Last updated on December 1st, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Paris is a dream destination for many travellers of all age, and being of the most visited country in the world, if you want to plan a great trip to Paris, there’s some tips and tricks you need to know about Paris. More specifically, you want to know those 10 mistakes to avoid in Paris.
When you travel to a city for the first time, it is almost sure that you will have a hiccup and go against the current during your journey. You could stand on the wrong side of the escalator, buy the wrong ticket or fail at something cultural; the possibilities are numerous. Of course, nobody can be perfect even by doing the proper research before a trip, and that’s okay; we’re only human.
But many of those mistakes can be avoided by documenting yourself a little about the mistakes to avoid! When it comes to travel, there are some general travel mistakes you don’t want to commit to ensuring yourself the best trip possible, and they apply to Paris as well, but there is much more to know.
Like if you come from the U.K, for example, you don’t want to forget that you have to look on the right side before you cross the road or you might get yourself into a lot of trouble…accidents can unfold a lot faster than we think.
Of course, not every travel mistake you can make in Paris will be as hazardous as this one for you, don’t worry, it’s still a pretty safe city to visit!
10 Top Mistakes To Avoid In Paris, Franc
Table Of Contents
- 1 10 Top Mistakes To Avoid In Paris, Franc
- 1.0.1 1. Stay on the right side of the escalator
- 1.0.2 2. Assume Paris is a romantic “safe” city – Pay attention
- 1.0.3 3. Never throw away your metro ticket
- 1.0.4 4. Don’t expect everyone to speak English
- 1.0.5 5. Forgetting your travel plug
- 1.0.6 6. Parisians are snobby – it’s not against you
- 1.0.7 7. Ask for tap water – no bottle
- 1.0.8 8. Tipping too much
- 1.0.9 9. Don’t rent a car – use public transportation
- 1.0.10 10. Don’t overpack your schedule
Paris isn’t a city; it’s a world
KING FRANcois the i
Do you like Paris AND quotes? Then make sure to check out those 25 quotes about Paris!
Oui, oui Paris!
Time to jump into it and give you the best tips about Paris so you know what not to do and what you can do when you visit the French Capital!
1. Stay on the right side of the escalator
You will use public transportation in Paris when you visit the city as it is the most efficient way to get from point A to B (see #9).
And for that, you do need to know some etiquette on how to use the Metro properly; I promise you it’s not complicated, and the main thing you need to know is that you must always stay on the right side of the escalator and line; up!
Otherwise, you’re risking the wrath of some annoyed Parisian trying to get up the escalator as fast as possible because you’re in their path!
2. Assume Paris is a romantic “safe” city – Pay attention
If you’d like to read more about that, I have a post about 6 common scams you need to be aware of when you visit Paris which I highly recommend you to read before you visit Paris!
I don’t want to scare you; Paris isn’t a terrible place, that’s for sure. However, like in every major city and tourist spot (think Eiffel Tower, Le Louvres, Montmartre..), you might encounter dishonest people who try to take advantage of tourists.
Unfortunately, it also happens that there might be some pickpocket in the Metro as well, so make sure to constantly watch your belonging and your phone at all times, just like the announcement in the Metro said.
Better be safe than sorry!
3. Never throw away your metro ticket
Alright, staying on the metro topic, as it is a pretty common mistake many people make when they use the Metro in Paris and not only foreigners, French people, when they travel to Paris.
Never throw away your metro ticket until the very end of your journey. Otherwise, you’re risking a fine! Also, never buy your ticket from a random seller; always use the machine.
Another good reason to not throw your metro ticket is that if you need to take the bus + the tramway within 1h30, you can use it for both!
4. Don’t expect everyone to speak English
This one is a no brainer for me, and it applies to every country where English is the primary language. You can’t expect people to speak English just because, for you, it’s normal.
Sure some people might not make any effort to understand you, which is annoying when you’re trying; it happened to me too, but some people just genuinely do not speak English, and there is nothing wrong with that if it’s not the primary language of their country.
It’s always good to know some essential French words and sentences when you visit, always pleasant to see people make some effort! However, in most tourist areas, you should be fine!
5. Forgetting your travel plug
Paris and throughout the country use circular indent type E outlet primarily.
