France Île-de-France Paris

Paris

Capital city of France, renowned for the Eiffel Tower, art museums like the Louvre, fashion, and a hub of culture, history, and romance.

Tips from the community

A bit of background on the Black population in Europe: at least a million Sub-Saharan Africans have moved to Europe since 2010. And while numbers of migrants in France specifically do not point to a “crisis,” the issue has nonetheless been more highly politicized than anywhere else in Europe. Walking through the city of Paris, you may pass camps of African migrants along the seine. Take a casual stroll past the Eiffel Tower and you will be sure to notice the sans-papiers— as the undocumented migrants are known in local parlance— vending touristy souvenirs. As a Black tourist, you may get suspicious stares from French officers, that is, until they realize you’re not African. Or, “better” yet, that you’re American. When I first arrived in Paris, I wore my natural hair up in a high puff or afro, and I would get plenty of looks from random passersby. However, when I decided to get my hair done, the looks became less guarded and more…intrigued. Here’s what I mean: while buying from a crepe stand for breakfast— you know, as you do— the man making crepes demanded that I show him my two euros to pay for my food before he made it. But as soon as he heard my American accent through my broken French, his eyes lit up, he smiled, “You’re American!” My hair was natural at the time. A week later, after I’d gotten my hair done in box braids, I found myself moving through the city with much more ease. I was treated more openly, less guardedly. It wasn’t until I returned to that same crepe stand that I understood why that was. The same man from before greeted me, complimented my hair, and said he “liked this look better,” that I “look like an island girl now.” When I asked him what he meant, he responded, “Very boujee!” It’s okay. You can laugh. TIP: Rule #1 for any Black traveler, especially female Black travelers: we’re gonna do our hair. Braids, twists, extensions, weaves, wigs— we put our hair up before we hop on that plane. No one wants to spend their vacation worrying about those precious coils and curls. But if you’re in need of services in Paris, look no further than Studio D, a small Black-owned salon off of Republique, and Daba Fashion. I had my braids done at Studio D and the women accounted for my hair texture, what products I liked, and even served hot tea. For cheaper options, hit up Little Africa in Montmartre and browse the braiding salons and shops that stretch for blocks. If you visit in October, you’ll catch the grape harvest festival by the Sacre Cour. Stuff your face with food from different regions of France and, of course, try many different wines.

thegoddess_pallas 4 years ago

Only two hours away by train, Paris is the perfect excuse to get another stamp in your passport. With so much to see in the French capital, I recommend getting an early morning train and a late-night train back to London–you’re going to need it. From the Eiffel Tower to The Louvre, Paris’ arrondissements have a lot to explore. 
While on the train from London to Paris, try organizing your day trip by must-sees (things you cannot leave without experiencing) and maybes (things you’d love to see but don’t mind skipping this time around). Then take the day head on by planning 2-3 activities with meal breaks in between. If you’re a foodie headed to Paris prepare your stomach’s lining for an abundance of pastries and fresh bread with most meals. My favorite bakery, and your new favorite bakery, in Paris is Du Pain et des Idées. Try the ‘escargot or savory bacon-topped pastry and, of course, the buttery-good croissants.  Travel Tip: If you’re on a budget, check out Eurostar Snap for tickets to Paris starting from £25 pounds. You pick the date and Eurostar will pick the time of travel.

briari 4 years ago

In Paris for Chinese New Year? Then you’re going to be in for a great time with celebrations lasting two weeks. The party kicks off with their famous ‘opening of the dragon’s eye’ ceremony (which is exactly what it sounds like, just with more firecrackers), and continues with a parade of brimming dragons, firecrackers, and bright orange koi fish. Everything happens around the Champs-Elysées, making for an awesome backdrop to spectacular street festivals. The performers here really go all out with their costumes, and Paris turns into a wash of colour that lasts for weeks after the celebration ends. Even the Eiffel Tower joins in as it glows red through the period and shop fronts are adorned in red and gold.

booksandbao 3 years ago

Paris Guides

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