Paris...the quintessential European city...and an unforgiving monstrosity if you have no clue how to experience it like a local. Thanks for the many info-musts to survive and enjoy. Bonjour from Wisconsin. We are much more mundane. 😊
Carol -- nice to see you back! I always love reading your messages (and you're often among the first to leave a comment). I'm so glad you're watching this latest effort, and that you liked it. And I'm sure Wisconsin has its charms too. A lot of times, it's just a question of perspective!
@amusingaida Thanks, M.S. Musing Aida! Always enjoy your thoughtful and sometimes meandering trips around your city. Actually...I don't think I've ever learned your name...unless you are part of the Verdi clan...😆...have a great evening. Do they still say Bonne Soiree?
I just got back from my annual trip to Paris, and I absolutely love your video/advice. I only wish I'd had it about two months ago. More broadly, it's exactly what I need/ed years ago. Though this recent visit was my fifth or sixth as an adult, I still walked around dazzled our entire visit by the city's omnipresent energy, vitality and intelliigence. And respect for beauty and graciousness. I do wish there were a polite way for me to ask the Parisians to let me practice making myself understood in French, even if their English is better than my French--as it usually is. Thank you so much, and I look forward to more of your content!
I'm really glad some of the tips resonated with you. And sorry I didn't get this out two months ago! And I agree with you about the qualities of Paris -- I still see them, even through daily life in this city. As for getting Parisians to let you speak French... I guess you could look puzzled whenever they speak English and plow on with French. But I do understand why that happens: with more than 35 million visitors a year to Paris (population 2.2 million) sometimes it's just faster to say things in a language the visitor understands. The city has a snappy pace!
Great Paris tips. I had one day to prepare for an emergency business trip to Paris in '98 One book was helful to me for 2-3 things. This video covers many more common things to make a Paris visit much easier. The movie tips was one thing I discovered. This will be helpful to many people.
Bonjour Aida, ❤️ your green hat you’re wearing when entering le metro, it suits you very well 🥰 And thank you for the easy tips, much appreciated , always be considerate 🙏
I'd love to go to France. I think i'll try (on purpose) to do some faux pas to see the reactions 😄 But also be very polite and almost over do things in a way, that the french would think... This guy has etiquette 😊
There's no 3 seconds rule (plus 2 for the elderly). We simply make sure that the person following us doesn't get the door in their face, without appearing subservient. Normally, this person should notice that you are holding the door for them, showing a little gratitude and not delaying in crossing the threshold. If they act as if the door were held open by a hook or by some sort of pre-revolutionary valet, you can quite legitimately slam the door in their face or (better) switch to cold politeness mode : “je vous en prie, monsieur/madame" (proclamed with the most serious face and the most dramatic gaze). Every French person is a mixture of lady or lord of the Ancien Régime and Sans-culotte ready to punish injustice.
You're right ofc -- but how do you give a golden rule about door opening (the balance between holding it open and not being subservient)? I thought hard about that one, and observed closely... in the métro it is 2-3 seconds on average (less in the busiest hubs!). Obviously a lot more if it's your own apartment building. But as a 'golden rule' for visitors, a 3-second rule will go a looong way to helping them not look rude (especially as in many countries no thought at all is given ro the person behind). How would you express it?
@@amusingaida Yes, pragmatically it can probably be a good proxy for a foreigner (= for a while). It reminds me of those medical things where you have to count to 5 or something... But may they not take this 3+2 rule as yet another absurd French mania!
Actually watched this one while we were visiting France. The 2 line from Anvers to Monceau one morning after an early visit to Sacre Coeur was a sardine can, lesson learned. Got off and used the toilet at the park entrance (it's free but not particularly clean) then walked to Rue Poncelet for a pastry and coffee stop at Cafe Ponce and some grocery shopping (only a few blocks from the Arc DT but I get the feeling it doesn't get that many tourists). Took your advice, Aida, to just take some time, relax, enjoy the people, the food and the culture, and this included the month we spent in Provence after a week in Paris. Always enjoy and benefit from watching your videos.
Oh yeah, the métro can get really squeezy. But it sounds like you're using it right, and getting off when needed and walking to where you need to go. Yes: relaxing and just taking it in is the most valuable part of the Paris experience, I reckon. Thanks for the feedback!
Yes, we were stuck in traffic during the metro strike back in 2019. I wish I knew about the G7 back then. As far as bicycling, I am not as brave as you Aida!
