Will I need to know French to go on this trip?

No.  While it is helpful to know a few key words and phrases - “bonjour”, “merci”, “s’il vous plaît", French is not required. Meet Me in Paris is here for you to help with communication. Many locals also know a little bit of English which is helpful for anglophones who are in Paris.

Try out these translator apps as mentioned by The Points Guy. Or if you want to take it a step further and learn some basic words or phrases, have a look at Pimsleur, Mango or DuoLingo French.

How far in advance should I book my reservation?

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, especially during the summer months, and therefore it is recommended that bookings be made as early as possible, (6 months to a year in advance if possible). A deposit of 500 dollars per person is required to confirm your reservation.

Here are some websites to book your flight: Skyscanner    Google Flights      Delta    Air France Hopper

What if I need to cancel?

The initial deposit of $500 is non-refundable under any circumstances. Fifty percent of the remaining payments are refundable up to 60 days from registration, excluding the initial deposit. Sixty days after registration, payment is non-refundable. Please note that reservations made within 60 days of departure are subject to payment in full and are not eligible for any refunds. Travel insurance is strongly advised. Seven Corners, Travel Guard, Travel Ex, World Nomads, American Express and Allianz are popular options. 

Arrival and Departure Dates

Arrival in Paris on or by the specified trip start date is the responsibility of the traveler. There are no refunds or credits for late arrivals or early departures. If you would like to extend your stay, you are welcome to make arrangements directly with the hotel.

Will I need travel insurance?

Family emergency, medical assistance, lost luggage, and the list goes on. It is important for your own self-interest and protection to be prepared for the unexpected. Therefore, the purchase of travel insurance is strongly advised. Seven Corners, Travel Guard, Travel Ex, World Nomads, American Express and Allianz are examples of companies that offer travel insurance to cover certain unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to inquire about coverage for Covid 19 related concerns.

Passport & Visa requirements

To enter France, U.S. citizens will need a valid passport book with an expiration date at least six months after your return to the U.S. There should be at least two blank pages for entry stamps in your passport book. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your country's government for required documents to travel to France. If you do not currently have a valid passport, you will need to start the application or renewal process at least 6 months in advance.

Apply ONLINE (or renew) your passport book & passport card here.

To apply IN PERSON at a participating post office, click here

PRO TIP! Make copies or take photos of your passport before your departure in case your passport gets lost or stolen. 

Also note that a U.S. driver license is not a valid form of ID outside of the U.S. Therefore, it is helpful to also have a valid passport ID card that you can carry with you during the day (you do not want to walk around the city with your official passport book). The passport card can be used as ID for purchases, to obtain a VAT refund form, to accompany your vaccination card if asked for ID, etc.

What are the requirements for entering France relevant to Covid-19?

Click here to read the latest guidance on travel to France as it relates to the Coronavirus.

Vaccine Pass: Travelers who are fully vaccinated (full initial doses plus a booster vaccine) are able to enter and move about in France very easily with proof of vaccination and booster. Prior to check-in at the airport, you will also need to complete a passenger locator form.

Please be sure to read requirements for re-entry to the U.S.

What happens if I test positive for Covid while travelling?

Click here for a helpful resource on how to move forward in the event you test positive for Covid during your travel.

Where will I be staying?

Your home for the week is a chic boutique hotel in the heart of the city centre, in the elegant sixth arrondissement. Within walking distance you will find the famous River Seine, Luxembourg Gardens, the Pont des Arts, restaurants, cafes, shops, entertainment, museums and galleries. As many hotels in Europe are in historic buildings that have been converted into hotels, rooms tend to be much smaller in size compared to the U.S. Lifts, if any, are usually very small, due to space constraints in older historical buildings, and your shower may not be as big as the one at home. Nonetheless, this personally selected boutique property offers quality, cleanliness, comfort and friendly service. Rooms include the essentials such as WIFI, AC, television, hairdryers, and private baths.

Money Matters

France’s national currency is the Euro. To calculate the exchange rate click here.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most places. AMEX is accepted on a lesser scale and Discover hardly at all.  It is a good idea to bring at least two different bank cards in the event one does not work for one reason or another. It is also recommended to contact your banks before departure to inform them of your travels and avoid blocking of your accounts. You may also want to request cards that have a smart chip and that come with no foreign transaction fees. 

Since some establishments may require a minimum for card purchases, having cash on hand is advised. Local ATMs in France offer a convenient and favorable rate of exchange for getting cash in the local currency. ATM  fees may apply. 

