11 things I learned during my trip to Paris
[pullquote source="Audrey Hepburn"]"Paris is always a good idea."[/pullquote]
Thanks to my start as an Air Force brat, I've had the privilege of traveling the world since I was three. We were living in Brussels when I first visited Paris in 1973. It sounds corny, but it was love at first sight.
So when given the chance to take my first international flight since February 2020 -- and to Paris -- I jumped at the chance. The occasion was to do a story on the inaugural flight of low-cost carrier French Bee, from Newark-Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY). The flight was meh, but it got me back to the City of Lights, my first visit since a family Christmas trip in 2014.
A lot has changed since that last visit, but Paris is still like I remember it. Below are 11 things I learned during my short trip.
Related: From basic economy to first class — here are 3 ways to do Paris on points
1. THE Eiffel Tower IS OPEN
Lucky me -- I arrived in Paris on the same day this iconic structure reopened after closing for eight months, the longest shutdown since World War II. I decided to go over and take a trip to the top. Everyone else must have heard the news because it was pretty crowded. I ended up standing in line for more than 30 minutes. When I got to the top, it was pretty crowded, but I still managed to get some good photos.
2. Tourism is back
Paris was a lot more crowded than I expected. There were people from all over Europe, along with a healthy smattering of Americans. The top sightseeing tours were sold out, there were people walking around and shops were full.
3. The weather was great
After escaping from the heat permeating the East Coast, it was lovely to encounter weather in the low 70-degree range. I even had to whip out my zip-up hoodie when it got a bit chilly on the evening of July 17. All in all, it was great to be in a more temperate climate.
4. Comfortable shoes are key
Paris is truly a walking city, and I easily racked up almost 30,000 steps combined on Friday and Saturday. I made what could have been a rookie mistake, bringing new walking shoes -- UIN Women's Painted Canvas Fashion Slip-on Travel Shoes -- on a trip. But it worked out because this pair was broken in pretty quickly. They are light, supportive, very comfortable and come in 33 designs (I now have three pairs).
5. Construction is in full swing
Like the U.S., Paris used the pandemic as an excuse to do construction projects including a repainting of the Eiffel Tower, the construction of apartments and offices built on the site of an old rail station and the resurrection of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
6. The Olympics are coming
The COVID-19 upended the Olympic Games, with Tokyo having to postpone them for a year. After only having two cities -- Paris and Los Angeles -- bid on the 2024 games in 2015, the International Olympic Committee awarded the Games to Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028. The city is already preparing for the games, scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Related: How US athletes are traveling to the Tokyo Olympics this summer
7. Cafes are full
Anyone who's ever been to Paris knows about the familiar cafes that dot the city. They are great places to sit outdoors, have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and watch the world go by. Almost all the ones I saw during my walks were full of people who looked delighted to be there.
8. Smoking is still a thing
I'm of an age where I remember when smoking in the U.S. was allowed everywhere -- until it wasn't. Paris hasn't gotten there yet. I admit it was a bit disconcerting to see so many people smoking in restaurants, stores and on the street. And don't bother asking for a no-smoking section, since there aren't any available.
9. It's easy to get a COVID-19 test
In early January, the Biden Administration began requiring U.S. citizens traveling internationally to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (either PCR or rapid antigen) within 72 hours of returning to the country -- even if you're fully vaccinated. TPG editor-at-large Zach Honig used the approved BinaxNOW COVID-19 home test kit to get his test results, while senior writer Andrew Kunesh went to a local French pharmacy for his, which is what I did too.
Related: Why do vaccinated travelers still need a COVID-19 test to fly back to the US from abroad?
10. The croissants were delicious
You cannot come to Paris without going to a patisserie for coffee and croissants. They are located all across the city, including three near my hotel, the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile. I indulged in chocolate croissants and a strong cup of French coffee.
11. Local markets abound
When I arrived on July 16, I was hungry but didn't feel like going to a restaurant. Fortunately, this market was across the street from my hotel. I went in and bought water, cheese, ham, a small baguette, nuts and candy. This was more than enough to keep me fed during my trip.
Bottom line
If you were hoping to get back to Paris before the crowds returned, it's too late for that. But it doesn't mean that you still shouldn't go. It's a great place to get your international travel legs back, the 11:00 p.m. curfew is over and the locals are really happy to see tourists back.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.