Thu, 9 February 2012
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We go Inside Paris to scotch some of the myths that have built up about the city over the years.Myth No. 1: Paris is really, really expensive.
Explanation: Of course, in any city of the world, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can pay for things. On the contrary, compared to most other major tourist destinations in the world, it is very possible to get by quite cheaply in Paris.
Admission costs for museums and attractions are extremely reasonable, public transportation is a downright bargain, and many restaurants feature attractively priced set menus.
The main staples of life in Paris are plentiful and cheap: baguettes, wine, cheese, fruit and patisserie desserts. Where expenses can add up is having lots of drinks in cafés and bars. But since the café culture is one of the great pleasures of being in Paris, our advice is to pay the price and enjoy it.
Myth No. 2: Paris is not safe.
Explanation: In general, European cities are safer than North American ones since guns, gangs, personal property/bank robberies and drugs are not as common.
The most common hazard in Paris, particularly for tourists, is pick-pockets who particularly operate in highly populated tourist areas. Parisian pick-pockets are very skilled, and you would never even know if you were ripped off until much later.
Pick-pockets search for easy opportunities to snatch a purse, wallet or cell phone. Simply don't provide these opportunities or make it easy to be a target, and you will be fine. 
Myth No. 3: You can’t wear jeans in Paris.
Explanation: We’re puzzled by where this myth originates, possibly because Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world. In fact, jeans are worn everywhere in Paris, by everyone, even Galeries Lafayette sales staff!
While there are frequent sightings of funky and high fashion, Paris, on the whole, is a casual city. However, Parisians are never sloppy and always look put together no matter what they wear.
Parisians are not known for wearing exercise-type wear out on the street, or short shorts, unless they are worn as a fashion item. These items worn will flag you as a tourist, especially if non-stylish, exercise-type white running shoes are worn with them.
Myth No. 4: It is unsafe to take the metro, especially at night.
Explanation: The Paris metro system is filled with tourists and Parisians at all hours of the day and night and is considered safe. Likewise with buses and night buses.
Something to be aware of: some people try to bypass buying a metro ticket so may squeeze up against you and come through the turnstile with you. Don’t be alarmed, they are not trying to rob you. Usually people will ask you if you mind if they do it. But unless you speak French, you will likely not know what they are asking.
Myth No. 5: Parisians are unfriendly and rude.
Explanation: This myth couldn't be farther from the truth, since the majority of Parisians are kind, helpful and friendly.
Upon first meeting, Parisians can appear to be less casual and more reserved by North American standards, however, this does not translate to unfriendliness. Be aware that often what you put out is what you get back, so if Parisians are approached in the right way from the beginning, chances of a more pleasant interaction increase.
An attempt to speak the language goes a long way with Parisians. Always begin a conversation with ‘bonjour’, especially when entering a store. Asking immediately, ‘do you speak English?’ riles many Parisians and will start you off on the wrong foot.
Think about it, if foreigners are constantly asking if you speak their language in a country where English is the official language, then how would that make you feel? Use your best school French and have fun with it; Parisians love to correct and help people with their admittedly difficult language!
Myth No. 6: Paris operates the same as most other modern cities catering to large numbers of foreigners and tourists.
Explanation: Yes and no.
On one hand, generally there is competent service, however, there are often long lineups and service can be slow to downright not good. Keep in mind that Parisians still pay for groceries, pharmacy and restaurant tabs with personal checks.
The bottom line: Parisians are more concerned with lifestyle than with the pursuit of commerce. Let that be your guide. Relax, have fun with this cultural difference and enjoy the less stressful pace of life.
Myth No. 7: The food is weird/bad.
Explanation: As is the case everywhere in the world, you can get weird, strange or bad food in Paris. Generally speaking though, the food, ingredients, cooking techniques and presentation are of a much higher caliber in France, considered the culinary capital of the world. 
Insider Paris Guide for Practical Paris, written and regularly updated by Karen Henrich. To order Insider Paris Guides click here or go to www.insiderparisguides.com.
