advice you give are very well-thought and based on experience. It is nice to see American born individuals being so knowledgeable about the French ways. Thank you.
Thank you
Excellent video with very good advice. Most of the tips offered in this video are just as applicable in any metropolitan French or European city and in smaller cities like Nice, my home (where the weather is always sunnier than Paris), on the Côte d'Azur. So Bon voyage!
You two are so easy to listen to and watch! You're not long winded, but thorough without being too chatty! Thank you!
Thank you for this compliment!
I just got back from a 2 week trip to France and I wanted to thank you for all your tips and tricks. This video was a little late for me but it was interesting to see what I followed and did not follow.
For context, we (2 adults, 2 kids) did 3 nights each in Lyon, Marseille and Nice (unfortunately during the heat wave) before going to Paris for 5 nights. We stayed in some smaller hotels in the other cities, but we did stay at the Courtyard Gare de Lyon based on a recommendation. Small room, but we got a great view of the Seine and yes, the Eiffel Tower way off in the distance. Some nice dining spots in the area and minutes away from the Metro (and 10 minutes to RER C across the river).
Comfortable shoes - most definitely. I brought a pair of Skechers that would work for day or night - they definitely did the job for me!
Clothing and luggage was a bit tricky because we were traveling for 2 weeks, and going city to city by train. Fortunately, the hotel in Nice had a washer/dryer in the room, which allowed us to cut our wardrobe in half! And after the hot, hot weather, our clothing needed it! We did manage to travel with just a carry on and backpack each. And I will say that we weren't too concerned about not "dressing like a local" and looking like a tourist. But we're Asian, and used to sticking out a bit in the western world.
Speaking of which... the Asian food in France was fine. But I think I'm spoiled for the food variety (and especially the East/SE Asian food) in Toronto (Canada), so maybe not the best comparison. But I certainly enjoyed almost everything we had.
Because we were in Paris from Tues-Sat, we got the Navigo weekly pass. Bit of a pain waiting in line to get the passes, but worth every penny. Navigating the metro was a little confusing, but using google maps and taking a few extra seconds to get our bearings got us to where we needed to go... except when it came to RER C. I kept getting crossed up on that line. But it was useful to get everywhere we wanted to go in the city, and of course over to CDG when we were flying home.
(And for all the Canadians out there - yes, our elementary school lessons and bilingual labeling will help you a little when trying to read menus and the like. But I would still ask for an English menu, just in case.)
I'm planning to get the weekly pass when I arrive in Paris in a couple of weeks time. Was the process of getting it complicated? I know that I will need a passport photo and a form of ID, but besides that is it simple to purchase?
@@coletteee87Purchasing the pass is fairly easy. You just go to a Navigo service window (they are everywhere, but I recommend going to a larger Metro station like Gare de Lyon - I originally went to Gare d'Austerlitz and they were sold out) and ask for the weekly pass (listed as semaine on their lists).
Photobooths are everywhere and four pics will set you back 5€. You do get a day or two grace for the picture, so no rush there.
@@coletteee87 Hello, it's quite simple, just go to a counter, it will be made very quickly. But yes you might have to wait in line a few minutes, expecially if you're doing it in a train station or at the airport. Smaller subway stations are less crowded (but also there can be nobody behind the counter). If you can, avoid doing it on the 1st day of the month, because that is when a lot of parisians renew their Navigo Subscription for the month so the queue are often huge.
Very good ! One thing though. As a Parisian, I do NOT recommend relying on RER B to go to Roissy CDG airport, because it is extremely unreliable. I recently missed my international flight even with 4h30 of headroom due to it, that served me a lesson. (and btw, the announcement that the trains were cancelled was made only in french)
Order a taxi or Uber to go to the airport.
@@InXLsisDeo Good to know. I didn't have any issues myself, but I also understand enough French to catch the gist of an announcement. I would've been ready had there been a delay of some sort.
