This page on France is ever developing as I’ve been to this glorious country a few times, but I’ve mainly stayed in the north. What I have discovered is that France, and the French people as a whole, get a bad rap for being dismissive but they’re actually some of the nicest people I’ve met on my travels. They’re very proud of their cities and their culture — as well they should be.. Paris, in particular, is one of my favorite places to visit.
It’s exquisite and historic at the same time and just walking around the streets, I hear the soundtrack to Les Misérables playing over and over in my head.
Ok so getting to Paris, in particular, comes in a few ways. You can certainly fly in & will most likely land at Charles de Gaulle airport. I recall landing there well over twenty-five years ago, and it was old, worn, and outdated. Thankfully, extensive renovations and modernization over the years have made the airport a much more pleasant experience..
Don’t worry too much about navigating the airport, as most of the important signage is in both French and English.
You can read more about landing here on my France itinerary page.
The other way to get to Paris would be via high speed train. I’ve come into the City of Light by train from both England and Belgium, arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. Again, signage is easy to navigate to where you want to go.
If you choose to stay in Paris and explore this stunning city, you’ll most likely take the Métro (the Parisian subway). It’s by far and away one of the easiest public transport systems I’ve ever used – and that says a lot since it’s in a foreign language (foreign to me anyway). The lines are clearly numbered, and each direction is identified by the final stop on the line. As long as you know which line you need and which terminus you’re heading toward, you’re golden. Hop on, get off where you want to be. Easy peasy.
Ok so getting to Paris, in particular, comes in a few ways. You can certainly fly in & will most likely land at Charles de Gaulle airport. I recall landing there well over twenty-five years ago, and it was old, worn, and outdated. Thankfully, extensive renovations and modernization over the years have made the airport a much more pleasant experience..
Don’t worry too much about navigating the airport, as most of the important signage is in both French and English.
You can read more about landing here on my France itinerary page.
The other way to get to Paris would be via high speed train. I’ve come into the City of Light by train from both England and Belgium, arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. Again, signage is easy to navigate to where you want to go.
If you choose to stay in Paris and explore this stunning city, you’ll most likely take the Métro (the Parisian subway). It’s by far and away one of the easiest public transport systems I’ve ever used – and that says a lot since it’s in a foreign language (foreign to me anyway). The lines are clearly numbered, and each direction is identified by the final stop on the line. As long as you know which line you need and which terminus you’re heading toward, you’re golden. Hop on, get off where you want to be. Easy peasy.
“What I wish I’d known before arriving”
A few decades ago France was very intimidating, but these days with the internet, contactless payments, and modern technologies – it’s dead easy. The city is a bustling hub of activity though and you should be alert for pick pockets and common thieves – just like pretty much any other place.
On my first journey I was studying French and trying my hardest to master common phrases – S’il vous plaît & Merci beaucoup – and while it’s always nice — and polite — to have a few practical words down pat, I’ve found that many people in Paris and other tourist areas speak at least some English and will happily switch over when my French inevitably runs out.
One thing I have learned: start with Bonjour. Walking into a shop or approaching someone with a question without first offering a greeting can come across as abrupt. Even if the rest of the conversation immediately switches to English, that little Bonjour goes a long way.
I haven’t experienced many people in France who weren’t super kind about helping out with directions or translations.
A few decades ago France was very intimidating, but these days with the internet, contactless payments, and modern technologies – it’s dead easy. The city is a bustling hub of activity though and you should be alert for pick pockets and common thieves – just like pretty much any other place.
On my first journey I was studying French and trying my hardest to master common phrases – S’il vous plaît & Merci beaucoup – and while it’s always nice — and polite — to have a few practical words down pat, I’ve found that many people in Paris and other tourist areas speak at least some English and will happily switch over when my French inevitably runs out.
One thing I have learned: start with Bonjour. Walking into a shop or approaching someone with a question without first offering a greeting can come across as abrupt. Even if the rest of the conversation immediately switches to English, that little Bonjour goes a long way.
