Top Tips for City Visits to Paris

Once you’ve arrived from the airport on the Paris transfers service in to the centre of this amazing city, you’ll be looking to maximise your time in what’s arguably the world’s most romantic destination.

To get the best out of it, you might want to follow these tips below.

• Use public transport – notably the Metro. Alternatively, use your feet! Both are cheaper and often more practical than taxis and hire cars on the city’s streets.
• Watch out for pickpockets though on the Metro. They are a problem in many cities of the world and this one seems to have more than its fair share. Take common sense precautions.
• If you’re cost-conscious, eat away from the main boulevards and the main tourist spots. Prices can reduce hugely in the back streets and you’ll probably find more authentic and less touristy food.
• No matter if the mere thought of Paris transfers you to a daydream of a romantic, relaxing holiday, remember that August visits have their pros on cons. On the plus side, vast number of locals will be away on holiday and that means that metros, buses, parks, restaurants and the streets will be quieter. On the downside, some of the great tourist attractions can be crowded with tourists and the city can be very hot at the peak of summer.
• As with all capital cities, there are illegal operators offering taxi and even Paris transfers services from the airport. For your own safety, use only licensed taxis and approved buses/carriers.
• Queues at the Eiffel Tower can be horrific, so be prepared to spend hours standing waiting at times. A more sensible alternative might be a pre-booked tour slot. Prices and availabilities vary, so check online for the exact current details.
• Courtesy of the Gallic logic that’s often incomprehensible to foreigners, some major tourist attractions and facilities actually open for relatively limited hours during the height of the tourist season – i.e. when their business turnover potential is at its highest. That’s because, er, "it’s the holiday season". So, research and plan your itineraries ahead to make the most of the hours in the day.
• There are some economically depressed areas on the outskirts of the city called "The Banlieues". Not all the banlieues are necessarily the same, but some have major problems with crime and social unrest. Research the subject a little before your visit and avoid venturing into those areas with known crime problems.
• Be prepared to offer modest tips for restaurant and café service. Many French people themselves don’t tip in casual situations – though they may leave any odd centimes of change for the staff in a café. Broadly speaking, a rough guide of 10% is the norm in more formal establishments but don’t hesitate not to tip if the service has been indifferent. Tipping isn’t expected in buffet or self-service restaurants.
• Finally, although things are changing in France and particularly the capital, sandwiches at lunch are still often basic and unadventurous by the standards of other countries – which is odd given France’s otherwise culinary brilliance. In authentic establishments, expect to get a baguette with some basic cheese or sausage. Some may offer an ‘American’, which might have some tuna and egg, or similar. They’re very reasonably priced (usually) but if you want something with a bit more ingenuity you’ll need to find one of the increasing numbers of foreign-owned lunch outlets now springing up - or make your own.

As soon as your Paris transfers deliver you to your accommodation, get out there and savour all this wonderful, welcoming city has to offer.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for Paris transfers from the airport, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.