Preparation file

Preparing for Paris

Paris is a big city, but the metro shrinks the distances; what actually gets tired is your feet. Three things help before you go: the difference between the metro and the RER, recognizing the street games, and choosing the right shoes.

Last updated: 2026-08

Audio summaryA spoken run-through of the intro and section summaries

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Meal times

All of France

Restaurant kitchens open for set periods at lunch and dinner and close in between. A visitor arriving at the hour they are used to meets a closed kitchen.

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Greetings and etiquette

All of France

Saying "bonjour" as you enter a shop, a bus or a lift is treated as obligatory. A conversation that starts without it is considered rude and the response comes back cold — this is the trap visitors fall into most.

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Getting around

The metro network is dense and stations sit close together; over short distances walking is often faster. Both airports are connected to the center by train.

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Getting around the country

All of France

The high-speed rail network shortens the distances between cities; tickets are markedly cheaper bought in advance. Within a city the metro and bus share one ticket system.

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Weather and clothing

A mild but changeable climate: rain is possible in every season and summer heatwaves are oppressive. You walk for hours each day; shoes matter more than clothes.

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Money and practical notes

All of France

The currency is the euro and cards work almost everywhere. Sockets are type C/E at 230 V. Tap water is drinkable. Pharmacies carry a green cross.

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Staying safe and the street games

Violent crime is not what a visitor deals with; the real subjects are pickpocketing and distraction games. None of them is a threat once you know the game.

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In an emergency

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Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It is the same across Europe, so there is nothing to look up on arrival.
Non-emergency police: 17For reporting theft; in an emergency call 112.
Pharmacy: Green crossThe out-of-hours rota is listed on the notice at the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

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Phrases worth knowing

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