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PREPARING for PARIS
A Step-by-Step First Timers Guide to Preparing for Paris
‘WHEN is the best time to go to Paris?’ The truth is ANY time is a good time!
Paris is beautiful in all seasons, under all weather conditions (yeven rain and snow are romantic in
Paris) at any holiday, high or low season! You can have so much fun frolicking in the summer months
to all the outdoor terraces, festivals, parks, sitting Seine-side soaking the sun, but you can also rug up
in cosy winter gear and frequent the cafes for coffee avalanches, high tea treats, roving from
restaurant to restaurant, meandering museums, bustling bars, lingering the libraries and more, in
true romantic Parisian fashion. With that in mind August is high tourist month and also holiday time
for Parisian; locals tend to flock to their holiday destinations in Provence and other fabulous places,
leaving the city predominantly tourist-filled. If you want to go in the summer months and mix more
with locals go in June, July or September.
HOW long should you stay? Long enough to be able to walk, not sprint to your mustsee attractions; long enough to be able to sleep well and even sleep-in a few mornings and not get up
at the crack of dawn to join any qeues; long enough to meander around and discover new places
and/or return to favourite places on your last day and long enough to spend an adequate amount of
time doing the great Parisian sport – café sitting, watching, reading and/or writing…having the time
to slow down and absorb life. Overall, I recommend minimum 5 nights. Otherwise you’re just not
doing it right. i.e being Parisian or Travelling!
‘WHAT do I pack?’
Pack according to the season but always with a few pieces for the
opposite – Paris is moody and can surprise you - a summer day can turn chilly if not cold and rainy.
No matter what ALWAYS take an umbrella, a shawl or simple cardigan and a stylish tee or blouse, in
case a winter day turns warm you don’t have to wear a ‘washing-machine stained accident’ usually
worn for layering for warmth!
FLIGHTS BOOKED! What’s next?
Here is a step-by-step guide to plan, prepare and book for an effortless Parisian
arrival and experience.
ACCOMMODATION:
One of the most important elements of holiday planning is selecting the right accommodation. Your
accommodation will set the tone for your entire experience, being your starting point, your waking
place, your retreat, afternoon siesta spot and your nightly cocoon. As a basis, it should be
comfortable, clean and practical and there should be no skimping on the basic essentials.
In Paris, generally hotels are on the better end of the 5-star-scale and sufficiently meet these needs.
From the generic to theatrical boutique styles, reflected as budget to luxury, they certainly provide
what we have all come to know as ‘hotel’, delivering the practicality and conveniences they promise
and we expected.
Self-contained apartments are a great option if you want your own private place to yourself, to feel
like you are living alone in your own Parisian home and to have the practical element of
your own kitchen, laundry etc is certainly attractive. These types are often purchased and renovated
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purely for travellers, used only for holiday rentals.
Going one notch up in the scale of cultural immersion is selecting a B&B style of accommodation that
is homely, intimate and offers a true, authentic experience of Parisian life and culture! It is much more
inviting and welcoming to stay somewhere that is someone’s real home and to have a native Parisian
welcome you like an old friend, rather than a paying customer. Paris is all about le apartment so a
B&B apartment is the perfect accommodation. Petite Paris (www.petiteparis.com.au) has over 90
B&B apartments exclusively for Australian travellers – some are unhosted and some are hosted B&Bs
(i.e. sharing with a local Parisian single, couple or family) where you will be offered not only a bed
and delicious homemade breakfasts but also benefit from the knowledge, advice and tips of a local
Parisian and forming real relationships i.e not just conversing with the concierge, cab driver or ticket
master.
FINDING HOME! Which Neighbourhood is yours?
Paris is divided into 20 districts know as ‘Arrondissements’ and split in two by the Seine River. Have
a look at a map of Paris to see how the City is divided up HERE.
Each district is like a little village within the city with its own history, culture, attractions,
atmosphere, and way of life. So it’s a good idea to read about each arrondissement to decide which
‘feels like home’ to you! Generally the left bank, in particular the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
is where the intellectuals and artists reside with a large student population it has a very creative
bohemian atmosphere, while the right bank is more up market and the business centre so it has a
more commercial element to it, with the exception of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements
which are typically old world Parisian and more residential than the central touristic
arrondissements.
A ‘Petite’ Guide:
1st and 2nd Arrondissements - the most central locations, buzzing with dizzying city action and
sounds, home of many famous attractions and the upscale shopping district starting at rue SaintHonore leading to the Champs Elysees. Many of Paris’ oldest cafes reside here. A definite commercial
feel here.
3rd and 4th Arrondissement – is the popular and sought ‘le Marais’. It’s a hot spot for creative’s,
bobo’s (Bohemian bourgeois Parisians) and the cool cats of Paris. It is known as the best boutique
shopping spot (the only shopping area open on Sundays), for its quirky after-dark liveliness and
countless bars and restaurants, cafes as well as museums and being one of the oldest neighbourhoods
of Paris littered with the quintessentially narrow observe cobble streets, 16th century mansions and
more.
5th and 6th Arrondissement - The (5th) Latin Quarter is the literary centre of Paris with all the old
cult cafes of the well known writers of Paris, think arts, artistic types and has a bohemian ambience
with the large student population, find hole-in-the-wall rustic bars, cafes and local music spots. The
(6th) is the trendy, upscale and very cosmopolitan St-Germain des Pres – another very popular and
sought after neighbourhood, Think grand boulevards, quintessential Parisian brassieres, well dressed
classically styled Parisians in crisp lines and predominantly black attire. Shopping is divine and many
of Paris’ best bars and restaurants live here too.
7th Arrondissement – Home to the Eiffel Tower this is an upscale residential neighbourhood,
although it doesn’t feel like it when you are around the Eiffel Tower amongst all the tourist masses
and gypsies. This is a much quieter area with its share of great cafes and restaurants though limited
nightlife. Plenty of museums and Paris attractions are found here.
8th, 9th and 10th Arrondissement – surrounding the most central 1st to 7th arrondissements these
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neighbourhoods are good practical options for reaching the centre while still being easy to navigate
quickly to all of Paris while being slightly less expensive to stay, But the exciting Paris city life is still