A small correction: as explained on RATP website, if your dog is small enough you can also take the bus and tramway with your dog in a dedicated basket or bag. And of course guiding dog are alowed everywhere.
@@amusingaida I've seen your dog on your french facts and myths video. You just need a big basket and strong arms 😁 We need more dog-friendly rules. If some dog owners followed all the rules to the letter, some breeds would never experience a walk without a leash and muzzle.
Your tips about Paris is so helpful everybody I believe should watch your Vlogs your own point and some of the things here I don’t even know, but now I know what to do when I go back to Paris you’re doing a good job thank you
Great tips! Especially keeping your hand on your bag in public transport, the pickpockets are incredibly skilled! Also, never never put your bag under your chair at the cinema. A visiting friend did that and her purse had been emptied!! Buying transport tickets on your phone can be a problem if your phone is on a foreign provider. Buy navigo easy instead and you can refill on your phone. Amen on the juice! Citron pressé is a rip off in cafes!! Thanks for these tips! I hope it helps tourists better enjoy Paris.😉
Hello fellow expert! Yes to all of that (especially the hold-on-to-your-bag-in-the-cinema tip). For the metro: I didn't know that having a foreign provider stopped someone buying tickets on their phone -- good to know (we're spoiled in Europe, being able to roam without charge). I use a Navigo card myself, but thought best ease-of-use for visitors was just buying on the phone and using that (as I've done in Berlin, Geneva and Oslo when I travel).
@@amusingaida I live in the U.K., so my phone is on an English program and last time I was in Paris and tried to buy a ticket on my phone I couldn’t. There was a controller on the bus and she said it might be because it wasn’t an eu phone. With the new easy navigo I can buy a carnet at the metro station and then buy more tickets directly on my phone. Crazy!
@@antineah1889 try again with your phone next time -- it's only a couple of months ago that tickets could be bought on an iPhone (before it was only for Android devices).
Super video - I agree with almost all your points! - The 10 euros thing: I think it's getting a lot better these days, most places will take cards regardless. Germany is a nightmare with this. - Dinner: It really depends, but I'd say rather 8:30pm (even 8) than 9:30pm when the crowd starts hitting (still earlier than Spain!) - Google Maps: I would strongly say switching to Citymapper. The transport directions, changes, updates, routes...just about everything is better. Also, G7 - this is a GOLD insider tip that no one talks about! The bus lane thing is a massive advantage that not even us Parisians think about sometimes.
FIP is now my favorite new station that I listen to on Radio Garden, though I also have their webpage open so I can see what is playing...could just as easily listen to it on their website, and I'm doing that from the U.S. Thanks for the recommendation, always looking for new (eclectic) music.
je suis très content de trouvée votre chaîne ! les vidéos sont très drôles et en même temps informative, génial. j'ai un petit suggestion si vous me permettez. Paris Plage, certainement si ils fait beau ils y as pleins d'ambiance la, des belles terrasses au soleil et des fois musique. fin d'après-midi c'est vraiment un plaisir. apart de ça, qu'est que vous pensez des pistes cyclables ? moi j'aime bien de me déplacer en vélo même les Velib pas trop sportive. mais bon, je suis néerlandais ;) avec mes meilleurs sentiments best regards from Genève
Et vous parlez bien français ! Oui, c'est une idée, Paris Plages (mais pas pour cette année, olympique). Mais le plaisir des terrasses, surtout en fin de journée et pourquoi pas avec un peu de musique, oui, cela me tente... Pour les vélos, ils sont devenus indispensables à Paris. Je les loue, de temps en temps, mais ne suis pas une cycliste habituelle...
Ooo 🤯 Central Paris is so Vibrant...its my top go to travel destination in Europe specifically during Christmas 🎄🎇.oh gosh it looks so majestic then . 🧡 (But also i think petty crime like pickpocket is everywhere in a Big Urban spaces like Paris/ London or other Top Global cities. as they r cosmopolitan in nature. )
Yes, please do more videos like this. I love to get more insights from a person who lives in Paris and has a ton of experience 😜merci beaucoup 🙏 j’espere quelque jour je peux vous rencontrer dans les rues de Paris😊💯🫶
Oh yeah, I have a long list of videos I want to do about Paris, where I really hope to be able to show you how this city works away from the high-profile circuit many first-time visitors take. So stick around -- you'll see more!
