Tips on visiting Paris, France?

Question

I am going to Paris, France this summer, and i really could use some tips. First, what should I wear? Paris is the fashion capitol of the world, so i want to fit in. Also, where are some good places to shop that are cute yet affordable? Second, please give me some tips on how to NOT look like a tourist! And third, can someone please give me some tips on how to easily learn how to speak some French fast? I only know how to say a few simple words like "Hello", "Welcome", "Thank-You", and "Good-Bye". Also please give me any more info about Paris i should know! Thanks!

Answer 1

The weather in the summer (July and August) is fairly warm.  I was there in July and we were in t-shirts and tank tops most of the time.  You don't have to be fancy all the time.  If you are going to a fancier restaurant, you may want to, but otherwise, you are fine going in jeans and casual clothes.  

To fit in, know where you are going before you leave your hotel or where you are staying.  If you are constantly looking at a map, they will know you are a tourist.  Also, don't carry your camera in your hand or around your neck - this is a big give away.  You will obviously want memories, so pictures are fine to take, but be as discrete as possible.

Champs Elysees is the big shopping area.  It is the street by L'Arc de Triomphe and has all the big name designer brands and is crazy expensive.  You should go just for the experience, but be careful of how much you spend.  A nice little place with some cute shops is the Marais (I think that is what it is called).  There are lots of museums in the area as well as lots of cute little shops that aren't too expensive.  I also liked the shops around Sacre Coeur (a big church at the top of a hill, its in the Moulin Rouge area).  There is also a nice little area in the Latin Quarter near Notre Dame.

When you are in Paris in the touristy areas, watch out for pick pockets.  There are quite a few of them, but if you look like you belong they won't come after you.  I was lucky enough never to have a problem and never to see anyone get pick pocketed, but I have heard many stories about it.  Using a purse or bag with a zipper is the best idea and keep it with the zipper at the front of you so that you can see that it is closed.

To learn some quick french, you can pick up a conversational french book at a book store, or when you get there just immerse yourself in the language and you will pick it up enough that you can get by.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 2

You need to check the weather first before you go because sometimes even in summer temperature can be low.[from my last july visit in paris 12 degrees]. then to wear normal clothes, even if France is the capital of fashion the people are not wearing fashion. for shopping you got Galeries la fayette, Tati; you can find many places all depend what you  seeking. not to look like tourist: act normal, don't work around with your map and camera.

words;

how are you? = comment allez vous?

I'm fine! = bien, merci!

How much is this? = combien sa cout, ceci?

I'm seeking for...? = Je chercher...?

Answer 3

Don't even worry about fitting in because you won't.  My family went and we would just walk into a restaurant and before we opened our mouths they would speak English to us. Just don't wear a f***y pack

Answer 4

I just visited Paris! You will have tons of fun, trust me. All the teenage girls in France wear black skinny jeans and scarves, but you won't be wearing that during the summer! French people dress very well and so whatever you do, don't wear sweatpants! But wear comfortable shoes, even if you have to wear ugly ones or else your trip will be ruined!

It's almost impossible not to look like a tourist. I speak French pretty well, and they knew in an instant I was an American. Always say "Bonjour" to shopkeepers and stuff, even if you're just looking around. There's a store called "Pimkie" which isn't expensive and has cute clothes.

One phrase you should know is "ou se trouve_____?" (oooh seh trhoove) which means "where is______?" very very very useful!!!

There are of course customs which are very different there. Like they touch their food with their hands a lot, for example. They also add the tip onto the bill, so don't end up paying extra to the waiter for nothing!!

Hope I helped! There's so much more advice I could give, but most importantly, have fun!

Answer 5

Don't think that everyone in Paris is "chic"...most of people don't wear elegant clothes. If you go to the Champs Elysées at office times, you will probably meet some people in suit (like in the City in London)...but many people in Paris wear jeans and T-shirts.

If you don't want to look like a tourist, put your camera into your bag and don't wear lightening colors...

About learning French, it's probably easy to learn 10 words like bonjour, s'il vous plait, ....

Have a good trip in Paris !

PS : in summer, the weather is hot in Paris : 25-30° Celsisus.

Answer 6

Hi,

first, that's pending on the weather... ;-)

a single T-shirt should be ok, average T° in Paris in Summer is between 20-30°Celsuis, but maybe rainy.

In August, since 5 years, our Mayor has created a 'Beach' activity in Paris. Tonns of sand to lay on, multiple water activities and many many more.



2/ try Barbès, near Gare du Nord, a very 'popular' block, you can find a TATI shop at 4 Bd Rochechouart. There's a gold Tati shop just around too where you can buy certified Jewelries at low price.

3/ wow, french is not very easy ...

my advice is to learn first " Do you speak English ?" in French.

"Parlez vous Anglais ?" and to begin each talks with that...



4/choose metro to get around, taxis are expensive ...when you find one.

a link to paris citie portal

http://www.paris.fr/portail/english/Port...