Sunday, August 21, 2011

Branded Outlets Shops in Paris?

Q: What are the average of prices and what brands are there?

You'll find the best brands at La Vallée Village http://www.lavalleevillage.com/ it's in The outskirts of Paris, train RER A (you can take it at La Defense), articles are cheaper than if you buy them in Paris but not really given.

The cheapest is not in Paris but in the city of Troyes, 1:25' from Paris by train from Gare de l'Est. Good brands and great prices.
http://www.mcarthurglentroyes.fr/fr

There's also Usines Center in the outskirts of Paris at Velizy but they don't sell the best brands.
http://www.usines-center.fr/

What is the weather like in Paris at Christmas?

Q:Weather in paris at christmas?

A-1: Paris is north of all the major USA cities. It is almost at the 49th parallel. However the climate is almost always much milder and probably closer to cities like Washington DC. Last December,
there was a 4in snowfall and closed the airport and attraction like the Eiffel Tower. The snowfall was the biggest in 23 years. If you are coming from a tropical area, Paris and all northern European cities appear very dark and dreary. So, Christmas is generally a lovely time to visit. Great just shopping and taking in the sites. Not that cold, but for some visitors the darkness can be depressing.

A-2: Often a bit cold but not crazily like 10°C ( 50°F ), could be rainy, rarely snowing.
Weather is a bit hard to predict in France generally

A-3: its like new york

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

What are some really great things that shouldn't be missed in Paris?

A1:
Go to the Louvre, see the famous Mona Lisa, just cause it's Paris.
The cafes are really nice, you can find a lot of nice ones.
RESTAURANTS- need to visit and experience. Plenty of ones to go to and brag to your friends about.
SHOPPING/browsing the original big name stores that you can't find in America.
I'll add more when I remember what else.(:
EDIT: I didn't really go to the shadier parts I went to the really highclass shopping amazing restaurants part
AND check out the Flea Markets and Jazz club thingys-AMAZING to go to

A2:
for nightlife you must pass a night at Lido nightclub.
Take a ferry-tour on the Seine River
Visit euro Disney
Walking in Champ-elisee and enjoy time in its cafes
Paris is fantastic City, you will enjoy each minutes there

A3:
the place du tertre is a square where artists paint outside all day. it's right behind the sacre coeur cathedral on top on montmartre. at the bottom of that hill is pigalle and the moulin rouge. also the catacombes, the jardin du luxembourg, there is a cafe on the bastille roundabout called cafe des phares and every sunday morning at 11 they have philosophy debates. the centre pompidou is the cool modern art museum, and some of the cathedrals not as famous as notre dame but still very pretty are the madelaine, and st germain. try to make it to versaille too.
shady sections are mostly the suburbs, the ritzy sections are the champs elysee, most of the center, and the 16th...

Which zones pass to take to travel to eiffel tower?

Q: I am staying at Adagio aparthotel XV Paris. I would like to know which zone pass to buy. Is it Zone 1-3 or Zone 1-6. I cannot see the Metro station- Porte de Versailles on the Metro Map available on line. Please help!

A: Adagio to Eiffel Tower is a 15 minutes walk - no need for metro. Paris center is covered by zones1 and 2 and if you need to use it for other attractions get a carnet of 10 tickets - Your nearest metro is Bir-Hakeim (walk 10min).

Thursday, August 4, 2011

How far is the Eiffel Tower from Charles de Gaulle airport?

Q:
I have an overnight layover in Paris arriving at 8pm and leaving at 9:30am the next day. I would like to visit the Eiffel Tower and any other attraction that would be open during these hours. Is this possible? Can you suggest best form of transportation and approximate costs?

A-1:
The Eiffel Tower is about 26 miles (42 kms) from the CDG airport There is a metro (rer) from the airport but you will have to make some connections. Best way would be a taxi. Taxis are on meters and should run round trip about 100 --140 euros, The eiffel tower has a nightly light show. You probably will miss it. At the time you will be in Paris all the attractions will be closed. You can stroll down Champs Elysee and people watch or go to one of the club areas like Montmartre or if you have time just stop in one of the late night bistros. Paris is not that large a city and most areas can be reached by taxi or metro in a short time.

