TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026
Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc. Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of
YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple. For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative.
Paris Tip No. 9 Pickpockets
Chances are that you will not see or
encounter any pickpockets on your trip. However, it is important that you are aware that they may be around and that you take precautions to prevent losing any of your valuables. What follows are some tips to protect yourself.
Pickpockets are most likely to be where the crowds are, especially, but not necessarily, tourists. Metros and major attractions are favorite sites. They can look like anyone, so
they cannot be identified by appearance. They almost always work in teams of two or more individuals. Sometimes they will be groups of children. One or several will distract you while the other swiftly steals whatever they can grab. They look for people who are distracted or who they can distract. You can protect yourself by: Keeping extra cash and important documents in a money belt under your clothes, never put something important like money, your phone, or your wallet
in you front or back pockets; being sure zippers on bags or backpacks are closed. Using zip ties or locks is helpful; moving away from the door to the metro as soon as you enter so someone cannot grab your purse, backpack, or phone and then exit the subway door as it closes; not accepting unsolicited help from strangers at a kiosk when buying tickets (Parisians will not offer but will help if you ask); avoid people with clipboards who say they are collecting signatures for a petition – it
is either a scam or a distraction for a pickpocket; watch each other’s back when you are out with others. Finally, consider getting a lanyard for your phone. These are prime targets for pickpockets and easily grabbed from a purse, pocket, table, or even your hands.
Remember, Paris is a safe city, but as in any large city, there are pickpockets who would love to relieve you of some possession without your even being
aware it is gone. They are almost never violent or confrontational, and they do not want to get caught. Looking like you are aware of your surroundings and of your possessions will encourage them to choose an easier target.
A NOTABLE TRAVEL TIP FROM MICHAEL S.
I have a suggested Paris tip (in case this
is not projected to be one of them). It may be one that is too soon to put in the newsletter, but it's also something that would be useful to know a bit ahead of time.
In case you don't know, June 21st, summer solstice, is always the day for "Fête de la Musique" all over France (and many parts of the world). It's a big thing in France, having experienced it myself a few times in different French
cities. There will be A LOT of FREE (many open air and somewhat informal) concerts all over the place--probably at major plazas, squares, or parks.
This year, June 21st falls on a Sunday, two days before the Tuesday Hagenberg Gala Concert. According to the basic choir trip schedule, it looks like there are rehearsals Sunday morning and evening for the concert, but in between there is "sightseeing" time,
though I am not sure if that's on our own or as a group.
I guess my tip would be to be prepared for (more) crowds in the city on that day and not overplan if there is '"on our own time." Especially if one wants to experience the vibe of the music festival all around. Also, there is not usually a single (universal) website that lists every possible event connected to the Fête (there may be several or may appear
much later--and currently not all is set), so for me personally, I'd be as flexible as possible when planning for things to do that day (outside of rehearsals).
I hope this helps.
Michael
