As a portrait photographer and 10 year American-expat based in Paris, I have had the opportunity to capture the beauty and charm of this city through my lens and through everyday living and growing a family here. I have seen firsthand the allure that Paris holds for travellers (and locals!), and the impact that it can have on those who visit.

13 Tips For Preparing For Your Paris Trip

If you are planning a trip to Paris and especially if it's your first time, there are a few things that you can do to prepare yourself and make the most of your time in this magical city.

Familiarise yourself with the city and its landmarks.

Paris is a large and bustling city, with many different neighbourhoods and landmarks to explore. Before you arrive, take some time to research the city and get to know its layout. This will help you navigate your way around with ease and avoid getting lost, especially if it's your first visit. The city is split into 20 different arrondissements, or, districts. Each neighbourhood/arrondissement has a different feel and it's own landmarks and personality. When you look at a map, you'll see that the arrondissements start in the middle (the Louvre is number 1, or "the first"), and then circles out like a snail's shell. The oldest arrondissements are the first 6.

Some of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in Paris include the Eiffel Tower (7th/15th arr.), the Louvre Museum (1st arr.), the musée d'orsay (7th arr.) and the Notre Dame Cathedral (4th arr.). These are must-see attractions for any first-time visitor to the city, and are sure to provide you with some incredible photo opportunities. These are all pretty much located in central Paris and easily accessible by public transportation.

2. Plan out your itinerary

With so much to see and do in Paris, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to go and what to do and even more so if you're first-time visitors. That's why it's important to plan out your itinerary for the city of lights in advance. This will help you make the most of your time here, and ensure that you don't miss out on any of the must-see attractions. A great idea for your first day here is to plan a walking tour of the city center to really get a feel of the city (and it definitely helps with jet-lag too!)

Consider making a list of the things that you want to see and do, and prioritise them based on your interests and the amount of time that you have available. If you're here with your family, especially with small kids, I wouldn't recommend planning more than one big thing a day. It can be overwhelming and cause additional kiddie meltdowns. What seems to work best for my family and lots of our clients is to plan a cultural activity each day/an activity that needs focus, and then a movement activity (head to a park!). This way everyone is happy and it's less stressful. A lot of people tend to feel like this is also a better way to "live" in Paris while they're here instead of being a tourist. Leave time to roam around, to stay and play, to eat calmly and people watch. Paris is enjoyed so much more this way.

Another recommendation? Buy tickets to museums and attractions in advance to avoid long lines. You can buy the paris pass HERE. The Paris museum pass is perfect for this and can really save you time and money, especially in the high season. Some activities might also be weather based so be sure to look at the weather forecast! This will help you to make the most of your trip and ensure that you have the best time!

PS looking for someone to plan it specifically for you? I'd highly recommend Paris, Perfected for bespoke itineraries and Zoe Le Petit Guide who's an amazing tour guide for families. Anna Kloots's Paris PDF guide is a great start. Perfect for if it's your first trip!! Just looking for other paris resources? I'd highly recommend my friend Rebecca's blog, Everyday Parisian.

3. Learn a few basic phrases in French.

While many (most!) people in Paris speak English, it's always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in French before you arrive. This is especially important if you are going to be day-tripping outside of Paris to other easily accessible cities like Bordeaux (hello, wine country) or Strasbourg (hello, Christmas markets!!) This will not only help you to communicate with locals, but it will also show that you are respectful of the culture and traditions of France.

Some basic phrases to learn include "Bonjour" (hello), "Merci" (thank you), and "Excusez-moi" (excuse me). Bonus: "au revoir" (goodbye). These will come in handy in many different situations, from ordering food at a restaurant to asking for directions. While most french people will speak basic (or fluent!!) english, they always will appreciate you making the effort and greeting them with a simple "Bonjour".

WE HAVE A WHOLE BLOG POST ON THE TOP EASY BASIC FRENCH PHRASES TO LEARN FOR YOUR TRIP HERE.

