I love going to concerts, so I'm so lucky to live in Paris. Practically every famous artist under the sun has had a stop in their world tours here. They either perform at the Accor Arena or, if they're big enough, they take on Stade de France. And while I love going to the concerts held in these places, I also have to admit that it's not the easiest thing in the world. I always have to face the large crowds, hassling traffic jams, and more just to see my favorite artists live. Fortunately, I often follow these tips to lessen my stress over it.
Going to concerts in Paris may be fun, but it’s often no easy feat. There’s a lot that can go wrong along the way; thus, it’s best to follow these tips to ensure that you have the best time possible!
Reserve a Seat
Having attended my fair share of concerts, I guarantee that you'll last longer on your feet if you reserve a seat. I know how enticing staying at the mosh pit seems, especially since it's so close to the stage, but they're not as fun as you think they are. It's enough to just do it once in your twenties when you still have the energy to last more than three hours standing and dancing around. But the older you get, the more your body needs to rest, hence, it's better to have a seat ready for you!Get a Hotel Nearby
Most of Paris's major concerts take place at either the Accor Arena in the 12th arrondissement or Stade de France in Saint-Denis. In both instances, I suggest you book a hotel room nearby on the night of the concert. Even though it's still fairly easy to commute back to your place after the concert, there's still no beating the convenience of having a comfy room to go back to that's only a hop and a skip away. It also helps that several high-quality hotels surround these famous venues. Novotel Paris Centre Bercy and Hôtel Claret Bercy stand near Accor Arena, while Novotel Suites Paris Stade de France and Hôtel Ibis Saint-Denis Stade Ouest are right beside Stade de France.Eat Beforehand
If you're planning on eating during the concert, don't! It's much more of a hassle than you realize! Not only do you have to contend with long queues at concession stands, but you might not even get enough bites in as you scream, dance, and jump around during the concert. And what if the concession stand is far from your seat? You risk missing moments with your favorite artist just because you wanted a snack! Fortunately, you can avoid all that by eating before going to the concert. Paris has countless restaurants nearby, any of which is enough to fill you up before the show.Go to The Venue Early
This one might seem to contradict my previous tip, but hear me out! If you're coming from one of the farther Parisian neighborhoods, it's enough to get to the area of the venue early. Let's say you're going to a show at the Accor Arena, but you're coming from the 17th arrondissement, which is literally on the other end of the city. Getting to the 12th arrondissement early gives you enough time to eat before the concert, fall in line to get inside, and rock out as early as the opening act. Doesn't sound like a bad idea, does it?Commute to The Venue
I've always found it easier to commute to the concert venue instead of driving there. I live in the 7th arrondissement, so it's easy enough for me to get on the metro to get to Accor Arena. I've had friends drive me there a couple of times before, but the traffic jams we've had to sit through were brutal. And the worst ones were always right after the concert! It was after one specific instance last year, when the traffic getting out of the venue had us in our cars—starving, by the way!—for almost two hours! It was after that unbearable experience that I got the idea to book a hotel every time I go to concerts in Paris.Buy Your Merch Early
I was never one to buy fan merch, but my friend is. And let me tell you: the lines to the merch stalls are always long! This is another perk of getting to the venue early. If you get there when the place isn't filled yet, you'll have more than enough time to stock up on as much merch as you want and still have enough time to get to your seat. Don't even bother doing it in the middle of the concert, when you might be thinking that everyone is inside, so the queues at the stalls might be empty. It's not worth missing a second of the concert for just that!Pack a Pair of Comfy Shoes
Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour will always be one of my favorite concert experiences of all time, but my feet would love to forget all about it! I had the not-so-bright idea to wear new silver pumps to the concert and not bring extra footwear. I looked fabulous, of course, but only after a third of the concert, my feet were already killing me! It hurt so much that I sincerely considered throwing those pricey heels after. I didn't even wear them for more than a year afterwards! It was after that night that I decided to always pack a comfy pair of flats when I go to concerts in Paris.Bring a Fan
Don't underestimate how hot, steamy (not the sexy kind!), and sweaty concerts can get. The Accor Arena has ample air-conditioning, but you'll barely feel it when the place fills up and everyone is dancing and jumping around. Naturally, Stade de France doesn't even have air-conditioning, and the night air will barely cool you down amidst the crowds. This is why I always bring my mini-fan with me to concerts. I enjoy the show better when I'm not too hot and I don't want to end the night drenched in sweat!Going to concerts in Paris may be fun, but it’s often no easy feat. There’s a lot that can go wrong along the way; thus, it’s best to follow these tips to ensure that you have the best time possible!
