15 Unexpected Wins That Made My Paris Trip Better

You can plan a trip down to the minute and still get caught off guard – sometimes in the best ways. These small surprises ended up being the things that made my Paris trip smoother, easier, or simply more enjoyable.

Here’s what worked, and why it might help you too.

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Isn’t Just for Tourists

Taking the Big Bus tour on the first full day helped get oriented fast. You see all the major sights without walking miles on jetlagged legs.

You also start to understand how neighborhoods connect, which helps later when exploring on your own.

2. Hotel Breakfast Can Actually Be Great

Hotel breakfasts usually get a bad rap, but the one at Pullman Montparnasse was a standout. Quality ingredients, wide variety, and consistent service – a daily highlight. It made mornings easier and saved time without compromising on food.

3. Eau de Paris Fountains Are a Lifesaver

Paris has over a thousand public water fountains, and the water is not only safe, it’s excellent. Many are chilled, and they’re placed throughout the city in parks, streets, and near major landmarks.

The free app shows you exactly where to find them. If you carry a refillable bottle, you won’t need to buy water once.

4. Tap-to-Pay Works Everywhere

From cafés to metro turnstiles to outdoor markets, tap-to-pay works flawlessly. An Apple Watch or phone handles almost every payment, even for low amounts. It’s fast, reliable, and eliminates the need to carry much cash.

Some people still use euros for tiny purchases, but you won’t need to rely on it.

5. People Step Up When You Need Help

Whether it’s figuring out why a bus isn’t coming or trying to operate a public water tap, Parisians are surprisingly responsive when you ask for help.

Several situations that could have been stressful turned out smooth because someone nearby stepped in and helped me sort things out.

6. Mont-Saint-Michel Is Worth the Long Day

Getting to Mont-Saint-Michel takes time, around three and a half hours each way by van from Paris. But five hours at the site is plenty to climb through the winding village streets, explore the abbey, and walk along the sands or rocks outside.

It’s one of the most memorable day trips you can make, especially if the weather holds.

7. Using a Tour Company Takes the Stress Out

For long-distance day trips like the Loire Valley and Mont-Saint-Michel, using a service like Blue Fox Travel removed the need to figure out train schedules and transfers.

You just show up, ride, and enjoy. It’s not the cheapest option, but it turns a complicated day into a smooth one.

8. Picnicking Under the Eiffel Tower is Better Than You Expect

One of the best evenings in Paris didn’t involve a reservation or a view from a rooftop. Just sitting in the gardens near the Eiffel Tower at night, with snacks and a bottle of champagne, ended up being an easy, relaxed moment that didn’t feel staged or touristy.

9. Reims Makes for a Smooth Half-Day Trip

The train from Paris to Reims is fast and direct. Once there, you can tour the Notre-Dame cathedral, visit a champagne house like Veuve Clicquot, and still get back by dinner.

The city center is compact, easy to explore, and full of restaurants and shops. It’s a great option if you want something manageable but worthwhile outside Paris.

10. You Don’t Need a Photo Booth for the Navigo Pass

Smart tip: the Navigo Découverte card requires a small photo, but you don’t need to pay 5 euros at the station booth. At Gare Montparnasse, there’s a photocopier that accepts a U.S. driver’s license and prints a photo-sized copy for just 0.20€.

It works fine, and SNCF staff even recommend it.

11. Navigo Découverte Is Easy and Efficient

If you plan to use public transport more than a few times, the weekly unlimited Navigo Decouverte pass is worth getting. It covers metro, bus, RER, and even some regional trains to places like Versailles.

It saves time and lets you move freely without thinking about zones or ticket types.

12. Adjusting the Plan Was the Smartest Move

The first half of the trip was packed tight with museums, monuments, side trips. Midway through, I cut out a few things and made room for cafés, walks, and downtime. It changed the feel of the trip completely.

Paris rewards slow travel, and you won’t miss much by skipping a stop or two.

13. A Cemetery Can Be a Good Break

Cimetière du Montparnasse wasn’t a planned stop, but it turned out to be a peaceful walk between other sights. It’s not as well-known as Père Lachaise but it’s close to several metro stops and offers a quiet detour from busy streets.

14. You Probably Don’t Need to Carry Your Passport

For most of the trip, a digital copy of the passport and a photo ID like a driver’s license was enough.

The original stayed locked in the hotel safe, along with a backup card and some extra cash. It simplified the day-to-day without taking unnecessary risks.

15. Early Mornings Show a Different Paris

By 6:15am, the city is nearly empty except for a few commuters and early runners. Streets are clean, quiet, and calm.

If you’re an early riser, it’s a great time to take a long walk, visit a bakery, or just see the city before the crowds and noise return.