Comments on: Visiting Paris for the first time: 8 rookie mistakes to avoid

By: Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson — Thu, 02 May 2019 13:41:37 +0000

you can add some more mistakes of not taking under account the free of cost activities in Paris like Free First Sunday Programme, Free Open Air Cinema at Parc de la Villette , Wondering Through the Jardin du Luxembourg Park, the Love Wall, fashion show at Galeries Lafayette etc.

By: Katrina

Katrina — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:49:01 +0000

I’ve wanted to visit one of the Parisian hotels since i watch it on TV – they look so comfortable and homely!

By: Bob Carrico

Bob Carrico — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:22:34 +0000

The first time we saw Paris was Thanksgiving, 1984. Coming from the highly-charged atmosphere of Berlin (West), we were worried about how our kids, ages 4 and 8, would do. We needn’t have. There are beautiful broad streets and wide sidewalks in the city. After a stern warning, we could scoot them us up ahead of us and amble behind, keeping a close eye on the little monsters. It was a great opportunity to snap the photos I have somewhere in my albums. Quickly we realized the Parisians were watching the kids, too. We could see them smiling. If they messed up, they would caution them in French. We did a lot of walking that trip. Great exercise. After dinner, the kids were already yawning. Then my wife and I had a little time to…..

By: Craig Nelson

Craig Nelson — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 22:09:44 +0000

That’s a great point! I always say hello right away the moment I walk into a shop. Trying to be polite with a limited French vocabulary goes a long way.

By: Emma

Emma — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:19:44 +0000

The single most important tip I ever got what to use “Bonjour Madame” and “Bonjour Monsieur” at every. single. encounter. Failing to do so is impolite (stand back and watch the French do it with one another). Doing so, even if you know nothing else in French, at least opens the door to a happy exchange. Add please and thank you in French, and you’re miles ahead of the average visitor. I traveled with a friend who refused to use these few words because she “might say them wrong” and she was not treated nearly as well as I was. Another tip, when you want to buy ONE of something use the word for one. Otherwise, opportunistic servers might give you two sandwiches, two baguettes, etc. Because “baguette” and “baguettes” are pronounced the same in French, you need the number in front of the words to be understood.

By: Travelouts(Cheap Flights)

Travelouts(Cheap Flights) — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 10:15:24 +0000

Excellent blog post, and thank you for sharing some very helpful thoughts!!! Best of luck with your travels

By: Anastasia Widiarsih

Anastasia Widiarsih — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 02:31:26 +0000

My very first trip to Paris happened after dreaming about it for 20 years! I rented a tiny, super adorable apartment by Canal St. Martin. The best part about staying in apartment is the ability to make a big mug of coffee in the morning. I agree with the author about not trying to do everything. I took my time in several neighborhoods, tasting pastries and cakes, visited a few churches, etc. I even spent an evening being ‘home’, cooking dinner from things I picked out at the farmers’ market, watched some french tv. It was so lovely!

By: Eric Mitchell

Eric Mitchell — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:42:18 +0000

I would add one, don’t assume cabs will take a credit card. Pretty common in the US, but I’ve yet to find one in France that would.

By: eg

eg — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 15:45:01 +0000

I fully agree with Craig Nelson’s opinion about having breakfast at the “Hotel du Nord – le Pari Vélo”. It’s particularly tasty and it’s served at a cosy spot at the basement. Baguettes, croissants, freshly expressed orange juice, homemade jams and fresh pastries are all items in the selection and consistently delicious. At 8 euros, the breakfast is a bargain (for a Parisian hotel).

By: Craig Nelson

Craig Nelson — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 20:08:30 +0000

We always love a tasty breakfast, especially if it’s included in the price! We do like the breakfast at Hotel du Nord with homemade jams and fresh pastries. It costs 8 euros but is worth it for at least one morning.