Planning your first Parisian adventure? Oooh la la, how exciting—and maybe a little intimidating. Navigating Paris for the first time can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’ve been there. When I planned my very first trip to this stunning city (over 20 years ago!), I threw myself into French language tutorials, ready to wow locals with my bonjour and merci.
Turns out? The French are actually lovely—and they’re incredibly proud of their amazing city. But looking back, I wish I’d spent more time learning the layout of Paris and less time mastering how to order a croissant.
Whether you’re flying in or arriving by train from another European hotspot, chances are you’ll hit the ground on the north side of the city.
Hot tip: Don’t stress too much about the language. Paris, like most of Europe, is extremely traveler-friendly—English options are everywhere, from train station kiosks to Uber apps.
Here’s a trick I swear by: location by association. When I explore a new city, I compare its layout to one I already know. For me, Paris is like London’s chic older sister.
Both are historic cities built along a winding river and surrounded by a circular ring road. Think:
Paris’s outer ring is called Boulevard Périphérique, and while I don’t recommend driving it (seriously, just don’t), it’s a great mental boundary to help you stay oriented.
💡 Check out my Week in Paris Itinerary for a route that keeps you mostly within this central loop, with one optional day trip just outside. Totally worth it.
Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods called arrondissements (say it with me: ah-rohn-de-simone). Each has its own vibe—some artsy, some historic, some ultra-posh.
On my first trip? I didn’t pay attention to this at all. Total rookie move. I snapped my photos of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame and called it a day. But I missed the real magic: the feel of each neighborhood.
That’s why my itinerary is grouped by arrondissement. You’ll get a deeper experience when you spend a whole day soaking in the charm of, say, the Marais or Montmartre instead of ping-ponging across the city.
Much like London’s Thames, Paris is split by the River Seine (say “Sen” like a local). With 35+ bridges connecting the city’s two banks, they’re not just picturesque—they’re practical.
Here are a few standouts:
Use these landmarks to keep your orientation, especially when you’re crossing back and forth along the Seine. They’re prettier than Google Maps and way more memorable.
Now that you’re grounded in the layout, it’s time to explore! Be sure to check out my 7-Day Paris Itinerary packed with everything from bucket list monuments to charming cafés and cultural gems.
Spoiler alert: You won’t get to it all—but that’s why we keep coming back, right?
