Don’t be exploited by the fabulously expensive tourist restaurants. Eat street food for at least one meal a day. Buy a fresh crusty baguette and some cheese and have a spontaneous picnic in a park; or pick your favorite topping for a fresh crepe from a roadside stall.
Do Learn A Little French
Stereotypes are never applicable to an entire nation, but in my experience it’s true that some French are reluctant to speak other languages. What is true of all nations is that if you make an attempt to speak their language, doors will open up to you. Spend at least a few hours (if nothing else, then during the plane trip) learning some useful French phrases. Focus on what you’ll need in shops, hotels and restaurants, and how to ask directions and underground or bus information.
Vary Your Transport
Walking and walking a whole week along the streets of Paris is rewarding for the sights you’ll see, but very wearing on the feet. For such a large city, it’s important to make use of different ways to get around, not only to save time or to avoid getting tired, but also to give yourself a variety of different perspectives. In this category, taking a cruise on the Seine is, of course, a must; but also consider other ways to move around, for example by joining a bicycle tour or by taking a slower bus over the fast – but underground and thus not good for sightseeing – Metro. As in many large cities, there are also plenty of options for making economic use of public transport – weekly tickets can be good value, or for fewer trips, buy a package of ten bus or Metro tickets for a discount price.