Ultimate Tips for Your Summer Trip to Paris with GoTravelDaily

Paris tourism is thriving once again. This is evident from the long queues outside the Louvre, tourists snapping selfies with the Eiffel Tower, and the bustling terraces of outdoor cafés.

According to the Paris tourism office, international airline arrivals for July are projected to fall just 10% short of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with hotel occupancy expected to reach 70% during the Bastille Day week, on July 14.

If Paris is on your travel itinerary this summer, be prepared for crowds. It is advisable to secure your accommodations, restaurant reservations, and museum entries in advance, as the influx of tourists continues to rise.

1. Have you checked ahead for airport strikes, flight cancellations, and public transit works?

Travel chaos has been prevalent at airports across Europe due to staffing shortages and increased post-lockdown travel. Labor disputes have led to flight cancellations at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris-Orly in June. Fortunately, no further airport strikes are anticipated this summer. Stay updated on the latest information by following the Paris airport authority’s Twitter account and website.

For public transit users, the regional train line RER B, which services both main airports, is under construction and will experience scheduled disruptions until 2025. Allow enough time for travel, with a recommendation of three hours before international flights and two hours for domestic or European flights.

2. Have you planned for business closures in July and August?

If there’s a Paris restaurant on your must-try list this summer, plan your reservations well in advance. Many popular dining establishments may be fully booked for weeks or even months. In France, locals often polarize into two groups: Juillettistes, who vacation in July, and Aoûtiens, who leave in August. This division could leave you disappointed if your favorite spot is closed during your visit.

3. How do you plan to get around?

Last fall, Paris transitioned to rechargeable passes for transport tickets. The Navigo Easy Pass, available for €2 at all station counters, is a practical choice for visitors. Single trips cost €1.90, but purchasing a pack of 10 tickets for €14.90 saves you €4.

Moreover, Paris is progressively becoming one of the most bike-friendly cities globally, supported by an increasing number of cycling lanes. The city’s official bike-sharing system, Vélib, offers 20,000 mechanical and electric bikes. Note that foreign credit card holders may face issues with deposits or rejections, making alternative rental options like Lime, Paulette, and Fat Tire Bike Tours worth considering.

4. Do you know measures to safeguard against being pickpocketed?

While Paris is generally safe, the return of tourists correlates with a rise in pickpocket incidents. Visitors should remain vigilant, especially in popular tourist spots such as the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. To minimize risks, refrain from leaving belongings unattended, use cross-body bags, and avoid putting valuables in back pockets.

For navigating the city, Paris airports have implemented fixed-rate taxi systems to avoid overcharging. As of February 2022, fixed rates include:

• €53 between Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and the Right Bank
• €58 from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to the Left Bank
• €37 between Paris-Orly and the Right Bank
• €32 between Paris-Orly and the Left Bank

5. Does your itinerary include the latest museum reopenings?

Throughout the pandemic, several museums underwent significant renovations, reopening in time for post-lockdown visitors. Notable reopenings include the Musée Carnavalet, which shares Paris’s history; La Maison de Victor Hugo; and the Hôtel de la Marine, showcasing royal court furnishings. One of the year’s most anticipated art openings is the Bourse de Commerce, a contemporary art museum within a former grain exchange.

Notably, Musée de Cluny reopened this spring after extensive renovations. While online reservations are no longer mandatory, booking a time slot for major museums is still advisable.

6. Have you added seasonal outdoor events to your itinerary?

Parisian summers bring outdoor festivals and cultural events that enliven the city’s scenic backdrop. This year marks the return of the Rock en Seine festival (August 25-30), featuring major acts such as Rage Against the Machine and Arctic Monkeys. Paris Plages, transforming the banks of the Seine into urban beaches, runs from July 9 to August 21, offering various water sports and beach activities.

Furthermore, Kate Schwab emphasizes exploring beyond Paris to sites like Auvers-sur-Oise, Reims, the Champagne capital, and the Châteaux Vaux-Le-Vicomte, which offers candle-lit garden tours throughout summer. “There’s plenty to discover in the greater Paris area and beyond, easily reachable within an hour or two by train,” she stated.