13 HUGE MISTAKES Tourists Make When Traveling to Paris (by a Local)!

I'm French and these are the biggest mistakes I see people making when they visit Paris. Here we're talking how to avoid tourist scams, not overpacking your schedule and overall just how to actually enjoy your trip to Paris!

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#paris #france #lifeinparis #firstimeinparis

[VulcanTrekkie]

I followed a lot of this advice when I went to Paris for a term break trip when I was studying in England. Really enjoyed myself. And I really don't understand where the stereotype of Parisians being rude comes from, because everyone was so friendly and helpful.

[ceddiec]

I ran a marathon in the UK last week and decided to add three days to my trip so I could visit Paris. Your videos really helped. Instead of staying at a hotel I rented an AirBnB in the 20th Arrondissements. I spent most of my time simply walking around looking at buildings and people watching. I ate at local bakeries in the morning and neighborhood cafes in the evening. I found the people to be very police and pleasant. I always greeted them with "bonjour" which they really appreciated. Mostly everyone spoke English but again they appreciated my badly spoken bonjour, and merci. I did walk around to see some of the famous sites but the most fun thing was walking several blocks from those places and discovering a park with Parisians sitting around eating or talking. I will definitely come back next year

[Lux_Lethal]

As someone who has always lived in a tourist destination, it baffles me how many people will visit a new place, but then get upset that it's not exactly like their home.

[SEaudiofan]

1:44 I agree. I was surprised to find that what i found most enjoyable, was basically strolling, people watching, sitting at a cafe and sipping a coffee, enjoying the sidewalk markets and back streets.

[davkatjenn]

I've been to Paris twice and my favorite thing to do there is simply walk around the neighborhoods and soak it all in. The very first time I went we were staying down in the Port de Orleans area. On the morning we were leaving to head back to the US I got up early and got out before the sun came up and walked about two K's from our hotel and just watched the people getting their shops ready for opening time. I waltched them wash the sidewalks. There for a short while I was a local and I loved it. We were there in January and no one was rude to us at all, in fact, the people at the boulangerie next to our hotel were some of the warmest, friendliest people that we have ever encountered. The US could use some of that warmth and friendliness.

[gengis]

I would recommend the Louvres, it's not only a monument, but a concentrate of the finest art of Europe from all period, from Antiquity to 19th c., superior to British museum and more diverse than Florence museum.
The greatest season is probably spring, light is brighter than in Summer, weather mild, and days are longer in June.
Also, the regions with the strongest cultural identities and stunning landscapes in France are Pays Basque (Basque culture, Atlantic Spanish border), Brittany (Celtic, Western cape), Alsace (Germanic, Rhine valley), Corsica (Latine, Mediterranean island). They are all far from Paris, so if you want a pleasant countryside with fine meals and beautiful places, you can consider Loire Valley, 2 hours from Paris by train or car.

[californiaglo]

I have been fortunate to have visited Paris 10+ times and still have not seen it all. I was there last October and will be returning in May. I love Paris!!

[doofinator]

I realize that people don’t eat escargot every day but…skipping it is a mistake. It’s absolutely fabulous.
As you said, people should be adventurous in their diet and experience.

[toobasaurus]

I'm Australian and I'm heading to Europe for the first time in May.
First stop is four days in Paris. I can't wait!
Your videos have been great preparation, Lucile. Merci!

[goingawayguide]

One of my favorite trips to Paris was when I decided to just randomly get off the train and walk around the neighborhood I found myself each day. I found so many neat things, enjoyed amazing food, and just wandered around having a relaxing week.

[adamshinbrot]

This is all great advice. By some freak of fate my wife and I followed most of these rules without knowing about most of them (if only we'd known to say "bonjour" more!) and we had a magnificent time.
We were also approached by a "help me with this map" scammer, but somehow he didn't get ahold of any of our possessions. We were truly lucky in all kinds of ways in the most beautiful city in the world. Follow Lucile's advice and you will also have a marvelous trip.

[autolargue]

Last year i took a taxi from CDG into Paris downtown and we were stuck pretty much as soon as we approach central Paris. The driver said it's because of the newer policies that restrict roads to 1 lane and prioritizing bike lanes. So if you don't mind walking a bit with your luggage, get the taxi to drop you off at the outskirts but at a metro station to save you a lot of money.

[davkatjenn]

This is probably going to sound really weird, but one of the things my wife and I love to do when in Europe is shop in the small, local grocery stores. We were staying in the Ourcq region of Paris and just loved the little store that we passed every day. So different that the stores in the US and that is one of the main reasons to experience the differences.

[danielTaylor]

Every single video you make is informative also I enjoy your beautiful voice thank you so much L.

[ApeApes]

I try to travel to France each year to visit a different part of the country — plus stay five or more days in Paris. I spend a lot of time walking. This year I hope to walk the bridges. One day on the eastern part of the Seine. The next day on the west.
Your tips will be very helpful for people who really want to get more out of their time in Paris.

[nedludd]

What visitors, especially Americans, should do before coming is read up on French history and culture so that they understand a little more about what they will see and encounter. They will it much more rewarding.

[rj-jlnv]

What people dont get is that Paris is an atmosphere, a particular vibe. Trust me, even if you dont see the highlights and overcrowded landmarks, you wont miss out on the uniqueness of the Parisian vibe round every corner. Love Paris. Love wandering aimlessly across the city. Having coffee here and there, watching people go by. Getting a rest in a park. All the previous is the real parisian experience.

[MochiGurll]

I visited Paris with my mom and brother when I was maybe 12 years old and am one of those people who didn't have a great experience, partly because we didn't know what we were doing and partly because I felt sick from jetlag (I was sensitive to the 9-hour time zone difference) and walking so much. I always think it is such a pity that we didn't check out more arrondissements and try better food. My mom also didn't seem to understand that making a kid who's not athletic by any means walk for hours every day would lead to a lot of pain and swelling. I went to the popular attractions and gardens, but didn't get to really enjoy myself. Watching your video makes me reflect on my experience there and want to give the city another shot in the future. I know more French now after taking classes in school, and plan to brush up on my speaking skills and to go with friends who share similar interests and travel paces. Great video!

[djserious]

There’s something to be said by seeing a famous object, such as Eiffel Tower, in person. It’s like meeting a celebrity.

[Kat-Farrell]

Brilliant advice for visiting Paris. There is so much to see and it is so beautiful. These are great tips to ensure people have a wonderful experience