MileHacker Logo
Paris Travel Checklist

Paris Travel Checklist

Ile-de-france France Travel Guide

Planning Your Parisian Journey

Effective planning creates a positive tone for your journey.

Strategic Itinerary Design for Paris

Structure your days for diverse experiences and quick movement.

1

Cultural Exploration

Louvre Visit

Allocate ample time for the Louvre. Get your tickets beforehand to reduce wait times.

Musée d'Orsay

Explore Impressionist masterpieces. Combine with a Seine River walk.

Montmartre Studios

Discover smaller, historic artist studios in the district.

2

Neighborhood Immersion

Le Marais Stroll

Wander through historic streets. Explore boutiques and the Jewish quarter.

Latin Quarter

Experience academic history and lively student atmosphere. Discover hidden bookstores.

Canal Saint-Martin

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the canal. Picnic by the water.

3

Beyond the City

Versailles Palace

Plan a full day for Versailles. Book direct train tickets.

Giverny

Visit Monet's gardens. Ideal for the natural world and art enthusiasts.

Champagne Region

Organize a tour for trying. Consider a guided excursion.

Savoring Parisian Cuisine

French gastronomy offers an array of delightful experiences.

Dining Experiences

  • Restaurant Reservations: Book popular restaurants in advance.
  • Local Bistros: Seek out authentic, smaller bistros for authentic flavors.
  • Food Tours: Join a guided food tour for a culinary insight.
  • Visiting The market: Visit local farmers' markets for fresh food and fine treats.

Retail Therapy in Paris

From luxury to special finds, Parisian shopping delights.

Shopping Districts

  • Boulevard Haussmann: Explore for major big stores.
  • Le Marais Boutiques: Discover independent fashion and design shops.
  • Antiques & Flea Markets: Visit Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.
  • Artisan Crafts: Support local Montmartre artists for special souvenirs.

Connectivity and Well-being Abroad

Reliable interaction and health planning contribute to travel comfort.

Mobile Connectivity

  • Look into getting an esim for easy setup.
  • Explore local SIM card options.
  • Check international roaming plans.
  • Locate public Wi-Fi availability.

Health Preparedness

  • Carry essential medications.
  • Understand local pharmacy services.
  • Know emergency medical contacts.
  • Keep details of your travel insurance accessible.

General Safety

  • Be vigilant.
  • Protect valuables from theft.
  • Use reputable transit services.
  • Memorize local emergency numbers.

Important Health Advisory

Consult your doctor for vaccination recommendations. Maintain general health awareness throughout your trip.

Responsible Exploration

Travel with a positive impact on the environment and local community.

Environmental Conservation

  • 1
    Minimize Waste

    Use refillable bottles and reusable bags to reduce how much plastic is used.

  • 2
    Conserve Resources

    Turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving your accommodation.

  • 3
    Public Transport Usage

    Utilize Paris's extensive Metro and bus system to lower your carbon footprint.

Community Engagement

  • Support Local Artisans

    Purchase art and souvenirs directly from local Montmartre artists.

  • Patronize Small Businesses

    Choose independent bakeries, cafes, and family-run restaurants.

  • Respect Privacy

    Always ask before photographing individuals, especially in residential areas.

Essential Financial Management

Currency Exchange

Obtain some Euros before arrival for immediate needs.

Use ATMs from reputable banks for withdrawals.

Credit Card Use

Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocking.

Check for international transaction fees.

Budget Tracking

Monitor your spending to lodge in your travel budget.

Allocate funds for unexpected expenses.

Pre-Departure Confirmation

Reconfirm all flight and accommodation bookings. Ensure all travel documents are ready for your return journey.

Seamless Departure

Plan your exit to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure a smooth journey home.

Souvenir Management

  • Packing Strategy: Ensure all souvenirs fit into your luggage capacity.
  • Shipping Options: If items are large, arrange shipping through the shop or postal service.
  • Weight Limits: Be aware of airline luggage weight restrictions.
  • Fragile Items: Pack delicate items securely or consider shipping.

VAT Refund Process

  • Eligibility Check: Confirm if you are a non-EU resident and made eligible purchases.
  • Tax-Free Forms: Complete "détaxe" forms at participating stores for VAT refund.
  • Airport Processing: Process forms when you get to the airport before your flight, typically at customs.
  • Passport & Items: Have your passport and purchased items ready for inspection.

Critical Contacts

Important numbers to understand for immediate assistance.

Contact Details

  • General Emergency:112
  • Medical Emergencies:15
  • Police:17
  • Fire Brigade:18

Essential Information

  • Arriving At the airport Time: Strive for 3+ hours before international flights.
  • Local Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€).
  • Public Transport: Paris Metro and RER are wide-ranging and efficient.
  • Language: French is the main language. Basic phrases are beneficial.

Final Departure Note

Arrive at the airport well in advance for international flights.

This allows ample time for check-in, security, and VAT refund processing.