Do not eat any meals in the tourist areas.
In general, the Place du Tertre in Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, the area around Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and other places where tourists are plentiful are a big no-no. With so many good places to eat in Paris—plenty of them within easy walking distance of tourist areas—it’s a shame to waste money on substandard dining. Do your homework ahead of time with a good Paris restaurant guide or website and be prepared to scout out eateries and cafés that aren’t catering only to tourists. Alternatively, visit one of Paris’s many wonderful épiceries (small specialty grocers), found in every arrondissement, for prepared foods to-go. Or simply grab a baguette and some cheese—et voilà! Instant picnic.
