In Paris what are things that I can do to help make me not stand out as a tourist?
July 27, 2010 by Paris Vacations
Filed under Paris, France Information
I’m going to paris for the summer and don’t want to stand out. How should I dress and act? Any important customs I should be aware of?
I don’t think it’s inevitable that people will think you’re a tourist.. Paris has many students too, from all over the world. As long as you avoid the tourist clichés, you should be okay.
As far as not acting like a tourist: Talk quietly. Don’t smile at strangers and don’t meet people’s eyes unless you are interacting with them. Say hello (in French) when you enter a smaller shop. Don’t pull out a map in the middle of a street. Walk confidently like you know where you are going, even if you don’t. Basically, be reserved and polite.
Here’s a site that discusses what not to wear:
http://www.focusonstyle.com/touristfashionmistakes.htm
And a few that are good examples of what to wear:
http://www.focusonstyle.com/frenchchic.htm
The Sartorialist (look through the monthly archives) http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
http://facehunter.blogspot.com/
http://www.styleandthecity.com/street-style-paris-fashion-week/
http://ellegirl.elle.com/fashion/street_style/content/paris_street_chic_slideshow/paris_fall_2007.html
Dark, fitted, classy clothes are generally best. Jeans tend to be tighter in Europe (skinny jeans) than in places like the US. Many Parisian women will be wearing heels, but they’re just not practical as a tourist. Find a pair of nice looking but very comfortable shoes, preferably dark colored.
Paris is a busy, international city, with lots of different people going about their business. Unless you are walking around the tourist sites very slowly, looking lost, with a camera around your neck and map in hand, nobody will think you are obviously a tourist. Relax and don’t worry about what others think so much. That’s what the Parisians do!
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