How to make the most out of a school trip to Paris over Easter?

Question

I'm going to Paris, France over this upcoming Easter Break on a school vacation and was interested in any advice that anyone wants to give me about how to make the best of my trip. Any advice is awesome such as like places to go, places to see, stores to shop at, places to eat, souveneirs to buy, etc. I would also like advice on how to act. I will hav finished most of FRench 4 honors by the time I go and can speak a little French but am not very fluent in speaking the language and I was wondering if when I should/shouldn't use the French I know. Any other advice about customs, common slogans, anything you can give me is greatly appreciated :)

Answer 1

i would suggest you become stronger in speaking

seriously i have the problem of being very strong in writing and reading french but im weak in speaking (im a visual learner).

they don't like when you expect them to speak english because we're in their country. they shouldn't have to adapt to us. some people say some of them tend to get rude when people try to talk to them in english. but if you try, everyone says they respect that and are so much nicer

have fun!

Answer 2

go to the eiffel tower and definitely go see and go up to the top of the arc de triomphe cuz it has one of the best views of the whole city... go eat the deux maggots on the left bank... lastly go see the cathedral on the ile de cite

Answer 3

Your question about how to act gets asked a lot. Here's my usual answer about local customs and norms of behavior: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Use the French you know. The younger you are the nicer people will be if you use some French. Do your best and don't worry that you might make some mistakes. Almost everyone in the hospitality industry (people who work in hotels, cafes and restaurants) will speak at least a little English but they will appreciate the gesture.

Avoid the temptation to eat what is familiar. There are Starbucks and McDonalds everywhere in Paris and a French fast food hamburger chain too but be a little adventurous. Most cafes have lunch specials written on a chalk board. Whatever it is it is usually good value for the money. Look for a cafe that doesn't say "We speak English" or otherwise look like it caters to tourists. Take a look at the people inside. Do they look like locals or tourists?  Sit yourself down and order the daily special even if you don't know what it is. The worst that will happen is that everyone will have a good laugh if it turns out to be something too weird to eat (and it probably won't)

Go to the big plaza in front of the Centre Pompidou and on most sunny afternoons you'll find all sorts of street entertainers.

Among these will almost always be some guys doing big involved audience participation comedy bits. When they call for volunteers (and they always do) STAND UP.

The fact that you're French isn't fluent will be NO problem. They deal with non-French speakers all the time. These guys tend to be very good and very funny. You'll have a great time. Really...trust me on this one. Make sure you have a friend ready to snap a few pictures.

My main advice is to keep an open mind. Be willing to stop and just really look at things, observe how people go about their ordinary lives, and feel the rhythm of the city.  

I envy you your youth. While I still love to travel and love to travel to Paris in particular, I remember how wonderful an adventure it was to be there for the first time and to realize that I was walking in the steps of people like James Joyce and F.Scott Ftizgerald.

Have a great time.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, if you don't have an exchange partner and you travel only with English classmates, it is unlikely you'll improve your French. I don't know your age but I'm gonna advise you.

Going shopping in Paris is funny but you'll have to bring a lot of money, which your parents aren't going to give you.

Of course, in Paris, there are "cheap stores" but either they aren't in touristic area or they aren't interesting at all.

Act in a natural way, don't try to flirt with French boys even through they seem to like it. If you use to wear miniskirt, you need to know that miniskirts are more common in England than in France. Generally, if a French girl wear a miniskirt, one could think she's a tease (it depends of course on the background you're going to associate with). To be more at ease, wear a short skirt with touches knees. Meanwhile, French girls make up more lightly than British girls : if you wear a cleavage with a miniskirt or heels, make up lightly to feel comfortable.

(I write a lot about this topic, but it's important to know that French men and boys can have prejudice in favour of love affairs with foreigners, especially with "les petites Anglaises", English young ladies.)

You don't need to learn special slogans to go into Paris !

Be careful with the taps in the bathroom : blue is cold water and red is warm water. Also mind the electricity sockets which are different from Great-Britain's ones.

In French restaurants, you pay after you have eaten. Waiters will tell you :"Bon appét*t" which means "Happy meal".