there and strong. I would describe them as a mix of commercial upmarket and quiet residential quirky
vintage boho atmosphere and the 10th is the hug of Paris’ multicultural life.
11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, - 19th and 20th Arrondissement - are arrondissements classified as blue collar
residential Paris though all Parisian beautiful with their own village lives and atmospheres and own
attractions to see.
15th, 16th and 17th Arrondissement - are Paris upmarket, upscale and wealthy residential
neighbourhoods.
18th Arrondissement - is my favourite neighbourhood in Paris and where I call home for 2 months
every year. It’s the art and cultural, creative life of Paris. Many of Paris’ French impressionists
resided here and its easy to see why. Its an artfully inspiring very old-world quaint and quintessential
Parisian village where life continues in the same way it did centuries ago. It’s the romantic capital of
Paris. Think cobblestoned hidden laneways, hole-in-the-wall cafes and bars and it sits on the highest
point of Paris with the hill of the Sacre Coeur at the centre giving the best view over all of Paris. The
area is home to the last remaining vineyards and windmills in Paris and is also riddled with multiple
independent theatres as well as the most well know the Moulin rouge.
TRANSPORT into & around PARIS
a. Getting to your accommodation
I recommend becoming a little familiar with the Paris transport system before arriving to ensure a
smooth entry into Paris and to your accommodation. There’s nothing worse than getting lost and
trans-flustered before you’ve even ‘arrived’. The Metro system is really easy to get the hang of too
especially with prior studying.
In an easy nutshell: at either airport, following the signs to the lower level RER train lines. The RER
trains are intercity trains that connect Paris Airports to Paris Centre. At the platform buy a one-way
ticket to Paris at any one of the ticket machines or tellers for approx 13euro. There is only one train
every 20 mins or so, on one platform so you can’t miss it. Get off at either ‘Gare Du Nord’, ‘Chatalet’,
or ‘Denfert Rochereau’ station – whichever is most practical to reach your accommodation. From
there switch to the underground Metro line that will take you too your B&Bs closest metro station
(there may be some line changes involved).
TIP: You can use the 13euro RER ticket purchased at the Airport to switch to the Metro lines and
reach your B&B – no need to buy a Metro ticket.
A great website resource is www.parisbytrain.com - it describes basically but thoroughly how to
reach the Paris centre via train from each of Paris’ airports, as well as how to switch the underground
suburban Metro train lines if you are arriving at one of the international train
stations. With maps, schedules, cost details and guides, it’s fantastic! Even giving a 3D map of the
Airport, level by level with navigation and photo guides.
Taking a cab from the Airport into central Paris will cost approx 40-50euro. Cabs are metered and
reliable and there is never a shortage. Tip: its advantageous to learn basic French, many cab drivers
do not speak English or choose not to. Being able to direct them to your accommodation while of
course adding the standard expected ‘Bonjour/Bonsoir’, ‘Sil Vous Plait’ and ‘Merci’ (hello, please and
thank you) will be greatly appreciated and respectfully understood. More about Language barriers
later…
b. Getting around Paris – to and from your accommodation
The Petite Paris website has a webpage dedicated to the Metro trains, buses, shuttle services, taxi’s
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and batobuses in Paris. HERE.
Take a bit of time to look at a map of the metro system in Paris, firstly to recognize which station is
closest to your accommodation and which line number (and color coded) is yours. It will also help you
to see how you may need to navigate a few line changes to reach various attractions and venues in
Paris.
TIP: It is cheaper to buy a booklet of 10 subway tickets (approximately 13.30 euros) rather than to
buy individual tickets (1.70 euro each). Or it may be worthwhile to get weekly, monthly or 3-5 day
passes. If you stay at least 4 nights in Paris and cannot walk get a weekly ticket (15.40euro approx
from Monday to Sunday). Be careful, certain counter employees, certainly commissioned for each sale,
will try to dissuade you and try to sell a 5-day tourist card to you. They can tell you that the orange
card is only for Parisians or working people. This is incorrect.
* You can pick up pocket size metro maps at each Metro station to keep handy.
KEMPTRO - Download this app for your iPhones. It’s the only Metro app giving the location of all
entrances and exits of all metro stations. Once in Paris you will understand why this is so important
to have handy. Download it HERE.
LOST IN FRANCELATION – About Language Barriers
Despite their reputation, the French are actually friendly and helpful. The key is to understand the
simple cultural difference that can lead some to perceive the French as rude. If you go to Paris
without learning anything at all about French customs and social behaviours then you will tend to
behave in a way that the French perceive as extremely rude and they will reflect that rudeness back,
while you have no idea where it’s coming from.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to try to speak French. Speaking English to a Frenchman
right off the batin the assumption that English is spoken by everyone is seen as rude and
inconsiderate (even if he speaks English). Always attempt to speak at least a little token French.
‘Bonjour’, ‘Parlez-vous Angalis?’ simply means ‘hello, do you speak English?’ – this makes a huge
difference. You will find the French will suddenly speak fluent English if you show a token effort.
If you want to learn a little more, I HIGHLY recommend the Michel Thomas audio set – guaranteed
to have you speaking basic French in just a few hours. Guaranteed! It’s an amazing practical method
to language learning. I still don’t know how it works, but it works – something to do with sound
waves and visualization. You can get it on Amazon HERE.
All these tips PLUS MORE – Can be found on the Petite Paris B&B Website in the dedicated Paris
Guide section HERE
So now you have got your flights, accommodation options, neighbourhood, transport
and language situation down…its time for the fun part of planning your daily
itineraries! A Petite Paris specialty…
SIGHTSEEING
The most typical attractions of Paris can be discovered on any Paris website, blog or travel magazine,
web search etc – the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel tower, Luxembourg gardens etc. are all already
well covered so I prefer to offer guests ‘different’ ideas based on my discoveries over the years. There
is so much to see and do, things that don’t involve long lines and expensive tickets and a whole lot of
elbow, nudging and overcrowded frustration, there are obscure beautiful spaces and places where the
true Paris comes alive, where real life occurs and new and different sights are begging to be seen and
sounds to be heard.
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Here are just a few of our recent discoveries and favourite new places: best of all they are FREE!

