What to Watch, Read, Listen To & Pack Before You Go

Planning your first trip to Paris? From movies and books that will get you in the Parisian spirit to packing tips, transportation advice, must-have apps, and restaurant reservations, this guide shares everything I’m doing to prepare for my own first visit to the City of Light with my mom.

I’m getting ready for my very first trip to Paris. I know, I can hardly believe I’ve never been either! Over the years, I’ve planned dozens of Paris vacations for my clients by working alongside my favorite France destination management (DMC) partners who provide the on-the-ground knowledge that helps me create unforgettable itineraries. While I’ve spent years helping others experience this magical city, this time the trip is finally for me. Woohoo! And what makes it even more special is that I’ll be sharing this experience with my mom on a mother-daughter trip, which is another first for me!

As I’ve been preparing, I’ve started making my own Paris Prep List. I’ve been choosing movies to watch together with my mom, picking out books, learning a few French phrases, and gathering those little travel essentials that make a trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Of course, we’ve also been dreaming about what we’ll experience once we arrive. We’re fully planning to eat our way through the city, and one spot that’s at the top of our list is Angelina Paris. The Sales Director at Hôtel Edouard 7, where we’ll be staying, highly recommended it, so naturally it’s earned a spot on our itinerary. I’m just as excited to wander the charming streets of Montmartre, soaking it all in with no real plan other than strolling & eating.

Few people know this about me, but I have a slight new obsession with scarves. As a Texas gal, I rarely get enough chilly weather to justify wearing them, so you better believe I’ll be packing several and wearing one every chance I get. Consider this my unofficial Paris fashion era 😉 

And if I had to choose one experience I’m anticipating the most, it would have to be an evening cruise along the Seine as the lights begin to twinkle across the city with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background. It feels like one of those quintessential Paris moments, and I can’t wait to experience it in person.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Paris or your fifth, here’s everything I’d recommend watching, reading, listening to, buying, downloading, and doing before you go. Think of it as your pre-departure guide to getting into the Parisian mindset before your plane even takes off.

What to Watch Before Your Paris Trip

Few cities have been romanticized on screen quite like Paris. These movies and shows capture different sides of the city from glamorous and whimsical to historic and heartfelt. My mom and I are making movie nights part of our countdown to departure, and these are at the top of our list.

• Midnight in Paris
• Amélie
• Before Sunset
• Emily in Paris
• Julie & Julia
• The Devil Wears Prada (for that unforgettable Paris finale)
• The Da Vinci Code

Books That Will Transport You to Paris

I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge reader. But there is something about the thought of sitting outside a tiny Parisian café with an espresso and a good book that just feels right.

Here are some recommendations from some of my book-loving friends:

• The Paris Wife
• Paris by Edward Rutherfurd
• A Moveable Feast
• The Little Paris Bookshop
• Almost French

Even if you only read a chapter or two before your trip, it’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture.

Learn a Few French Phrases

You don’t need to speak fluent French to enjoy Paris, but making an effort goes a long way. Here are a few phrases worth learning:

• Bonjour – Hello / Good morning
• Bonsoir – Good evening
• Merci – Thank you
• S’il vous plaît – Please
• Excusez-moi – Excuse me
• Parlez-vous anglais ? – Do you speak English?
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît. – The check, please.

One of the best etiquette tips is to always begin an interaction with “Bonjour.” It’s a small gesture that locals genuinely appreciate.

Listen to a Paris Inspired Playlist

Create a playlist that makes you feel like you’re strolling along the Seine before you even leave home. Some artists to add:

• Édith Piaf
• Charles Aznavour
• Zaz
• Stromae
• French café jazz playlists
• Instrumental accordion music

I have a feeling hearing these songs months after my trip will instantly transport me back to Paris.

Download These Apps Before You Leave

One of the easiest ways to reduce travel stress is to download your essential apps before your flight. You don’t want to be setting up accounts while standing on a busy sidewalk with jet lag.

Transportation

• Citymapper
• Google Maps (download an offline map of Paris)
• Bonjour RATP
• SNCF Connect (if you’re taking trains outside of Paris)

Ride Shares & Taxis

• Uber
• G7 Taxi

Translation

• Google Translate (download French for offline use)
• DeepL

Dining

• TheFork
• Michelin Guide

Getting Around Paris

In Paris, you don’t need a rental car. The Metro is fast, affordable, and one of the easiest ways to navigate the city. If you plan to use public transportation often, consider purchasing a Navigo Easy Pass, a reloadable transit card that works on the Metro, buses, and trams. You can purchase one when you arrive and simply load rides onto it as needed. That said, I have a feeling we’ll spend just as much time walking as riding the Metro. Some of the best parts of Paris are discovered simply by wandering.

