Comments on: Paris: 9 things I wish I had known before my first trip

By: joanntasby

joanntasby — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 21:15:51 +0000

My granddaughter in Paris. She eas so diappointed. She said it stinks so bad and is dirty . What can she do?

By: ALEX THOMPSON

ALEX THOMPSON — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 11:42:15 +0000

Very nice article, it really helps us to explore more beauty of Paris. We were traveling in a group of 4 so we decided to travel by Vueling airlines. The airline is quite amazing, due to sudden change in plans we all decided to stay in the city for a bit more. There was a very convenient Vueling cancel flight online procedure.

Realy, Paris is one of the best places to visit.

By: carrico

carrico — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 18:25:14 +0000

Y our young kids will open doors to communication. Who can resist a kid? They are really very good scoping out the w.c., too. Waiters quite understand and share a knowing smile.

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 06:28:48 +0000

Great post! I’ve never been to Paris before, but it is definitely in my top 5 to go to soon. Prior to reading this, I really probably would have only stayed in the city center and my main thing would have been to see the Eiffel Tower. As for walking tours, I usually never book tours at all! I don’t like tours as I feel like it’s so constricted to an itinerary, but I’ll give it a shot if you recommend it.

Thanks for the tips!

By: Kiki

Kiki — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:17:22 +0000

Apart from a ‘walking tour’ I ALWAYS take my friends & guests on a boat trip, usually the one at Pont Neuf. You get your deal with F/E comments (very helpful) and don’t risk to be killed by a car/motorbike/taxi…. You see EVERYTHING from the Seine, it’s peaceful, quiet, gives you a break and you can take lovely pics in any weather. I live nr Paris since 2008 and this is one of the best things to do; especially the first time you’re here.
Then also take the time for some of the gardes; again, with or without a (possibly) market bought pic-nic, an hour spent at e.g. the Jardin du Luxembourg is such a great experience. You can give your museum-tired feet a rest, enjoy watching the world go by and if you’re lucky, you get a concert thrown in for free!

By: Bob Carrico

Bob Carrico — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 00:03:59 +0000

Regarding food and drink: We kinda like the Paris supermarkets. Maybe the food is better at the outdoor markets, but usually it’s easier to hit an indoor market as you drag yourself back to the hotel. Watch what the locals are buying. They know the bargains.

Of course visiting the cafe is also tres cool, but it’s cheaper at these little stores, and then you can feast back in your hotel room, which is very romantic–the view from the window behind your empty bottles of wine as the street lights come on, the night traffic begins to grow.

Oh, yeah, maybe there’s a little soup cafe where you can purchase a take-out. Amazing how good these soups along with a fresh loaf of ‘French bread’ can be. BTW: I fully agree with the author’s point about not sharing your experiences with someone who’s never been to Paris before. There are some experiences which really can’t be communicated.

By: Sharine

Sharine — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 17:10:50 +0000

Hello, Bryan,

Thank you for this and all the articles you write! They are helpful and inspiring as I continue to dream of going to France (many times) with my husband and fully enjoying each and every experience.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 13:03:07 +0000

Great tips! Another thing I would tell people traveling to Paris (or France) for the first time. Don’t try to do everything in one visit. I’ve spoken to so many people who, within the course of about 4 or 5 days HAD to go to the Louvre, d’Orsay, Versailles, Catacombs, Invalides, Monmartre–Sacre Coeur, Canal St. Martin (to throw stones like Amelie), Notre Dame..you name the place, they had it on the itinerary! IMMHO, the best way to enjoy Paris is to savor her! Take your time–sometimes just doing NOTHING is doing everything! Take baby steps–visit the home of Eugene Delacroix–it’s off the beaten path and is a lovely, lovely way to spend a long hour. Instead of shopping on the Champs Elysees, take a walk down Rue Bonaparte and enjoy the quirky boutiques. Even with the most basic of the basic French language, visitors will do well. “Bonjour” and “Au revior”, as well as “jaimerais” and “merci” can get one very far and quite honestly, show respect to our French neighbors!

By: Tom Bickle

Tom Bickle — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 01:43:02 +0000

Well done! Your recommendations are spot on, and will definitely help people get more from their once-in-a-lifetime trip.