Reader Questions Answered
I am back from Paris, and readers asked me a lot of questions during my travels. It was much easier to round up everything in one blog post for easy access and reading. I hope this helps and that you enjoy this type of post!
Reader Questions Answered: All About Paris
February or April for a first-time visit?
It all depends on what you are looking for. In February, it is traditionally colder with less day light. This is the off-season, so there will be fewer tourists and crowds as you discover Paris. My first trip was Valentine’s Day weekend and I was not put off by the cold and couldn’t wait to return. April is filled with cherry blossoms, warm weather, and crowds. By early to mid-April April, it can get busy with tourists.
What is the best area for a first-timer to stay in?
I would recommend staying in the city center, close to the Louvre, Opéra, and Tuileries. The Eiffel Tower is a destination, but it is not where I would want to be on my first trip to Paris. In this blog post on Where to Stay in Paris, I offer a variety of budget options to splurge options in the heart of Paris.
Is it hard to navigate if you don’t know much of the language?
Not as much as it used to be. Many younger Parisians know English as a second language and are open to practicing with you. I have always been welcomed and encouraged to speak French. A little goes a long way. A few keywords, including bonjour and merci, go a long way.
Is it worth visiting at Christmas? Or is it crazy busy?
I have not been to Paris during Christmas, only after the holidays. January is much cheaper, and it still has the Christmas decorations up. I will be in Paris for my first Christmas later this year and will report back. There are so many magical events taking place in the city. I think if you have the opportunity, it is worth it.
Angelina or Carrete. Which is the best hot chocolate?
Would you be surprised if I said neither? I love Plaq for hot chocolate on Rue de Nil. There was a huge line outside of Angelina on my last trip to Paris, which is not what I want to do when I am in Paris for a few days.
Do you recommend any place that will ship French butter to the US?
Yes, French.US will ship. It has to be shipped overnight. I recommend buying a few and freezing them.
Favorite airline to fly to Paris?
I am loyal to United to fly to Paris. Since I am based in Chicago, it is an easy and direct flight to and from. Keeping the same airline allows me to upgrade as I build loyalty status. I would love to fly AirFrance Premium one day and enjoy that experience.
I am vacationing in Paris with my husband. Are there any sites or things to do that men enjoy?
My husband has been to Paris with me a few times now. He enjoys the food, cocktail bars, and shopping. I know that I will have other trips to Paris without him and make what he wants to do a priority. We walk a lot, and café hop throughout the day. He loves Sézane’s men’s line, Octobre, and Billabaris, another men’s clothing store. This post lists five spots to shop for him.
Can I come and stay with you one time?!
One day, I would love that! I am thinking of leading a small group to Paris in the next year or two. I would love your input!
I headed to Paris in mid-December and have been many times, but I have never stayed in Pigalle. What are your thoughts?
I lived in Montmartre and love the area. Pigalle is fun and different from the rest of Paris. Montmartre will always have my heart; I find it a special place in Paris. You can hop on the metro easily and get anywhere in the city. What are your hesitations on the area? SoPi (south of Pigalle) is one of my favorite areas in Paris.
How do you pick Paris hotel locations? Best arrondissement for immersing with locals?
I like to explore both the Left Bank and Right Bank for different reasons. They have a very different vibe. I love the 9th for immersing with locals and its incredible food scene. Adele and Jules is a favorite for EDP readers and is centrally located, so they can walk to much of what the city offers.
Is the 16th “too far” from everything?
In my opinion, yes. If you are looking to see the main museums and Paris attractions, I love Saint James Hotel on the 16th, but I don’t think it is centrally located for sightseeing.
Is all the Olympic stuff taken down?
It is mostly down except for a few flags here and there. The Eiffel Tower has the Olympic rings up, which may stay indefinitely.
Must-haves for a first-time visit in early December.
The Christmas markets near The Tuileries and St. Germain des Prés are fun to walk through. Bon Marché and Galleries Lafayette, two larger department stores, have beautiful Christmas displays and exterior windows. Christmas tea at one of the palace hotels, such as George V or The Ritz, for an afternoon.
What phone service do you use? Looking for the best option for going to Paris.
I typically just stick with Verizon because it is easier. Orange, one of the French cell carriers, offers an e-sim card option. I have also seen a kiosk at the airport as you exit offering sim options for travel.
When did you first fall in love with Paris? Favorite moment? What do you like the most?
I first fell in love with Paris in Middle School French class. There are many favorite moments, including moving to Montmartre in 2013 without knowing anyone. It was the scariest move but also life-changing in so many ways. I got engaged in Palais Royal and am now returning with my husband to relive that memory. I love being able to share my passion for Paris with my husband. We had a very special trip this past visit and a boat ride down the Seine. It was one of my favorite memories to date.
