Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world, which also means it's easy to make avoidable mistakes as a first-time visitor. Here's a practical, India-focused guide covering visas, money, transport, safety, and local etiquette to help you plan smarter.
Visa and Documentation
- Indian passport holders need a Schengen Visa to visit France, applied for through VFS Global or the French Consulate.
- Apply 4–6 weeks in advance, especially if travelling in peak summer (June–August) or around Christmas.
- Carry printed copies of your hotel bookings, return flight tickets, travel insurance, and an invitation letter (if applicable) for visa interviews and immigration checks.
- Travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for the Schengen visa application.
Getting There and Getting Around
- Direct flights connect Delhi and Mumbai to Paris; connecting flights via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi are often cheaper.
- Paris has an extensive Metro network — a Navigo Easy card or a multi-day pass is more economical than single tickets if you're sightseeing for several days.
- The RER B train connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris in about 35–50 minutes and is significantly cheaper than a taxi.
- Walking is often the best way to explore central neighbourhoods like Le Marais, Montmartre, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Money and Budgeting
- France uses the Euro (€). Notify your Indian bank of travel dates, or carry a forex card to avoid high conversion charges.
- Most places accept cards, but it's useful to carry some cash for smaller cafés, markets, and public restrooms.
- Museums often have free entry on the first Sunday of the month (October to March) — plan accordingly if you're on a budget.
- A Paris Museum Pass can save money if you're visiting multiple paid attractions like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Versailles.
Language and Etiquette
- A few basic French phrases go a long way — starting conversations with “Bonjour” (hello) before switching to English is considered polite and is genuinely appreciated.
- Tipping isn't mandatory since service is included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving small change for good service is common.
- Dress slightly more polished than you might for casual sightseeing elsewhere — Parisians tend to dress neatly even for everyday outings.
- Greet shopkeepers when entering small stores; it's considered basic courtesy rather than optional small talk.
Safety Tips
- Pickpocketing is the most common issue for tourists, especially around the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and on crowded Metro lines — keep bags zipped and in front of you.
- Be cautious of common tourist scams like “friendship bracelet” offers near Sacré-Cœur or petition scams asking for signatures and donations.
- Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics openly in crowded tourist areas.
- Emergency number in France is 112, which works for police, medical, and fire emergencies.
Food and Dining Tips
- Lunch is typically served from 12–2:30 PM and dinner from 7:30–10:30 PM; many restaurants close between these hours.
- Vegetarian and Indian food options are available, particularly in areas like Château d'Eau and La Chapelle, though mainstream French restaurants may have limited vegetarian choices.
- Bakeries (boulangeries) are ideal for a quick, affordable breakfast — try a croissant or pain au chocolat.
- Water served at restaurants is tap water by default (carafe d'eau) and is free — ask specifically if you'd prefer bottled water.
Practical Packing Tips
- Paris weather is unpredictable, especially in spring and autumn — pack layers and a light waterproof jacket.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as most sightseeing involves significant walking on cobblestone streets.
- Carry a universal power adapter, as France uses the European two-pin (Type E) plug.
Best Time-Saving Tips
- Book Louvre and Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance to skip long queues, especially in peak season.
- Visit major attractions early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Group nearby attractions together to minimise travel time — for example, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Luxembourg Gardens are all within walking distance of each other.
Things to do in Paris → · Paris itineraries →
Frequently Asked Questions
No, most tourist-facing staff speak basic English, but learning a few polite French phrases is appreciated and can improve service interactions.
Yes, Paris is generally safe for tourists, though petty theft like pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, so standard precautions are recommended.
Using a Paris Museum Pass, visiting museums on free-entry Sundays, and relying on the Metro instead of taxis are the most effective ways to cut costs.
Most transactions can be done by card, but carrying around €50–100 in cash is useful for smaller cafés, markets, and public restrooms that may not accept cards.