Dos & Don'ts for traveling in Paris and beyond

Paris is known as the " City of Light" but it can sometimes be difficult for you travelers to navigate (Courtesy: Pixabay)
  

PARIS — Even non-travelers are familiar with the reputation Parisians have for being rude.

As with almost any major city in world, however, that trend can be applied. Which means, in some ways, that the French are getting a bit of a bum rap.

Canal St Martin, Paris
(Courtesy: Pixabay) 

As a combination survival kit and travel guide for how to "get along" in the French capital, Conde Nast Traveler published an article covering some Dos & Don'ts for visiting Paris. Truthfully, about half of their tips can be applied to virtually any European city.

Savvy veteran travelers likely already know these basic rules but for rookie wanderlusters and part-timers, here's a modified version of the Conde Nast story.

The Arch de Triumph is the gateway to the Champs-Elysées in
Paris  (Photo: Taylor) 

1 -- Don't shop on the Champs-Elysees: According to Conde Nast, the once fashionable avenue, which was among the most beautiful in the world, is now overly-populated with international chain stores, automobile dealerships and  multiplex movie houses.

In addition, the dream idea of eating at a quaint cafe on one of the best known streets in the world is now an over-priced tourist trap which locals avoid in droves.

The alternative: Here's one place where the guide can apply to any famous city in the world -- Follow the footsteps of locals.

Conde Nast suggests that quality stuff is best found in emerging shopping neighborhoods in Paris like the North Marais, where you can shop for brands or crafts.

The  Champs-Elysées is usually
crowded and always expensive
(Courtesy: Pixabay) 

Another good shopping location is "in the center of town at Les Halles for Parisian-designed goods from Sept Cinq or emerging French designers at L’Exception. Even the department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are in the business of diversifying their offerings."

Perhaps more fun for visitors is the old-fashioned ambience of Paris' covered passages which date to the 19th century. Here you may embrace the essence of Paris-past beneath glass-vaulted ceilings and the city's famed wrought iron.

The romantic little nooks are filled with crannies filed with antique book dealers, art galleries and quirky toy shops among others.

Galerie Vivienne, just north of the Palais Royal, in the second arrondissement, is the most elegant of the lot.

\You can spend a small fortune on fine dining in Paris
(Courtesy: Pixabay) 

2 -- Don't spend a fortune on elegant dining: This is another tip that applies not only to Paris,  but to other destinations as well. Large cities can reach up a grab your wallet and credit cards faster than a pick-pocket. Unless you must find the need to say you dined at Cafe XYZ to impress your friends at home, plan to fork out a few hundred big ones for that so-called "European dining experience."

The Alternative: Throw Rick Steves and his other guidebook buddies in the trash and explore on your own. If you're not comfortable with doing that in an unknown destination, ask the concierge at your hotel. If you give him the specific information you want, 90% of the time he will hit a home run.

Sidewalk cafés are everywhere in
Paris (Courtesy: Pixabay)

Modern day bistros are fun and reasonable. Or simply stroll along a street until you come to a place that suits your lifestyle and budget. If it's filled with locals, it is probably just what you're looking for.

Best of all, when you return home you can now impress your friends with your own "personal expertise" and chances are on your next trip to Paris that little eatery will be among the first places you visit.

The Pyramid by I.M. Pei at the Louvre has become a landmark in
Paris (Photo: Taylor) 

3 -- Don’t try to see everything at the Louvre: Not only is this a good tip for the Louvre, it also works for traveling in general. If you try to see everything that's all you will do...see it rather than experience it.

The Louvre is massive. You can race through it or you can spend three days and never see the rest of Paris.

Either way, and this goes for countries too, if you want to see it all in a single trip, forget it. It just ain't gonna happen.

Musee d'Orsay is situated
in an old train station
(ourtesy: Pixabay) 

The Alternative: Do some homework before you leave and decide what is most important for you to see. Then split your time between the Louvre and a few smaller, less crowded and, in many ways, equally satisfying museums.

Conde Nast suggests "Monet's famous Nymphéas (water lily) murals in the Musée de l'Orangerie, at the far end of the Tuileries Gardens; The Musée Marmottan is home to the world's largest collection of Monets; and the Musée Rodin, housed in a luminous villa with a lovely garden, is one of the most romantic places in all of Paris."

There's also Musee d'Orsay with its Impressionist collection showcased in an old converted railway station.

Looking and acting like a tourist can be a problem, better to blend in as much as possible  (Courtesy: Pixabay)

4 -- Don't look like a tourist: Pickpockets and hucksters will spot you a mile away. All too often newbie travelers over-pack because they want to "look nice" in another country. Lets face it, not only do the locals not care, they won't even pay attention, unless you do something outlandish to attract their amusement.

Looking nice and being clean and neat are two entirely different things.

Almost everyone goes for casual and comfortable styles these days and the impact of television, movies and social media has changed routine daily fashions tremendously.

Just trying to "look" French
doesn't always work
(Courtesy: Pixabay)

If you "try" to imitate the stereotype of a Frenchman, you're going to fail. Likewise, walking around with all that camera gear and posing at every landmark is a dead giveaway.

Put the selfie-stick away folks and act like you've been out of the country before.

The Alternative: Casual is acceptable these days. Just be neat and coordinated with neutral colors. Cowboy hats and boots, Hawaiian shirts and raucous group staring, pointing and laughing will almost certainly be a catalyst for rude responses, especially in Paris.

Stay cool. Be polite. And do your best to blend in if you want to have a great experience. A genuine smile and respect will go a long way toward making a huge difference in how you are treated in any country.