How not to look like a tourist in Paris
THE LOOK
- Forget advertising caps, bucket hats, fanny packs and obviously sports socks. No sweaters tied at the waist or dropped off the shoulders like a sailor. (This type of clothing is only suitable if you are a hipster).
- Don't dress up! Neither Colonel Tapioca, nor mountaineer, nor hunter, nor horseman s'il vous plaît. Paris is the capital of fashion, there is no activity that you are going to do that you do not do in your usual life. Remember that you are not going to the jungle, the most dangerous species you can face is some sour clerk. I advise you to continue leaving the Swiss Army knife and the flashlight in the glove compartment of your car.
- The most usual thing is that the Parisian is sober in colors , black coat in winter and beige trench coat in autumn, Gainsbourg ankle boots for him and ballerinas for her.
Don't miss the hats
VISITS AND PHOTOS
- If there is a long wait to enter the Musée du Louvre, there are many other museums such as the Jacquemart André, the Cognacq Jay Museum or the Musée de la Caza et la Nature frequented by locals.
- Parisians do not usually take portraits in the Place du Tertre in Montmartre but funny pictures with Winkmi and watch out for the skirt and top when you immortalize the moment in the chimney in front of the Moulin Rouge.
- On the Champs Elysées there are only tourists , if you want to see luxury, go to the elegant Avenue Montaigne.
- If you want to get to know the city guided in Spanish by a Parisian, opt for the Localers walking tours, the bike rides with Paris Bike Tour, on two horses with a driver with 4 roues sous 1 parapluie or why not, in tuk-tuk.
In Tuk Tuk through Paris
TRANSPORTATION
- If what you like is to go by yourself, use Velib bikes , they are a fantastic way to discover the capital!
- Don't sit like an octopus in the extra seats of the subway when it's full, you'll start to hear snorts and you may get some scolding.
- Don't die to go to the Latin Quarter and end up eating in a Greek restaurant, there are a thousand alleys behind the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Panthéon and the Sorbonne that deserve to be explored.
- If you go by car to visit the Arc de Triomphe , unless you're Fittipaldi, don't even think of going through the Place de l'Etoile , is a real madness. If you finally take risks, avoid insults, many people speak broken Spanish.
- No matter how lost you are, don't stop with the extended XXL version subway map just as you exit the subway, looking for the exit, you will block the path and at least they will step on you (especially if it is a day of the week at rush hour).
By bike in Paris
CUSTOMS
- Always always walk with a worn Moleskine and a used book in your pocket, whether you read it or not.
- He treats everyone and say “merci” and “excusez-moi” about 100 times a day but without giving it much importance.
- Delete the expression of “ hallucinate ” from your face every time you see the sizzling Eiffel Tower . The first time ok, but then excusez-moi mais non!, You must learn to pretend that you are used to it.
- Do not look into the eyes of passers-by or on the subway when you meet someone... Parisians are jealous of their privacy. Thank you!
-Smile but not too much enough to show that you are doing well but just enough not to seem naive.
Shakespeare & Co Bookstore
MEALS
- We know, on all the menus they write “gaspacho and paella”. Try not to argue with all the maîtres in each restaurant and focus on enjoying wonderful French cuisine.
- Adapt , don't expect your hotel to offer you an "Andalusian" breakfast in the morning (with its tomato, olive oil and little things...) and try the delicious croissants, pains au chocolat or simply a freshly baked baguette with butter. O que la vie est Belle!
- To look like a parfait parisien, when you go to a cafe simply ask for water “un Perrier”.
- If you want to look like a “pro” you can add “avec rondelle” (which means they will add a slice of lemon) . That's when you pull out the famous book you've been walking around for weeks...
The Perfect Parisian Breakfast (And Without Olive Oil)
- Have things clear when ordering in a brasserie Do not hesitate, doubting is weak. A true Parisian is never vulnerable to a waiter.
- Do not change the furniture of the terraces of Paris. The custom is to sit facing forward, with your companion to one side. The grace is being able to chat for hours in front of your noisette (cut) while you watch the passers-by with an indifferent air.
- Bistro tables are tiny and there is little space between them, put your stomach in when you take a seat so as not to drop the salt shaker from the neighboring table and remember the meal times; between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. for lunch and 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. for dinner.
Don't move the chair
- Cheese is eaten after the main course and before dessert (continue your cut the same way you find it, each fromage has its protocol) .
- Forget the oil and vinegar to dress it It will come dressed with a vinegarette sauce and if you want a French omelette, just ask for an omelette.
- Be careful with butter, it is in all recipes . The French know this and are in the rear, don't fall, be strong!
- Finally, do not say goodbye "French style". A tres bientôt!
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Bistros are small: get used to short distances with your neighbor