August 2, 2025
Paris is a dream trip for so many — but I see the same Paris mistakes made again and again. The good news? With a little insider guidance, you can sidestep these missteps and make your Paris experience smooth, effortless, and full of magic.
1. Trying to do it all in one day
Paris isn’t meant to be conquered in a weekend whirlwind. When travelers pack the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and a dinner cruise into one day, exhaustion replaces enchantment.
Tip: Limit yourself to one or two key activities daily and leave space for leisurely walks and café stops.
2. Skipping advance reservations
Gone are the days you could just walk into the top sites of Paris. Timed-entry tickets for the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower sell out weeks ahead.
Tip: Book your spots early — or work with an advisor who knows the tricks for snagging the right times.
3. Big Paris mistake: Staying too far from the city center
A “bargain” hotel on the outskirts often turns into long taxi rides, endless metro transfers, and wasted time.
Tip: Stay central — you’ll see more and spend less time commuting.
4. Forgetting to plan meals
That picture-perfect bistro table isn’t always waiting. Many sought-after restaurants require reservations.
Tip: Reserve dinners in advance, and keep a few casual cafés in mind for impromptu lunches. 💡Want tips on eating Paris when you’re tired of French food? Read this.
5. The common Paris mistake? Overpacking
Dragging giant suitcases up narrow staircases (or squeezing them into tiny elevators) isn’t glamorous. Plus, you need to leave room for all of your new fabulous purchases!
Tip: Pack lighter — a carry-on saves time, stress, and your back.
6. Only visiting the “top five” sights
The Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, and Notre Dame are must-sees, but they’re not the whole story.
Tip: Explore side streets, markets, and lesser-known museums to see the real Paris.
7. Skipping travel insurance
It’s not exciting to think about, but if your flight is delayed or luggage is lost, you’ll wish you had it. I see this happen all the time!
Tip: Build travel insurance into your budget — it’s peace of mind.
8. Expecting everyone to speak English
Many Parisians do — but a few French words go a long way. Download a language learning app like Duolingo and practise a few weeks/months to avoid this Paris mistake.
Tip: Learn the basics like bonjour, merci, and s’il vous plaît. You’ll instantly get warmer smiles.
9. Not checking closing days
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Many restaurants close Sundays and Mondays. This used to happen to me too, sadly.
Tip: Check hours before you go so you don’t find yourself staring at a locked door.
10. Overplanning every minute
It’s tempting to schedule every hour, but magic happens in the unscheduled moments. This is the big mistake that causes so much stress during a trip.
Tip: Leave gaps for wandering — the best Paris memories often happen by accident.
Avoiding these Paris mistakes isn’t just about saving time — it’s about making sure your trip feels easy, joyful, and exactly how you dreamed it.
When you work with French Escapes Travel, I take care of all the details that trip up first‑time visitors:
- Hand‑selecting the perfect hotel in the right neighborhood.
- Securing timed tickets and reservations before they sell out.
- Crafting a manageable itinerary that balances iconic sights with time to simply enjoy Paris.
The result? A trip where you don’t worry about logistics or stress over what you might be missing.
Dreaming of your first Paris trip — or planning a return?
👉 Let’s design an itinerary that feels effortless and mistake‑free from the start. Schedule a chat with me here.