Make Restaurant Reservations Early

Paris is home to some of the world’s most incredible restaurants, and many book up weeks and sometimes even months in advance. If there’s somewhere you’ve been dreaming about trying, don’t wait until you arrive to make reservations.

A few places to include in your wish list:

• A traditional French bistro
• A neighborhood wine bar
• At least one Michelin starred restaurant

This is also one of the many ways working with a travel advisor can make your trip so much easier. We can assist with providing restaurant recommendations and even score those prized reservations that are oh-so-hard to get.

Reserve Popular Attraction Tickets Before You Go

Some experiences are simply too popular to leave until the last minute. If they’re on your wish list, book them before you travel. Consider reserving:

• Eiffel Tower tickets
• Louvre Museum
• Musée d’Orsay
• Sainte-Chapelle
• Palace of Versailles (if you’re planning a day trip)
• Seine River cruise
• Moulin Rouge
• Catacombs of Paris

Planning ahead means you won’t show up hoping to get in and get turned away.

Paris Fashion Staples Worth Packing

Besides finally getting to wear all my scarves, I’m excited to embrace a little Parisian style. And Paris fashion isn’t always about wearing designer labels from head to toe. It’s about timeless, classic pieces that feel effortless. Think:

• A trench coat
• A silk scarf (or several!)
• Comfortable white sneakers
• Ballet flats or loafers
• Dark denim or tailored trousers
• A neutral crossbody bag
• A black blazer
• A striped Breton top
• A cozy sweater for cool evenings
• Minimal jewelry

Comfort is key because you’ll likely walk 20,000+ steps each day.

Don’t Forget These Travel Essentials

Besides your passport, here are a few items that made my packing list:

• European plug adapter
• Portable charger
• Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
• A small amount of euros for cafés and markets

A Few Things You Don’t Need to Worry About

Whenever I plan a Paris trip for clients, I hear the same concerns~

“How do I communicate? I don’t speak French…”

“What if I look like a tourist?”

“How do I figure out the Metro?”

The truth is, millions of visitors navigate Paris every year. Most locals appreciate visitors who are polite, patient, and willing to learn a few basics. You don’t need perfect French, a designer curated wardrobe, or an expert-level understanding of the Metro to have an incredible experience. 

Ready to Experience Paris?

Whether you’re dreaming of boutique hotels tucked into Saint-Germain, Michelin-starred dining, private museum tours, hidden neighborhood cafés, or simply finding the perfect place to stay, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

I’m incredibly excited to experience Paris for the first time, and once I return, I’ll be updating this guide with my favorite discoveries, hidden gems, and the moments that exceeded every expectation.

If you’re planning a Paris vacation of your own and would love a thoughtfully designed itinerary that’s personalized to your travel style, I’d be honored to help.

📩 Start Your Custom Trip Inquiry Here

Until then…I’ll be the one in Montmartre wearing a scarf, sipping espresso, and trying not to order every pastry at Angelina.

FAQs

1. What should I do before traveling to Paris?

Before your trip, book popular attractions and restaurants in advance, download transportation and translation apps, learn a few basic French phrases, and make sure you have a European plug adapter and comfortable walking shoes. Spending a little time learning about the city through books, movies, or travel guides can also make your experience even more enjoyable.

2. How many days should I spend in Paris?

For a first visit, I recommend spending at least 4–5 full days in Paris. This gives you enough time to see the iconic landmarks, explore charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, enjoy leisurely meals, and leave room for those spontaneous moments that make Paris so special.

3. Is it easy to get around Paris without renting a car?

Absolutely! Paris has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. The Metro is fast, affordable, and easy to navigate, while many of the city’s most popular attractions are within walking distance of one another. Between walking, the Metro, and the occasional Uber or taxi, there’s rarely a need to rent a car.

4. What should I pack for a trip to Paris?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, a versatile crossbody bag, a European power adapter, a portable phone charger, and layers that can be mixed and matched. A classic trench coat or scarf is a stylish way to fit right in while staying comfortable, and don’t forget to leave a little extra room in your suitcase for all the treasures you’ll want to bring home!