This is definitely the summer of travel. I have never seen so many tourists in Paris before, but maybe I just tuned them all out. If you plan on traveling to Paris this summer, whether you have been before or if it’s your very first time, here are some tips that will make your process smoother and your trip more enjoyable.

WHERE TO FLY

Anytime I’m flying into Paris, I try to fly into Orly airport. One, because it is less of a shitshow than CDG and two, because it’s usually a 30 minute drive into Paris, unless you are traveling during rush hour. Even then, it is a quicker drive than if you were coming in from CDG. I try to fly out of Orly too even though there is not much to do in the airport like there is at CDG. But let’s be honest, did you really travel to Paris to spend all your time in the airport?

I have been flying La Compagnie since it is all business class seating AND you get priority when arriving to the Paris Customs line. I cleared customs and retrieved my bags in under 20 minutes. In fact, my bags were already waiting for me. If La Compagnie is not for you, I would recommend looking to see when other flights are coming in to get a gauge of how long you will be on line. If you can, choose a flight where Orly will not be bombarded with international arrivals. Saying that, Orly is typically faster than CDG, as it is a smaller airport and a lot of the traffic here during the summer months are domestic flights within the schengen zone.

HOW TO GET INTO PARIS

Easiest way to get into Paris for me is by car, just because I have not picked up the art of traveling light, and it’s honestly less stressful. If you are staying at a hotel or booked a luxury apartment, have your concierge book one for you if you want a stress free experience. My other go to options are Bolt and G7. I have noticed this summer that Uber has not been that reliable, so seems like there is a driver shortage or something going on. If you are planning on taking a car as your way into the city center, download these apps and create an account BEFORE you leave, so you don’t hit any roadblocks upon arrival. Believe me, you do not want to wait on the taxi line. I saw it leaving the airport and it looked like the 3+ hour line for a ride at Disney!

Pro-Tip: Pre schedule your rides in app when possible so you are not waiting day of. Though no one in France is ever on time, it’s less stressful when you don’t have to worry about getting a car when you need one.

WHERE TO STAY

Pick your poison—apartment or hotel? The real question is right bank vs left bank; we’re not taking that one on today, but may be a future segment!

I gave up my apartment during the pandemic so I personally prefer staying in apartments when possible, as it makes me feel like I am living here vs visiting. My favorite short term sites to book from are Paris Vacation Apartments and The Plum Guide. I prefer these two as they have amazingly curated properties in chic neighborhoods and are typically in Haussmannian buildings (my absolute favorite—IYKYK!!!). You also have a personal concierge available during your stay for anything that may pop up.

If you are more of the hotel person, you have two choices—boutique or well known chain. I have stayed in both and both are perfectly fine. Pros regarding boutique hotels are that they do have that Parisian charm and are usually located on the cutest streets in Paris. Only con is the rooms are typically small by American standards unless you find the right hotel. My two favorite boutique hotels are Le Recamier and L’Hotel, both in Saint Germain (my favorite part of Paris).

If you are the type who need the larger rooms with full amenities like spa, hotel restaurant and bar, 24 hour room service, a hotel chain that caters towards Americans is more in line with your needs. My favorites here are The Four Season George V, La Réserve Paris and Plaza Athénée. Though I spend A LOT of time at The Ritz Paris, I have never stayed there, but imagine it to be quite lovely.

If you are visiting this summer I will say I hope you have booked your accommodations as inventory is REALLY low right now. I was fortunate enough to book a hotel room at a cute boutique hotel (will report back on that one later!) for my last week in Paris. All the other hotels I wanted to stay at were booked. I normally like deciding at the last minute but everyone and their mother (mine included) is traveling this summer.

PLAN AHEAD

This includes EVERYTHING. If there are restaurants you want to go to, sites you want to see, daytrips you want to take, make reservations NOW. Most museums, especially popular exhibits are requiring pre-booked time tickets for entrance, so make sure to go on their website and book ahead. I almost didn’t get a train ticket to the south—there were tickets one day and every train was sold out the next. Luckily, I was able to get one on another day. I am not a planner, but for me it doesn’t matter because I know I will be back.

But if you are only here for a week or a few days, book everything now before your plane takes off so you can see everything you wanted to on your trip. If you are staying at a hotel, call or email your concierge and have them take care of it for you prior to your arrival. You want to enjoy your trip here, not stress. or be bummed out.

SHOP

If you are a non EU citizen, I encourage you to shop till you drop. Yes, I’m sure you are wondering how this made my basics list, but it IS important. One, you are stimulating the economy; two, you are being fiscally responsible, as you get 12% VAT back on purchases of 100€ and above. It used to be over 175€ but they lowered the spend back in 2021 to stimulate the economy. If you are not buying your luxury goods in France, you are definitely missing out.

Luxury items from French Designers are less here, plus you get approximately 12% of your money back. Just make sure to bring your passport with you when you plan on making some high ticket purchases so the boutique can fill out the paperwork. You take it and scan it at the airport when you leave France and in a few weeks, Voila—You receive a refund on your credit card! Make sure to have your items in an easily accessible part of your luggage in case you need to show the items to an agent.

So those are my basics for visiting Paris. Will be writing more about my favorite places and things to do while here so stay tuned. If you have any requests on topics you want to hear more about, you know how to reach me!