I get that Paris Fashion Week may seem so fun and glamorous to you, but for us Parisians, trust me when I say that it gets stressful. This comes from someone who rarely goes to these shows and events. I admit that I've also gotten caught up with the fantasy and extravagance of Paris Fashion Week, but the city gets so hectic during this time that locals have to contend with all the hassle. So if you're moving to Paris soon and you think that Fashion Week won't affect you, think again! Expect traffic jams, closed attractions, and at times even higher prices.
If you'll be moving to Paris, one thing you ought to know before settling down is what to expect every Paris Fashion Week. The city tends to get busier and more crowded, at least in some areas, during this glitzy, highly publicized event.
Paris is as Unpredictable as Ever!
Paris is always unpredictable but Fashion Week makes it even more of a puzzle. Things are no longer the way they were when it came to this event. Back then, perhaps as recent as the early 2000s, brands would only rent out venue halls, warehouses, and events spaces for their shows. These days, however, they're holding their shows in famous landmarks, beloved museums, and even right down on the street! No matter the neighborhood in Paris, You never know where a fashion show will take place during Paris Fashion Week, especially the more extravagant haute couture shows. Hence, you never know how it will affect your daily life here too.Expect Landmarks to be Closed
I'm sure it looks amazing if you're part of the audience or when you're watching the livestream, but I personally find it annoying when designers hold their fashion shows by the landmarks. When Saint Laurent Paris held their show near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement, it resulted in a traffic jam that got me an hour late to a friend's soirée. Chanel also constantly holds their shows at the Grand Palais, which isn't a place I necessarily frequent, but I do feel for the tourists who want to check it out. So if you'll be in Paris during Fashion Week, know that some landmarks might be closed at the time.It's Hard to Get Into The Shows
I'm gonna tell this to you now: if you're not a celebrity or work in the fashion industry, you won't be getting into these fashion shows. Despite how publicized it is, Paris Fashion Week is still an exclusive event. Most presentations are invite only and they're mostly reserved for industry insiders, A-list celebrities, famous influencers, and the extremely wealthy who could actually afford these clothes. Even when they hold their shows out in the open, like the Saint Laurent one near the Eiffel Tower, the public is still far from all the action. So no, there's no ticket you could buy to get into Paris Fashion Week.Fashion Week is More Than Just Fashion Shows
I should also mention that Paris Fashion Week goes beyond the fashion shows. Those are simply the main events and the most covered by the press. But what you would unlikely see are the parties, soirées, private exhibitions, and more. Now, why am I mentioning this, especially since there's a good chance you won't get into any of these events? It's because these events will possibly close down some places you might be planning to check out. From Michelin-starred restaurants to even the most obscure art galleries, you need to check if the place is open (to the public) first.You're Better Off Commuting in Some Areas
If you have no choice but to go to the places where some fashion shows will be held, you're better off commuting to those places instead of driving there. The rich and famous who do get invited to these events are undoubtedly traveling there via chauffeured cars. You'll just be adding to the traffic jams if you choose to drive there too. As for said places, you can bet that the 1st arrondissement will be busy during Paris Fashion Week. Look out for the affluent 8th and 9th arrondissements too, since these areas have famous museums and grand halls perfect for hosting fashion shows.Many Places will Be Crowded
This is the understatement of the century! I've already mentioned this a couple of times on this post but I can't stress this enough—expect the city to be crowded during Paris Fashion Week. The good news is that all the hustle and bustle will only be in a couple of areas. The majority of the city and the Paris suburbs will be business as usual. But in those districts and hotspots that will host Paris Fashion Week, expect pandemonium! It's not that the celebrities and elites are causing traffic, but the photographers and screaming fans are making it worse!Avoid Famous Hotels at This Time
The Ritz Paris, Four Seasons Hotel George, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and Paris Marriott Champs Elysees are just some of the five-star hotels I suggest you avoid during Paris Fashion Week. The Ritz is especially not worth your time, no matter how luxurious it is. This is where most celebrities stay for the week and some brands even stage their shows here too. If you book a room at The Ritz during Paris Fashion Week, expect to be bombarded with flashing cameras and screaming fans when you step out. Some amenities would even be restricted too. Doesn't sound like a good time, does it?You Can Still Go Shopping
Do you know what's ironic? The luxury department stores are rarely crowded every Paris Fashion Week. You'd think the places that sell the designs shown on the runway would be where buzz is at, but they're not. Some still hold events during Fashion Week, but for the most part, you can still go shopping in any of these places and not get hassle at all. I've even shopped at Galeries Lafayette in the 9th arrondissement during Paris Fashion Week a couple of times and even dined here when on special occasions. I love it!Stay in The Suburbs Instead
My ultimate suggestion to avoid all the hassle and hectic business that Paris Fashion Week brings about is to stay in the suburbs instead. These are largely residential, family-friendly neighborhoods in Paris that are a bit far from the city center. They're all beyond the central arrondissements, some are even technically different cities altogether. Don't worry! These suburbs are just as exciting as Paris, with a treasure trove of hotspots worth checking out. But the best part? They're not as busy and as crowded every Paris Fashion Week. You'll hardly feel the event is going on if you stay in the suburbs!If you'll be moving to Paris, one thing you ought to know before settling down is what to expect every Paris Fashion Week. The city tends to get busier and more crowded, at least in some areas, during this glitzy, highly publicized event.
