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Why I Wouldn’t Cancel My Trip to Paris

For the last 30 days, emails and DM’s have been flooding my inbox with the question, “Should I cancel my trip to Paris?” The simple answer is no. I personally wouldn’t and here is why.

Unless you have a physical limitation for walking and getting around by foot then you shouldn’t have a problem. I have had messages from people telling me that older family members struggled day to day and I know my dad would too. If I was traveling with my dad, I would cancel and reschedule for a later date.

The Metro Line 1 is fully functioning and stops at major monuments and attractions, Louvre and Champs Elysées included.

Getting to and from the airport has been the biggest challenge for readers. RER B is not reliable and I personally wouldn’t take a chance on it. I have terrible airport anxiety and get to the airport way too early. Use a car service and book ahead to make sure you have transportation to and from the airport.

Here are the car options that I have been sharing with readers:

I have used Victor Cabs in the past and they were reliable and safe. I have had lots of readers book with them through their website and have had no issues. The rate is around 75 euros and have extra money for tip.

Suntransfers was recommended by a reader and the price is 56 euros to/from CDG

Taxig7 the app is easy to book in English on your phone. My friend Katie recommends it and they have car seat options if you are traveling with kids!

Small businesses in Paris need your support. Tourism was way down for the month of December due to people cancelling trips. This is a key month for all retail and some small businesses are really struggling with the decline of visitors. Keep this in mind as you walk around the city and do a little shopping for you are friends at home.

I rarely use the Metro in Paris unless I am in a time crunch and it makes more sense to hop on the metro than to walk. Walking is my preferred method to get around the city. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes (Blondos are my favorite for colder months in Paris) and you are good to go. Take breaks at cafés to warm up if the weather is cold and people watch for a bit.


rebecca plotnick blondo walking shoes for Paris photo by Katie Donnelly

For my favorite walking shoes in Paris, you can refer to this post.

Also, if you need more ideas on what to Pack for Paris in the Winter, I have got you covered here.

This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased through my links. Merci.

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  1. So glad that you wrote this post! I hope folks don’t cancel their plans.

    I would add that it’s important to check the strike demonstration updates. We happened upon a large one where the protesters were peaceful but the riot police very quickly dispensed teargas, and January 11th it turned quite violent in Place République. We saw some of the worst traffic jams and drivers seem to be getting more and more aggressive and not yielding to pedestrians. Just use common sense to stay safe.

    Suntransfers was wonderful. We had a brief jaunt to Rome in the middle of our trip, so we used them four times in late Dec/early Jan. They gave us a meeting point inside so we didn’t have to wait outside the airport in the cold. For transit to the airport, they arrived at our hotel and were waiting 10-15 minutes before the designated time. They also operate throughout the world. My husband was very impressed with their services in Mexico City.

    We walked 10-12 miles a day. It was freezing by our standards as we live in Arizona, but we had fun stopping for coffee or a glass of wine to warm up. We bundled up in many, many, many layers.

    • Thank you for the information on Suntransfers. I didn’t know about them and it seems like a great option. I am happy to hear you had a great trip despite the strikes.

      Keep in touch!

  2. Heading to Paris in Feb with my 12 yr old daughter…thanks for the post. Had considered canceling, but after reading some posts here have decided not to. Thx!
    Staying in the 5th (Residence de Arts). Can anyone recommend some ‘friendly’ restaurants to try?
    (I always feel intimidated going into restaurants in Paris since we do not speak French)
    And are there any area’s to absolutely avoid (for safety) since it’s my first time traveling with my daughter alone?

  3. I just got back from a fabulous 10 day trip in Paris! I agree, Do Not Cancel, we walked everywhere and if we were too tired to walk we took an Uber. Btw, it was 50$ from Charles de Gaulle airport to our hotel in the 8th ARR. Here’s my number one tip on visiting Paris……. walk as much as you can, it’s the best way to see the city!❤️🇾🇪

    • Thank you so much, Victoria! I am so happy to hear you had a fabulous trip to Paris and you are right, the best way to see the city is on foot! Happy New Year!

      • Thank you, like I said before, you were a huge part of our trip going smoothly. I’ve collected so many of your post and used them to plan our trip. ❤️🇫🇷 Happy New Year!

  4. Thanks for the timely post, Rebecca. I leave for Paris in 15 days. I always have good luck with the Le Bus Direct from CDG. #2 drops me off just a few blocks from my friend’s house. I understand they are running through the strike.

    • Hi Rosemary,

      That is great news! I hope you have a fabulous trip to Paris. Eat a croissant for me! xo

  5. Oh and another thing. Pickpockets are now stealing mobile phones in the metro. Be careful there since it’s more crowded than usual due to fewer trains scheduled (the strikes). There were over 140 phones stolen while I was there last week. Just keep your phone zipped in your purse and not in your coat pocket. Someone followed me into HEMA near Les Halles and was too close to me on my side I’d just put my phone into my coat pocket. I quickly walked away and he stayed close. So I just took out my phone and held on to it while backing away looking straight at him and he just paused and pretended to keep talking in his phone and walked out of store.

  6. I just got back from 10 days in Paris and I agree with you that folks shouldn’t cancel their trips due to the transit strike. Buses are running on a schedule, taxis are abundant,Metro lines 1 and 14 are automated, bicycles are abundant, and of course walking is always a great idea. I stayed in the 1st arr. on the island Cité so I was very central. The taxi ride from CDG airport to Pont Neuf was 54€ which you can pay by credit card. Taxi ride when going back to airport, booked by G7 using their English speaking phone line that same morning, was 51€. Not bad and it was a comfortable ride. I’d say go to Paris and enjoy.

    • Thank you so much Diane for all of this helpful information. I am so happy to hear you had a great trip to Paris. I can’t believe you almost lost your phone. Good catch!

      Happy New Year to you!

    • It isn’t reliable right now because of the strikes. I have used it several times to get to and from the city with no issues.