The Top Travel Tip to Remember When Visiting France

Emily in Paris paints the French capital by rose-colored glasses. Simply as you in all probability aren’t prancing round New York Metropolis in Manolo Blahnik stilettos and a tutu à la Carrie Bradshaw in Intercourse and the Metropolis, Parisians are way more toned-down than Emily—and also you’ll not often see designer labels flashing loudly on baggage or positive jewellery from the likes of Dior. 

Paris is a city of romance, however sadly, like several main capital, pickpocketing is widespread, and even buddies of mine in Paris have had their baggage snatched from the again of their seats at eating places—which can rapidly drain any trace of romance out of your trip. In keeping with information platform Numbeo’s 2025 crime index, the extent of crime in Paris is greater than New York Metropolis’s—however most petty crime could be averted if you understand how to decorate the half. 

As somebody who has spent greater than a decade dwelling in France, there’s one journey tip I at all times inform my buddies who go to France: go away the designer baggage and jewellery at house. Belief me, you possibly can nonetheless look fashionable with out changing into a target for pickpockets. I’ve damaged this rule myself, flashing a Chanel pockets whereas paying for wine at a bar on the Canal Saint-Martin at a Beaujolais Day social gathering (my favourite French vacation, no much less!). Two minutes later, whereas shifting by the gang, I used to be stealthily pickpocketed and spent hours the following day on the police station submitting a theft report.

One other good friend was strolling house within the late afternoon within the pure wine-heavy neighborhood of Oberkampf when somebody slipped in entrance of her and tried to grab her thick gold necklaces off. My recommendation to each first-time guests and buddies who spend months every year in France? Embrace the Parisian knack for looking effortlessly chic by sporting fashionable fundamentals over big-name manufacturers. Go searching and also you’ll discover girls donning nondescript leather-based cross-body baggage by French labels like A.P.C. and Soeur as an alternative of Yves Saint Laurent and easy timepieces from Casio as an alternative of Cartier. 

You may stroll round Paris safely—and it is best to. Town is greatest explored on foot, taking within the scent of recent baguette streaming from boulangeries as you stroll by quintessential neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Tuileries. So, go and reside out your French flâneur fantasies—simply remember this easy rule and also you received’t waste valuable time in Paris at a police station.