A-2:
From the moment you step off the airplane, it will take you about 2 hours to get thru "stuff"; (baggage/customs/ make train/metro transfers) to finally sit down at one of the benches at the base of the tower. The night show is good and the place is barren of most people..it is a good time to watch without having to beat the crowd (check out how the top rotating light is actually 4 lights which turn on and off in sequence). I got off at the Berkhim(?) stop and walked along the river until I came to the Eiffel..then I walked the Champ de Mars (there are several bathrooms there) and saw only 2 couples. You won't be able to hit the place during the day because of your early departure.
You will probably want to check into your hotel first. The train and metro are good..where are you staying? If you study the metro map, it is probably faster than a taxi. There is less traffic at night, but I still think the metro is best.
If you only have a backpack..maybe it's best to to do the Eiffel first, possibly hit the Arch of Triumph and then walk all the way down to the Louvre and maybe cross a couple of bridges. You might find a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts. You can reverse your direction using the metro and go see the Grand Arch at La Defense (you need a metro ticket each way; buy a carnet of 10 tickets before the windows close..maybe buy them at CDG). Montmarte is lively until 1am-ish..use the Anvers stop for the Sacre Coeur (very high spot..sit on the steps and see the city). The metro stops about 1am so plan to do most of your far searches first and then do the areas around your hotel..unless you get a taxi from a late night bar. There are some clubs which stay open till 6am. Stay away from the Barbes-Rouchechoart area!
Next morning: going back via metro and train, it will take 1-1/2 to 2 hours to find yourself sitting at your gate with time to take a breather before almost immediately boarding...take the 2 hours and you will be sure to catch your flight.
Bring Euros from your home bank to save time.

A-3:
The absolute earliest you will be able to get into Paris is around 10pm and it might be tough to get tickets to go to the top.
As Nars said, Sacre Coeur in Montmartre is a great place to visit at night. The Basilica may be closed by the time you get there, but the view of the city at night is well worth the trip to the top.
BTW - the metro doesn't go to CdG. You can take the RER B line and then hop onto the metro...

A-4:
We had seven hours to spare at Charles de Gaulle between flights, so took the metro into Paris, €9.10 each way. It took an hour and a half, including a short walk from the station (Gare du Nord/Tour Eiffel) to the Eiffel Tower itself. It was daytime, and there were long queues. By the time you have collected your luggage and got to your hotel, it will be at least 10 pm. The Tower is open until midnight June - September.
If you are taking the metro back to the airport, watch the screen showing the next destination. The line forks and not every train goes to the airport.
The train we were on was heading for terminus B5, and Charles de Gaulle is at B3, but we were lucky to spot this at an earlier station (before it diverted) so got off and waited for the next train. If we hadn't noticed, we might have missed our flight.

Train-Tram route in Paris from CDG Airport?

Q: Hi, I have the following directions:
RER B from CDG to Cluny Sorbonne
Cluny Sorbonne: Line 10 metro to Michel Angel Molitor
Michel Angel Molitor: line 9 to Point De Sevres
Could someone kindly tell me what tickets should I buy at the CDG so that it is cheapest for me. I have to go to zone3. A "t" ticket allow transfer only between trams, or tram-RER, so am not sure that would work.

A: I've been to Paris twice and both times I used my train ticket to my final destination..which was in zone 1 (Anvers stop). I think your train ticket will be good to your last stop, but I think it would be easiest to ask the ticket agent at CDG to be sure. I also bought a Navigo pass at the same time. I did get a good street map and metro map as it is sometimes hard to figure out where you will pop out of the ground.

Is the Paris metro safe at 6 AM?

