Massive crowds, overpriced meals, and scam taxis can instantly turn your dream France vacation into a nightmare.
Beware of falling victim to these sneaky French tourist traps:
Inauthentic Food
France is one of the most delicious countries in the world, so don’t limit yourself to touristy, Americanized restaurants. A good rule of thumb is to avoid eating anywhere within short walking distance of famous landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower. These eateries may look appealing but are often overpriced and low quality because they know they can attract non-local diners.
Instead of relying on the most popular restaurant recommendations, look for establishments with French-only menus that have been around for years. These are much more likely to give you an authentic meal.
Place du Tertre
Skip Place du Tertre on your next trip to Paris. This public square in Montmartre attracts massive crowds with its art vendors, shops, and cafes. You might think it’s the perfect spot to snag a souvenir, but Place du Tertre, in reality, is busy, chaotic, and overrun with tourists.
Paris
If you travel to France and only spend time within the city limits of Paris, you’re missing out. There’s no question that The City of Lights is a must-see, but other underrated cities in France are just as enchanting. From Versailles to Bordeaux and Saint-Tropez, many destinations nationwide offer equally rich culture and history with far fewer crowds.
Overpriced Macarons
Macarons are among the most iconic and delicious sweet treats in France. However, many bakeries and cafes know they can get away with overcharging tourists for these divine delights.
Skip Instagram-famous spots like Ladurée, which prioritize aesthetics over quality. Instead, research smaller, locally owned shops for more reasonably priced and tastier macarons.
Unofficial Taxis
Illegitimate taxis are incredibly common throughout France’s major cities. Look for a lit sign atop the vehicle before hopping in—a requirement for official taxis.
Taxi drivers should also display their license number on or in the vehicle. The final telltale sign of a legitimate taxi is a properly functioning meter.
The Mona Lisa
You might be disappointed if you head to the Louvre only to see the Mona Lisa. Lines of people usually surround the painting, which is surprisingly small in person.
While many consider da Vinci’s famous work of art an essential Parisian experience, there’s much more worth seeing around the sprawling museum. Other iconic masterpieces housed in the Louvre include the Venus de Milo sculpture and the painting of Liberty Leading the People.
Seine Dinner Cruises
Taking a Seine River cruise can be fun, but you should skip the food-focused excursions. These dinner cruises are often geared toward out-of-towners, meaning you’ll overpay for lackluster food. You’re much better off splurging on a private boat tour or taking a nighttime cruise that doesn’t serve a full meal.
Love Locks
Don’t fall victim to Paris’s “love lock” tourist trap. The tradition started in 2008 when visitors began commemorating their love by attaching padlocks to Pont des Arts, a footbridge connecting the Institut de France and the Palais du Louvre. Over the years, the bridge accumulated nearly one million so-called love locks.
The weight of the locks put such a strain on the bridge that the city government began removing them and installing panels to prevent their return. Attaching locks to Pont des Arts is now illegal, and many locals consider it an insult to French heritage.
Cheap Souvenirs
Low-quality, kitschy souvenirs are a recipe for disappointment. Many souvenir shops throughout France entice tourists with cheesy magnets, sweatshirts, shot glasses, and postcards.
You can find these generic items in virtually any city worldwide—they’re unoriginal and a lackluster way to remember your trip to one of the most beautiful European countries. Opt for a more thoughtful purchase, like a book from a historic shop, a vintage piece of clothing, or a decor piece handcrafted by a local artist.
Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
Booking a hotel room in Paris just for its view of the Eiffel Tower is a waste of money. As one of France’s most iconic attractions, many nearby accommodations are overpriced for what they offer.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower from your room is fun, but you likely won’t be around much to enjoy it if you’re busy exploring the city. Maximize your budget and experience Paris like a local by staying further from the city center.
Ride-Share Services
Most French cities boast excellent public transportation systems that are more efficient and wallet-friendly than Uber. If you solely rely on ride-sharing services and have trouble finding a driver when you need one, you could end up in a pickle. Familiarize yourself with the local buses, metros, and pedestrian routes so you have plenty of options for navigating the area.
Les Champs-Élysées
Some Paris travel guides will tell you not to miss Les Champs-Élysées, an avenue famous for its luxury stores and boutiques. However, many locals know it’s highly commercialized and boring compared to other Parisian streets.
There’s no harm in walking down Les Champs-Élysées if you’re in the area, but avoid eating or shopping on the avenue. You’ll find much better bang for your buck in less-frequented districts.
Don’t get scammed on your dream Italian vacation
Like France, Italy also has many common tourist traps that waste time and money. Learn what to watch for while exploring Italy’s top destinations.
14 Tourist Traps in Italy That Will Instantly Ruin Your Vacation
Consider visiting these Paris alternatives instead
While Paris is worth seeing at least once, many travelers consider it too expensive and crowded. Shake things up in these cities with similarities to Paris but unique appeal.
Skip Paris, 16 Similar Cities That Offer Everything and More
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