Wow, I was just in Paris and had ordered and used this book as an incredible reference while I was there. There was so many useful tips and referneces thanks so much for the article.
I agree...my wife and I took a tour with Karen while we were in Paris this past week and we were overwhelmed with the advice and information she provided. I can wholeheartedly recommend her services and would encourage everyone to visit her site at www.nuitblanchetours.com to learn more about her excellent services.
Myth 6, parisians are not rude?!? it's well known across france that you can hardly get ruder than them! Ask someone on the street for directions and see how friendly they are
Parisians are not rude my foot! While French people are very warm and welcoming outside of Paris, it's like they turn into Dr. Jekyll once they cross over the peripherique onto the dark side...
I have been living here for 5 years and I am still getting used to the rudeness experienced every day in the metro, on the street... it's a daily thing to be at least whistled at by a man or even worse, having your butt grabbed... and to be told off by people trying to board the train during rush hour while you're trying to get off... these are two of the many examples, not counting the insinuating "oh, you speak French very well"..., or not to count, the rude waiters in cafés who treat you worse once they hear your obvious expat accent... I have even been yelled at, no, screamed at by a waiter because he wanted me to pay for my coffee before finishing it, because he didn't want me to "snap my fingers and say garçon", even though he had said nothing to the Frenchies around me, and it's common courtesy to let customers alone to enjoy their coffee in silence. He was lucky that I didn't throw it in his face.
Yes, I am getting tired of Parisians.
I live in Boston, and as far as rudeness goes, there isn't a more cold (literally) and stand offish community as New England so Paris pales in comparison. I love visiting Paris and I have had nothing but wonderful experiences, even for someone who isn't as fluent with her French as I'd like. If you are warm, friendly, smiling and make an effort to operate in their country as you do in yours, then the opportunities are endless to meet amazing people in France and definitely Paris.
I will say I have noticed that those travelers (mostly Americans) who tend to dress rather slovenly or dated will get a bit of a snub, but Americans are so supremely ill-equipped in that area anyway that it doesn't surprise me. Dress for dinner for heaven's sake - its Paris!
Once again, I confirm that I am an expat, living and working abroad. Don't worry, I don't wear awful white sneakers with khaki slacks and Abercrombie sweatshirts to work- who would, unless you're a camp counselor?
I may be a cynic, but try living and working here for a few years... Parisians can be downright rude, not only with tourists and expats, but also with other French people, even with each other. Ask anyone who has ever worked in Paris outside of the months of July and August.
Fair enough Carly, you're a resident I am not, however I'll reserve my judgment for the day I too am able to relocate and test the friendly or not so friendly waters of Parisian life on a day to day basis.
Je suis franco-américaine and I've been living in france for 36 years and I confirm that Parisians are rude and impolite !
And as to their bathrooms, sorry, but they could be cleaner without it being like back in the US.
What has someone residing in a place like Paris for 36 years if the people are so rude and impolite? I would venture to guess that most prefer to live in an environment and community that's much like themselves so I'm always curious what it is that keeps someone in a city they don't enjoy...
I am a believer that you bring to you what you project, so for me, I practice tolerance and do my best to calibrate to my surroundings in hopes the locals will appreciate my efforts and respond with equal and gracious attitudes.
In answer to the question is it safe on the meter/RER in general yes but there is a new wave of thief the bagsnatcher operating on theRER . Unfortunately I fell victim to this recently on the way home from the airport.. I didn't leave my bag on the seat etc it was in fact hugged close to my body as I was reading a book I noticed the theives getting on at the airport .. If I hdnt had my computer tucked under my bag I probably would've caught the thief as I stumbled trying to hang onto both. the thief came from behind after having a cigarette in between the carriages.. noone helped me even tho I gave chase and the carriage was full nor would they let me pull the alarm when i got back on when the buzzer went. There was one kind man who escorted me to the police at gare du nord but the police couldn't have cared less and I had to beg them to let me get to my friends on the RER.. for free!.Just warn people when travelling to hold their bags very tightly around their body!! I still love being inParis and do feel it is safer than other major cities.