One of my favourite places to visit is the Musee Marmottan. It can be reached by taking a really pleasant bus ride which takes you very near the Musee; you do not need to worry about getting off at the right stop as you simply disembark at the terminus. There is the nice little Parc Ranelagh where you can enjoy a picnic (try a jambon buerre).
Great spot!
You two are so lovely and I find watching your videos to be very comforting. I was recently in Paris for a couple of months and found your videos and advice a great help. Keep up the brilliant work!
Thank you!
Excellent video.
I go to Paris often and these tips are spot on.
The price of all drinks, including café, is displayed on the menu outside of the bar, VAT and service included. They will charge you that price. If they charge you more, you are allowed to complain (perhaps double check from a french person at the next table before). But it shouldn't happen. There is no obligation to tip.
Also, if you insist on visiting very crowded places like the Louvre or the Eiffel tower, make sure you check the opening times and aim for times where there is the least crowds. The Louvre closes at 9.30pm on Fridays, so a very good time to avoid the crowds will be between 7pm and 9.30pm on that day (although to visit the Louvre, you usually need more than 3h).
For Versailles, the least crowded days are wednesday through Friday.
Overall a very good video, and as a long time Parisian, all these tips are spot on. Just one remark: replace champagne by wine in general. The lady seems particularly fond of champagne, but her tip applies to all wines.
Congratulations !! Les Frenchies 😊😊 I have lived in Paris for 12 to 13 years and you got everything right... That video was very complete and you reviewed all or almost all the important points essential for foreigners who desire to enjoy a very pleasant stay in Paris and not leave the city of lights behind them with mostly frustrations. I've just viewed this video so far but definitely thumbs up 👍🏻.
Thank you! 😃
Omg the production quality of this video was fantastic! Major props! We’re heading to Paris in April and these tips were perfect timing for us! Thank you!
Love your video ❤👍,having travelled to France a few times, l agree with your advice ,and have relayed many of your points to my friends. I just came across your video , so looking forward to seeing your other ones. Thank you. 🤗from Australia.
I visited Paris for the first time at the end of July. Loved it! Thanks to you guys. Coffee was excellent, food same, people were very friendly. Bathrooms ( water closets) seemed few and far between. Trains and bus is the way to go. It's easy just read and pay attention. Or just watch a lot of this lovely couples UA-cam. It helps!
Thank you
Great video! Re-lived my month in Paris this summer! I stayed in a residential neighborhood(arrondissement-the 16th) and as it was my fourth time, I did nothing touristy. I was simply a flâneur. And yes, the metro and G7 are the way to go!
That sounds lovely!
I agree 100% with all of your tips. It is of course difficult to not be drawn into the well known sites, but this city has an adventure around every corner. The adventure includes discovering new cuisines and small galleries. Thank you, well done.
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Your advise is good for any city, people go like crazy to visit all the famous sites and they don't experience the cities.
Exactly!
So true about skipping museums with free admission - Musee Carnavalet is one of my fav! And, do not say no to the BUTTER, they are insanely yummy.
Enjoyed eating there ❤️👏🏼🇫🇷🌹
Love this video and your series! You exactly right with every one of these tips! We went to visit our daughter studying abroad in Paris and we followed all of your tips and it was incredible! Navigo Easy was the way to go, not overpacking (backpacks only), not over planning, and going to local cafes. Thank you for these videos!!!
For someone who lived many years in Paris this is by far one of the best for info.Good job!
Merci
If one has to rush through through Paris, a boat trip on the Seine is the best way to see most interesting landmarks. Same in Berlin.
I love your videos ! You have a lot of commun sense, all your tips are relevant and make a lot of sense. Take it from a true Parisian ❤️🇫🇷
Thank you
Wow! You guys rock! I was nearly robbed in the Jardan de Luxembourg but thanks to your tip I spotted the guy in the nick of time!