Could you please make a video with tips and information about the different types of specialized shops often found in Paris? For example: Fromagerie,charcuterie,boulangerie,pâtisserie,brasserie,vinerie,chocolaterie,épicerie,etc...? and also could you please explain a little about the most common French types of cheeses, sausages, breads, cakes, beers, wines, chocolates, etc...? In my opinion, the quality and quantity of these shops and products make Paris a truly unique city. Congratulations on your Channel, it's really good, I just don't understand why there are still few subscribers, I think you should look for tips and tricks on how to increase your channel's audience.
Oh wow, OK, I'll have to add that idea to my (very long) list of future videos to do. It could be fun. And thanks for the words of support about my channel -- me too, I'd love more subscribers. But I do understand that there is a LOT of content on RU-vid these days, so people have a lot of things to look at. I'm still a beginner with only 30 videos at this stage... I plan to keep going and see where it takes me.
I agree... Chérie FM, and Nostalgie as well.... But what I really appreciate also about FIP is that it has very few ads.... lots of uninterrupted music!
The more of your videos I watch, the more I think that the main difference between dining in Paris and basically anywhere in the USA is that the USA tolerates a lot more rudeness and entitlement. I worked as a server in a major US city, and what you said about taking your time to order is very true. It's already hard enough to serve five, six, or seven tables at once, but when you get to a table and the customers finally start reading the menu in front of you, talking to each other, forgetting you're there, and basically just let you stand there like a butler who has nothing else to do but be there when needed--that makes the job extra hard and is incredibly rude, both to the server and other guests who might need attention. The commonsense way to be a considerate guest is to at least have narrowed your options down and come up with some specific questions. But the American hospitality industry has this culture of telling customers they can have or do whatever they want, so some Americans don't even think it possible to be rude in that environment. One place I worked actually told me that it's policy not to use the word "no" with guests but to try to say it some other way. From these videos, it seems that Parisian hospitality doesn't really pretend that rudeness isn't rudeness or that the customer can have anything. Really, I'm starting to wonder if those American diners who think the French are rude have just been enabled for so long by American establishments that they can't see that they were the ones who were rude first.
I can see you're giving it quite some thought, and you have the experience of being a server to back it up. There's nothing like serving so many different people to pick up on attitudes and differences. I think you're right about the US customer attitude in hospitality, and how it can feel very strange to Europeans and others. But at the other end of the spectrum, Americans visiting Brazil and some other parts of Latin America might feel like diners' attitude to servers is akin to speaking with servants, such is the wealth disparity and class system. Parisian hospitality is far from perfect, and you can be guaranteed to have some not-so-nice experiences from time to time, but at least if there's an understanding of the psychology, constraints and mechanisms at work I think there's room to defuse situations, or at least not take some personally.
@@amusingaida Just discovered your videos- they are fun and fabulous! We are going to France in 17 days to visit chateaux, Giverny, Chartres, a Louvre tour, and then 4 days of Olympics. Are you making a video for people visiting during the Olympics? Yours would be amazing! Do you think it’s ok to wear shorts to a track event in an outdoor stadium?
@@lisajelle714 Hi Lisa -- thanks for diving into my videos! Your 17-day trip sounds lovely. Are you going to some of the Olympic competitions? I don't think I'll do a video on the Olympics -- probably not. I haven't decided yet. But my videos are really meant to be a sort timeless view of France; I'm not looking to tie them to any particular event. But who knows? Maybe I'll get swept away and change my mind. As for shorts -- yeah, if you're comfortable in them, do it, there's no problem. There will be people from every country on the planet at the Games, so any clothes people feel comfortable wearing are fine.
Haha... no, my parents are not American. I learned English growing up, but never lived in an English-speaking country. I'll just have to settle for being French.
I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I haven't been to my favorite city in almost ten years now. The good news is that you've provided so many useful links in the last third of this video, and that I can start adding some of them to my cell before my next visit. I think what I enjoy most when watching you, is the feeling of contentment as I follow you on the streets of Paris and recognize so many places I used to frequent, and that the city is still familiar to me. I love the occaisional mention of special little places that I've 'discovered' over the years such as the Monde Arabe, the Statue of Liberty in front of Ponte Grenelle, and my absolute favorite the Arenes de Lutece which is very near a hostel I used on one of my visits and where I spent many hours reading in the shaden hot days. Every now and again these little gems pops up and todys 'gem' was the Jardin de Plantes where I spent an afternoon passing time while waiting on the overnight train from Austerlitz to Barcelona. Of course you are my best Parisienne dicovery! BTW, I really like your graphic choice for your tips; they make a nice break.
