EPISODE DATE: November 8, 2014  —  Episode Page LAST UPDATED ON April 4, 2020

What to Skip in Paris, Episode 41

Categories: First Time in Paris, Paris

This episode features our frequent and very popular guest Elyse Rivin. If you enjoy her episodes, please consider supporting her on Patreon.

Today's we go onto unexplored territory: We tell you about some things you might want to skip in Paris. It was bound to happen! You can only spend so much time in Paris that it's important for you to be selective without missing out.

I see too many people being persuaded to "go check this out" when I know for a fact that it's not really worth their time. That's the problem with travel forums or Facebook groups. You get 100 different opinions and you still don't know what to skip! If you've been listening to the podcast for a while you know we've tried many things, we don't like all of them, and we're straight talkers.

We Have No Dog in this Fight!

This is a good place to remind you that as an independent podcast, we don't stand to earn or lose anything by recommending things. We don't take money from any attractions or restaurants or anything in Paris. If we recommend a place it's because we enjoy it personally. And if we don't recommend a place (even though maybe it gets recommended all the time) it's because we don't care for it. It's as simple as that.

What to Skip in Paris

Every blogger seems to have set ideas of what to skip. As a conversation starter Elyse and I decided to read an old article by Christina Henry de Tessan Ten Things Not to Do in Paris. We don't agree with everything, but she makes good points and we expound on her thoughts.

Episode Highlights

  • Don't Shop on the Champs Elysées
  • Eat at Starred Restaurants?
  • You May Not Want to Spend a Whole Day at the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay
  • How Do You Dress Appropriately for Paris?
  • Walk! Don't Go Around in a Cab
  • Don't Seek Out the Bohemian Ambiance on the Left Bank
  • Do Go to the Eiffel Tower!!!
  • Don't Book the Cheapest Hotel
  • Don't Fill Up on Croissants
  • Don't Buy into Stereotypes Against the French
  • Bâteaux Mouches
  • Musée Rodin
  • Walking Along the Seine
  • Rue des Martyrs

 

Learn More: First Time in Paris, Paris Destinations

FOLLOW US ON:

Email | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Subscribe to the Podcast
Apple Google Spotify RSS
Support the Show
Tip Your Guides Extras Patreon Audio Tours
Read more about this episode
Show Notes 

Categories: First Time in Paris, Paris

13 Replies to “What to Skip in Paris, Episode 41”

    2. HI GUYS

      I didnt say to skip it!!! I also didnt say it isnt worth going to the Louvre or Orsay – they are the two most important art museums to see in Paris but you dont have to spend a day there, just go for a few hours and see the important pieces or a section that you like. As for Rodin, it is a small museum with a gorgeous garden filled with his sculptures but it isnt my must see for a short first trip to Paris – If you want to try one that is in a great location go to the Museum of Architecture at Trocadero, it gives you ,, on a 1 to 1 scale, all the magnificent architectural heritage of the country and then some. Besides,, the location, across from the Eiffel Tower, is super for photos.

  2. The Rodin Museum is one of my favorites as well. I love the gardens with its sculptures. And a relatively short walk to the Invalides, which is also an enjoyable visit.
    Makes for a lovely half day.

  3. I love croissants, the Eiffel tower and cruising the Seine on a Bâteaux Mouche but I’m not as interested in dining in a cafe frequented by an author or artist. I really want to visit the Rodin Museum on our next visit and we will probably return to the Champs Elysee just to admire the wide boulevard and the Arc de Triomphe. So much to take in and I cannot wait to return. Thanks for all the tips and I love the podcast 🙂

  4. Hi Annie and Elyse,
    • Rodin Museum: Entrance is 9€. You can see the gardens for only 2€. There is a combo Orsay/Rodin Museum pass for 15€.
    • In the day time, a solo female can walk safely down by the water on the Left Bank from the Arc de Triomphe all the way to Île Saint Louis without bad smells, beggars etc!! Such a beautiful walk. See cross trainers, couples to hipsters drinking at restaurants by the water. The dancers are towards the end.
    • The Eiffel Tower has a new “glass” floor to view below now.
    • Some bateau companies have discounted tix if you buy online. I saved 5€. I love to ride on the Seine every visit to Paris.
    • Palais Royal gardens and covered walkways are FREE with roses, a pond with fountain and people having lunch outdoors.

    Elyse’s question about “a la mode” was hilarious in another podcast!!!!!! French meaning – is “in the fashion” and Amer. meaning is a scoop of ice cream on a slice of apple pie!

    Still Love the podcasts. Bravo for you both.

  5. Good evening, a great blog with which I almost totally agree. We were in Paris for 8 months before we were went to the top of the Eiffel Tower with visitors who had it on their check list. Have lunch at Le Ciel instead. But, in my view, one should walk under the tower and walk to see it the on the hour evening twinkling.
    I was somewhat surprised by the desire to be in or near the city centre. The Metro is so efficient and cost effective, one could have a hotel almost anywhere and be minutes.10/15, from anywhere in the city.

  7. Hello!
    I just finished listening to this episode and am loving all your insights and tips to visiting France. My husband and I will be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary this May and we are planning a trip to Paris this June. I am very interested in your hotel recommendations that you mentioned in this podcast however I cannot find the hotel widget on the front page. Do you have another list somewhere else on your site?
    Thank you in advance!

    1. I totally forgot about the Hotel widget, thank you for mentioning it! Will fix it in the next few days and you should see it in the right hand-side bar.