5 Things You Shouldn’t Do in Paris

5 Things You Shouldn’t Do in Paris

“Get Out There” is a column for itchy footed humans written by long-time Paste contributor Blake Snow. Today we examine what not to do in one of our favorite cities, Paris.

Paris is always a good idea. That much is true. 

There are several reasons for this. The capital of France is arguably the most pedestrian-friendly city in the world, not to mention one of its most becoming. It’s unique how the commercial, industrial, and business side of town (aka the uglier, west side) is isolated from the parks, monuments, restaurants, and residences on the dreamier east side of town (aka what the city is famous for). 

While there’s a lot to do in Paris—eating, people watching, seeing iconic art museums and buildings, picnicking in the park, shopping, more eating—there are some things you shouldn’t do when traveling to Paris. Having visited a half dozen times over the last decade, this is what tops my list of Paris “Don’ts.” 

1. Seeing the Eiffel Tower only once.

This is a gross mistake. You should visit the Eiffel Tower at least twice during your visit: once by day to see how it towers over the lovable landscape, and once at night to watch it silently twinkle like the most romantic thing ever. I’d also advise seeing it from all angles. For the best views, head to Trocadero Square. For the best picnics and power lounging, head to Champ de Mars park. If you really want to go all out, a visit to the top is a fun novelty at least once, and lunch or dinner at either the second or third floor restaurants (or both!) is a once in a lifetime experience.

2. Overlooking the north side of the Seine.

If I could name only one of the dreamiest views in all of Paris, it would be walking on the Right Bank sidewalk of the Seine. From here you have the best views of the tower, museums, bridges, and churches. It’s just awesome walking both ways, day and night. While you should totally explore the popular Left Bank (or Southern Paris, including the luscious Latin Quarter), for the best views, stick to the north side of the River Seine. And don’t miss a one-hour Seine river cruise either.

3. Only eating at expensive cafes.

Paris food is prohibitively expensive, especially at busy cafes that price gouge foreign visitors. What’s the best way, then, to eat amazing meals on the cheap? First, don’t underestimate the power of Franprix or Monoprix, the city’s two most famous grocery stores. You can buy killer baguettes, cheese, wine, mousse, and other treats there, then plop down at a nearby park bench to take it all in. Second, don’t miss the popular €3 crepe or panini and drink combos in the Latin Quarter to carry to nearby Luxembourg Gardens. Third, Bouillon Pigalle is a great and cheap local restaurant you shouldn’t miss. Lastly, remember that even okay French food is usually great by international standards. 

4. Skipping Arc de Triomphe’s rooftop.

While Galeries Lafayette Rooftop offers an amazing and free view of Paris, seeing the city from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is the best lookout in the whole city, with panoramas of the tourist and business districts in the distance. For maximum impact, visit just before sunset and hang out for an hour to see the city at both day and night. I was wrong to skip this excellent sight the first several times I visited Paris. After seeing it for the first time, I’ll never make that mistake again. <

5. Not walking.

I get it. A lot of people don’t like to walk on vacation. But if you walk only one city in your life, make it this one. There are no hills (except one leading to the beautiful Sacre Coeur Basilica). There are laws to ensure that basically no building can be ugly, meaning everywhere you go you’ll see enchanted architecture that’s never higher than the city’s biggest monuments. There are sidewalks and fountains and gardens and rivers and cafes everywhere. It’s safe. There are people-watching opportunities everywhere. And it’s about the most romantic thing you can do in the most romantic city in the world.


Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and frequent travel columnist. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.

 
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