
Hanging with the zombies in Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Landing in Paris after an extremely long flight can leave you feeling like you have been hit by a truck. I live in California and try to take non-stop flights whenever possible. While I get there faster, I always seem to land between 6am and 8am Paris time. After several trips, I have finally mastered the top 10 things I do when I check into my Paris apartment rental to avoid jet lag and make it through the first day feeling somewhat human.
1. When renting an apartment in Paris, you can receive your keys as soon as you get into the city. I ALWAYS take a hot shower the moment I step into the property.
2. Make yourself an espresso drink and don’t consume anymore caffeine the rest of the day no matter how sleepy you may feel. You are going to be dragging until about 4pm and then you will suddenly be awake. Avoid stimulants (caffeine and wine) the first day so that you can get to sleep at a decent hour and start getting on Paris time. Drink loads of water!
3. I spend the next hour unpacking and getting my computer all set up (free WiFi!). It is barely 10am and the city still is waking up.
4. Set out for a trip to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. The fresh air and the walking will keep you awake. It isn’t too social so you don’t have to be “on”. You already feel like a zombie so why not spend the afternoon with some?
5. Eat a light lunch at lunch time and drink more water. Even if you don’t feel hungry, this helps adjust to Paris time.
6. Spend the afternoon roaming around the neighborhood of your apartment. Find the market and go grocery shopping. Pick up some fresh flowers for the bedroom.
7. Resist the urge to take a nap! Not on your first day, you will regret it later.
8. You should be feeling awake by now and ready for dinner. Remember, more than one glass of wine will keep you up later. I know, I know…”It is Paris!” You can drink tomorrow. Take a nice stroll after you eat; I love the Place Dauphine.
9. Despite your sudden burst of energy, head back to your apartment and go to bed at a reasonable hour (11pm).
10. Set your alarm! Better yet, set two! And set them to go off before 10am (I prefer 7:30am). You will be in your deepest sleep around 7am Paris time. I can’t tell you how many times we slept half the day away on our second day. Once we even slept through the alarm.
Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to being adjusted to Paris time with minimal jet lag. Bon Voyage!