PARIS - advice and suggestions for trippers.

Enjoying Paris

A break or holiday in Paris can be enjoyable, but in my opinion one should not just run around trying to see as many famous sights as possible. Rather, this city needs to be absorbed, like ink into blotting paper -  :)

Of course you are desperate too see everything you've dreamed about; so fine - rush to the Louvre to capture the Mona Lisa smile (and pass all the other masterpieces without even noticing them!), zoom up to the top of Tour Eiffel, follow the crowds round Notre Dame Cathedral, head for Jim Morrison's grave in Pere Lachaise Cemetery (and take a quick look at Oscar Wilde's grave on the way), take in Sacre Coeur Cathedral and have a portrait done in Place du Tertre behind it, plod past the monotonous Greek tourist restaurants in St Michel, and so on . . . great!

But now that's over with, let's start enjoying the city! Get on the first bus that passes and discover where it takes you. Get off and head for the nearest tiny bar; sit outside and order a glass of red wine and then another, or maybe a Ricard or two. OK, so sitting down costs a bit more, but very soon now you'll realise that you really are in Paris.

Metro Pass: Paris Visite Ticket

A 3-day, 3-zone ticket will cost about £18 and is valid for Metro, buses and local trains. 1-day and 5-day tickets are also available. Paris Visite tickets include very good discounts for shows, museums and stores.

To buy your Paris Visite ticket in the Eurostar Terminal at St Pancras, London, arrive much earlier than departure, or even go and get it days earlier!

Don't wait until reaching Paris - the arrival station, Gare du Nord, is very busy and complex and there are long queues, and queueing in this environment is sheer hell!

Visits

It’s natural that people who have not been on a trip to Paris (or any city) before are determined to see as much as possible. But as I have already stated, I would advise not trying to do too much! Strike a happy balance! Much better relax a little and just take in the sights as they come ...

 

Lots of free booklets and maps of Paris and the Metro can be obtained from the Paris Tourist Office at 178 Piccadilly London WIV OAL (near Piccadilly Circus).

It is also a good idea to get a book with information about Paris. If you don't want to buy one, your local library will have plenty of free guide books. Paris hotels, too, usually have a good selection of leaflets, and all have free maps of Paris and the Metro. It is not necessary to buy a map of Paris!

Euros (€)

No one knows exactly the places to find the best exchange rate, but the Post Office gives a good rate. So does Marks and Spencer. And most banks give a reasonable rate, too - but be careful of high street kiosks - they often give far less than they promise, and often actually cheat you!

There is a small agency in a short covered shopping street between London’s Victoria Street and the Bus Station, just near Victoria Station, which seems to offer much better exchange rates for all currencies than anyone else. Details, and link to a Google Map: Link fx, 2 Victoria Arcade, SW1E 5ND.  Tel: 020 7233 8822

Normal high street banks may also be considered.

If you prefer, you can take a small amount of €uros with you, then collect more from a cash machine in Paris. The exchange rate should be reasonable or good, but most banks do add a small service charge.

More Information, Suggestions and Advice

Lunches - eating cheaply.
Buy bread in a shop, a patisserie or boulangerie. They will cut it for you if you ask them. Then buy ham, cheese or salad at a charcuterie - usually next door. They will happily make a sandwich. This is the cheapest way to have lunch in Paris.

In many bars you can buy a drink and then eat your lunch there. But ask first.

In France big name fast food outlets are much more expensive than in the UK! You can easily find a pleasant quality food French restaurant and pay little more than at a junk food outlet.

Anyway, France is world famous for good food and great wines - the word cuisine is, after all, French!  So try to avoid fast food!

The Cafe Society
One of the great pleasures in Paris is to sit at a table inside or outside a bar or restaurant. Sitting in or outside a bar costs a little more than if you stand at the counter but you'll enjoy it better! Just sit and watch the world go by!

Tipping

It is not necessary to give a tip in a bar or restaurant - it is already included. Give a small tip if you feel the service has been helpful and friendly.

Getting a taxi in Paris is not a pleasant experience! Most taxi-drivers are impolite, and often try to cheat the customer. Pay only what is on the meter, plus a small tip.

Staff in budget and small hotels do not expect a tip, but it is a nice gesture to leave the room cleaning staff a small gratuity on the bed in your room. They work hard and are often on a minimum wage.

WARNING!

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS SAFE!

THERE ARE CLEVER PICKPOCKETS IN PARIS!

INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT.

 

 

 

 

BBC’s Paris

A very useful site which is very informative, giving the history of the city, lots of information, and help with some French phrases if you are not familiar with language.

YouTube Video about Paris

This short video gives you basic information, and can link to other Paris pages

Geobeats - all the information you need about Paris, and very easy to navigate - click

An excellent and clear guide to Paris

Well written and clear English make this site very helpful!

 

Some of the most popular places to visit -

 

Musée du Louvre

Lots to see, of course! However, do not join the long queue at the glass pyramid. It is not necessary. On the Rue de Rivoli there is an escalator down, which takes you straight in with minimal queueing.

 

Musée d'Orsay

The most famous museum in Paris for Impressionists, once a huge train station.

Don't miss it!

 

Musée Marmottan

Second only to Musée d'Orsay. Among the paintings are numerous works by Monet and other impressionists.

 

Disneyland
Hotels provide information and most sell tickets, You can also get information and tickets from RER stations. The Disneyland RER station is Val du Marne.

 

Versailles

To get to the Palace of Versailles, get the train from St Lazara, Defense or Puteaux. If you visit this famous palace, don't omit the town of Versailles, too - it's quiet and pleasant.

Show Time
There are a number of famous, spectacular shows in Paris. They cost about £100 with dinner and about £30 - £50 without dinner. Paris Visite tickets (see elsewhere on this page) often include very good discount vouchers.

 

Paris Ile-de-France

The main shows are:

Lido - the most spectacular. Expensive.
 

Crazy Horse Saloon - spectacular. Expensive.

Moulin Rouge Made famous by Toulouse Lautrec, the painter. A good show, and my favourite.

Follies Bergere Used to be the most famous. Not quite so costly. Smaller.

 

 

Try Abceda.com’s

Paris crossword!