The 10 Most Googled Questions About Paris (and Our Answers!)

Using Google is a great way to learn and plan your trip to Paris. Searches about France’s capital often include articles from Bonjour Paris or other France Media sites that provide information by an author who has personally experienced what is being searched.  

Now, Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) scans all of the top websites, including Bonjour Paris, and creates a general top-level summary. This AI-generated condensed response appears for nearly every search, but when it comes to Paris, no one knows the city better than our Bonjour Paris writers. So why not go directly to the experts? Here are our answers to your top 10 most googled questions.

1. Is Paris expensive?

The Google summary says that Paris has a reputation for being one of the world’s most expensive cities, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Budget and mid-range travelers can still have a great trip enjoying reasonably priced hotels and events. Bonjour Paris has many articles on how to enjoy Paris in free or inexpensive ways. From using the Paris Museum Pass to experiencing the city for free, the articles are written by people who know authentic Paris can be explored without breaking the bank. 

2. Is Paris rainy? 

Paris has a reputation for being rainy, but weather changes all the time so it’s difficult even for AI to be accurate from one day to the next. When it does rain, you’ll see stylish umbrellas; after all, this is the city that invented the folding parapluie. Find out more in this wonderful celebration of the umbrella. Bonjour Paris also has some tips about How to Spend a Rainy Day in Paris, and the Letter from Paris series often highlights the weather and the changing seasons. There are even articles about what to do in Paris when it’s nice because “Who says it always rains in Paris?”  

3. How does the Paris Metro work? 

With a Google search, the first site listed is RATP, the official Paris public transport authority, which includes information on the metro, trains and buses. Recently the city has phased out paper tickets, and BP published a nostalgic ode in their honor. For a deeper dive into the history and heritage of the metro system, Marian Jones takes a look here. Last but not least: Meredith Mullins shares wonderful photo essays of the city’s metro stations in the reader-loved “Metro Magic” series. 

4. Do Parisians speak English?  

Given the popularity of this search question, travelers are stressed and anxious about the language divide. Speaking French will always help you as a tourist in Paris, but most do Parisians speak English, having learned it in school. We’ve noticed a real difference in the past 10 years in the amount of English spoken here. What’s more, the city has funded extensive language training in the hospitality sector, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 Summer Olympics. This Bonjour Paris article goes deeper and includes typical French customs and a language guide. Get the scoop on metro and shopping etiquette, international cell phone plans, safety tips, helpful words and phrases in French and more.  

5. When is the best time to visit Paris?  

Google AI summary’s answer is March to May, but our Bonjour Paris writers know there is no bad time to visit this city. Every season of the year has its highlights and advantages, and our online events calendar is a great place to see what’s on. There’s a cultural buzz in the fall, while winter brings superb holiday decor, Christmas concerts in churches, meals at warming bistros, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the semi-annual sales. And spring is a fan-favorite among Francophiles! 

6. Why is Paris called “the city of love”?  

Thanks to romantic literature art, picturesque settings and movies, Paris has earned the nickname “the city of love.” A Google search shows that the image started with Paris’ abundance of unhidden prostitution, then its skyline became the backdrop for many romantic movies in the 1950s and 60s (An American in Paris and Funny Face, for example), and even today, movies or TV programs (Emily in Paris’ fifth season premiers in December) continue to mark Paris as the destination of romance.  

Bonjour Paris also explores the debate of what makes Paris the city of love. From a Bonjour Paris Live event that asks if Paris is still the capital of romance, to artworks that reflect love and passion, to watching lovers on the Metro, love is in the air in this city. 

7. How is Paris pronounced in French?

It is pronounced, “Par-ee,” merci! 

8. What are things to do in Paris? 

A traveler searching for this question will get endless pages of results on both Google and Bonjour Paris. From a list of free museums and monuments, to visiting Paris parks that were once mines, to the many flâneries (walks) in Paris and much more, Bonjour Paris is brimming with inspiration for activities in the French capital. [Editor’s note: Call us a bit biased, but let us humbly suggest Bonjour Paris as your best resource!]

9. What are the best restaurants in Paris?  

Any Google search provides an almost overwhelming amount of information. But take caution: most of the listed sites are sponsored, meaning they paid the search site to be listed on the first page.  

For a more reliable restaurant review or current restaurant suggestions for Paris, consider Bonjour Paris. Expert food writers keep our readers up to date on trending restaurants, affordable restaurants (even those with Michelin stars) and specialty restaurants. Bonjour Paris Live is full of programs that focus on recommendations by food experts, chefs and authors such as Alexander Lobrano, Jane Bertch, Allison Zinder and Chef Frédéric Vardon.  

10. Are people in Paris friendly?  

Ah, the grumpy reputation of Parisians. Viewpoints fluctuate and that is evident in any Google search. The reports mostly agree that the idea of Parisians as unfriendly is an old stereotype.  

For a deeper dive on the subject, our Paris-based authors often reflect on their journey, explore French culture, and analyze what makes Parisians tick. It’s a fun topic to search on Bonjour Paris and results will range from discussions about Emily in Paris to exploring dog and cat friendly Paris.  

More questions? Bien sûr, there’s always more to ask and learn about the French capital. That’s what makes this city fun. Learning about and experiencing Paris is endless.