If you’re from a country with a type B or C plug, you won’t charge your appliances, making your arrival a little annoying, especially as we rely a lot on our devices nowadays when we travel.
And, by the way, here are 5 apps you need to use in Paris!
You can always buy one in electronic stores when you arrive in Paris or at the airport, but it’d be cheaper if you got it beforehand!
6. Parisians are snobby – it’s not against you
This one might be a bit controversial; while Paris is one of the top world destinations, Parisians are also judged to be some least friendly people.
Parisians have a terrible reputation around the world. Is it a fact?
Well, yes and no. I can understand where this is coming from. As a Parisian myself who have to deal with other Parisian, things can get quickly stressful, and you might get easily annoyed at people.
But it’s not a generality, yes some people are straight out awful, but many of them are willing to make an effort and help you out!
7. Ask for tap water – no bottle
If you’re in a restaurant and especially as a tourist and on a budget, if you do order some water, make sure to ask for tap water( or a “carafe d’eau” as we say in France); if you don’t, they’re most likely going to bring some brand bottled water and charge you for it!
Tap water is drinkable in Paris, so you don’t have to pay for water wherever you eat. Fun fact, there are no less than 1,200 fountains in Paris with drinkable water where you can refill your water bottle and even a couple of sparkling water fountains! Those fountains are historical monuments and part of my 50 free things to do in Paris list!
8. Tipping too much
If you’re from the U.S, this might sound odd to you as tipping is a huge part of your culture as that’s how writers get most of their income from. Well, that’s not the case in France.
Tips are more a nice bonus.
Of course, if you think your waiter did a great job, you can leave them a tip, it’s always appreciated, but it’s not mandatory. Usually, people tip between 1 to 5€ in Paris and France when they tip; if you feel more generous, it’s up to you!
9. Don’t rent a car – use public transportation
This one is a given for any big city really, but unless you want to rent a car to go outside of Paris for a day trip, you’re thinking of renting a car to travel around Paris to save time and money. Don’t you’ll waste even more time and money by doing so. Renting can be expensive, and so is parking if you ever find a place that is.
Also, driving in Paris is pretty nerve-wracking, and the last thing you want on vacation is to inflict some unnecessary stress during your trip. Paris has a pretty good transportation system with the Metro, the trams, and the bus stops scattered through the city.
Another solution to travel to Paris will be to rent a bike or a scooter if you don’t want to use public transportations, be careful if you do!
Of course, you can always take a Uber if you feel like it. I 100% recommend it over our regular taxi, which is crazy-expensive.
10. Don’t overpack your schedule
Sure, we have all been there; we only have a couple of days in a city, and we want to see as much as possible. But let me stop you right here; you shouldn’t over plan your schedule and to-do list when you visit Paris.
It would be fun to discover some quirky spots in Montmartre while checking out le Louvres, La Tour Eiffel, climb up L’arc de Triomphe.
Eat some macarons at Ladurée, take a cooking class with a Parisian chef, and so on. If you only have a few days, here is why you shouldn’t do it: you’ll burn out before you even notice it.
Paris is a fast, busy city; you will walk a lot; many people are crossing the city every day, and also things may not go according to plan (i.e. it might rain, disruptions, strike) which may be upsetting for some, things can quickly add up. Plus, if you’re tired, you won’t enjoy what you’re doing because you’ll be just thinking of the following spots to check on your bucket list, so take it easy!
That’s a wrap on my 10 common mistakes to avoid when you visit Paris, although it could also be called “10 things to know before you visit Paris”,
I hope you feel more ready to tackle this bustling city when you visit and enjoy it to its fullest! If you have any more tips or mishappen that happened to you in Paris, let me know in the comment!
10 Mistakes to Avoid in Paris, France
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emailgetlost says
These are some great tips! I’ve definitely been caught out by a few of these when I’ve visited! I was surprised by how wary I was walking around Paris. There were definitely a lot of dishonest people trying to take advantage of tourists! That’s not to say I didn’t feel safe, just cautious! I always struggle with the lack of English spoken too. Wherever I go I honestly try really hard to learn enough of the language to get by but I really don;t have a natural flair for languages! Everywhere else I’ve visited people normally take pity on me and will help me out but not in France! Sometimes I think they speak so fast with a strong accent just to confuse me more! That being said, I REALLY wish my French was a lot better than it is!
sydney says
great article! super helpful and really good to know:)
Daphna says
These are great tips! I especially like the last one- leaving time to walk around Paris with nothing on the schedule is the best part of the trip usually!
bmeitiner says
Hi,
Paris is such an awesome city, but you are right, beware of pickpockets and scammers! Although, the same can be said for any city. If there are lots of tourists there will always be someone opportunistic. We drove through Paris. I don’t recommend it to anyone!!
