One Major Etiquette Faux Pas When Taking Photos In Paris Is Super Annoying To Locals
Among the many things to love about Paris is that it is incredibly photogenic. It seems that everywhere you look, there are amazing feats of architecture or sidewalk cafes fit for a movie scene. However, some of the lengths to which tourists go to get the perfect photo can get on locals' nerves. A recent TikTok showed tourists standing in the middle of a multi-lane road leading to the Eiffel Tower just to get that perfect shot of the iconic landmark square in the middle of the lens. Parisian streets are already quite noisy, but it is easy to assume that some of the honks from passing vehicles were directed toward these tourists.
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Similar problems often occur along the Champs-Élysées. Many tourists walk halfway across this road's fast-moving lanes because it puts the Arc de Triomphe right at the camera's horizon line. Sidewalks around Paris can feel just as busy as the Champs-Élysées, too. To avoid making a major faux pas, it is important not to obstruct the flow of foot or vehicle traffic while you take photos.
Be discreet when taking photos so you can blend in
Parisian locals are likely not going to be looking for the perfect photo op of landmarks, which means that blocking traffic while trying to take photos makes you stand out as a rude tourist. This behavior could also make you a target for tourist scams like pickpocketing or fake charity petitioners asking for donations. Unfortunately, iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower top Europe's list for tourist scams like these. Getting photos of Paris landmarks from a bit of distance and not in the middle of traffic can help you be more inconspicuous.
Paris sees more tourists per year than any other city in the world. Doing your part to make it easy for locals to carry on with their daily lives is one of the ways in which visitors can help prevent Europe from becoming anti-tourist. Aside from being mindful of where you choose to stop and take photos, be sure to understand social norms too. From following Parisian dining etiquette to abiding by traffic laws, considerate travel behavior will appease locals and help you have a better City of Light experience.