First Timer’s Travel Guide to Paris

Picture this Sicily 1922, I’m kidding! This post is about Paris. What comes to mind when you think of Paris? For me, it reminds me of Madeline. I remember Madeline as an orphan in Paris who was free spirited with strong opinions! So as a “Little girl” I went in 2004. I was 14 years old… To be honest, all I remember is going to the top of the Eiffel tower and taking the stairs. I don’t remember how I felt about Paris. In 2016, I went again with the love of my life who is now my husband. haha. Paris has all the romance if you know where to look! You DO NOT have to be in Paris to find love PERIOD!

Love is at every corner, but there’s something about the atmosphere that brings people together! The second time in Paris was very experimental because we did not really plan anything and we just went! We did all of the touristy things. I even bought champagne underneath the Eiffel tower probably double the original price. We saw Paris through the eyes of a tourist which we enjoyed, but I can say that the second time I went to Paris I felt that it was interesting. In December 2019, I FOUND my love for Paris! Third times a charm I guess. In this post I want to share things I love about Paris especially the 24 hours we spent eating & walking our way through the city of love! I will also be sharing things you need to know before you go, sights and things you should know before venturing off to Paris!

24 Hours In Paris

Hey, I am not taking credit. My friend who LOVES Paris gave me a list of food places to go to in PARIS and OUI OUI we fell in love! Honestly this is what the difference from every trip I had taken there because we knew exactly where to go! I walked around Paris without a map! My husband and I walked 10 miles that day! I saw the city for what it was experiencing the colorful streets, flowers to last a life time, & people speaking French so eloquently! I highly encourage you to be in tune with the area.

If you have a hotel near coffee shops EXPLORE! Get on the hotels website and read their recommendations, ask the reception or ask friends who have been! Paris is full of beauty and it may explain why their language (when spoken correctly) is music to the ears! Sorry, Robin (my husband).

Transportation

We arrived at the train station in hopes of walking to our hotel and heading out for the day! We arrived to our hotel and would only be able to hold our bags. After flying from a wedding in Cabo at Paradisus, we had to stay up a bit longer and explore before showering and exploring. For those of you who travel multiple places, keep this is mind! You may NOT get to shower when you get to your destination! I don’t want to be blunt, but I am here to give you the real. Make sure to nap on the plane if you have a chance and plan your flights accordingly!

Paris has a good public transportation system. When we went, there was a strike and attendants at each train helped people get on the right train. SO HELPFUL!

Here are a few links to help navigate the train system:

• The official Paris public transportation authority website
• When using public transportation, we want to make sure we are safe! This link addresses SAFETY!
• Tripsavvy wrote a Guide to Public transportation  

Things to Keep in Mind

Currency

The currency for Paris is Euro. You can get cash at most banks without a charge if you plan ahead of time. The exchange rate changes daily. If you are getting money last minute, you can exchange money at train stations, airport or exchange offices. Keep in mind that you will not only lose money through the exchange rate, but many of these places have fixed-rate exchange. You can also use the ATM to get money, but make sure to check the ATM fees. Most places in Paris accept credit cards, but depending on the bank, you have contact your bank before so they do not put a stop on your card!

Tipping in Paris

In Paris, a slow unrushed meal is NOT bad service. Having a meal in Paris is an experience, so take the time to SOAK it in. Enjoy a meal with wonderful views, watching people interact and become a part of the culture. Let go of that alarm of things you need to get to, put your phone down, talk to your travel partners and eat amazing food! At the end of the day, tipping is at your discretion, but I want you to be able to make an informed decision! On your check, you may see a service charge of 15%, that money is divided in multiple ways and another 2-3% is customary. If there is not a service change, 10% for good service.

Okay, I am a tipping manic. I used to work in the industry, so a part of me has had that mentality. I usually look up the tipping customs because in some places tipping is considered offensive! Here are some more tipping etiquette:

• Cafe/Bar: round to the nearest whole figure or leave the change
• Taxi: 1-2 euro is a good tip if they assist you with luggage. It is not required!
• Tour Guide: 10% of your guide total or 10-20 euro
• Porter: 1-2 euro

Pickpocketting

I always give people the benefit of the doubt but you have to protect yourself! I have promised to give you ALL details! There are pickpocketers who are professional and prey on tourist. The best way to protect yourself is to:

1. Use a cross back with zipper, flap or both!
2. Have your cash separated
3. Do NOT bring a stack of cash out to pay for things
4. Do not carry all of your belongings with you
5. Beware of your surroundings
6. Do NOT place your phone in your back pocket. EVEN for a second!

Speaking French

We need to remember that visiting another country is just that. You are a visitor, so learning simple phrases can go a long way! No worries, I got you! You can use apps like Duolingo to help you get started on phrases. Here is a list of commonly used phrases:

• Bonjour: Good morning, hello
• Bienvenue: Welcome
• Madame/Monsieur/Mademoiselle: Mrs. /Mr. /Miss
• Pardon, excusez-moi: Pardon, excuse me
• Parlez-vous anglais?: Do you speak English?
• Je ne parle pas français: I do not speak French
• À tout à l’heure!: See you later!
• Merci/Merci beaucoup: Thank you/Thank you very much
• Au revoir: Goodbye
• De rien: You’re welcome

Funny story, growing up my mom would always say excusez-moi. When we went to Paris, I walked around saying excuse me, then I asked my husband how to say excuse me in French. The second we googled it, I was walking the streets YELLING Excuses-moi. Ahaha. Something we should NOT yell on the streets of Paris, “Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir.” Christina Aguilera & her friends created Lady Marmalade, which is very catchy and I won’t lie, I was today years old when I learned that in translation it means “Do you want to sleep with me?” I mean to each their own *shoulder shrug*

Where to Stay in Paris

There are so many beautiful hotels and Airbnbs in Paris! If you are on a strict budget take a look at hostels. I have only stayed in a hostel twice for Oktoberfest, but I have heard good and bad things. Do your research! My best advice for looking for any place is to always take a look at reviews!