Q:I have a morning flight out of Charles De Gaulle airport, and I'd like to be to the airport by 7 AM at the latest. I am a single female traveling alone, with luggage. Would I likely encounter any problems taking métro line 3 to Opera to catch the Roissybus at 6 AM?
Merci beaucoup!

A-1: ive got a friend living there she travels by train since last year and she told me its ok she has no bad experiences

A-2: It's safe, don't worry.

A-3: Have you checked the metro schedules? I am not absolutely sure but I believe first train on line 3 leaves the terminal at 5:30AM

A-4: Like Reinaldo I believe it is too early for a metro. Better take a taxi. At that time you will have no problem reaching the Roissybus on time and quickly.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Where are the Air France busses at CDG airport?

Q:Where are the Air France busses at CDG airport?
I'm flying into GDG airport in Paris in September and from there, I need to get to Paris montparnasse in order to take a train to La Rochelle. I hear that the Air France busses are the easiest way to go. Could someone tell me where in the airport they are situated and whether or not I have to buy a ticket beforehand? Thank you in advance!

A-1:There is an Air France bus stop outside each Terminal at CDG, so it doesn't matter which Terminal your plane arrives at, the bus stop will be there. Just exit the building and look around. There are often signs in the Terminal directing you to the different bus stops but, if you're not sure where to go, just ask at the Information Desk.
You buy a ticket at the bus stop.

A-2:The information booths at CDG are the best of any major airport anywhere. They give assistance in many different languages. Very easy to use and are accurate

Friday, July 8, 2011

Church of Saint Peter of Montmartre

Saint-Pierre de Montmartre is located on the north side of the Sacre-Coeur and excellent aerial photos can be done from the dome of the latter.

The church is built on a traditional Latin cross plan with three naves and a transept, and a tangle of medieval and later styles. The facade dates from the 17th century and the bronze doors of 1980 (by T. Gismondi).

Inside the ship is romance, but is covered with a 15th-century arch and flanked by aisles added in 1765 (north) and c.1838 (south). The windows are filled with stained glass windows of the 20th century.

The transept and the choir are also Romanesque, the choir and has one of the first pointed arches in Paris (c.1147). The apse was rebuilt in the late 12th century. Behind the altar is the tomb of the Adelaide Savioe, the foundress of the monastery and the mother of King Louis VI.

Four marble Roman columns with capitals Merovingian (seventh century) can be seen in the church: two on the west wall, an entrance to the apse and the north aisle.

Foundations of the Roman temple were discovered on the north side of the church. The cemetery (rarely open) contains the tomb of Louis circumnavigator Bougainville (1729-1811) and the sculptor Pigalle (1714-1785).

Next door is the Jardin du Calvaire (Calvary Garden, closed), the Stations of the Cross has made ​​for Richelieu.

Address: 2 rue du Mont-Cenis, F-75018 Paris, France

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Hotel Costes Restaurant - st honore roland

The Costes Brothers are very famous in Paris, because many restaurants such as Le Café Marly near the Tour Eiffel or Le Georges. This very trendy restaurant in Paris with many celebrities have the same features you find in other Costes restaurants, a variety of courses, appetizers and salads, so you can always find something you feel like eating, a very nice surroundings and the many celebrities eating there for dinner.

The restaurant terrace is particularly beautiful and we advise you to be able to reserve lunch or dinner on the terrace. The restaurant consists of luxurious furniture, but in a very modern and trendy way.

The prices are a bit high, but the food is worth the money you'll spend. Try all the tartar / return, which is a specialty of the Costes Brothers of the vegetables with olive oil and Parmesan cheese if you prefer a light lunch at the trendy restaurant in Paris with many celebrities.

Want to go to another restaurant with a terrace, go to the best terraces in Paris and choose between many different restaurants such as Café Marly near the Louvre, Tokyo near the Tour Eiffel or Le Georges with the most beautiful terrace Eat Paris.

Trendy and fashionable restaurant in Paris city centre

239 Rue St. Honore | 01 Arr., 75001 Paris, France

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Is Paris cold all the time?

