Twenty things that will surprise first-time visitors to Paris

In the realm of travel experiences, Paris is a city that both embraces and defies expectations. The French invented the word ‘cliche’, and while Parisians may occasionally embody the stereotypes heaped upon them, they also possess an innate ability to surprise.

For first-time visitors, beyond the delight of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and winding streets of Montmartre, it’s the unexpected moments, interactions and insight into this very particular culture that truly captivate.

You can get incredible wine for less than €10 at the supermarket

Supermarket wine is not only supremely good, but also affordable. Just don’t forget your cork screw.Credit: iStock

Getting good wine at a French supermarket is surprisingly affordable. You can find beautiful wines from the €8 mark. Wines of a controlled origin (stamped ‘AOC’, a marker of quality) are usually a safe bet. If you find a wine with a ‘Medaille’ stamp from the Concours Général Agricole de Paris, you’re in good hands.

Tips are not expected, but appreciated

Unlike the United States, tipping is not a requirement or expectation in French restaurants. If you are inspired, Parisians rarely leave more than a 10 per cent tip.

The locals escape in August

Counterintuitive to it being the high season for tourists, locals tend to flee the city during August to more temperate climes by the sea. Therefore, it is important to note that many shops and restaurants close during this month when their owners take holiday. So double check that the spots on your list are open to avoid disappointment.

It’s all about speciality stores, not one-stop-shops

Florence Finkelsztajn: Parisian pastries with a Yiddish accent in Le Marais.

The French are particular about where they buy their bread, remaining loyal to a particular bakery for the best miche, a fromagerie for a good cabécou or a butcher with perfect chicken. Whether shopping at market stalls or neighbourhood stores, look for lines and buzzing activity – it’s usually a good indicator of a local tick of approval.

Parisians loathe loud voices

Indoor voices are next to godliness whether inside or outdoors and anyone being continuously raucous will be faced with severe, unrelenting side-eye.

No one wears heels or berets

Thanks to the paved streets and cobblestone pathways, Paris can be hell on a pair of beautiful heels, so opt for a block heel if you must have a little lift. Also, the easiest way to spot an out-of-towner is the presence of a beret – modern Parisiennes tend against them. The cliche has long been usurped by Instagrammers and Emily in Paris devotees.

Getting around is easy

The city’s metro city is easy to navigate for visitors.Credit: iStock

Paris is relatively small and you can walk the length of the city, more or less, in two hours. The metro train system is easy to navigate and efficient but walking guarantees unexpected gems and hidden discoveries. For the brave, there are many bike rental services including the public sharing system, Vélib, which requires a credit card to sign up and includes standard bikes (green) as well as electric (blue).

A lot of Parisians aren’t comfortable speaking English

Unlike their Nordic cousins, not everyone in this tourist capital is comfortable speaking English. However, if you make an effort, beginning any interactions with a polite “Bonjour” or “Excusez-moi” – especially if equipped with a translation app like Google Translate – you’ll have an easier time of getting by. Which leads me to my next point…

The locals might be rude about your French, but don’t let that put you off

If you’re practising your French, don’t be afraid to speak a little more assertively or with a little more enunciation that you might feel you need to. And, if the person you are speaking to speaks back in English, don’t be put off. Unless the other party is simply trying to help you or expedite the situation, (as opposed to just giving you attitude). It’s scary at first but it gets easier!

You need to wait to be seated

Seating and service in Parisian restaurants is an art form and there are strategies, planning and tradition that go with it. Best practice is to wait in view of a waiter, make eye contact and let them know how big your party is, as opposed to simply taking a seat, which will be poorly received.

The city is dotted with lush, green spaces

René Viviani is one of several serenely green spaces that dot the city.Credit: iStock

Beyond the rolling hills of the Buttes Chaumont and the manicured gardens of the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, Paris is filled with green spaces hidden unexpectedly in its corners. The city is bookended by the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, two expansive parks replete with lakes and fortified chateaux on either side of the city. Beyond that, there is Square Trousseau, a few steps from Bastille, which is home to several pretty wine bars and restaurants, as is Square Gardette a short walk away in the 11th arrondissement. Square René Viviani is a stunning little garden next to the historic Shakespeare & Co bookstore and reportedly is home to the oldest tree in Paris. Wherever you are in the city, you are likely not far away from a little gem perfect for enjoying sandwiches and a takeaway flute of rosé.

The streets are a battleground

Between cars, motorcycles, scooters, bikes and razor scooters zipping across a single lane in both directions, being a pedestrian in Paris can be precarious. Be sure to always look left and right. The French drive on the opposite side of the road to Australia, but often have various vehicles permitted to go in opposing directions. For example, many one-way streets allow bikes and razor scooters to travel the opposite way – and most riders in the city will do so anyway.

Drinking in the street

Alcoholic beverages are sold in grocery stores and supermarkets as well as designated bottle shops (‘cavistes’) in Paris. Similarly, you will find hawkers selling beer, wine and cigarettes at most tourist spots. Drinking in public is done politely and in moderation (for example, a bottle of white wine at a picnic in the park) but you can be arrested for drunkenness and disorder on public roads and, of course, drink-driving is illegal with the same limit (0.05 blood alcohol level) as Australia.

Everyone still smokes, everywhere

A bee in the bonnet of many tourists looking to dine on one of the city’s picturesque terraces, Parisians still smoke. A lot. The only true way of avoiding this is to sit inside (where smoking is banned) or ask your neighbour politely to blow their smoke in the opposite direction - but be prepared to receive an eye roll.

Look up

The Haussmann-style buildings are a marvel and worth looking up for.Credit: iStock

As beautiful as everything at eye level is, look up from time to time to study the details on the traditional Haussmann-style buildings, whether it’s to discover which celebrated artist, architect, philosopher or writer lived in a certain home or to see the opulent relief sculptures that decorate the underside of some balconies as well as the rooftop gardens that some people are lucky enough to keep in the city.

More and more, there are queues and wait times for restaurants

Often, the best thing to do if a reservation ahead of time is not possible is to turn up early, put your name down and enjoy a drink at a nearby bar.

Beware of pickpockets, scammers and protests

Paris is a passionate city and protests do happen, but they are largely peaceful and their greatest inconvenience to the general public is blocked roads and extra traffic. Also keep an eye out for pickpockets and scammers, who may try to entice you to “sign a petition” whilst slipping their hand into your bag for your wallet. A firm “no” is all you’ll need to keep moving. However, as long as you stay vigilant, as in any big city, Paris can be a safe and pleasant place for all ages.

Stairs are difficult to avoid

Stairs are impossible to avoid. Pictured: Stairway leading up to Pont Alexandre III.Credit: iStock

When it comes to accommodation, the metro and generally getting around (particularly around steeped suburbs like Montmartre), Paris is often unfortunately ill-equipped when it comes to mobility, so plan ahead and research step-less routes or your closest metros with wheelchair access or lifts.

The weather can be unpredictable

As per the rest of the world, global warming is making weather patterns weird. And even though Paris’ nearby neighbour, London, gets a bad rap for grey skies, the City of Lights is overcast for six months at a time come the cold season. No matter the season, ensure you bring a lightweight covering at the very least, as well as rainproof outerwear.

You’ll still see military patrols in the street

Seeing groups of four young soldiers carrying large rifles can be frightening, but this has been standard practice since the attacks across Paris since 2015. Do not be put off by their presence.