Whilst I agree with some of the points made in this article, the notion that Parisiens being rude and impolite 'couldn't be further from the truth' is insane.. I come from London but I have lived in Paris permanently for the last 4 years and have known Paris all my life. I speak fluent French and make a HUGE effort to be polite and friendly to all Parisiens. However I still find the majority of Parisiens rude, impolite, cold , humourless and arrogant to the point of irrationality. It's a constamt struggle to understand why they have to be so unkind. The strange thing is they acknowledge this general disposition themselves but they seem to pride themselves on. I have lived in may capital cities and have never known anything like it. It is also ridiculously expensive even in comparison to London. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but we are talking about dispelling 'myths' here.....
I enjoyed Paris when I lived there. Parisians are reknown outside of Paris as being rude, but so is London by Brits living outside London. On the other hand I now live in Germany and in general it's much worse. The food is immeasurably better in France and the language more melodious. What can be interpreted as rudeness can be a cultural difference, of course. For some, being friendly on first meeting them can be interpreted as a sign of weakness or rude of itself as if you are assuming a close personal relationship with a stranger. GIve them a reason for them to want to talk to you. Dressing less than the local dress code might have them assuming you're a bum.
Of course, some people are just full of themselves and won't talk to you anyway, or may be in a hurry.
Waiters the world over focus on maximising their income and realise that most of their foreign customers will not return regardless of quality of service. If they've had a bad day, have been yelled at by a previous foreign customer, maybe they'll take it out on you. Regardless, if they think they can get away with overcharging you they will.
I am French, from Western France, and I don't like Paris. I studied there for seven years and was shocked by the incredible rudeness of the people that live there.
Moreover, to say that the pace of life is slower in Paris as the article claims is ridiculous. I lived in several European capitals and nowhere have I felt so stressed, lonely or foreign than in Paris. I am a Frenchman, but I feel more at home in Germany or Ireland than in Paris. Talk about dispelling myths!
since when do you have to worry about what you are wearing when travelling abroad ?? what in the world is wrong with wearing jeans and white running shoes ? that is absurd !!!!! the last thing you want to worry about is what you look like... when i travel i want to be comfortable and i couldn't care less what people think about me wearing jeans and white running shoes... my money is just as good as someone wearing overpriced and overrated designer cloathes..what a joke !!! i travel to see places, not to participate in a phony fashoin show.. give me a break..
I've traveled to Paris several times but have never lived there so I speak as a "tourist". I'm perfectly bilingual so when I go there, I obviously speak only French and I'm not afraid to mince my words when the occasion calls for it. My approach however is to treat everyone with courtesy and kindness. Sure some people are rude and arrogant in Paris but I've found the same in the USA (I've lived in several different cities) New Yorkers are famous for being rude - in fact, even more so than Parisians in my opinion. You will find rude people everywhere and kind people everywhere. If you encounter a rude person, just shrug it off and move on. There will be a nice person right around the corner. Paris may not be for everyone but it has too many pluses for me to not go there or consider living there for a while. No place is ever perfect. Accept its idiosyncrasies or choose some other city to go visit or live in.
I can't believe some of these ignorant comments. Paris is no ruder than anywhere else in the country, especially New York. But it won't stop me from visiting this magnificent city. If you have a problem with it, stay home.
Having been to both New York and Paris, I can say that Paris wins hands down for friendliness and politeness. And it is MUCH cleaner than New York! The French outside of Paris are extremely friendly: I hitch-hiked through France several times and was always invited to dine with the drivers and their families. Quite astonishing really, but a delightful experience. I never experienced that sort of courtesy and generosity in any other country I have visited, with the exception of Canada where the people were wonderfully friendly (I understand that does not apply to French-Canadians, though!)
Wow, I was just in Paris and had ordered and used this book as an incredible reference while I was there. There was so many useful tips and referneces thanks so much for the article.
