spot_imgspot_img

Top 5 This Week

spot_img

Related Posts

Discovering Paris: Dos & Don’ts from a Once-Local’s Perspective


With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture, Paris is a city that captivates visitors. By following these dos and don’ts, you can enhance your experience, avoid common pitfalls, and immerse yourself in the true essence of Parisian life. Enjoy your journey in one of the world’s most enchanting cities!


New York, N.Y. As a child, I lived in Paris with my family while my father, on sabbatical, worked at the Sorbonne, the Université de Paris. This experience gave me a unique perspective on the city, which I have revisited many times since, usually for just a few days. With the Olympics approaching, I want to share my experiences to help fellow travelers avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the city without being perceived as “ugly” tourists. Here’s a guide to the essential dos and don’ts for your Parisian adventure.

Dos

  1. Do Greet People Properly
    In Paris, as in the rest of France, a polite greeting is essential. Always start interactions with “Bonjour” (good day) or “Bonsoir” (good evening) and a smile. This simple gesture of politeness, which I learned early on, can make a significant difference in your interactions with locals.
  2. Do Learn Basic French Phrases
    While many Parisians speak English, especially in tourist areas, making an effort to speak a few French phrases is appreciated. My childhood experiences taught me that phrases like “Merci” (thank you), “S’il vous plaît” (please), and “Excusez-moi” (excuse me) show respect for the local culture and can enhance your experience.
  3. Do Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots
    While the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame are must-see landmarks, my fondest memories are from exploring lesser-known neighborhoods like Le Marais, Montmartre, and Canal Saint-Martin. These areas offer a more authentic experience of Parisian life and often have unique shops, cafés, and street art.
  4. Do Try the Local Cuisine
    Paris is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from world-class pastries to exquisite gourmet dishes. Be adventurous and try local specialties like escargot, coq au vin, or a classic croissant from a local boulangerie. Don’t forget to savor a leisurely meal at a traditional French bistro, a tradition I cherished with my family.
  5. Do Use Public Transportation
    Paris has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams. It’s efficient, affordable, and the best way to get around the city. Consider purchasing a multi-day metro pass if you plan on using public transit frequently, just as my family did during our stay.
Photo: The City of Light. Credit: Luca Micheli / Unsplash.

Don’ts

  1. Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English
    Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas, not everyone is fluent. Speaking slowly, using simple language, and learning a few French words can help bridge the communication gap and show respect, as I learned firsthand during my time at the Sorbonne.
  2. Don’t Rush Your Meals
    In Paris, dining is an experience to be savored. Meals are often leisurely, and it’s common to spend several hours enjoying dinner with multiple courses. Avoid rushing through meals and instead take the time to enjoy the food and atmosphere, a habit my family adopted during our stay.
  3. Don’t Touch the Produce in Markets
    When visiting local markets, it’s customary to let the vendor handle the produce. Touching fruits and vegetables is considered impolite, so always ask the vendor to help you with your selection, a lesson my parents taught me early on.
  4. Don’t Expect Fast Service
    Service in French restaurants can be slower than what some travelers might be used to, as dining is meant to be a relaxed experience. Be patient, and if you need something, politely signal to your waiter. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; a small amount or rounding up the bill is common practice.
  5. Don’t Forget About Cultural Norms
    Parisian culture values discretion and subtlety. Avoid loud conversations, especially on public transportation or in restaurants. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and always ask for permission before taking photos of people or inside certain places, like museums or shops.

With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture, Paris is a city that captivates visitors. By following these dos and don’ts, you can enhance your experience, avoid common pitfalls, and immerse yourself in the true essence of Parisian life. Enjoy your journey in one of the world’s most enchanting cities!

Discovering Paris: Dos and Don’ts from a Once-Local’s Perspective (July 24, 2024)

#ParisTravel #DosAndDonts #ExploreParis #TravelSmart #ParisTips

Tags: Paris, Travel Guide, Tourism, Cultural Tips, Vacation Planning, France

ABOUT Africa – Central Africa – West Americas & Caribbean Analysis Animals & Animal Rights Anthropology Architecture Asia – East Asia – South Asia – Southeast Authoritarianism Available Content Calendar Children Childrens' Literature Cities & Urban Development Corporations & CSR Cuisine & Culinary Arts CULTURE Dance Disaster & Development Education Europe Events EXPRESSION Eyewitness Faith, Religion & Theology Family Fashion Film & TV Fostering & Adoption Global Warming Goodness Gun Control Health History Human Rights Immigration & Migration Interior Design International Relations ISSUES Jim Luce Writes Leadership Media Microfinance Mideast Museums Music Nature News Older Adults Open Orphans International Outer Space Peace & Conflict Resolution Philanthropy Photography Poetry & Fiction Politics Pop Culture Poverty Prison Reform Profiles & Obituaries Racisim & Black Lives Matter Royalty Service Organizations Sexuality Slide Shows & Photo Essays Social Media Sports & Olympics Technology The Arts Theater & Comedy The Luce Index Travel U.N. U.S. Video Viewpoint War, Conflict & Terrorism Women WORLD Youth


Discover more from The Stewardship Report

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Jim Luce
Jim Lucehttps://stewardshipreport.org/
Raising, Supporting & Educating Young Global Leaders through Orphans International Worldwide (www.orphansinternational.org), the J. Luce Foundation (www.lucefoundation.org), and The Stewardship Report (www.stewardshipreport.org). Jim is also founder and president of the New York Global Leaders Lions Club.

Leave a Reply

Popular Articles

Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com