The Prime Journey Tip to Keep in mind When Visiting France

Emily in Paris paints the French capital by way of rose-colored glasses. Simply as you most likely 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 far more toned-down than Emily—and also you’ll hardly ever see designer labels flashing loudly on luggage or superb jewellery from the likes of Dior. 

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

As somebody who has spent greater than a decade residing in France, there’s one journey tip I at all times inform my pals who go to France: go away the designer luggage and jewellery at dwelling. Belief me, you possibly can nonetheless look fashionable with out turning into a goal 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 celebration (my favourite French vacation, no much less!). Two minutes later, whereas transferring by way of the gang, I used to be stealthily pickpocketed and spent hours the following day on the police station submitting a theft report.

One other pal was strolling dwelling 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 pals who spend months annually in France? Embrace the Parisian knack for trying effortlessly stylish by sporting fashionable fundamentals over big-name manufacturers. Go searching and also you’ll discover ladies donning nondescript leather-based cross-body luggage by French labels like A.P.C. and Soeur as a substitute of Yves Saint Laurent and easy timepieces from Casio as a substitute of Cartier. 

You’ll be able to stroll round Paris safely—and it’s best to. The town is greatest explored on foot, taking within the scent of contemporary baguette streaming from boulangeries as you stroll by way of quintessential neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Tuileries. So, go and reside out your French flâneur fantasies—simply take into accout this easy rule and also you gained’t waste treasured time in Paris at a police station.