Paris has the typical Western European oceanic climate which is affected by the North Atlantic Current. Over a year, Paris' climate can be described as mild and moderately wet.

Summer days are usually warm and pleasant with average temperatures hovering between 15 and 25 °C, and a fair amount of sunshine. Each year, however, there are a few days where the temperature rises above 32 °C (90 °F). Some years have even witnessed some long periods of harsh summer weather, such as the heat wave of 2003 where temperatures exceeded 30 °C (86 °F) for weeks, surged up to 40 °C (104 °F) on some days and seldom cooled down at night. More recently, the average temperature for July 2010 has been 21 °C (70 °F), with an average minimum temperature of 16 °C (61 °F) and an average maximum temperature of 27 °C (81 °F).[59]

Spring and autumn have, on average, mild days and fresh nights, but are changing and unstable. Surprisingly warm or cool weather occurss frequently in both seasons.

In winter, sunshine is scarce; days are cold but generally above freezing with temperatures around 7 °C. Light night frosts are however quite common, but the temperature will dip below −5 °C (23 °F) for only a few days a year. Snowfall is rare, but the city sometimes sees light snow or flurries with or without accumulation. Recently, notably in 2009 and 2010, cold waves brought repeated heavy snowfalls (15 cm (5.91 in) in 2010) and temperatures plummeting to −10 °C (14 °F) and −20 °C (−4 °F) in the Paris suburbs.

Rain falls throughout the year, and although Paris is not a very rainy city, it is known for heavy sudden showers. Average annual precipitation is 652 mm (25.7 in) with light rainfall fairly distributed throughout the year. The highest recorded temperature is 40.4 °C (105 °F) on 28 July 1948, and the lowest is a −23.9 °C (−11 °F) on 10 December 1879.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Paris Budget Hotels



Paris Budget Hotels - Cheap Hotels in Paris


If you need "Cheap Accommodation in Paris", you can look at this page. "Cheap Paris Hotels" are here. Hotels which are on this page called "Budget Hotels Paris". These costs are less than EUR 65. You can take information about them here what you need.



Hotel De Maubeuge
2 Stars


Comfort Gare de L'Est
2 Stars


Montparnasse Alesia
2 Stars


Comfort Hotel St Pierre
2 Stars


Tryp Blanche Fontaine
3 Stars


Hotel Terminus Nation
2 Stars

Sunday, January 30, 2011

What activities are there for two teenagers and two adults in Paris, France?

Q:
(14-16 years old) (40-50 years old)

A:
Tons of things to do.
Of course, there is the Eiffel tower, a great place to get a view of the whole city, watch the sunset, and enjoy being on top of the world.
Nortre Dame cathedral - go up on the bel towers and view the gargoyles, you can also (on smog free days) get a good view of the \Eiffel tower and Sacre Couer.
Sacre Coeuer up in Montmartre is an interesting church, you can go down to see the burial places of some, and up on a scramble around the top of the church. The steps are a good place to rest, eat a picnic lunch and watch people, then you can wander around the artist area and see artists at work in the square, have a coffee, and there are a ton of shops for tourists up there.
If the kids are into art, or have a period of history or french person they are interested in - the museums are fantastic. The Louvre and Orsay are must sees- you can easily set a time and place to meet and go off exploring on your own. The louvre has a great antiqities area for those interested in Egyptian sculpture, mummies, and the like. As well as lots of sculpture and paintings.
Go to the Rodin museum and take your picture by "the thinker.
An interesting if macabre place is the catacombs.
At night you can wander around the latin quarter and buy crepes form street vendors (my daughter always liked the nutella ones)
You can do a boat ride on the Seine at night, see the city lit up and get a riverside point of view of the main sites.
The arc de Triomphe has a 5:00 ceremony everyday for the unknown soldier, with veterans from many wars attending, and from up on top you get good views of the Eiffel tower, and dwn the Champs Elysees. You can walk down the Champ Elysees towards the Seine, and when you get tired hop a metro to the place de concord and ride the ferris wheel.
There are usually caricature artists near the main tourist sites if you want to get a family one done to remember your visit.
A side trip to Versailles can be interesting - in addition to the palace and all the luxury inside, there is an enormous park with gardens and fountains to explore. Sundays there is a fountain show which is spectacular.