Promenade Plantee, An elevated park built on an abandoned railroad stretching 4km from
Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. It’s a beautiful landscape of trees, flowers and plants where
you will see Paris at the level of treetops, roof tops and church spires, follow ivy-covered
arched trellises, watch the changing panorama of architectural styles and admire decorative
mouldings and intricate balcony railings. Finishing at Jardin de Reuilly with its terraces,
gardens, and cosy alcoves and an outdoor café. It’s one of the cities best kept secrets and a
favourite Sunday stroll of mine.
Address: 290 Ave Daumesnil 75012 Paris (via staircase entry cnr Rue Lyon)
Metro: Bastille

Marche des Enfants Rouge, The ‘Market of the Red Children’ is the oldest undercover
food market in Paris built in 1615 and named after a nearby 17th century orphanage. With a
tiny iron-gate entry that’s easy to miss, this is a small yet vibrant and authentic Parisian
market loved by locals. Many of the stands sell fresh prepared food you can eat in the cafes
inside. I love the bouquets of vibrant flowers, the wide selection of obscure wines, bounties of
organic pumpkins, tomatoes, cauliflower, and other richly colored fruits and vegetables, fresh
seafood, meat, cheeses and charcuterie. I recommend the Creole cafe, the homemade
hamburger stall (locals favourite) and the Turkish delights.
Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne 75003
Metro: Filles- Calvaire or Temple