The second time, we stayed in Hotel West-End. Hotel West-End is located in the Champs Elysees (see below). The hotel has EXCELLENT service! It is a walk away from Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Place La Concorde, Tuilleries Gardens and the banks of the Seine. Basically, all of the sights in Paris are not far! I would recommend this hotel! Our bathroom had an amazing bathtub. Hotel West-End also has a couple of rooms with the view of the eiffel tower, if that’s your style. We were feeling boujie and ordered breakfast in bed which was AMAZING!  

Places to Eat in Paris

L’as du Fallafel:

Yes, go to france and have a falafel. It may sound silly at first, but when you taste the gyros, hummus, and pita. You’ll thank me! Make sure to order a fanta because all fantas are not made equally! I’m literally still thinking about this gyro yall!

Le Comptoir De La Gastonomie:

Do not ask me to say that out loud! The environment was inviting. One side had a market where you could purchase cheeses, meats and wine. There was seating outside facing the street with overhead heaters. If you go during a busy time, I would suggest that you make reservations!  One thing I have noticed about Paris and really Europe in general is there are a lot of outdoor seating!

Even though it was chilly, we sat outside and enjoyed the rest of our Bourgogne Pinot noir!  I did learn that Le Comptoir is a duck! We tried our first escargot here! See, the French have fancy ways of saying everything! Escargot is basically snails, but DON’T knock it until you try it! I enjoyed them and my husband said that they tasted better paired with the bread! The Duck Shepards pie I had was DELICIOUS & tender. The Foie Grais will not disappoint!

Chez Francis:

The first time I went to this place was during the day when my husband and I went to Paris while dating. We learned quickly that in the Parisian culture meals are not rushed. We almost missed our tour to go see the Eiffel tour because there’s no such thing as a quick bite! My favorite part of this restaurant is the view! We sat outside, enjoyed crème brulee and watched the tower sparkle in December. There are heaters outside, so we kept warm while we watched our favorite view in Paris. It’s absolutely breathtaking! If you do not like crowds, this is one of the best ways to see the city! Is it obvious yet that the Eiffel Tower is my favorite sight in Paris?

Hollybelly

We stepped into this café and felt like we stepped right into America! We were greeted at the door in English and our waiter was from the United States. The food was simple but mouthwatering! There were french locals enjoying brunch. I am not a coffee drinker, but Robin attests that the coffee was up to par!

Places we missed, but you wont! Some recommendations we received, but did not get the change to experience! If you try any of these places Please let me know what you think on Instagram

Ellsworth

I am told that the smore’s desert is a MUST!

Le Petit Cler

L’Avant Comptoir

Stohrer

Founded in 1730 & is the oldest patisserie in Paris!

Angelinas

Famous for their hot chocolate!

Places to see in Paris

I am here to inspire, but I also want to save you from making the same mistakes I have made. We all have that one person that is the experiment! I have no issue being your guinea pig!

THE PARIS PASS: if you plan on seeing multiple sights, you NEED it! Point, blank, period! It’s a sightseeing package that will save you money, time, stress and gives you useful information! So tap the link! I will say, I am not being compensated for this post!

We will start with the obvious….

Eiffel Tower

I feel I could write 534 words just describing this beauty! This tower is beautiful in the day, but she sparkles so beautifully at night. Go to the top and experience the views of Paris! Watching her sparkle gives me INSTANT chills. The twinkle happens at the beginning of the hour, so you can plan accordingly! Fact: there is a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower (picture of the view on the right) and it’s a multiple course meal. I will say its commercial, but we enjoyed every moment of it. Right babe? 😉 For the best view during the day go to Champ de Mars!  

Notre dame de Paris

On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out beneath the roof of the Notre-Dame de Paris. Notre-Dame is a cathedral church in Paris and famous of the Gothic Cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Can you say breathtaking?

Louvre museum

Musée du Louvre is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and the entry is FREE. I’ll be honest… Museums are not my thing, but my husband and I wandered around this museum and we found MONA LISA! Snapped a picture and walked out. haha. She has HIGH security and most of the time you cannot get close to the picture! Someone stole the original a while back, so the question is always whether or not its the original. We won’t know because we cannot get close enough. I’m kidding! I have heard good things about the museum from those who enjoy the museums, so you should go!  

Arc de Triomphe

This monument honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It is one of the most famous monuments in Paris.

Champs-´Elysées

Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris with theatres, cafes, and LUXURY shops! If you are looking for Gucci, Chanel, Dior Louis Vuitton, etc this is your place!

Seine River

We always want to experience this beauty from the water and maybe one day I will be writing about how we finally made it! This 18 mile river is vital to central and western France because it provides electric power stations, thermal and nuclear, and it also provides cooling water! There are tours of the river, cruises, walking tours, and dinner cruises!

With so many places and things to see, Paris has got you covered!