PRO TIP! Bank of America customers have access to fee-free ATM withdrawals at any BNP Paribas banks in Paris. See details here.

Tipping

In France, restaurant workers are salaried employees, and so tipping customs are different than in the U.S since they do not depend on tips as part of their living wages . While tipping is not required, it is still polite to leave a small amount as a token of appreciation for service. The “default” setting is usually rounding up to the next 1 or 2 euros at most cafés, bars and restaurants. For upscale places such as a Michelin restaurants, a little more would be appropriate, but usually not more than 20 euros.

Tipping would also be appropriate at hotels such as for room services, for housekeeping (leave an envelope in the room at the end of your stay), or for luggage handlers.

How do I get a VAT Refund?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a sales tax. If your primary residence is outside of the European Union and your purchase at a participating retailer is above a certain amount (usually around 100 euros) you may be eligible for a VAT refund. To see whether you are eligible, you should ask the retailer about the VAT refund form. Travelers will then take this form with them to the airport on the day of departure from the European Union. At the Charles de Gaulle airport for example, you will see self-serve machines where you scan the VAT form. Expect several weeks for your refund. Learn more here.

Phones & Electronics

WhatsApp and Google Voice are two convenient options for phone calls and texts while traveling in Paris. Both are free apps available for download to your mobile device, and through Wi-Fi allow you to connect with friends and family using your U.S. number.. 

To use cellular network or data, be sure to contact your wireless provider and inform them that you will be traveling overseas. Most companies offer an international plan that may be useful during your trip to France. It is strongly suggested  to turn data roaming “OFF” before departure to excessive fees. 

To use your U.S. cellular number, check with your Xfinity Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or other provider before departure and inquire about service plans in France.  

• If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card such as Orange (available on Amazon) or Le French Mobile, whose rates are typically lower than the cell phone companies.

How to call the U.S. from a French number
Dial 00, then 1 (country code for US & Canada), then the local area code and telephone number.

How to call France from a U.S. number
Dial 011, then 33 (country code for France) and then the local area code and telephone number.

For use of electronics, remember to pack several adapters as well as a converter if you plan on using your own hair tools or other electrical items that may not have a built-in converter. Find a list of converters/adaptors here.

Are there any places to store luggage in Paris?

Yes absolutely. City Locker has luggage storage lockers available throughout the city and you can reserve a space online.

What time is it in France?

France is Central European Time and is six hours ahead of Eastern Time (New York, Boston, DC, Toronto, Atlanta). 12 o’clock noon in New York/ Atlanta, is 6:00 pm in Paris. 

 What’s the weather like in Paris?

In June and July temperatures can vary from 50 to 80+ Fahrenheit (10 to 26 degrees celsius). It also rains a lot in Paris. It is a good idea to wear clothing in layers, as well as have a rain jacket or umbrella handy. You can check the forecast here.

What if it’s raining? 

Tours operate rain or shine. However, in the case of inclement weather, we will try and modify the route so that more time is spent indoors. 

PRO TIP! Pack a rain jacket and umbrella!

How much walking will I do?

Paris is a walking city and this is where the beauty is. Travelers will need to be able to walk for at least several hours daily as well navigate a variety of surfaces (e.g. cobblestone streets, hills, stairs, boarding trains/buses) with no mobility issues. It is essential that you wear durable quality walking shoes (not sneakers/ tennis shoes) with proper supportive soles.  Merrell’s, Clarks, Born are examples that are available in many local stores and online.

For Atlanta travelers: Piedmont Park, Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, and Westside Reservoir Park make for great destinations to practice walking. If you’re able to navigate those trails, you are good to go!

Can we stop and shop while on the tour?  

No. There is no stopping along the route for shopping. However, there will be free time for you to revisit your favorite shops on your own time once the daily tour is over.

How much luggage should I bring? 

Keep in mind that the size of rooms and elevators at Paris hotels are considerably smaller compared to that in the U.S, and so travel light is  recommended.  Each guest is responsible for handling their own baggage. Travelers are also responsible for checking with the airline for its baggage policy on flights to and from your destination. Please note that although larger sized bags, large equipment, or wheeled carry-on luggage may be accepted on transcontinental flights, they may not be appropriate for domestic or train travel.

Can I participate in food tours if I have food allergies? 

If you have specific allergies or if you are vegetarian, please indicate that on the request to book form. Although we cannot make guarantees, we will try to accommodate special meal requests. Please keep in mind, however that the shops we visit may still use products such as wheat flour and nuts in the kitchen for other items.