I agree...my wife and I took a tour with Karen while we were in Paris this past week and we were overwhelmed with the advice and information she provided. I can wholeheartedly recommend her services and would encourage everyone to visit her site at www.nuitblanchetours.com to learn more about her excellent services.
Myth 6, parisians are not rude?!? it's well known across france that you can hardly get ruder than them! Ask someone on the street for directions and see how friendly they are
Parisians are not rude my foot! While French people are very warm and welcoming outside of Paris, it's like they turn into Dr. Jekyll once they cross over the peripherique onto the dark side...
I have been living here for 5 years and I am still getting used to the rudeness experienced every day in the metro, on the street... it's a daily thing to be at least whistled at by a man or even worse, having your butt grabbed... and to be told off by people trying to board the train during rush hour while you're trying to get off... these are two of the many examples, not counting the insinuating "oh, you speak French very well"..., or not to count, the rude waiters in cafés who treat you worse once they hear your obvious expat accent... I have even been yelled at, no, screamed at by a waiter because he wanted me to pay for my coffee before finishing it, because he didn't want me to "snap my fingers and say garçon", even though he had said nothing to the Frenchies around me, and it's common courtesy to let customers alone to enjoy their coffee in silence. He was lucky that I didn't throw it in his face.
Yes, I am getting tired of Parisians.
I live in Boston, and as far as rudeness goes, there isn't a more cold (literally) and stand offish community as New England so Paris pales in comparison. I love visiting Paris and I have had nothing but wonderful experiences, even for someone who isn't as fluent with her French as I'd like. If you are warm, friendly, smiling and make an effort to operate in their country as you do in yours, then the opportunities are endless to meet amazing people in France and definitely Paris.
I will say I have noticed that those travelers (mostly Americans) who tend to dress rather slovenly or dated will get a bit of a snub, but Americans are so supremely ill-equipped in that area anyway that it doesn't surprise me. Dress for dinner for heaven's sake - its Paris!
Once again, I confirm that I am an expat, living and working abroad. Don't worry, I don't wear awful white sneakers with khaki slacks and Abercrombie sweatshirts to work- who would, unless you're a camp counselor?
I may be a cynic, but try living and working here for a few years... Parisians can be downright rude, not only with tourists and expats, but also with other French people, even with each other. Ask anyone who has ever worked in Paris outside of the months of July and August.
Fair enough Carly, you're a resident I am not, however I'll reserve my judgment for the day I too am able to relocate and test the friendly or not so friendly waters of Parisian life on a day to day basis.
Je suis franco-américaine and I've been living in france for 36 years and I confirm that Parisians are rude and impolite !
And as to their bathrooms, sorry, but they could be cleaner without it being like back in the US.
What has someone residing in a place like Paris for 36 years if the people are so rude and impolite? I would venture to guess that most prefer to live in an environment and community that's much like themselves so I'm always curious what it is that keeps someone in a city they don't enjoy...
I am a believer that you bring to you what you project, so for me, I practice tolerance and do my best to calibrate to my surroundings in hopes the locals will appreciate my efforts and respond with equal and gracious attitudes.
In answer to the question is it safe on the meter/RER in general yes but there is a new wave of thief the bagsnatcher operating on theRER . Unfortunately I fell victim to this recently on the way home from the airport.. I didn't leave my bag on the seat etc it was in fact hugged close to my body as I was reading a book I noticed the theives getting on at the airport .. If I hdnt had my computer tucked under my bag I probably would've caught the thief as I stumbled trying to hang onto both. the thief came from behind after having a cigarette in between the carriages.. noone helped me even tho I gave chase and the carriage was full nor would they let me pull the alarm when i got back on when the buzzer went. There was one kind man who escorted me to the police at gare du nord but the police couldn't have cared less and I had to beg them to let me get to my friends on the RER.. for free!.Just warn people when travelling to hold their bags very tightly around their body!! I still love being inParis and do feel it is safer than other major cities.