4. Pack wisely.

The French capital can be a bit chilly, especially in the winter months, and very hot in the summer months so it's important to pack wisely for your trip. Make sure to bring layers that you can easily add or remove depending on the weather (uniqlo is a good choice for thin layers to keep you warm!). This will help you to stay comfortable and enjoy your time in the city. The summer months can be REALLY hot and often in France you won't find places that have AC (even some hotels don't have it), so definitely dress accordingly.

As a general rule, be sure to bring a good pair of comfortable shoes for walking (tennis shoes are idea for this - these Sam Edelman ones are my favorites and easy to clean on the go with baby wipes or a magic eraser!). Paris is a very walkable city, and you will likely be on your feel a lot as you explore the different areas and landmarks. I'd also recommend bringing an umbrella (or asking your hotel for one!). It can often be rainy and the best thing to be is prepared! A portable charger is always the best way to have charge on your phone especially if you're using it for your map. A power converter is also important to remember. Some 5* hotels have american outlets or converters at your disposal but most don't! Just FYI converter will NOT work on a hairdryer (I actually had sparks flying out of my hairdryer the first/last time I tried this!!). The reason that your american hairdryer doesn't work in europe is because the voltage is different. You'll need a transformer for this but really I'd just recommend using the one at the hotel. Most will have ones that work perfectly in the local plug. If you're having a Paris photoshoot or need your hair styling tools, maybe consider instead booking a hairstylist or a blow out the day before your event. (We recommend Onorina Jomir for hair and makeup, and Maria at Massato salon). Remember though, Paris is a major international city and you can pretty much find anything here, if you forgot something, you can pick it up at your local store.

5. Be prepared for crowds.

Paris is a very popular destination for travelers, and as a result, it can get very crowded at times. This is especially true at the major attractions, such as the top of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Really anywhere in the center of Paris can get really crowded at any time of year. It is the number one tourist destination in the world!

To avoid getting overwhelmed by the crowds and have a great experience, try to visit the popular attractions early in the morning or late in the evening, when they are less busy. The Louvre has night hours and by using the paris pass, you can easily pop in and out of so many different bigger and smaller museums (love me some centre pompidou, arc de triomphe, musée rodin, and sainte chapelle!!) This will give you the opportunity to enjoy the sights without fighting through a crowd of people. Please remember that if you're traveling while pregnant you can cut in front of any lines!! Just ask the security guard at the front of the line how to find the priority entrance!

6. Try the local cuisine.

One of the best things about traveling to a new city or country is trying the local cuisine, and Paris is no exception. The city is known for its delicious food, and there are many incredible restaurants and cafes to explore. An easy way and the perfect opportunity to continue your Parisian adventure is through your tastebuds!

Some of the french delicacies that you should try while in Paris include croissant au beurre (croissant normale is not with real butter and not as good!), baguette (always order a baguette tradition so you get that crusty amazingness on the outside), escargots, steak frites (this is steak with fries - go to Relais Entrecote for an amazing experience), french onion soup, and coq au vin. If you're here in the winter months be sure to try raclette - my absolute FAVORITE winter dish where you basically melt raclette cheese and pour it over potates and charcuterie. It's soooooo good. Pair it with a nice bottle of wine and *chefs kiss*.

In addition to trying the traditional dishes, be sure to explore the many different neighborhoods in Paris and try the local specialties in each one, Paris is such an international city and you have loads of areas where you can get amazing international foods. Around gare du nord (for example) there is SUCH good indian food! This will give you a chance to experience the diverse culinary offerings of the city, and discover some hidden gems that you might not have otherwise found.

We can't leave this section without talking about wine!!! Wine is a whole part of the french culture and you shouldn't leave France without doing a wine tasting. You can even take a day trip out to champagne and do champagne tastings!

HERE IS OUR MAP OF WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN PARIS:

Where to Eat and Drink in Paris by a Local

7. Take advantage of the city's cultural offerings.

Paris is not just a beautiful city, but it is also a hub of culture and art. There are many museums, galleries, and theaters to explore, and you will find something for everyone's taste.

