During the six years that I was lucky enough to live in the center of Paris, I learned a lot about the ups and downs that come with being a Parisienne.
I would move back in a heartbeat. But I also feel for international visitors who arrive with a romantic vision of beautiful perfection, only to suffer a severe shock — known as “Paris Syndrome” — when they learn otherwise.
Never let that deter you from visiting though. Instead, know what to expect before you visit.
Where are the Parisians?
The end of July usually sees an exodus of Parisians, with many relocating to their summer residences for the entire month of August. Bakeries are closed, as are restaurants, and shops have a “Fermé” (closed) sign in the window.
More restaurants and stores will be open in August to host the millions of visitors attending the Summer Olympic Games.
Pawel Libera | The Image Bank | Getty Images
But this summer, many businesses and restaurants plan to take full advantage of the 11 million visitors expected to visit the city for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Instead of closing in August, many restaurants and stores are planning a short break, between the closing ceremony on Aug. 11 and the start of the Paralympic Games on Aug. 28.
Getting in — and getting around
Parisian public transport is famously reliable — unless workers go on strike. To prevent problems, talks are being held to prevent transportation strikes during the Games.
But beware of arriving on July 26, the day of the Games’ opening ceremony, when a no-fly zone across the airspace of Paris will prevent planes from taking off or landing for some six hours, according to the Associated Press.
A woman rides a Velib bicycle past a rental station alongside the river Seine. Paris has ramped up cycling paths and bicycle parking spaces ahead of the Summer Olympic Games, as part of an effort to make the city a cyclist-friendly metropolis.
Kiran Ridley | Getty Images News | Getty Images
If the metro is overloaded, consider renting a bike. There are around 20,000 Velib bikes in the city, with many available at major street corners. Since some roads will be closed to vehicles during the Games, it will be a safer time to pedal around the city.
If speed is key, one of the most exhilarating ways to get around Paris is by motorbike taxi. I once found myself at the Gare de Lyon railway station, en route to Spain, when I realized I had forgotten my passport. So I hopped on the back of a motorbike, and my driver weaved his way through the traffic, waited while I ran up to my apartment, and deposited me back at the station before my train departed.
Speak a bit of the language
Paris’ famously rude waiters are much more approachable if you greet them first. Say “bonjour” and try to order in French. And pleasantries like “s’il vous plait” (please) and “merci” (thank you) don’t hurt either.
This is true when approaching any French person. It took me a while to figure out why supermarket staff ignored me when I asked where…
Read More: Tips on traveling to Paris during the Summer Olympics