You can also do day trips via train to Chartres (cathedral painted by Monet and where St Joan met her end) , Reims (cathedral where kings crowned and champagne winery tours - thru their caves, very interesting), to Giverney where Monet's house is, or up to Deauville on the Normandy coast or a day tour to the D-day beaches and towns. Pont du Hoc is amazing for showing the destructive inpact of bombs on the landscape.

Romantic Spot in Paris

1
If you must... I have seen them on the pont de l'Archevêché just behind Notre Dame. They are a bit of an eyesore.

2
Paris is appropriately known as the 'Heaven of Romance', as this is a place where you can announce your eternal love for your beloved in a beautiful way. The major attractions of Paris include places like Le Louvre, Eiffel tower, Euro Disney, Sacre Coeur, Montparnasse, Arc de Triumphe and Centre Pompidou.

So, organize a trip to Paris with your beloved, and live the most exciting era of romance in the 'Heaven of romance'.

What can i buy in Paris?

1
Street venders under the Eiffel tower sell mini models of the tower for 1 euro. You can bargain if you get 10 or 20. From Place Blanc/Place Pigalle and to the west to the Gotte de Or (african district), there are a few nick-nack stores that have the typical souvenirs. I got a scarf for a gf and draped it over Jim Morrison's tomb and then took a picture. She loved it. Send postcards to all your friends. But the postage will cost you more than the card.

2
Went to Paris and bought all my family members Effiel Tower key chains. They appreciated them. Also you can get a berets. If money isn't a problem you can also get Chanel or Louis Vuitton. Also you can go to the red light district (Moulin Rouge) and they have tons of crazy shops you can get gag gifts.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Romantic Restaurants in Paris for Valentine's Day

Romantic Restaurants in Paris for Valentine's Day

Paris Romantic Restaurants - Valentine's Day 2011
There some useful answers about Romantic Restaurants in Paris for having unforgettable Valentine's Day 2011.
1
La Coupe Chou in the Latin quarter is very nice. Like many other restaurants they have a Valentine's Day special menu.

http://www.lecoupechou.com/Menu-for-February-14,-2008-Saint-Valentin-_a105.html?PHPSESSID=17d8ae5ee71ea0e209cf3313d06d8e58

2
Another nice choice would be the Bel Canto where your meal is served by opera singers who perform throughout the evening. there are two, one in Neuilly and the other by the Hotel de Ville. http://www.lebelcanto.com/?langue=en

The Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. The food is fixed prix, the view is spectacular and it is tres romantique!!! What a great place to have Valentine's. It is not far from the Arc, either!

3
Le Grand Colbert for good, authentic French food
Metro- Bourse/Pyramides

La Grande Cascade for seafood
Metro- Porte maillot/Neuilly

Les Ambassadeurs if you feel like going all out for some of the best food in Paris
Metro- Concorde

The first two fit nicely into the budget you suggested, but the third might be a little on the high side. Have fun in Paris!

4
L'Auberge Bressane is nice, and around that price. Check out http://www.auberge-bressane.com/

5
I thought Le Tresor in the Marais was romantic. Here's a link to some photos. My friends and I actually sat at the table in the first photo; I sat in the gold chair!

http://www.parismarais.com/gay-guide/restaurant-le-tresor/restaurant_le_tresor.htm

6
There was a really nice , but it wasn't really "Romantic" though,
in Calais, they served really nice frog dishes, and a couple of other mussells /mules dishes...

I think you would find Romantic Restaurant on the suburb of Paris...

There are loads out there, or try near the Eiffel Tower, at 7 PM onwards it looks fabulously, Romantic,...
It's just beautiful.

