Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Time Paris
Checklist
Check passport validity and visa requirements
Arrange travel insurance
Confirm airline baggage restrictions
Book ahead for accommodation and popular restaurants
Buy tickets online for the Louvre, Eiffel Tower etc
Organise international roaming on your phone if needed
What to Pack
Comfortable shoes - Paris is best explored on foot
Phrasebook - the more French you attempt, the more rewarding your visit will be
Travel plug (adaptor)
Bike helmet (not supplied with Vélib' bikes, so you may want to bring your own)
Pocketknife with corkscrew (corked wine bottles are the norm; screw caps are
rare. Don't forget to pack it in your checked baggage for flights)
Washcloths (hotels/apartments don't provide them)
Top Tips for Your Trip
An unforgettable introduction to the city is a river cruise (or the hop-on, hop-off Batobus)
along the Seine, floating past Parisian landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and
Notre Dame.
The metro is safe, clean and super-easy to use. Local buses are a scenic alternative.
Prebook attractions online wherever possible to avoid standing in long ticket queues.
Above all, don't try to cram too much into your schedule. Allow time to soak up the atmo-
sphere of Paris' neighbourhoods - lingering over a coffee on a cafe terrace and exploring
the backstreets are as much a part of the Parisian experience as visiting major sights.
