In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, we’re tackling Paris—the place everyone either romanticizes or complains about. Sean and Brandon confront the myths, reveal boring but practical advice, and share exactly what you should be doing, eating, and seeing.
What We Cover in This Episode
- The stigmas of Paris, and if they’re true
- Practical tips for exploring Paris
- Best bites and sights in Paris
- How to spend 48 hours in Paris
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Paris Guidebook
- Where to Stay in Paris
- What to Eat in Paris
- Best Restaurants in Paris
- Top Museums in Paris
- Top Things to Do in Paris
Paris Podcast: Stolen Overcoats, Milk, Window Shopping, Medieval Tinder
Segment 1: Paris Stigmas
Stigma #1 – French People Are Rude
False. If you ignore basic courtesies like saying “bonjour” before your question, you might meet a frosty glare. Otherwise, they’re pretty helpful.
Stigma #2 – Parisians Wear Berets
False. You might spot an artsy soul with a beret once a month, but it’s not the norm.
Stigma #3 – French Don’t Speak English
False, ish. Many know English but aren’t that comfortable using it. If you try French first, they’re more likely to switch.
Stigma #4 – Everyone Smokes Cigarettes
Yes, they smoke, but at least it’s always outdoors. Smoking indoors is banned, so you’ll mostly notice it on cafe terraces.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Paris Tours to Take and Why.
Segment 2: Practical Paris Tips
Arriving in Paris:
- Fly into Charles de Gaulle or Orly: Both are easy to get to the city from, just pick whichever has the most convenient flight schedule.
- Take the Train: If you’re coming from London, a 2.5-hour journey brings you straight to Gare du Nord.
- Grab a Taxi: On arrival, don’t mess with public transport if you have luggage.
How to Get Around:
Below, you’ll find our tips mentioned in the podcast. To learn even more, check out our article on the Best Ways to Get Around Paris or learn from a local on our Private Paris Top 30 Sights by Metro tour!
- The metro is well-connected; just remember sortir means exit.
- Avoid the ticket machines by using Apple Wallet’s green transit card (Navigo).
- Plug in your destination to Apple or Google Maps, select public transport, and you’ll get easy, step-by-step directions.
- Uber is available, but the metro is often cheaper and faster.
Phone Plans:
- If you have T-Mobile or a similar plan, you’re probably covered for basic data without extra charges.
- WhatsApp is non-negotiable in Europe. Download and get used to it before you arrive.
- For the budget-minded, eSIMs can be fantastic. Again, download one and learn how to use it before arriving.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Paris Tours to Take and Why.
Where to Stay:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article on Where to Stay in Paris.
- Saint-Germain-des-Pres – Ideal if you want to eat, drink, and lounge in classic Parisian style.
- Montmartre – Artsy and romantic with hilltop views, green spaces, and a slower pace, but a bit out of the way.
- Le Marais – Hip, diverse, and ideal for meeting friendly locals and fellow travelers.
- Latin Quarter – Student-heavy area that’s central but untouristy.
Segment 3: Best Bites & Sights
What to Eat:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article on the Best Food and Drinks to Try in Paris.
- Escargot: Classic French delicacy, snails baked with herb-laden butter.
- Foie Gras: Controversial but undeniably French, made from the fattened liver of ducks.
- Oysters: Head to an oyster bar in the late afternoon and slurp one down with a glass of champagne.
- Boeuf Bourguignon: Slow-simmered beef in red wine, perfect for a chilly evening.
- Braised Rabbit: Order lapin, and you’ll be treated to a rich, slightly gamey, and very tender meat dish.
- Coq au Vin: Chicken simmered in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, and herbs.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Food Tours in Paris to Take in 2025 and Why.
What to Do in Paris:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article on the Top Things to Do in Paris.
- Louvre: It’s massive, so pick a few must-sees (obviously the Mona Lisa) or book in for a private or small group tour.
- Château de Versailles: For opulent gardens, gilded halls, and a glimpse into Louis XIV’s extravagant lifestyle.
- Eiffel Tower: Best at sunset and paired with a meal at Jules Verne, Madame Brasserie, or champagne at the summit.
- Musée d’Orsay: If Impressionism isn’t your thing, save this for your second Paris trip.
- Notre Dame: Newly reopened and busier than ever—book a ticket in advance or join a guided tour.
- Sainte-Chapelle: Pop over after visiting Notre Dame to be dazzled by the 50-foot stained glass windows.
- One Random Museum: Pick one that interests you from our Top Museums in Paris article and enjoy a break from the crowds.
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Segment 4: Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Louvre & Marais
Kick Things Off: With a croissant, coffee, and a bit of people-watching at Le Nemours, near the Louvre.
Morning Art: Book a private or small-group tour to make the most of your time at the Louvre.
Coffee Break: Chill in the Tuileries if it’s sunny, or head indoors at Café Laperouse Concorde. Then, pop into Avant Comptoir de Mer for oysters.
Lunch: After wandering across Pont Neuf, treat yourself to a leisurely meal at one of Place Dauphine’s tucked-away cafés.
Evening: Leave the logistics to an expert local by joining a Marais food tour.
Après Dinner: Top off your night with a cocktail at Grouvie.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Louvre Tours To Take and Why.
Day 2: Versailles, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower
Morning: Visit the Château de Versailles as early as possible. Consider a small group tour that includes transport and a guide.
Lunch: Stick around the Versailles Gardens after your tour to enjoy a meal at La Veranda (more expensive) or La Flottille (budget).
Afternoon: Aim for a 3 pm slot at Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame. Prebook your tickets and give yourself plenty of time to get back from Versailles.
Evening: Reserve a 6 pm Eiffel Tower Climb, and reward yourself with dinner at Jules Verne or Madame Brasserie.
Or, swap the Eiffel Tower for dinner at Avant Comptoir du Marché or Chez Fernand.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Paris Tours to Take and Why.
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