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Paris Valentine's Day 2011
58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant, Le Meurice Restaurant, Royal Madeleine, Chez Julien, Le Petit Bordelais, La Rose de France, Music Hall, Alcazar Market, Vin et Marée ...

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Paris Valentine's Day 2011

Paris Valentine's Day 2011

What to do in Paris on Valentine's day?
With its beautiful architecture, charming environment and world class food, Paris is an ideal place to spend Valentine's Day. The city of light seems to be synonymous with romance, so finding things to do for this special occasion should not be too difficult in this city.

Here are some ideas to help you have a truly memorable Valentine's Day in Paris.

1.Outdoor lover's Valentine's in Paris
Love comes naturally on Valentine's Day in Paris, with all the charming cobbled streets and intimate places. Wrap up warm for a cozy bike ride à deux through the dreamy Bois de Boulogne, skate hand-in-hand at Montparnasse or smooch in the Place des Vosges' secret garden; perfect for Valentine's in Paris.

2.Valentine's day special events
Each year, plenty of special Valentine's Day events are organized in Paris. From amorous-themed exhibits to dance lessons, romantic film screenings, or cooking classes for two you will find all exciting and romantic Valentine's Day events in Paris.

3.Valentine's Day Dinner Cruises and Cabarets
Take a cruise on the Seine. You can sip champagne while watching the magnificent city pass by. Many Seine riverboat tours also offer elaborate dinners and entertainment.

4.Valentine's Day gifts

Paris has more shops and department stores per square foot than nearly anywhere in the world. If you want to present someone special an exclusive gift for Valentine's Day, you should have no trouble finding it in Paris.

5.Valentine's Day dinner
Paris is filled with top-rate restaurants, many with an exclusively romantic ambiance. If you reserve ahead and avoid overly-noisy or crowded restaurants, dinner for two is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. Dine at a traditional French restaurant. Be sure to sample some of the delicious French food for your Valentine's Day dinner.

6.Enjoying in Paris
Paris's Left Bank is a famous stomping ground for writers, painters and artists. Walking hand in hand with your lover along the Left Bank, enjoying the beautiful atmosphere is an unforgettable way to experience Valentine's Day in Paris.

7.Romantic views in Paris

Imagine overlooking the entire city of light with someone you love. Paris affords several great spots for romantic panoramic views. Some of them are even free. Visit the Eiffel Tower. There is nothing more romantic than enjoying the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower with your loved one. The Eiffel Tower sparkles at night and the view is fabulous.

8.Opera, theater and shows

Renowned for its excellent performing arts, Paris is the place for a romantic night of music or theater. If you both are learning French, nothing could be more stimulating than seeing a play in French and then decrypting it together afterward.

These are some romantic ways through which you can celebrate Valentine's Day in Paris.

What to do in Paris on Valentine's day

Valentines Day in Paris, France

What to do in Paris on Valentine's day?
Planning a trip to Paris for Valentines Day? Check out these pages with useful information about great Paris hotels, romantic Paris restaurants, and other activities for Valentines Day in Paris.

Paris Hotels: Luxury and Cheap Hotels in Paris

Paris Restaurants: Where to Eat in Paris

Paris Bars and Clubs

And don't forget to check out Homepage > USEFULS category. It is possible to find cool ideas.

Other articles about Valentine's Day in Paris:
Paris Valentine's Day 2011
Paris Valentine's Day 2011 What to do in Paris on Valentine's day? With its beautiful architecture, charming environment and world class food,...

8 hours in Paris - What to do

8 hours in Paris - What to do

Best things to do for 8 hours in Paris
At night, there will be only bars, clubs and restaurants open so the Louvre is out of the question. The Moulin Rouge is a huge tourist trap full of Japanese tourists. You could take a walk down the Champs d'Elyssee and look at the store windows (no, it's not boring) or look at the Eifel tower at night. 3 hours might not be enough to get back to the the airport and to your gate so allow more time so you won't miss your flight.

