Your passport must be valid for three months after the date of your return to the United States. For example, if you are returning Sunday January 25th, it will need to be valid through April 25th. If you need to renew/apply for a passport, we recommend you begin the process immediately - it can take a while.

We recommend a taxi, as they are price controlled at 56€ to the right bank and 65€ to the left bank. Taxis are required to use the official taxi queues - do not get in any other car. You can also call an Uber, but the taxi queue is easier. We do not recommend the RER B train into the city - it's slow and difficult to navigate.

The reception is in St Germain, in the 6th. We recommend staying here if you plan to be at the reception late. It’s a great area to hang out, go to museums, eat, and drink. Also, it’s where we met!

The wedding ceremony is in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe. There are lots of hotels here, though it is a walk or a metro to most other tourist attractions.

Other areas we recommend : the 1st arrondissement by the Louvre; the 7th near Rue St Dominique and the Eiffel Tower; the 3rd in the Marais. The Marais is young, fun, and gets busy and loud on the weekends.

Please reach out to Mercer if you would like help.

Paris is very walkable, and it’s our favorite way to get places! If you are looking to explore Paris on foot, we recommend staying near the Louvre (1st arrondissement) or in St Germain (6th arrondissement).

Taxis are faster than Uber, though Uber is also easy. The metro is safe and efficient. Pickpocketing happens, so keep an eye on your bags.

Paris is safe for a big city, but a big city nonetheless. The only area we really recommend avoiding is Boulevard Rochechouart/the base of Montmartre at night.

Violent crime is rare, but theft is rampant. Keep a hand on your belongings, especially on the metro and in crowded areas. French doors "lock" when you pull them closed, but they can be popped open easily, and thieves know it. You must turn the key and bolt your front door when you leave. (That said, since they latch when closed, make sure you are holding your key when you leave).

There is a fair amount of fraud, even within platforms like Airbnb. Trust your gut and do not rebook if the host cancels. Please feel free to contact Mercer for a second opinion if anything feels out of the ordinary.

Both are great - it's personal preference. You will have more options in the sub-$300 range renting a place, though fair warning that European apartments can be quirky! Do not assume you will have an elevator, washing machine, dryer, air conditioning, or dishwasher.

Airbnb hosts are less responsive than in the U.S. For this reason we have had better luck with Marriott Homes and Villas properties than Airbnb/VRBO. If modern amenities are your priority, we recommend a hotel. We have included some suggestions below.