So, you want to go to Paris. If you’re like most people I consult with, you are worried. Worried about having enough time. Worried about what to see and do. Worried about how tourists are welcomed. Worried about how you will get around. Worried about how much things will cost. Worried about your safety.
Let me put your mind at ease. First, you must disregard any pre-conceived notions you may have of France and the French people. Parisians are not an innately unfriendly group of people. In Paris, you will find an enormous mix of attitudes and moods, both good and bad. Imagine a trip to any large city. This is what you can expect in Paris. To date, I have yet to send a friend or family member to France to have them report back that they were mistreated. Au contraire!
Of course, there is the language gap. The French are not usually great linguists, but it is true that they are very particular about their own language. From elementary school on, the French are expected to embark on the quest of language perfectionism! It is a fact that this is what makes them uneasy trying their English out on tourists, for fear of making mistakes. Even if they know a little English, they probably won’t want to embarrass themselves by trying. So, don’t be put off if they don’t try to speak English to you.
Don’t forget that you have a responsibility as a guest in their country. You have come to France and you cannot assume that everyone knows English. You should come prepared with some relatively simple vocabulary. The French love it when tourists make an effort to use French, rather than assume that the French will use English. Simple words, which you will find under “useful vocabulary” will delight them and help make your stay more pleasurable. Now, when the French person realizes you are American, he/she may speak to you in English if possible. This is not an insult of your French. This is their way of making you feel more at ease.
When entering French businesses, you should always give the person working there a kind “Bonjour Monsieur/ Madame”. This sets the mood for a positive experience. If they ask you if you need help and you are simply looking, you just say “Je regarde, merci.” When leaving, be sure to say “Merci, au revoir.”
In restaurants, you will want to know your numbers so you can ask for a table for your party (“un, deux, trois, quatre personnes”). You will want to use “Monsieur” with the waiter, not “garçon” as you may have learned in high school French class. And try to order in French if you can, point to the things you want off the menu, this always helps!
Remember that the waiters and shopkeepers in the most tourist areas of Paris are rather harried, and you might catch them at a bad time.
As far as safety is concerned, you should know that Paris is a safe city. Their crime rate is quite low relative to other cities of its size. As in any city anywhere, you should always keep an eye on your personal belongings, because pickpockets love to prey on tourists. The subways, buses and most neighborhoods are perfectly safe, but please remember you are never guaranteed safety. A few necessary precautions will allow you to focus on enjoying your trip and not on potential crime.
In this website you will find abundant information on what to do, what to see, where to stay, where to eat, costs and transportation. I have also included a “What’s happening” page with current shows and exhibitions. Enjoy browsing the site, I hope it will help you have an enjoyable trip to Paris, and to put your worries behind you!
