Paris trips

Parisians genuinely appreciate when visitors make an effort with the language—even a little goes a long way. Start here: 

• Bonjour: Hello—use it every time you walk into a shop, café, or restaurant. It’s non-negotiable. 

• Merci: Thank you 

• S’il vous plaît: Please 

• Excusez-moi: Excuse me 

• L’addition, s’il vous plaît: The check, please 

• Où est...?: Where is...? 

• Je voudrais...: I would like... 

• Parlez-vous anglais?: Do you speak English?

Paris has a rhythm all its own—and once you tune into it, the city opens right up. A few things to know before you arrive: 

• Always say bonjour. Walking into any establishment without a greeting is considered rude. Lead with it, every time. 

• Meals are not rushed. Sitting down for lunch or dinner in Paris is an experience, not a transaction. Don’t expect a quick turnaround—and don’t ask for one. 

• Cafe culture is sacred. Ordering a single espresso and sitting for an hour is completely normal. No one will rush you out. 

• Tipping is not expected. Service is included in the bill (look for “service compris”). Rounding up or leaving a euro or two is a nice gesture, but not required. 

• Sundays are slow. Many smaller shops and some restaurants close on Sundays. Plan accordingly. 

• Pickpocketing is real. Crowded tourist areas—especially around the Eiffel Tower and on the Metro—attract opportunists. Keep your bag in front of you and stay aware.

Paris takes food seriously—and that’s an understatement. From corner boulangeries to Michelin-starred dining rooms, the standard is high across the board. Here’s what to eat: 

• Croissants: The benchmark for all other croissants. Eat one every morning. Compare notes. 

• Steak frites: A Parisian bistro staple—simple, perfectly executed, and best with a glass of red wine. 

• French onion soup: Rich, slow-cooked, topped with melted cheese and a thick crouton. Order it. 

• Macarons: Pierre Hermé and Ladurée are the famous names, but the best macaron you’ll have might come from a small shop you wander into by accident. 

• Cheese: Ask for a cheese plate wherever you go. Let the server guide you. Say yes to everything. 

• Crêpes: Sweet or savory, from a street cart or a sit-down crêperie—both are correct. 

• Natural wine bars: Paris’s wine bar scene has exploded in recent years. Find a cave à manger, order a glass of something orange, and settle in.

Paris rewards slow exploration—the more time you give it, the more it gives back: 

• The Eiffel Tower: Yes, it’s iconic. Yes, it’s worth it. Picnic at the base, go up at sunset, watch it sparkle on the hour after dark. 

• The Louvre: Home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of other works that could fill a lifetime of visits. Give yourself at least half a day. 

• Palace of Versailles: A short train ride from the city and a full world away—the scale of it has to be seen to be believed. 

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: One of the great Gothic cathedrals of the world, now beautifully restored and open again after years of reconstruction. 

• Montmartre: Winding cobblestone streets, the Sacré-Cœur basilica, artists at work, and some of the best people-watching in the city. 

• Le Marais: Paris’s most eclectic neighborhood—historic architecture, great galleries, excellent falafel, and some of the best boutique shopping in the city. 

• A Seine River cruise: The city looks completely different from the water, especially at night.

Paris is a city with a deep sense of identity—and understanding a little of it makes the whole trip better: 

• Pride in craft: Whether it’s a baguette, a suit, or a painting, Parisians take quality seriously. That attention to detail is everywhere. 

• Art is everywhere: Not just in museums—in architecture, in window displays, in the way a plate of food is presented. Paris treats aesthetics as a way of life. 

• Fashion: People dress intentionally here. Not flashy—just considered. You’ll notice it immediately. 

• Intellectual culture: Paris has long been a city of thinkers, writers, and debaters. Conversations go deep. Opinions are held firmly. 

• A slower pace (on purpose): Despite being a major world capital, Paris resists the rush. Lunch is long. Evenings are leisurely. That’s not inefficiency—it’s a philosophy.

Paris is genuinely beautiful in every season, but the timing does change the experience: 

• Spring (April–June): The classic Paris moment—mild weather, blooming chestnut trees, long golden evenings, and the city at its most romantic. Crowds build toward June, but it’s worth it. 

• Summer (July–August): Warm, lively, and buzzing with energy—but also peak tourist season. Expect lines at major attractions and higher prices. Many Parisians actually leave the city in August, which gives it a quieter, almost local feel. 

• Fall (September–November): A strong case for the best time to visit. Comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists than summer, and the city settling into a cozy, unhurried rhythm. The light in October is something else. 

• Winter (December–February): Cold and occasionally grey, but Paris in winter has real charm—Christmas markets along the Champs-Élysées, far shorter lines at museums, and a city that feels genuinely lived-in rather than performed for tourists.