Travelling From UK To France (What Do I Need?)

Yeah, having travel insurence is a good idea, but I think for one night might be a bit too much. So I'd say get the insurence if you feel you really need it. As for anything else "official" or important, I think that would be about it. Definately bring some comfy shoes with you because you will do a lot of walking in Paris believe me! Also bring with you a good French phrase book if you don't know how to speak it even though you are going to be in Paris because there are those who don't speak English or they speak it but not well enough and they prefer to get a sense of how well you speak the language and if they notice that you're having trouble they will speak to you in English (if they know how to speak it in the first place.) Just learn your basics like hello, good bye, please thank you, you're welcome, I would like, I need, you know, all the monotonous basic things and try to pronounce them as correctly as you can because it will just give a better impression. Be sure to bring an umbrella because it does tend to rain a lot in Paris. Bring good, comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking in Paris because there is a lot to see and do and kinda streached out (not too much but you get the idea) so good walking shoes are a plus! In regards to clothes, just bring something casual and comfortable, but don't bring any shorts, loud colored clothes or shirts with logos or brands written on them because you will be stared at! The French don't normally wear anything like that so just food for thought. If you're going to Paris in the fall or winter, (which I'm assuming that you're leaving for Paris sooner that that) you might want to bring a jacket as well because it's very dreary and cold in Paris, but if you're going real, real soon as in before October you won't need the jacket, but definately bring an umbrella. For one night, I'd suggest that you pack at least two outfits (one for the next day and another just in case of an emergency, two pairs of shoes, enough toiletries (tooth brush and tooth paste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razor, etc) for your stay which is one night so not much, a good guide book if that's your thing, a good map (especially for a city like Paris, you'll need one...see if you can get a map of the metro as well, but you can get that when you get there as well), a good phrase book and possibly a French/English dictionary (just in case that phrase book doesn't have the word you need in a certain situation), an umbrella, a coat (depending on when you go or if you want one just in case), pajamas, camera, and your ID's and money and that's enough. Other than that, I'd say that's good. Well, enjoy Paris! It's a really cool city! Good luck and have a safe, fun trip! Reply to this

Hi joeparis.

You didn't specify if you will be in Paris for a full day either side of the one day or not. If so, another transport option worth considering are the one day unlimited use passes for the metro. They can be bought according to the zones you will be travelling in.
I agree with Ken Saibot's comments regarding keeping a very close eye on your valuables and attempting some French, however badly ;-)
There were more English speakers at Metro ticket offices than I expected, but greeting them in French helps.

Have a great trip! Reply to this