Whilst I agree with some of the points made in this article, the notion that Parisiens being rude and impolite 'couldn't be further from the truth' is insane.. I come from London but I have lived in Paris permanently for the last 4 years and have known Paris all my life. I speak fluent French and make a HUGE effort to be polite and friendly to all Parisiens. However I still find the majority of Parisiens rude, impolite, cold , humourless and arrogant to the point of irrationality. It's a constamt struggle to understand why they have to be so unkind. The strange thing is they acknowledge this general disposition themselves but they seem to pride themselves on. I have lived in may capital cities and have never known anything like it. It is also ridiculously expensive even in comparison to London. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but we are talking about dispelling 'myths' here.....
I enjoyed Paris when I lived there. Parisians are reknown outside of Paris as being rude, but so is London by Brits living outside London. On the other hand I now live in Germany and in general it's much worse. The food is immeasurably better in France and the language more melodious. What can be interpreted as rudeness can be a cultural difference, of course. For some, being friendly on first meeting them can be interpreted as a sign of weakness or rude of itself as if you are assuming a close personal relationship with a stranger. GIve them a reason for them to want to talk to you. Dressing less than the local dress code might have them assuming you're a bum.
Of course, some people are just full of themselves and won't talk to you anyway, or may be in a hurry.
Waiters the world over focus on maximising their income and realise that most of their foreign customers will not return regardless of quality of service. If they've had a bad day, have been yelled at by a previous foreign customer, maybe they'll take it out on you. Regardless, if they think they can get away with overcharging you they will.
I am French, from Western France, and I don't like Paris. I studied there for seven years and was shocked by the incredible rudeness of the people that live there.
Moreover, to say that the pace of life is slower in Paris as the article claims is ridiculous. I lived in several European capitals and nowhere have I felt so stressed, lonely or foreign than in Paris. I am a Frenchman, but I feel more at home in Germany or Ireland than in Paris. Talk about dispelling myths!
since when do you have to worry about what you are wearing when travelling abroad ?? what in the world is wrong with wearing jeans and white running shoes ? that is absurd !!!!! the last thing you want to worry about is what you look like... when i travel i want to be comfortable and i couldn't care less what people think about me wearing jeans and white running shoes... my money is just as good as someone wearing overpriced and overrated designer cloathes..what a joke !!! i travel to see places, not to participate in a phony fashoin show.. give me a break..
I've traveled to Paris several times but have never lived there so I speak as a "tourist". I'm perfectly bilingual so when I go there, I obviously speak only French and I'm not afraid to mince my words when the occasion calls for it. My approach however is to treat everyone with courtesy and kindness. Sure some people are rude and arrogant in Paris but I've found the same in the USA (I've lived in several different cities) New Yorkers are famous for being rude - in fact, even more so than Parisians in my opinion. You will find rude people everywhere and kind people everywhere. If you encounter a rude person, just shrug it off and move on. There will be a nice person right around the corner. Paris may not be for everyone but it has too many pluses for me to not go there or consider living there for a while. No place is ever perfect. Accept its idiosyncrasies or choose some other city to go visit or live in.
I can't believe some of these ignorant comments. Paris is no ruder than anywhere else in the country, especially New York. But it won't stop me from visiting this magnificent city. If you have a problem with it, stay home.
Having been to both New York and Paris, I can say that Paris wins hands down for friendliness and politeness. And it is MUCH cleaner than New York! The French outside of Paris are extremely friendly: I hitch-hiked through France several times and was always invited to dine with the drivers and their families. Quite astonishing really, but a delightful experience. I never experienced that sort of courtesy and generosity in any other country I have visited, with the exception of Canada where the people were wonderfully friendly (I understand that does not apply to French-Canadians, though!)
This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette.
A listing of organizations in the Paris area that cater primarily to Americans living in France. Updated April 2011.
Our handy guide to the British community in Paris, from cricket clubs to Scottish country dancing lessons to where to find a jar of Marmite.
Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in France, from how to open a bank account to Islamic banking and investments.
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