I haven’t experienced many people in France who weren’t super kind about helping out with directions or translations.
Let’s talk about the weather
Spring:
Summer:
Autumn:
Winter:
So, being a native English speaker in France is not really a big deal as there are plenty of signs that either make perfect sense or are translated below the French print. I’ve actually never had any issues finding my way or communicating – but that is largely due to the friendly people I’ve met there. Here are a few good phrases to have in your arsenal though:
Don’t get me wrong – I’ve certainly had a few interactions with those who don’t have any time to spare for a “lost American”, but it’s nothing worth losing sleep over.
What Earned A Spot In My Suitcase
Ok so here’s where I can’t compete. I look like a tourist every time I’m on French soil because the French fashion is so stellar, no matter how hard I try, I just look like an American.
👟 First and foremost — footwear. When I first started traveling to Paris, wearing Nikes might as well have been accompanied by a neon sign flashing “TOURIST.” Leather shoes and smart heels seemed to be on every foot. But times have changed, and sneakers are everywhere in Paris now. The difference is that the French somehow manage to make trainers look intentional. Think clean, understated sneakers rather than something you’d wear to mow the lawn.
🧥 I love me a good deal on a garment, but the ladies in France all seem to be well-dressed even on the outskirts of the cities. What is it about the French? They just get it. Nowadays, I invest in a nice coat and wear that over my everyday clothes so I don’t need to invest in a new “Paris” wardrobe.
I would define French fashion as effortlessly chic, as if Grace Coddington had styled everyone on every street. Can you tell I love the look of the French? Yes I do.
Ok so here’s where I can’t compete. I look like a tourist every time I’m on French soil because the French fashion is so stellar, no matter how hard I try, I just look like an American.
👟 First and foremost — footwear. When I first started traveling to Paris, wearing Nikes might as well have been accompanied by a neon sign flashing “TOURIST.” Leather shoes and smart heels seemed to be on every foot. But times have changed, and sneakers are everywhere in Paris now. The difference is that the French somehow manage to make trainers look intentional. Think clean, understated sneakers rather than something you’d wear to mow the lawn.
🧥 I love me a good deal on a garment, but the ladies in France all seem to be well-dressed even on the outskirts of the cities. What is it about the French? They just get it. Nowadays, I invest in a nice coat and wear that over my everyday clothes so I don’t need to invest in a new “Paris” wardrobe.
I would define French fashion as effortlessly chic, as if Grace Coddington had styled everyone on every street. Can you tell I love the look of the French? Yes I do.
A dinner cruise down the Seine. Fabulous food and outstanding sights. Incredibly romantic. Yeah, worth every penny!
Duck – I don’t particularly like duck; it’s too greasy, but something about the way the French chefs prepare it is unbelievable. Everywhere I’ve tried duck in France, it’s been incredible.
Well, the history. Again, that’s a me thing, but I could spend about three months inside the Louvre and only come up for air every few days. Versailles as well. Come to think of it, the architecture, too!
Walk around the Île de la Cité at dusk after a spectacular dinner. Profoundly charming.
A dinner cruise down the Seine. Fabulous food and outstanding sights. Incredibly romantic. Yeah, worth every penny!
Duck – I don’t particularly like duck; it’s too greasy, but something about the way the French chefs prepare it is unbelievable. Everywhere I’ve tried duck in France, it’s been incredible.
Well, the history. Again, that’s a me thing, but I could spend about three months inside the Louvre and only come up for air every few days. Versailles as well. Come to think of it, the architecture, too!
Walk around the Île de la Cité at dusk after a spectacular dinner. Profoundly charming.
Food
Ease of Travel
Value
Takeway Moments
Worth Returning
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Food 🥂 🥂 🥂 🥂
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Takeway Moments 🥂 🥂 🥂 🥂
Worth Returning 🥂 🥂 🥂 🥂 🥂