Thanks for sharing!
pacioalita9 says
These are really good to know before visiting Paris
Ophelie says
As a Parisian myself I can tell those tips are on point Lyne! Well done for collecting them altogether in this great guide!
Krista says
I actually threw away my metro ticket and was fined €50 because of that, so it’s a really helpful thing to remind people of!
Chay says
It’s so easy to get carried away by the city’s charm but it’s really important to stay alert! you’re right to remind people of just how unsafe Paris can be;
A Capone Connection says
These are EXCELLENT tips! I’ve been to Paris 3 times and it is simply my favorite. So many people think that French people hate Americans and they are rude to them but I tell them that has never been my experience. I explain to them that people hate ALL rude people and some Americans can come off as being rude because they don’t take the time to research the culture before they travel. For example, Americans freely touch everything when they walk into a store and the French do not like that! Paris is my favorite place to visit and I hardly speak much French. Thanks so much for sharing!
~ Andrea | acaponeconnection.com
The Jetset Boyz says
When we do citybreaks we tend to do a LOT of walking and don’t use public transport all that much. So for us, Paris’ Metro Carnet (book of 10 tickets) is perfect. Two great things about them:
1: They don’t expire so any leftover tickets can be kept & used for the next time you visit Paris.
2: They’re 10 individual tickets so you can hand tickets to friends who’re travelling with you and you both benefit from the cheaper price per ticket.
tatianamet says
I especially love Don’t throw away your metro ticket (every time!) and drink tap water – cheaper and better for the environment.
Josy A says
Great tips! I have totally thrown away my metro ticket too early before! It’s a mistake you only make once!!
Krista says
Lots of great tips here! I wish I had known some of these before my first trip to Paris – always do some research beforehand!
ildikomdd463b962f says
Very helpful suggestions! i agree about tipping. American always seem to overtip when we travel.
skigrl985 says
These are great things to know and be able to get around a little more comfortably and with ease. And while pickpocketing may be a simple crime, it is so inconvenient to have happen, so great tip! Doesn’t matter if it’s the City of Light, Love, or wherever, it happens!
Travelling Tam says
Some interesting tips here, especially for those going for the first time. I found Parisian’s particularly unfriendly and it was a shock so knowing that beforehand would have been useful haha.
Jamie Sharpe says
Paris is one of those cities where you can make a ton of mistakes. This is a great guide, thanks!
Anne Betts says
A wonderful list. I appreciate the tip about asking for water, and that fact that there are so many fountains for replenishing a refillable water bottle. I also like getting the heads up in advance about the tipping culture.
Krystianna Pietrzak says
These tips are great! I wish I had seen this post back in 2019 before I visited Paris, haha. Super helpful!
Lasma says
Such a great post!! Very informative ❤️
Ildiko says
Great tips!!! I have encountered the Metro ticket issue in other big cities as well, like Athens and Budapest. Lesson learned, always keep your metro ticket!
Charlotte says
These are some great tips! Thabk you. I will keep these in mind next time I visit
denise says
I totally agree on not over packing a schedule! Just walking the streets of Paris is the best!
The International Petsitter says
Great Paris tips that will help me to “live like a local” better the next time I petsit in Paris. Some are common sense, but as the saying goes… just because it makes “sense,” doesn’t mean that it’s “common.” Thanks for a helpful article!
Jennifer Nilsson says
Great tips! I’ve messed up the water and the metro ticket in the past!
Rhonda Albom says
You have some really good tips. I showed up in Paris with a car and parking was always a problem, not to mention the traffic. Driving around the Arc de Triomphe was an experience.
Amy says
These are great tips, thank you! I’m considering a solo trip to Paris so this was super helpful! It makes me nervous to travel somewhere I don’t know the language but Paris just looks so special!