P – Perfect Paris Travel Guide #A2Zchallenge

Paris Travel Guide

I have been dreaming of visiting Paris since I was a little girl. Paris, the City of Lights, is the European capital, many Indians dream about visiting on their Honeymoon or at least once in their lifetime. Imagine walking down cobbled streets, visiting world-famous Eiffel Tower and eating chocolate croissants at a roadside cafe. If you never visited before, I think you need to take a look at this Perfect  Paris Travel Guide Before you book your tickets.

How to get to Paris

Numerous flights fly daily from all major international airports in India to all major cities in Europe such as Paris, Berlin, London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam among many others. Numerous flight options are varying in price and travel time. Unlike other popular tourist destinations such as the USA, Canada or Australia, you can get direct flights if you choose the carries of the country you wish to travel too.

Visa Formalities

France allows citizens of many countries to visit without a tourist visa for 3 months. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a French long-stay visa after you have returned home. If you need a Schengen or long-stay visa to enter France, then you must make an appointment with your local French consulate and provide the appropriate documents.

Paris Travel Guide and Tips

1. learn Basic French

Simply learning basic French words help you on your Paris trip. When visiting a new country, it’s important to learn at least a few basic words and phrases in the local language.  Yes, many people in the touristy areas speak English, but you shouldn’t arrive without being able to communicate about your needs in a foreign land. Buy a good quality Paris Travel Guide.

Good Day = Bonjour /bon zor/
Good Evening = Bonsoir /bon swah/
Good Bye = Au Revoir /oh-ruh-vwah/
Please = S’il vous plaît /see voo play/
Thank you = Merci /mer-sea/
Excuse me & sorry = pardon /pahr-doah/
You’re Welcome = De rein /duh-rhee-uh/
Ma’am = Madame /mah-dahm/
Sir = Monsieur /mis-eeyuh/
Yes = Oui /we/
No = Non /no/

2. Pack Sensibly 

Dont forget to pack comfortable shoes, as Paris involves plenty of walking. Visiting Paris will give you many photography opportunities! You might need a tripodor, a selfie-stick, memory bank, battery backups, chargers so don’t forget to pack all of those.

Keep in mind that Paris is a fashion capital, so bring your nicest clothes with you! You don’t want to feel underdressed, do you? Hats, scarfs, sunglasses, all accessories need to be packed too.

3. Carry an adapter plugs for your electronics

Better pack this in your suitcase as you may require it in this land of wine and cheese.

When In Paris

1. Save money on Travel

Everyone recommends traveling on the Paris metro. This is easier and less expensive than taking a  cab. The city cannot be covered on foot completely and travel can be expensive in Paris. So save money by purchasing the Paris Pass. This pass is valid for the  Metro and bus. With the Paris Pass, you will save time, money, and enjoyed stress-free sightseeing.

2. Make advance Reservations for the Eiffel Tower

Everyone visiting Paris for the first time definitely has  Paris, on their mind, the queues to the top are long and sometimes kills the joy while waiting so long. Try to book online tickets as soon as you know the dates of your trip. If they are sold out, try again in the weeks and days leading up to your visit as they release more tickets periodically.

3. Note the Days when attractions are closed

It’s also common for many attractions to be closed on Monday or Tuesday.  Even when planning visits to tourist attractions, always check opening days. For instance, the Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays and The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

4. Get a map of the city

For your first time in Paris, you need to know what are your traveling options. Indeed, you can either purchase single tickets or invest in a travel pass. You need to think about how you’re planning on getting around the city. If you plan on walking a lot and visit the city on foot or only ride the metro occasionally, the t+ tickets, which are single tickets sold per unit, will do.

5. Eiffel Tower Vs The Arc De Triomphe

While the Eiffel Tower is a dream come true when you go up. The long lines and cost can be really tiresome and expensive. On the other hand, the Arc De Triomphe is cheaper and normally has pretty short lines. Plus you can see the entire city from the top with some amazing views.

6. Food Tips

Tourists should avoid restaurants in the main tourist areas because they are highly expensive. Instead, take the fixed menus at breakfast, lunch, or dinner offered at some restaurants. You can check the menu before stepping in to order. Best options are to eat at street vendors or coffee shops for lunch so you can afford to go out for a romantic wine and dine. Snack on a Nutella crepe while walking around Paris! Paris tap water is perfectly safe for the tummy. Avoid bottled water and save money.

7. Paris Safety in the Streets

Leave your valuables in the hotel safe, eg-  cash, passport, and credit cards that you are not using. You need not worry about walking the streets at night as there are lots of people out and about at all hours of the evening. Despite recent terrorist attacks, Paris is not a dangerous city. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. If you carry a wallet, keep it in your front pocket, you don’t want to give an open invitation to pick pocketers.

So, Did I convince you to add Paris to your Travel Bucket list of 2019? Let me know in the comments below. I just cannot wait to visit and carry back home a big box of Macarons.

 

This post P – Perfect Paris Travel Guide is a part of the Blogchatter A-Z Challenge. Here is my post for letter O – Outdoors Activities for Women