I'm so glad I touched on places close to your heart. Paris has so many little corners to 'discover' and bind close to you, to become evocative locations. And it sounds like you like so many places that I like too!
Great tip on G7! We never take the bus or metro, preferring to mostly walk. For longer distances we have used Uber. We will give G7 a try on our next visit. Thank you!
The big advantage is G7 using the bus lanes. Every year the motorised traffic gets more and more congested. Really, the best way around Paris these days is on a bicycle (but I know that's not always practical for visitors)
I recently discovered your videos. They are exceptionally good, extremely in-depth, the storyline, literary and historical, musical background, simply everything. The unseen, cameraman, so on and so on. A Hollywood quality production. Like listening to an Enya song.
That is a glowing comment, rich in praise. Thanks. I just hope I can live up to it with future videos, because those are the levels I'm aiming for (but aware I'm not there yet)
Je viens de regarder (de bout en bout) ... vidéo TRÈS réussie. J’étais à Paris (moi, le Haut - Viennois!) en mars et en avril et j’y retourne en août. Vous l’aurez deviné, j’adore Paris, donc vous parlez à un converti et vous ne m’apprenez pas grand’ chose ... ... mais qu’est-ce que ça fait plaisir de vous écouter (je répète : votre anglais est IMPECCABLE !!!) et de vous regarder !!!!
Hi, I wish I had known your channel before I have been to Paris. By the way, Ali recommended your channel. Thanks to you, I am enjoying studying English.🙏
This is such a useful video, briliantly explained. I found your channel last year when i spent couple of months in Paris, and I wish I bumped into something like this at that time. Anyway, kepp up with the good work, i really enjoy your content 🥰
This is very useful, thank you! I'm a new subscriber.❤ We will be there around September. Wishing you will do a vlog on walking itineraries, which places in Paris are near each other or closed together.. if they are doable for half a day walking (or even whole day).😊 Haha.. wishful thinking, but we plan to walk to explore Paris instead of taking taxis/metro. 😍
That's a good idea. I'll see if in the future I can do a video about that. I have to warn you though that while I like walking, I also like frequent stops in cafés. Have you seen my video on all of the arrondissements? You can get a bit of an idea on where to walk from that...
Informative yet funny and witty - love your videos! Aida, I notice you are often with your dog. Do you find Paris at least somewhat dog-friendly? Planning to visit Paris with our ginormous Golden Retriever (he always travels with us), so how comfortable will we feel? I am not talking museums, but restaurants - eating on the terraces, markets, parks, picnic areas, browsing the streets, and small neighborhood shops?
As you said, you found the video I did on that. (Just be aware that -- although you'll see them there -- technically they aren't allowed in the street food markets. Mostly that won't be a problem, but just be aware.) Parks have signs whether dogs are allowed in or not (the Jardin de Luxembourg only allows them on an outer path for instance, not in the middle).
I would like to see you discuss the rickshaw bikes... I was scammed for 50 euros. I know! I know! It's on me. But he was really good. As a French man walked by shaking his head and looking at me. I realized...
Yeah, those rides are usually scams, often without insurance. Very dodgy. I probably won't be doing any videos on the various scams around Paris (the rickshaws, the sleight-of-hand cup jockeys, the bracelets-on-wrists people, the fake gold ring found in the street, the fakers looking for petition donations, the fake leather jackets sold out of a car, the fake chimney-sweeps, the fake gas meter guys, the fake accommodation ads requiring a deposit....) because those are really just what you get in many big cities around the world. Nothing particularly Parisian about them, and tbh I like my channel to look at the fun stuff that truly accounts for the overwhelming majority of the experience in the city. There are other channels that focus on the scammers and some Fox News-like spin, but it's not really my thing that -- I'm too Parisienne to go down that dank rabbit hole. In Paris, Rome, London, Istanbul, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, NYC you'll always find the same sorts of scams. In your case, you've been burned once, so should now be inoculated....
Oui tout a fait ; on ne peut dissocier les deux ; neanmoins sans votre personnalite , votre " classe " ces production , ces creation n auraient pas le meme impact ...
@@stemaig65 Merci, c'est vraiment gentil de le remarquer -- et je ne vous dis même pas combien de temps il m'a fallu pour être plus ou moins à l'aise devant la caméra !
