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. 11 – Taxis
Getting around Paris is not difficult. Becoming familiar
with the metro, buses, taxis, and ride share options, in addition to lots of walking, will get you anywhere you would like to go in the city. The mechanics of riding the bus and the metro will be addressed in a later post. This tip covers taxis – how to find them, pay for them, and avoid being scammed.
An earlier post about getting from the airport to the City warned not to ever accept a “taxi” ride from someone in
the airport, train station, or just outside the exit door. That bears repeating. Only take a taxi at the airport from the official taxi stand outside the exit. It will be clearly marked, and the cost to the City is a fixed price: 65 euros to the left bank and 56 euros to the right bank. This is the only fixed cost for a taxi in Paris. All other rides in the City must use the meter by law. Ask the driver if the meter works before getting into the taxi. Also, ask
if the driver has a working credit card machine, as that is also required by law. Tips are discretionary, but a 5–10-euro tip is a nice gesture.
When in the City, the best way to get a taxi is to schedule one just like scheduling an Uber. Download and use the G7 Paris taxi App. If not using the app, you can find taxis at a square blue sign on a light pole that says “TAXI.” All official taxis have a lighted sign
on top of the car indicating it is a taxi. Uber does have service in Paris, but taxis will be quicker and more reliable. Ubers cannot use the bus lanes in traffic where taxis can. And, the G7 app works just like Uber.
Not all taxi drivers speak English, so learn how to use Google Translate. It can make communicating easy. Also, write down where you want to go so you can show the address to the
driver.
While it is not likely that a taxi driver will attempt to scam you, be aware it does happen. Some will try to add a surcharge to the cost. While this is permitted during rush hour or bad weather, it must be disclosed before the ride begins. Some may say the credit card reader is broken and want to take you to an ATM to get cash, do not agree to this. They must have a working meter and a
credit card reader. If you use the G7 app, everything is handled on the app. If you ever feel you are being scammed, discreetly record everything on your phone. The police actually have a form in English on their website where you can report it and upload a recording.
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
