{"id":15531,"date":"2019-10-24T10:00:44","date_gmt":"2019-10-24T10:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devourparisfoodtours.com\/?p=3007"},"modified":"2019-10-24T10:00:44","modified_gmt":"2019-10-24T10:00:44","slug":"responsible-tourism-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/responsible-tourism-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be a Good Tourist: Paris Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Don\u2019t miss the rest of our responsible tourism guides:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MADRID<\/a> | BARCELONA<\/a> | SEVILLE<\/a> | SAN SEBASTIAN<\/a> | LISBON<\/a> | ROME<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking of visiting Paris? You\u2019re not alone. The city\u2019s visitor bureau announced an uptick in tourism, citing more than 40 million tourists in 2017 with 23 million hotel arrivals. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Despite suffering a lull in tourism, Paris has exceeded its prior visitor numbers. But the city is more than simply fresh croissants<\/a>, long strolls along the Seine and the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Whether you\u2019re traveling to the City of Light for business or pleasure, responsible tourism in Paris is a must. Here\u2019s how to get started.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Responsible<\/figure>\n\n\n

Start with \u201cBonjour\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While more and more Parisians may speak English (and be happy to practice their language skills with you), it\u2019s better to start your conversation in French. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When greeting someone new, start by saying \u201cbonjour<\/em>.\u201d Here in France, not only is it a matter of politesse<\/em> to greet shopkeepers or servers when walking into an establishment, but your questions feel less abrupt to locals when you start by saying hello first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don\u2019t speak French, getting a grasp of the basics (bonjour,<\/em> merci<\/em>, and parlez-vous anglais?<\/em>) can smooth the path to a friendly and meaningful interaction\u2014even if you do need to switch to English. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Part
We’re not saying you have to speak fluent French, but making the effort to use a little bit\u2014rather than defaulting to English\u2014will immediately help you win over locals.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Explore Off The Beaten Path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Louvre, Mus\u00e9e Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower may top the lists for sight-seeing, but there\u2019s more to Paris than the heavy-hitters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring smaller museums like Mus\u00e9e Gustave Moreau<\/a>, Mus\u00e9e Maillol<\/a> and Mus\u00e9e Jacquemart-Andr\u00e9<\/a> makes for a deeper connection with what Paris has to offer. Investing time in cultural activities is a worthwhile effort as well. Strolling through the manicured gardens of the Tuileries<\/a> or le Jardin du Palais Royal<\/a>, or playing a few rounds of p\u00e9tanque<\/em> with friends, makes for a far more enjoyable trip than rushing to check items off a list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget to look up from your smartphone, even if it means getting a little lost. Stepping beyond the confines of Tourist Paris can reveal eateries, artisanal shops and local haunts that will make your stay much more memorable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even popular areas like Le Marais are full of hidden gems\u2014you just have to look for them!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Shop Small<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it may be tempting to glide through the multiple layers of Les Halles for name brands, shopping small is one way to boost the local economy and bring home something unique to remember your time in Paris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shops like La Super Marquette<\/a>, Le Rocketship<\/a> and Sept Cinq<\/a> work directly with artisans and small businesses to source their wares, while pop-up maker\u2019s markets at community-driven locations like La Recyclerie<\/a> and Les Grands Voisins<\/a> offer visitors the chance to shop directly with locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still interested in Paris\u2019 tempting window displays? Opt for French brands like chic fashion from S\u00e9zane<\/a> or St. James<\/a>, kitchen must-haves from the legendary E.Dehillerin<\/a> or flavorful jams and savory preserves from La Chambre des Confitures<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Practicing
Everything from wardrobe staples to gourmet goods can be found at Paris’ locally owned shops.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Take Public Transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Say no to bus tours in favor of getting around Paris like a Parisian. Take advantage of the city\u2019s well-connected web of transport options, from the m\u00e9tro to buses to trams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better still, take a walk. Unlike many European capitals, Paris is quite walkable. Thanks to 19th-century city planning by Baron Haussmann<\/a>, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the lines of perspective that allow monuments to take center stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tired? Hop on the m\u00e9tro to get from Point A to Point B efficiently for less than \u20ac2. By saying no to companies like Uber, you\u2019re supporting both the local infrastructure and our planet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Metro stations are everywhere in Paris, providing a fast, cheap and efficient way of getting around town.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Quick Dos and Don\u2019ts for Responsible Travel in Paris<\/h2>\n\n\n\n