France - Paris and Nice

When planning my trip to Europe, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from Paris. As a Black traveler, I have encountered numerous reviews and personal stories that portrayed the city in a less than welcoming light. Naturally, I was cautious, but I’m happy to say my experience turned out to be much better than expected.

I spent about three weeks traveling through Europe, with Paris being both my entry and exit city. During my first stay, I booked a hotel in the 15th district, and I have to say that decision made a huge difference. The area felt safe, calm, and accessible. From there, I was able to explore many iconic sites, such as the Palace of Versailles and the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and indulge in a variety of food spots without much issue. Shopping was easy, and I had no trouble navigating the city.

Of course, no trip is perfect. I did have a few minor encounters that weren’t the most pleasant, but they didn’t overshadow the overall experience. I truly believe your time in Paris can vary drastically depending on where you stay. That became especially clear to me when I returned to the city for my flight home. The second time around, I stayed in the Gare de l’Est area, and it was a completely different vibe. It felt more chaotic, less safe, and significantly less enjoyable than my first visit. If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to avoid staying near Gare de l’Est if possible. Location matters in Paris.

After Paris, I also spent time in Nice, which offered a beautiful coastal contrast to the city. While Paris had that undeniable charm and cultural richness, Nice gave me the laid-back, scenic moments I needed to unwind. All in all, Paris surprised me in the best way. I’m grateful that my experience didn’t match the negative ones I’d heard about.

TIPS:

• You do not need to exchange money before coming. Everywhere I went accepted card; however, when I did go thrifting some places did ask for cash.

• If you do need cash, it’s usually cheaper to withdraw money directly from an ATM at a local bank in Paris than to exchange it through your bank back home. Just be sure to use a bank-affiliated ATM to avoid unnecessary fees.

• Navigo Pass - essential for getting around Paris on trains, buses, and the metro. You can easily purchase and load it onto your Apple Wallet using your phone. Super convenient and cost effective if you’re using public transit regularly.

THINGS TO DO/ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS PARIS

• If you're visiting Paris around the start of summer, try to catch La Fete de la Musique. It's a citywide music festival held every year on June 21st to celebrate the summer. It’s like a massive block party, with live music on nearly every street corner. It can get pretty crowded, so if you’re not a fan of big crowds, it might feel a bit overwhelming. But if you're up for it, it’s a fun and unforgettable experience.

• Louve - Mona Lisa

• Shopping - A lot of high end brands are made in France; therefore it's cheaper to buy designer clothing while in Paris + the tax rebate!

• La vallee village - Designer outlet

• Palace of Versailles

• Kith

• Eiffle tower

• Moom mam - a really good Thai spot

• Thrifting - Adom, pret a porter, F Vintage, Deep in paris

• OKKO Hotels Paris Porte De Versailles - Affordable, modern, and comfortable. I stayed here and really enjoyed it for what it was. It’s a great value for the price.

THINGS TO DO/ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS NICE/SOUTH OF FRANCE

• Chateau Winery

• Explore/Beaches or Beach club

• Train is very effective and cost efficient. you can take day trips easily to Cannes, Antibes, Eze, Monaco etc.

• Restaurant: La plonqeoir or Les Filous Nice (honestly the best steak gyro I quite ever had in my life)

• Airbnb