I love the early mornings in Paris when it is just me and my camera. The quiet mornings before the city wakes up, especially on a sunny morning, are incredible. Watching the light illuminate the city in different ways is magical. Parisians make the city Paris. When the pandemic hit, I missed the city a lot, but most of all, I missed the energy of the Parisians.
Best bistro in the Marais?
I love Bistro des Tournelles. It is classic, and the menu is small. Make reservations, as they are typically full.
If you could get an apartment in Paris, in which arrondissement would it be?
Funny, my husband asked the same question. I love the 9th a lot. He is a Left Bank guy, and I love the Right Bank. I would compromise for an apartment in Paris any day and do the Left Bank for him. The 12th is also a great area with the Aligre market and is not too far from the center, without being too touristy.
First trip to Paris solo “must dos” (anything coffee/food/sights/shop)
So many things! I find a solo trip to Paris is a great way to enjoy Paris. It all depends on the experience you are looking for. Coffee shops are all over the city and if you take your coffee to enjoy at the café you have more of a chance to be social and meet people. I have a lot of helpful information in The Paris Guide on where to shop and explore around the city. This First Time Guide to Paris is also filled with what to do and what not to do.
Is the first week of April too early for flowers and strawberries in Paris?
No! The cherry blossoms are coming earlier each year. Typically, the weather turns right around the first week of April. I have seen snow and cherry blossoms at the same time. Strawberries and peonies will start to hit the market right around the beginning of April.
Photo of me by Katie Donnelly photography
My daughters and I went to Paris last April. It was supposed to be around 57 degrees, so we packed accordingly. It was 37 degrees and windy the whole time! We immediately went to the North Face store and bought many items I already own: long johns, etc. So, so cold the whole time. We still enjoyed the trip, but next time I would bring warmer clothes no matter what the forecast says!
Thank you, thank you and thank you! You have answered so many great questions (including mine!). Your work is a joy to read and see:)
I agree, the 9th is the place. We bought an apartment (for a second home) in the 9th almost 20 years ago as it was an affordable arrondissement, Then we watched as young people moved in and turn it into “the” up and coming hip area. Restaurants, shops, wine bars, etc etc. It’s a great area and so centrally located. When we retired 7 years ago, it is where we have made our permanent home!
I really enjoyed your Q&A. I also fell in love with Paris and all things France in French class, high school, 1967-68. Our teacher, M. Rodgers (a WW2 survivor, lost his wife and child in a concentrarion camp) not only taught us the language, but the culture, French Christmas songs, and La Marseillaise. I still sing it at random times, and know all the words! Haha! I majored in French in college but have not kept it up :-(. I’ve lost count, I think I’ve been to Paris (and parts of France) 10 or 11 times now. We are returning this early December for a week in Paris–I’ve always wanted to see Paris in the winter–followed by a Christmas cruise on the Rhine, followed by two more days in Montmartre. Montmartre is very special, let’s see how my 73 year old legs fare this winter! Thanks for all your efforts, you have a great website.
When is your 2025 Paris Guide going to be available?
The printed version will come out very soon! I am working on edits now after two back to back trips. Otherwise, the updated digital version won’t be available until early 2025. I am working on a fun way to provide updates in between. What are you looking for? Can I help?
I highly recommend Air France .. we travel Business Class each year, but have done Premium in the past.
We always find the Air France experience exceptional.
Thank you for that feedback, Fidelma! Hopefully I can experience it in 2025!
I hope after your December Paris visit you will discuss the availability of dining on December 24, 25, and 26. I have been thinking about doing a Christmas in Paris at some point. I usually stay in a boutique hotel on the Left Bank near the Sorbonne that only serves breakfast (which I don’t do because of my addiction to having breakfast at a bistro or brasserie and watch people pass by). What closes and is open on those three days?
This was great!! My mother in law is taking us and our 16yr old son to Paris during Christmas and my 45th birthday. It is our 1st time, so I’ve been reading your blogs and emails. Still need some help (clothing), we have an apt near the Seine/Notre Dame. I’m also getting a photographer for an hour (thanks to your birthday email you did months ago). Now I just need to find a nice place for my birthday dinner.
Hi Jennifer! Wonderful to hear you are getting a photographer to celebrate your birthday and trip to Paris. I will have an updated post on what to pack for Paris during the winter soon. Also, The Paris Guide has lots of great restaurant options for you to celebrate.
Great post, kind of intimidating for those of us who don’t speak French to visit this amazing city. I appreciate your honestly, as always.
Please keep us updated on Henri’s progress. It’s the worst thing when our pups are ill. And take care of yourself.
Thank you so much! It has been heartbreaking to see him sick right now. He has spurts of energy and I hope he rebounds soon. I will keep you posted! xo