Packing your bags for Paris? Here’s what to expect from a visit this summer

During the six years that I was lucky enough to live in the center of Paris, I learned a lot about the ups and downs that come with being a Parisienne.

I would move back in a heartbeat. But I also feel for international visitors who arrive with a romantic vision of beautiful perfection, only to suffer a severe shock — known as "Paris Syndrome" — when they learn otherwise.

Never let that deter you from visiting though. Instead, know what to expect before you visit.   

The end of July usually sees an exodus of Parisians, with many relocating to their summer residences for the entire month of August. Bakeries are closed, as arerestaurants, and shops have a "Fermé" (closed) sign in the window. 

But this summer, many businesses and restaurants plan to take full advantage of the 11 million visitors expected to visit the city for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Instead of closing in August, many restaurants and stores are planning a short break, between the closing ceremony on Aug. 11 and the start of the Paralympic Games on Aug. 28. 

Parisian public transport is famously reliable — unless workers go on strike. To prevent problems, talks are being held to prevent transportation strikes during the Games.

But beware of arriving on July 26, the day of the Games' opening ceremony, when a no-fly zone across the airspace of Paris will prevent planes from taking off or landing for some six hours, according to the Associated Press.

If the metro is overloaded, consider renting a bike. There are around 20,000 Velib bikes in the city, with many available at major street corners. Since some roads will be closed to vehicles during the Games, it will be a safer time to pedal around the city.

If speed is key, one of the most exhilarating ways to get