Our local tips to Paris
Hi travelers!
Next up is one of the most visited cities in Europe, if not the world: Paris.
If Paris is on your travel list, you might’ve heard of the typical Parisian must-visit essentials: the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysees but let’s hear from one of our very own Shoot My Travel photographer Meiry to find out some local recommendations!
Who should visit?
All the kinds of travelers. High class, backpackers, solo travelers, couples, families, friends, young or old. I really can't think of one single kind of person that should not come to Paris at least once in a lifetime. If you like art, architecture, fashion, wine, but even if you don't. Oh, and if you're a newlywed, this should be on top of the list!
One thing to know before visiting?
Never forget to say bonjour.
If you were in Paris for a day, what are three must-dos?
First of all, spend some hours at the Louvre. It's not a cliché for nothing. Stroll along the river banks, especially by the islands (Saint Louis and Cité). Go to Montmartre and walk.
What’s your favorite dish to try?
It's not really a dish, but you can't leave France without trying a baguette; but not in your hotel or a restaurant. You must experience getting a freshly baked baguette in a boulangerie and walk in Paris carrying it under your arm. My favorite baguette is from boulangerie Raphaëlle, in Montmartre. While it's still warm, have it with Guérande Salt Crystals butter. Yummy!
What is your favorite photo backdrop in the city?
Wow, that's hard to say. Maybe the view from the bottom of rue de l'Aubrevoir, a curvy street in Montmartre, from where you see the top of the Sacre Coeur. Or maybe the wall painted with the poem Le Bateau Ivre, by Rimbaud. I just can't decide!
What are some travel hacks to unlock a truly local experience?
Get away from the main touristic spots. Explore the less known arrondissements. Go to a market, try fresh fruits and vegetables, talk to ones who are there, ask for advice. Explore places where there are no famous monuments. And most of all, take some time to enjoy sitting at a cafe terrace just watching life pass in front of you. Having some wine, of course - a rosé, if it's summertime!
P.S here are five additional Paris facts to keep in mind:
Buy a public transportation pass, called “navigo.” You can purchase one by the week or the month, depending on how long you’ll be there. It’s cheaper and faster than buying individual tickets each time you take the metro, RER or bus
Plan at least half a day for Versailles. Not only does it take about a half hour to get there, but the chateau and the grounds are so massive that you’ll want to allow plenty of time to soak it all in
If you’re going to go to the Catacombs, get there early! The line gets long very quickly and moves slowly
Paris doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. Yes, the cafes in touristic areas are going to be pricier, but grabbing a sandwich and a cafe au lait at a local boulangerie is just as good of a meal, and will only cost around 5 euros
With photographers in over 250 cities around the world, our team has not only seen traveler adventures be captured, but stories created! After-all, a photo is more interesting when you also have a story to tell. Remember to book a photo tour and get our local photographers share more of these tips and unlock the full travel experience!