Some of the must-see cultural attractions in Paris include the Louvre Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of art in the world, and the Pompidou Center, which is home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Outside Paris you have the Palace of Versailles and if you're ready to have a good day, HEAD THERE! It's really truly spectacular. It's an easy trip on the paris metro (you can take the RER C there directly in about 30 minutes from the center of the city.)

In addition to the museums, be sure to check out the local theaters and music venues, which offer a wide variety of shows and performances. You have a thriving comedy circut with lots of english speaking comedians like my friend, Sarah Donnelly. (Check out her show, she's SO funny). You have some of the best concert halls and jazz clubs in the world (At Sunset jazz club they even have a Sunday daytime show for kids!). You have the Paris ballet and the Paris opera, and at any time have theater and comedy pieces going on both in English and the French. This is a great way to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Paris.

8. Don't forget to take photos.

As a photographer, I can't emphasize enough the importance of taking photos while you are in Paris. This city is incredibly photogenic, with beautiful architecture, charming streets, and stunning views. You will absolutely want to take a piece of it home and you will DEFINITELY want to have more than iphone selfies of your trip. You can book a session with us HERE.

Don't be afraid to take lots of photos, and experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the essence of the city. This will not only help you to create lasting memories of your trip, but it will also give you the opportunity to share your experiences with others. I'd also highly recommend hiring a local english speaking photographer (contact us here!). Check out our 100+ 5 star reviews from our sweet clients.

9. Stay in a central location.

Paris is a large city, and staying in a central location will make it easier for you to explore the different neighbourhoods and attractions. Consider staying in one of the central arrondissements/districts, such as on the right bank in the 1st or on the left bank in the 6th, which are within walking distance of many of the major sights. BTW when I say "right bank" or "left bank" it means which side of the river seine you're on. The seine river flows through the center of Paris. The right back is the northern side and the left bank is the southern side. There are two small islands right in the center, ile de la cité and ile saint louis.

10. Use public transportation (download the official RATP app here).

Paris has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, which is a great way to get around the city. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass, which will give you unlimited access to the metro, buses, and trams. This will save you time and money, and allow you to easily explore the city. Know the metro line and metro station that is closest to where you are staying. You can buy train tickets right on your phone or inside any metro station. On buses, if you don't have a ticket with you you can buy one via text. The only downside of the parisian metro is that it's not very handicapped or stroller accessible. There are very few elevators and even less that work. If you're traveling to Paris with kids and have a stroller, either plan for the bus or to do a lot of carrying it up and down stairs. You can also take the metro system to charles de gaulle airport, disneyland paris, and orly airport for around €15.

11. Visit the local markets.

Paris is home to many vibrant and colorful markets, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal products, and local specialties. Some of the must-see markets include the Marché d'Aligre, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (hello gorgeous vintage items!!), and the Marché des Enfants Rouges (such good food here). Visiting the markets is a great way to experience the local culture and try some delicious food. Other food markets I love are the Bastille market and the market in Place Monge.

12. Take a boat tour.

One of the best ways to see Paris is from the water and have a great time is on the water! There are many boat tours that offer beautiful views of the city. Consider taking a Seine River cruise, which will give you the opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and many other iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. It's especially beautiful at sunset or in the evening when the whole city is lit up and glistening around you. It's very magical and straight out of Midnight in Paris. This is our favorite company.

13. Relax in a park.

Paris is home to many beautiful parks and gardens, which are a great place to relax and unwind. Some of the must-see parks include the Jardin du Luxembourg (my absolute FAVORITE!!!), Parc Monceau, and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. These are all wonderful places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy some peace and tranquility and foliage. Take a book, bring kids to run around, have a picnic.. These are all great parks for any time of year too. Even during a heat wave there are tons of areas of these parks with tree coverage so they're much cooler than the rest of the city.

I could go on and on.. Paris is an incredible city that offers something for everyone and every age. Whether you are interested in art, culture, food, or simply soaking up the charm of the city, you will find plenty to see and do. By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Paris by being prepared so you can focus on having a good time, eating lots of great food, people watching, shopping, and seeing all the beautiful sights!