Your First Time in Paris, Done Right
Paris is more than a destination; it’s a feeling. Whether it’s your first croissant in a sunlit café or your first glimpse of the Seine at dusk, your first trip to Paris should feel intentional, joyful, and deeply yours.
But it can also feel intimidating. The language, the etiquette, the hidden customs—these small details shape your experience more than any single landmark. As a fancy and frugal traveler, you want to blend in, savor the magic, and avoid the common missteps that leave many first-timers overwhelmed.
Here are 10 essential tips to help you experience Paris with confidence, ease, and that touch of Parisian elegance you’re craving.
Always Say Bonjour / Bonsoir
It’s not just politeness—it’s Parisian culture. Before asking a question, ordering coffee, or entering a shop, a warm “Bonjour” (before 6pm) or “Bonsoir” (evenings) is expected. This small gesture can transform your interactions and open doors—literally.
Carry Cash and Tap-to-Pay Options
Paris is modern, but many bakeries, markets, and smaller cafés prefer cash. At the same time, many shops and restaurants welcome tap cards. Be ready for both to avoid last-minute scrambles.
Book Tickets in Advance
Don’t spend your precious Paris days in ticket lines. Book attractions like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, or Musée d’Orsay ahead of time. It saves hours and lets you enjoy the city, not just wait for it.
Walk, Walk, Walk
Paris reveals its magic on foot. Let yourself get a little lost, take the scenic route, and wander into hidden passages, local markets, and cafés you wouldn’t find otherwise.
Avoid Overplanning
This is one of the biggest held beliefs at Frou La La: Paris is best experienced when you leave room for life to happen. While planning is important, overplanning every hour squeezes out the gentle surprises that make Paris magical—the unexpected market you stumble upon, the café that calls your name, the moment you pause by the Seine as street musicians play nearby. Intention, not rigid schedules, creates a truly elegant trip. By allowing space for slow moments, you honor the art of living that Parisians embody daily. Give yourself the freedom to linger over a café crème, to wander down a side street, or to sit in a garden simply to watch the world go by. These unscripted moments often become the most cherished memories of your Paris trip.
Use Your Inside Voice
Parisians speak softly in public spaces. Keeping your voice down on the metro or in cafés is a small but respectful way to blend in.
Wear Chic but Comfortable Shoes
Paris is a city made for walking, and your footwear will define how you experience its cobblestoned streets, hidden passages, and endless museums. Style matters in Paris, but comfort should never be sacrificed in the name of fashion. The key is to find shoes that blend both—elegant leather sneakers, timeless loafers, or low-heeled ankle boots that provide support without compromising on style.
A pair of well-made shoes will carry you through morning market strolls, afternoon museum wanderings, and evening walks along the Seine without discomfort. Remember, Parisians themselves prioritize quality over quantity in their wardrobes, and investing in comfortable yet chic footwear aligns with both local sensibility and the Fancy and Frugal philosophy. Let your shoes be your companions as you wander Paris with ease, grace, and confidence, savoring every step along the way.
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Stay to the Right
On escalators and sidewalks, stand to the right so others can pass on the left. It’s a small etiquette detail that Parisians appreciate.
Use a Crossbody Bag
Practical and chic, a crossbody bag keeps your essentials safe while allowing you to move freely. It’s your best friend for market mornings and museum afternoons.
Pass on the Beret
While you’ll see them in every souvenir shop, a beret often screams “tourist.” Opt for a chic scarf or a pair of oversized sunglasses for effortless Parisian flair instead.
A few tips:
For your first Paris trip
Pack a Lightweight Scar
A scarf is a versatile travel essential in Paris, adding effortless style while providing warmth during chilly mornings or when visiting
Learn Basic French Phrases
A simple “Bonjour” and “Merci” can open doors and hearts, even if you’re not fluent.
Use Public Transportation
The Metro is efficient, affordable, and gets you anywhere in the city without hassle.
Plan a Market Morning
Visit a local market to pick up fresh pastries, fruit, and flowers for a Parisian picnic experience.
Stay Hydrated with a Reusable Bottle
Paris has many public water fountains, including sparkling water taps, helping you save while staying refreshed.
Take Time for Café Pauses
Sitting in a café and watching the world go by is part of the Parisian experience—don’t rush through it, savor it.
Ready to Plan Your Parisian Days with Ease?
✨ These tips are just the beginning. Inside L’Atelier, you’ll find our First Day in Paris guide, Paris Persona planning resources, and detailed checklists to help you plan your trip intentionally, beautifully, and without overwhelm.
Paris should feel like your city, even if it’s your first visit.
📌 Join L’Atelier now and start planning your Paris trip with intention.
✨ Want More?
- Take our Paris Persona Quiz to discover your travel style.
- Download your Free Paris Vision Board to start shaping your dream trip.