Another Answer
Paris ! You'll love it. Walk around a bit. It's the kind of city you can just roam around and you'll always find something unexpected. Go into some little Boulangeries (bakeries) and try the food. I lived in Paris for 2 years. Even the local parts of the city are beautiful. If you're just looking to see whats there just walk around. thats one of the best things about the city. You can get anywhere by foot or Metro.

Two Days in Paris - Where to visit

Two Days in Paris- Where to visit

Best things to do for 2 days in Paris
You don't have to worry about things being closed. The tourist attractions in Paris are not the sort of things that close off season.

You can see quite a lot in 2 days since most of the tourist attractions are in a fairly narrow belt on wither side of the Seine. Paris is also a very compact city and much physically smaller than, for example, London or New York.

There are a lot of museums in Paris and just the Louvre is so big that you could spend months in it and not see everything. So you'll have to decide what your priorities are.

Here's a little list of things you should see in two days:

Notre Dame Cathdral
Sacre Coeur
Sainte Chapelle
Conciergerie
Place St. Michel
Place des Vosges
Tuileries Gardens
Arc du Carousel
Arc de Triomphe and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Champs Elysee
La Madelaine
Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon
Luxembourg Gardens
Musee D'Orsay
Centre Pompidieu
Place Bastille
Cluny Museum
Pantheon

Another Answer about "2 Days in Paris"
Two days is about enough time to scratch the surface of Paris, but not much else. So much to do and see. In two days, I think this is what I would prioritize:

Day one:
Eiffel Tower
Sainte-Chapelle & Notre Dame (a block away from each other)
Arc de Triomphe
Anytime left over, do the casual thing and just walk around. They have beautiful gardens and architecture. Be sure to sit along the river and just take it in for awhile - a great place for a picnic.

Day Two:
I would spend day two doing the museums or Versailles. The Louvre can suck you in for an entire day if you aren't careful, so be sure to know what you want to see and how much time you want to spend. Otherwise you'll spend the whole day there. I actually enjoyed Musee d'Orsay more than the Louvre. Less volume but still high quality pieces. I enjoyed the statue garden at Rodin also. There is so much to see, try not to loose your whole day at the Louvre.
If art isn't your thing, head to Versailles. It's a beautiful (slightly ostentatious) estate with a unique and violent history and great gardens. Another place that is nice for a picnic. Technically, you could do both Versailles and a few museums if you were careful with your time. But if you wanted to do it more casual I'd only choose one.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

How much money should I take to Paris?

How much money should I take to Paris?

How much money should I bring to Paris, France?

1
Your costs in Paris can vary very widely but I will assume you are neither trying to get by on a rock bottom budget nor independently wealthy.

If breakfast is alrady included in the hotel price then, of course, eat there. But if it is not then don't eat at your hotel but have breakfast at a local cafe and eat as the French do. Cafe au lait, perhaps some juice, and a sweet roll or a simple piece of bread with butter and jam. Even this won't be cheap by American standards, 5-7 euros but still much less than a full American or English breakfast would cost (assuming you could find it being served).

Eat your big meal of the day at lunch when prices are better for full meals. Along the Rue Mouffetard in the 5th arrondissment you can find three course meals with a drink for as little as 10-15 euros. Cafes usually have a lunch special up on a chalkboard, its usually good value for the money.

For dinner consider a sandwich or other light fare at a cafe. If you'd like something a bit fancier then try my favorite little place, La Methode at 2 rue Descartes in the 5th. You'll get some really good food and wine for about 30 euros a person.

Buy your metro tickets in a "carnet" of 10 and the price of a metro trip drops to 1.11 euros. If you think you may actually travel more than 5 times on public transport in a day then buy a one day pass called a "mobilis" which will cost 5.60 euros .

Add another 10-15 euros for admissions to museums and sights unless you're going to try to see every musem in Paris in 4 days in which case you might consider a Museum Pass.

