I've Lived in Paris For 10+ Years-and This Is the No. 1 Travel Tip to Remember When Visiting France

"Emily in Paris paints the French capital through rose-colored glasses. Just as you probably aren't prancing around New York City in Manolo Blahnik stilettos and a tutu à la Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Parisians are much more toned-down than Emily-and you'll rarely see designer labels flashing loudly on bags or fine jewelry from the likes of Dior."

"Paris is a city of romance, but fortunately, like any major capital, pickpocketing is common, and even friends of mine in Paris have had their bags snatched from the back of their seats at restaurants-which will quickly drain any hint of romance from your vacation. According to data platform Numbeo's 2025 crime index, the level of crime in Paris is higher than New York City's-but most petty crime can be avoided if you know how to dress the part."

"As someone who has spent more than a decade living in France, there's one travel tip I always tell my friends who visit France: leave the designer bags and jewelry at home. Trust me, you can still look stylish without becoming a target for pickpockets. I've broken this rule myself, flashing a Chanel wallet while paying for wine at a bar on the Canal Saint-Martin at a Beaujolais Day party (my favorite French holiday, no less!)."

Parisian street style tends to be understated rather than overtly branded, and flashy designer items can attract pickpockets. Reported incidents include bags snatched from restaurant seats and attempted necklace thefts in busy neighborhoods. Numbeo's 2025 crime index shows Paris with a higher crime level than New York City, emphasizing the need for caution. Travelers are advised to leave designer bags and fine jewelry at home and adopt discreet accessories like nondescript leather cross-body bags from local labels and simple Casio watches to look chic without becoming targets.

Read at Travel + Leisure