@@amusingaida super sympa de me repondre ; vous etes eblouissante ; ne vous inquietez pas je m arrete là ; j ai adore aussi votre compagnon canin ; bye
@@amusingaida Oh I know, it just sounds cool :D The other day at lunchtime the lady at the bakery said "Enjoy the nice weather, go for a walk!" and I replied "I wish, but it's back to my desk" - to which she replied "Ah - well at least you work sitting down" ;)
@@amusingaida I was just in Paris and totally noticed the "city shoe" thing. Everyone looked stylish, even wearing the sneakers. I'd love to know more about this and know what to buy. I found another French RU-vidr (based in Germany) talking about her overall favorite French shoe brands for a 15-minute video and she has just under 2k views after 3 days. It's a broader shoe topic though. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AQ2-_TIRTlc.html
@@ElementalWhispers hi ElementalWhispers - no, it's not a brand. It is effectively a sneaker -- but by that I don't mean the sort of sports sneaker (Nike etc) you might more commonly find in the US. It's more a dress sneaker: not meant to be used for sport, looks good with casual or even formal clothes, usually a low profile to it with just one or at most two colors, possibly even made of leather, but not always. I'll aim to do a video sometime to explain with images.
Questions (if I may?): 1 - I am an older lady and have never been aggressive, except protecting a child in a crowd. It is simply not in my nature. I don’t mind waiting. Can I ask an employee to reserve a table for me, or must I force it or do without? I suppose I could use my cane and frown but I don’t want an encounter with the police! Usually, I simply avoid crowded places and hopefully I will find places that aren’t bad but could use the business? 2- I am learning but I cannot read or speak French. My mother was fluent but would not teach me as that is how she and her sisters and mother gossiped when children were around ( or husbands). How can I know in advance what to order? I have been struggling finding comfortable shoes that will be acceptable but I am unsure what is acceptable. I have combat boots and hiking boots but are very casual. Too casual. I sometimes have sneakers but know not to wear them in Paris. Suggestions? Just a general direction of types of shoes that are acceptable. Mary Jane’s? I love them but…I am old. They seem young for me but I often wear them with a suit when I am hosting a conference. Thank you very much if you have the time to answer my questions and if you take the time to do so.
Hello @maobfh I'm happy to hear you step up to protect children. To answer your questions: 1. There is absolutely no problem reserving a place in a restaurant. It's simply done, either on the internet, or by dropping by the place beforehand and asking. And most establishments will make sure to accommodate someone with a cane (but beware that oftentimes you'll find the toilets down some stairs). 2. Such a shame your mother didn't teach you French. But be assured, English gets you far in Paris these days (as you'd expect with 35mn+ visitors a year!) 3. For shoes: just wear what's comfortable for you. My video remark about certain sneakers was aimed at people in their 20s, 30s and 40s... but really, it's a walking city and in the end you need to look after your feet!
Love your videos! No matter what the topic, we get your inspiring smile of a summer evening, delight in Paris and now I know to listen to FIP (available on the web.). Merci
Salut Aida, i watched a couple of your videos and i must say that for the first time, i finally hear smart comments about the French culture... You are gifted to analyse culture and what you say is clever , you are probably more intelligent and educated than most you-tubers. Your french "sounds" are almost correct, so is your english "sounds", for that too you have a gift. I suppose your native langage is spanish but i am not sure. Keep up the great video, one thing you may tune down: your giggling ! you are clever enough to have a bit more self confidence, you don t need to do that.
You're informative, entertaining & down to earth, do love your presentations, they are top class in all aspects. I've just discovered your channel. You now have a new fan & subscriber🌹
@@amusingaida Your reply is much appreciated. As a presenter you engage, inform & entertain your audience with flair, & your presentations are top class. May your channel go from strength to strength 💐
Hi Aida, do you hire your time for Paris day trips with a family? Only ask because in my travels it's always a better experience to get guided by locals.. No matter the city. Good vids.
Hi Steve, I'm honored you thought of me as a private local guide. It's not something I've really thought of because I have a very busy life in Paris (RU-vid is only a side hobby that I do). I really don't think I'd be available, but if you want to send an email with details (my address is under my RU-vid profile) I can have a look...
@@amusingaida That's fine-I grew up in NYC with cold winters and spent several years in rainy Seattle. Besides for every cold and gloomy day I'll just eat more pastries
@@pocphotocompany Your RU-vid handle gives that photo part away. Paris is excellent for street photography. I tend to do much more video, but sometimes like to take photos too... probably not to your level.