Such a nice, well made and - above all - REALISTIC video about Paris! I've been to Paris a couple of months ago for the fifth time and I'm planning on coming back next spring. I usually stay for four days, with a handluggage suitcase, a nice basic wardrobe and comfy shoes. I try to discover a new hotel in another arrondisment everytime i'm there, I buy tickets to museums and shows in advance, avoid overly crowded places and walk from one end of the city to the other as much as possible (or rely on the metro). I never had a single bad moment so far in Paris. When you relax and don't make too much of a fuss about the city and overly high expectations, you can experience the city in it's most beautiful way. What I personally like is taking walks through the cemeteries there (the last one was Cimetière Montparnasse - very charming) and I enjoyed a concert at Saint Chapelle in the evening, which was a lovely and memorable event as well! The only thing I haven't mastered yet is eating at a restaurant. I'm simply too shy and a bit afraid that I won't make it through the ordering process. Sounds silly, but the struggle is real. I will definitely work on that topic the next time in la belle Paris!
As a professional, former concierge in Paris, I must acknowledge and agree 100%!
Another fab job guys!! I hope people that want to visit France watch this video and all others you provide! Paris looks SO crowded to me, I would be very intimidated by that. Maybe if I were younger I would enjoy that but not at 70 I dont do stairs if i can avoid it. The book is a MUST! Colleen you look marvelous! Antoine handsome man! Thanks again for your wonderful videos, fun informative and fast paced!
Paris crowded ?
Have you been to Asia ?
We only had 2 days in Paris and the highlight was our daughter singing in a choir at Norte Dame - so that was the one tourist attraction we had plans to see. The 2 days were perfect weather 70, low humidity and sunny so we walked and walked. We had some general directions on our phone maps, but oh my gosh, the amazing streets, parks, churches, art fairs, food markets was more than enough to experience - and we did almost 30k steps. The best was stopping whenever we were hungry and eating at the nearest restaurant. We will be back for longer, but only to walk more parts of the city we didn’t get to. We had such a lovely time - we have used this “plan-no plan” in cities in Portugal, Italy, Austria and Norway. I really don’t like crowds anyway😊
What time of the year was it only 70 degrees?
Thank you so much! Un gros merci pour vos suggestions et recommandations; grandement appréciée!
I appreciate the concise information with the good balance of seeking what is being talked about and not mostly an image of the speaker.
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Merci beaucoup, les Frenchies. Bien hâte de visiter Paris en novembre. Grâce à vous et vos précieux conseils!
I love your channel, and this is one of your best videos! Such great tips, especially about "you do you." Paris itself is art, and can be enjoyed by just taking it all in. And, of course champagne is ALWAYS a good idea. Thank you for allowing me to re-visit this fabulous city (even if it is only virtually)!
Oh, and I forgot to give you kudos about train vs. flying travel mode (being married to a train enthusiast, lol)
Excellent, I've visited Paris on many occasions, and still only been to a handful of the "must do" tourist sites. Great tips. Do some research, follow your feelings, leave expectations behind. There' s always some hit'n'miss - but that's part of the experience. Enjoy!
love the video. I no longer visit the large museums. I now visit the smaller museums. Last time i was in Paris i visited the Gustave Moreau Museum and others that were former residences like the Jaquermart Andre and the Nissem Comondo Museums. Great places to vist and no crowds
Visited Paris in 2004, 2011, and 2013. You guys are giving common sense advice for not only travelers to Paris, but anywhere. My 1st visit, I was trying to find Hotel Picard in the 3rd or 4th, and I had a large duffle bag with no rollers! Remember for visiting the sites, early, early, early. My first meal was Chinese food right along the Seine. Thanks!!
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These are fabulous tips for anyone traveling to Paris! We always direct folks to your channel for tips.
We did a ton of research and my biggest tip for Paris - if you're wanting to go to a lot of museums, Versailles, etc. - is to see if the Paris Museum Pass makes sense (check their list for what's included). Just going to the Louvre? Maybe not but 4 or more museums? Get it. Priority lines, little to no wait and it can save you money. There's are time limits for them (good for 48, 96 hours) but it made our trip so much smoother.
