12 Things NOT to do in Paris (by a Local)!

I'm French and these are the things you should NOT do in Paris!

Here is the advice I give all my American friends who come to Paris for the first time. From where to find the good food to how to not have Parisians hate you and also essential questions like "why do they keep serving me tiny coffees?".

#paris #france #lifeinparis #firstimeinparis

[LucileHR]

Wow, I am SO grateful for the response on this video!! To be honest, I was a bit scared/shy to speak about my culture, but after seeing all your nice comments, I think I'll keep doing it :)

[marlabrunker]

Note that the advice about not standing like an idiot in the flow of pedestrian traffic is applicable to every big city in the world, not just Paris.

[DeeDeeMandark]

Love to hear that me walking around aimlessly was a right way to experience Paris. Also, every time someone says that French people are rude and don’t want to interact I just don’t know what they are talking about, cuz all the French people I met were so nice and respectful and tried to understand me even though I didn’t speak French (which I am working on right now)! Can’t wait to go back. Thank you for the video 😊

[maureenedwards]

I fulfilled a long time dream a couple of years ago and spent a full month in Paris. My apartment was across the Seine across from the Louver. I had a month metro ticket and also walked about 350 miles. Every evening I walked along the Seine. I discovered many hidden gems. My French is poor, but got me around. The most beautiful city I know.

[Cyantoo]

As a local, I can say all these tips are 100% spot on ! Please follow them :D

[jeanlannes]

Restaurants with small menu's are the best, if you see like 30 or 40 different dishes...run ;)

[Riccardo_Mori]

I had a really good time when I visited Paris for the first time in 2012. I went there with my wife without real preparations, and judging by your tips, we instinctively did everything right. She speaks a bit of French, having spent some time working in Belgium, so this helped a bit with the locals, who were noticeably pleased when they saw we were doing our best to ask things in French. They often continued the conversation by revealing they knew English or Spanish (we’re from Spain), and made things much easier. In my experience, and confirming your tip, politeness and kindness will help a lot in Paris. Of course it helps everywhere, but I noticed that Parisians are particularly put off by rudeness (or by what they perceive to be rude behaviour) and they quickly become uncooperative. Being polite, quiet, and tactful goes a long way.

YouTube suggested your channel out of the blue, and I’m glad it did. You’re such a lovely presence. Cheers! //Rick

[RikMaxSpeed]

When picking a restaurant, look for those that have a “Ticket Restaurant” stickers outside: those’ll be places working people have lunch at every day, and you’ll get a cheap “prix fixe” menu that will typically be excellent traditional cooking.

[morrisyarnell]

We stayed at a ladies house in Paris (a rental room) and every morning while having breakfast she would brief us on places to go and things we might enjoy seeing, very casual and fun, very chill. We walked a lot. Another time we rented a room for three weeks ( I think in the 20th) and walked everywhere except for rides on the metro. Buying 10 tickets at a time saves money and time, don't throw the ticket away before the end of the day. Thanks for your tips. Yes speaking a few French words goes a long way to enjoyment of your stay, it just shows respect.

[ggold]

Great advice! We moved to Switzerland (French speaking portion) a year and a half ago and we go in to France all the time. My first trip to France 9 years ago I was excited and nervous. As an American all you hear is the worn out stereotype that the French are rude, unhospitable and hate Americans. I worked hard to learn some basic French as I'd heard that if you make an effort then you will have a wonderful experience. That was 100% true. Everyone we met and interacted with were friendly, willing to chat and give advice of where we should visit. But, I started every encounter with a friendly "bonjour" and a smile. And the sit down meal advice is spot on. Since moving my wife and I have become more accustom to a 1.5 to 3 hour dinners when we go out. My father-in-law was about to loose his mind after 45 minutes! 😆 Definitely slow yourself down, sit for coffee's and pastries and enjoy the experience.

[patrickrichardson]

We just visited Paris last November and had a wonderful time. We walked everywhere. Miss our morning coffee and croissants. Had the most delightful conversation with our hotel clerk about which boulangerie he loves. He gave the most detailed description of the perfect baguette! ❤ Also found that people were extremely helpful when asking a question politely.

[uscitizen]

I've not been to Paris...only Strasbourg. But we were 'warned' by a family member who was living in Europe about some of the things NOT to do as a tourist in Europe. ...One of the important things recommended was not being too loud! 🤪We took that to heart.

[drayner]

My husband and I love Paris and France in general. Have never experienced any rudeness - pretty much the opposite!

[peterplotts]

My French is terrible, but I love saying "Bonjour!" and "Merci beaucoup!" Thank you for the excellent, practical advice and the friendly presentation. Au revoir, Bon chance.

[marais]

That's actually the most down to earth description of the Paris tourist experience I have ever seen. Good job! I'll refer my next visitors to your video for a reality check.

[jtstacey]

Last year, we were in Paris during the World Cup, and boy, I've never seen people get so crazy. People were stood, waving flags, drinking, and sinking. Truly a memory I will always have. We try to visit every couple of years, but even now after a dozen trips, staying a week or more at a time feel like, we still haven't scratched the surface of the city.

[bonsaitomato]

Change “pastry” to “pizza” and you just explained every bit of advice we in NYC have for tourists to our city. Why anyone would want to stay in, much less go to Times Square is baffling to us. It’s like Disney’s idea of what New York is. Not real.
My favorite part of the video, tourist walking habits. So true, nothing more annoying than you trying to get to work or home and you can’t make your train on time because a group of tourists have decided to form a phalanx across the entire sidewalk as they slow walk armed with their map apps and guides. If you don’t know where to go please make room for those that do.
Great video, thanks, I think I’ll like Paris . I’ve traveled to Europe on business many times, mainly to London and Basel, but unfortunately I haven’t had enough free time for a quick trip to Paris. You have just made me more determined to go, thanks.

[TraineeTeacherSupport]

Amazing tips, and they apply to other places too. Absolutely agree with not limiting yourself to a tickbox list of landmarks to visit. Experience the city (indeed, any city) by exploring the seemingly mundane, everyday parts. That's where the adventures are!

[stevecarson]

About the American woman in the bakery: It amazes me how many people think, when they encounter someone who doesn't speak English, that if they SHOUT it at him, he will magically begin to understand them. That's NOT how languages work!

[DS-zjon]

Merci. Just learn Bonjour, Madame or Bonjour Monsieur to say to the shop owners. "France is not Paris." I lived in Orleans, Pau, Caen & Rennes which allowed me many personal advantages to get to know the people and regional food and differences. I also ran around on a Peugot bike. How I love and adore France and the people. Years and years ago my landlady was 93 and told us how Gen Patton liberated Orleans and what that was like. She was so happy to have Americans living with her because of this. Such enriching experiences to remember at 80 years old.