Then figure at least some money for night time entertainment. A carafe of wine will cost 20 euros at my favorite hangout, Aux Trois Mailletz at 56 rue Galand in the 5th but you can listen to music all night for that.

2
Plan on AT LEAST $100/day. This is for food, transportaion, and visiting the sights. The cheapest way for transport and the local sights is a metro pass and a museum pass (the Eiffel tower is not included) This pass allows you to go in the sights at the head of the line, as many times as you want, so if you have a couple of spare hours, you can revisit your favorite. Great for making short visits to the museums so you don't get overwhelmed by trying to do it all in one visit.

if you want to buy designer clothes, take twice that (at least). They are not cheap. I'd avoid the clothes, especially since your dad is paying. Go window shop instead. Even then the prices are daunting. For fashion that is NOT designer, there are cute things in shops in the latin quarter, where students abound. IF you want fashion, shop around there. Look at the locals, you'll be amazed at the fashion you see in everyday people there without designer clothes. The shoes are amazing.

I would recommend you DON'T take traveller's check, instead take a credit/debit card and use it for cash withdrawals when you need it. Use it for credit purchases when you can. There are banks everywhere and you can make a lot of purchases with a credit card so you don't need to carry a lot of cash. Getting money from an ATM is far easier than finding a place to cash traveller's checks, so you won't get slowed down. I'd recommend taking 2 cards, so you can use one and have a spare if anything happens to the other one. write down card no.s and phone no.s to call if it gets lost and keep somewhere safe in the hotel room. Before you leave the US, let the bank know you will be using your credit card in France - sometimes they will assume it has been stolen since the normal pattern for card use is not in France.

You should try to avoid looking like a tourist - carry a purse instead of a fanny pack, keep a death grip on it while on the metro or in tourist places, wear nice jeans and shirts, and you'll blend in better and not stand out as a tourist. Be especially careful the first day, as jet lag will make you tired and make it harder to pay attention.

Suggestions for school trip to Paris - France

Suggestions for school trip to Paris - France

What do you wear on a school trip to France?
I'd recommend dressing up a bit, just so you don't look like a tourist. Try full, calf length skirts, a nice cotton tank, and a fitted jacket. Also, some skinny jeans and a flowy top, and you can throw a fitted jacket over if it gets chilly at night. Another idea: dress up a t and some jeans with a cute scarf. Add comfortable flats and some bangles.
Some suggestions:
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http://www.forever21.com/heritage1981/pr…
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http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/W…

I am going on a school trip to france. Any advice? Fashion? Bad food? Customs? Things to look out for?
I went there on a school trip two years ago. It was great! What i suggest to you though is that if you really want to do something and it is not in the itinerary then ask your tour guide or teacher if you can, like i got my class to go to the Musee d'orsay because i wanted to go.

When you want to shop you should try and go to the less touristy areas for some more real french things.

Be care full of beggars and dodgy sales people! They pray on tourist, specially on young ones. They may come up to you and say something like 'I need money for my children' or it might be on a note, the best thing to do is just walk away. Some dodgy sales people may run up to you and try to get you to buy their goods, usually stolen souvenirs, just say no and walk off and they should hurt you. Also there are some pick pocketers so be aware of that. In the metro especially. My whole class, we actually put out backpacks on the front of ourselves instead of our backs so we could see them.

Some french food is raw, so don't order any raw food.

I can't really help you about the fashion thing because your not telling us when your going, really depends the season you go. Winter have very warm clothes, summer t-shirts and you might need some clothes for mildy cold weather and in autumn and spring clothes for both cool and warm weather.

Hmm customs, well even though lot's of french people speak english, they won't want to speak english to you, they are proud of their country and language and annoying tourist expecting them to speak english can upset them. So try to speak to them in french, learning the basic tourist french isn't hard if you have a little book with you. Also, if they say something to you and you don't understand say "Je suis desole, jai na comprende pas" - which means 'I am sorry, i do not understand'. Or just say pardon.

Going on my trip to france was the best experience of my life! Try new things and make sure you have fun!