Music Recital at La Saint Chappell, A highlight for any first timer or returning visitor to
Paris is assuredly a visit to one of the spectacular concert recitals at La Sainte Chapelle for
some therapeutic musical reflections amidst the rumblings of the city. This gothic
architectural jewel is located on the Isl. de la Cite and holds over 100 concerts March to
December; featuring works of the classical music repertoire. You cannot find anywhere the
warm atmosphere in the St. Chapelle Church. Concerts daily start at 7pm and 8.30pm - I
recommended arriving 45 minutes prior.
Address: 8 Blvd du Palais 75001 Paris
Metro: Chatalet
www.monuments-nationaux.fr
GET A REAL Paris Guide:
Our Petite Paris City Guide eBOOK is a beautiful directory the best-of-the-best Insider secret local
haunts and popular favourites –for ipads and iphones for $7.99 and also available in hard or soft cover
and as a PDF. The second edition released in just March 2013 after my last 2 month visit to Paris
where I spent every moment exploring and devouring every corner of the city to create the best and
most up-to-date insider guide. It’s a great resource that may help plan your Paris trip and daily
itineraries - a directory of some of our favourite places in Paris - best boulangeries, patisseries, cafes,
coffee places, bistros, parks, museums, shopping, best breakfast spots,best coffee, best chocolatiers,
walking itineraries and more. It is our own secret hidden insider tips from our Parisian hosts too. You
can preview the first 40 pages of the book before purchasing via our website (links below)
eBook: http://store-au.blurb.com/ebooks/353596-petite-paris-city-guide
Hardcopy: http://au.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3706574
PDF: http://au.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3701083
ON A BUDGET – Cheap Eats in Paris

