{"id":23939,"date":"2017-10-30T19:29:57","date_gmt":"2017-10-30T18:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.france-hotel-guide.com\/en\/blog\/?p=23939"},"modified":"2025-02-14T12:29:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T11:29:09","slug":"mistakes-first-days-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.france-hotel-guide.com\/en\/blog\/mistakes-first-days-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"11 MISTAKES To Avoid in Your First 3 Days in Paris!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paris is a dream, but if you\u2019re not careful, your trip might come with a few headaches. Avoid these common mistakes and enjoy your first days in the City of Light without a hitch!<\/p>\n

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1. Skipping the RER B or Line 14 for Airport Transfers<\/h2>\n
\"rer
It’s easy to take the RER B train at CDG airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I know you\u2019ve just landed and might feel overwhelmed, but this is the simplest way to dive straight into the city without spending a fortune on taxis or shuttles.<\/p>\n

For Charles de Gaulle (CDG)<\/strong>, the RER B train<\/strong> is your best bet. It\u2019s fast, affordable (about \u20ac11), and takes you straight to central stations like Ch\u00e2telet-Les Halles<\/strong> or Gare du Nord<\/strong> in around 35 minutes.<\/p>\n

For travelers arriving at Orly Airport<\/strong>, the newly extended Metro Line 14<\/strong> now connects the airport directly to the city center. It\u2019s a game-changer, providing a quick, smooth ride for about \u20ac12.<\/p>\n

Both options save time and money, especially compared to taxis that cost \u20ac50\u2013\u20ac70 or more.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re carrying lots of luggage or arriving late at night, a taxi or ride-share might be more convenient, but for most visitors, these public transit options are the fastest and most economical.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to watch your belongings on public transit\u2014it\u2019s usually safe, but pickpockets can be an issue near tourist-heavy stops.<\/p>\n

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2. Overloading Your First Day<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ve just arrived in Paris, and you\u2019re excited to see everything\u2014I get it. But don\u2019t try to do too much on your first day!<\/p>\n

Jet lag and travel fatigue are real.<\/p>\n

Instead of packing in multiple activities, start with something light and scenic, like a Seine River cruise<\/a>, a stroll around \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9<\/a>, or enjoying a coffee at a quiet caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Climbing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre, and exploring Montmartre all in one day might sound fun, but you\u2019ll end up exhausted.<\/p>\n

Paris isn\u2019t going anywhere\u2014you can always come back!<\/p>\n

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3. Overplanning Every Minute<\/h2>\n
\"overplanning\"
Maybe this is a bit too much…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s a classic mistake I see many people making.<\/p>\n

Having a plan is smart, but don\u2019t treat your Paris itinerary like a military operation.<\/p>\n

Paris is a city of surprises, and the best moments often happen when you least expect them. Maybe you\u2019ll stumble upon a quaint garden, an accordion player on the street, or a tiny boutique selling unique souvenirs.<\/p>\n

Plan 2-3 must-see activities per day, but leave space for flexibility.<\/p>\n

For instance, if you\u2019re visiting the Louvre, plan time to wander the nearby Jardin des Tuileries or explore Rue de Rivoli.<\/p>\n

If you pack every minute of your day, you\u2019ll feel rushed and stressed.<\/p>\n

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4. Getting Fined in the Metro<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Bumping into these guys is more frequent than you might think (Credits: RER A le blog)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many tourists accidentally break the rules and end up with hefty fines.<\/p>\n

These fines can range from \u20ac35 to \u20ac60 for seemingly small mistakes.<\/p>\n

First, always validate your ticket<\/strong>. Whether you\u2019re using a paper T+ ticket or a Navigo Easy Card, you must insert or scan it at the gate\u2014even if the turnstile is already open or broken. Not doing so can result in a fine if controllers check tickets inside the system. Keep your validated ticket until you exit the station; losing it could lead to trouble, even if you paid for your ride.<\/p>\n

Make sure you\u2019re using the correct ticket for your destination.<\/strong> Regular T+ tickets only cover central Paris (Zone 1). Heading to Disneyland, Versailles, or the airports? You\u2019ll need a special fare. Using the wrong ticket, even by mistake, can lead to a \u20ac50 fine.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using a daily or weekly pass<\/strong>, write your name and the date on it and attach a photo for weekly passes (like the Navigo D\u00e9couverte). It\u2019s non-transferable, and failure to personalize it correctly could result in a fine.<\/p>\n

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5. Eating at Tourist Traps<\/h2>\n
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Une publication partag\u00e9e par Bistrot Le Champ de Mars (@bistrotlechampdemars)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n