Also, book any entry you can ahead of time (looking at you Louvre and Sainte Chapelle).
And for Pete's sake, check hours beforehand! The Louvre is closed Tuesdays. I wonder if airlines and hotels can send that notification whenever anyone books a flight or room in Paris...
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A lot of museums in Paris are closed on Tuesdays, which is not necessarily usual everywhere (in many other French cities, places are closed on Mondays, for instance), checking beforehand is definitely the best policy.
I have lived in Europe both Poland and Italy. I find your video very helpful for travellers. Common sense easy to remember. Merci
I like your videos! Thank you! Paris is a great city, great metro to get you around, wonderful food. My favorite Paris days are just spent walking around and relaxing in non-tourist areas.
Good video again guys! Apreciate all the tips you shared. I just got back from paris last week (6th time in paris alone) and i feel more confident navigating like a local thanks a lot and even with the metro disruptions 😂 i find my way with a breeze😊
I'm surprised you didn't say my #1 mistake about Paris (and all other major European destinations)...going in June-August. Summer is by far the worst time to visit Paris with the crowds, heat, costs and how all Parisians have left for vacation.
Okay
Good point. I went at the end of November to beginning of December for 9 days back when my daughter was studying there and it was wonderful. We could walk into charming uncrowded cafés and museums. There were some tourists but few and far between. It was fantastic. 😊
I like 6 weeks in Paris from 14th of July till the end of August. Parisians on holiday, tourists crowding famous spots, parisian sideways for myself. Heaven and almost privet haven.
Thank you for your honesty ! By the way, i liked your videos about Lyon and the south of France.
I hope you will do more of them when you are on holiday.
Guilty of not drinking champagne! Good tips about ‘you doing you’ with itinerary and downtime. As local as possible always seems best, as well as using common sense with people you don’t know. Cheers, thanks much!
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Thanks, keep doing the good work! I hope you’re enjoying!
Perfect! Thanks Les Frenchies❤️
As Mme Bollinger said, "I drink champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it―unless I’m thirsty.”
I love that!
Such an amazing video. You have a fantastic way of presenting yourself and It was so easy to follow. Thank you for taking forever to make your point ( unlike other youtubers)
Finally got around to watching this one and so glad I did. Good information for trip planning! Merci!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes, you have to drink plenty of champagne when visiting Paris! This is a funny story: we went to the Feérie show at the Moulin Rouge, and our entry included one bottle of champagne, which was delicious! There was an elderly couple sitting next to us, and they too were drinking champagne, but they only drank one glass each. By the end of the show, we had already finished our bottle, and the elderly couple stood up, picked up their coats, and left, without taking their almost-full champagne bottle, so WE SNATCHED their bottle, and finished it up. For that reason, the waiters let us stay a little longer, before the next show started. 😂 You guys are my favorite You Tube travel vloggers!
I had the immense pleasure of visiting Paris and the Dordogne region. The south of France and the people there were so lovely!
I just happened across this site by accident. Down to earth excellent advice. Exactly what we need when traveling. Big Thanks.
I really enjoy your videos, they are informative, well-produced and carry a relaxed vibe. My compliments!
Great vidéo, a lot of useful tips for French people as well !
Thank you Marion!!
final mistake i would point out: travelling to paris before the 2024 olympic games.
there's a lot of renovation and construction works under way at the moment (you can notice some in the video). that means, many monuments are partially hidden and the transportation network can be more or less impacted. i believe paris will look much more 'polished' from 2025 onwards with some brand new transportation lines/stations and well renovated buildings.
other reasons for the current number of infrastructure projects: the renovation of notre-dame after the 2019 fire, the city council's plan for a greener city (bicycle lanes, energy renovations...), and the housing crisis for which the council is building plenty of new affordable housing.
Another well planned video with links to other helpful videos. Merci! Great job!