Breizh Café: A Creperie café with crepe flavours to serve a breakfast, lunch, dinner or
dessert appetite. From 7.50euro from the most simple to just over 10euro for the fancy
varieties. The fillings are limited but the ingredients are the highest quality and delicious.
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Located in the central 3rd arrondissement so its easy to get to from most sightseeing spots. If
not, I suggest making the effort, crepes are a must-eat in Paris and you can get much better
or more valuable than Breizh. TRY: Galette Buckwheat Noir. Closed Mon and Tues.
109 rue Vieuille du Temple 75003 Paris
Metro: Saint Sebastian-Froissart

La Gabin; I recently discovered this small, family-run, romantic restaurant in an
unassuming street at the back of the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre. Any weary visitor
who has just braved the bustle at the Basilica and prefers to shy away from the chaos of the
‘Place du Tertre’ for dinner, will breath a sigh of warm relief at this intimate, non touristy,
welcoming haven. Classic French fare is on the menu and it’s delicious and inexpensive. The
fixed price menu for 20euro will have you feasting on a lovingly prepared appetizer, main
course and wine or dessert.
25 Rue Lambert 75018 Paris
Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt or Chateau Rouge

Le Comptoir du Relais st Germain
Aside from being my absolute favourite Paris restaurant and usually notoriously pricey, the
BEST croque-monsieu in Paris is made here – and it’s the cheapest too! Go figure! Uniquely
made with smoked salmon and comte cheese with Caesar-like salad making the standard
ham/cheese version seem banal. Here you get to dine in style at one of the see-and-be-seen
places on one of the most bustling people watching corners of Paris, eating the cheaply and
heartily. Its perfect!
9 Carrefour de l’Odeon 75006
Metro: Odeon

Rose Bakery: A great quick take away bakery. Buy the perfect Quiche – crispy flaky crusts
with just the right balance of egg and cream filling, using all organic ingredients, for 5euro
to takeaway, and head to a nearby park or square and enjoy Paris lunch under the sun. Their
sweet tarts are great too – 4euro take away.
46 rue des Martyrs 75009 Paris
Metro: Notre Dame de Lorette
Quirky & Practical PARIS Tips:

If you go to the Louvre: To avoid the queue, go down the stairs close to the little Arc de
Triomphe (when the pyramid is behind you).

Free entrance to museums: Parisian museums offer free entry every first Sunday of each
month (including the Louvre). The museums run by the City of Paris are always free, except
of temporary exhibitions.

Versailles Castle:To go to Versailles Castle, the cheapest way is to take the bus 171,
departure at Pont de Sevres subway (last station on line 9).

Don’t rush…But do keep track of your time and create a list of things you really want to
experience. Even if you have an extended remember as they say, time flies. Try and check
one thing off the list each day.

If you are standing on the sidewalk at 40 Rue Reaumur don’t expect 41 Rue Reaumur to be
right across the street. It may be on the other side the street but it could very well be way
down the block if not, sometimes, on the next block down. Bizarre? Oui! But true!

At restaurants if you want something “To Go” it is best to ask for “Take Away”. They seem
to understand that English phrase much better.
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
The Paris water has very high level of calcium and can dry the skin. Bring your favorite
lotion from home.

Weather can be unpredictable. Pack a few things for cooler or hotter weather than you
expect.

Don’t try to enter a crowded Metro subway car when the door is closing and warning sound
and lights have activated. Even if the car is not crowded, stay clear of the doors, be aware
that the automated door close very fast and tight. Getting something caught in the door will
most likely require the assistance of other riders to free it.

When the car is crowded do not sit in the fold down jump seats found near the doors of
Metro subway cars. I is impolite and propagates the “ugly tourist” image. Signs are posted
in the cars stating this rule.

Try and stay informed. Especially if you know things are happening in Paris, for us it was
strikes and terrorist warnings. You can find the English International Herald Tribune
newspaper on many newsstands.

The L'officiel des Spectables and/or the Pariscope are both good sources to find all the
timetables for the museums, cinemas, church recitals, exhibitions, theatres, etc. Published
each Wednesday and sold in all the newspaper shops and kiosks for 0.40euros.
For Media enquiries contact Regina Ferreira at Petite Pr at: info@petitepr.com.au