I'm goning to Paris, any tips?

Question

My father is going to Paris for a meeting for about 1 week. I'm just tagging alone. I’m afraid that I'll get lost on the subway or rob by some people. (My father's friend got robbed once. They told him there was free stripper in the club, he went into the club, and there was nothing much going on. But when he tries to leave, they wouldn't let him leave without paying them like 100 euros.)

Anybody want to share some insider information? Also, where are the places that I should go? Is it okay to wear sandal, jeans or shorts in the museum? Can I take picture with my digital camera in the museum? What's the weather like in July in Paris? What are the places that I must see in Paris?

I don't speak any French, would this be a problem? Do Parisian speak English? Are they rude? Would they willing to help you out if you are lost?

Thanks. : )

Answer 1

Paris is definitely a lot of fun! I've been there once, and I can honestly say that it was one of my best trips! There is so much to see and do, and with one week's worth of time you really need to plan wisely in order to see a lot of the beautiful city. It is the top tourist attracting city in the world, so I can promise you that you won't be bored.

As for pictures in the museum, there are some pictures in the Louvre that you can't film, just because they want to protect it's quality.

And definitely keep your personal belongings close. There are SO MANY pickpockets in France...we actually lost out camera there because the bag resembled a purse, and the camera contained new pictures that we had just taken from the Eiffel Tower..so that was pretty depressing, lol. Be especially careful around the metro stations, because when there are a lot of people, it gets hard to keep track of your possessions.

As to the people, I guess it depends on who you are talking to. Some people are really aggrevated if you do not speak French. I remember that me and my family were dining at a restaurant, and the waiter served us last because we did not speak French. We ended up having to wait like two hours for our food! It was horrible! But you definitely have  alot to enjoy in the city! Have fun and I hope that you have the trip of your life there!

Answer 2

There are lots of things to see and do in Paris. I have spent a few years there, and I haven't seen it all.

All of the above suggestions are great, but I would also suggest Invalides (where Napolean's body is kept). Go and check out Galleries Lafayette which is a beautiful Hausmann era department store - the huge stain glassed dome is magnificant as is the food hall. My favourite thing to do is to walk around the backstreets looking for markets, cafes boulangeries or patisseries, this will give you an idea of what true parisien life is like.

Check out the Louvre, but try and visit the royal apartments in the Louvre as well as the art. Try to get an idea of what you want to see there and plan accordingly, the Louvre is enormous and can be overwhelming. As for taking pictures, you normally can, but you can't use a flash.

I would forgo wearing sandals, as you may not be allowed in some places (churches, museums etc) and you will do a lot of walking. The Metro is fantastic, but you need to know how it works so get a map. The lines are named for the last stop so line 6, for example, is Charles de Gaulle/Nation. The signs will say 'Direction Charles de Gaulle' which will point you to the correct platform. Be prepared for lots of stairs though!

July is pretty hot in Paris, but it is also very pretty, because all the gardens are green, and the fountains are running. It doesn't get dark until close to midnight though.

Learn a few phrases in French - particularly bonjour monsieur/madame and merci. Trying will get you a long way. If you get lost, look for a police man (gendarme) who will help you.

The French are not rude, but there culture is vastly different to that of the U.S. (or UK, Australia etc.). People often expect the French to be a French speaking American, but they have a completely different mindset. The Parisiens think that they live in one of the best cities in the world (and they are right) and that it is their city, so visitors should at least try and speak some French. If you do, it will certainly help out if you do get lost (and you shouldn't - Paris is a pretty easy city to navigate). My advice is to buy a phrase book - you will enjoy the experience at lot more.

Au revoir!

Answer 3

I would learn a few key phrases in French. If you make an effort to speak to them in their language, they are very friendly and most know English. You can take pictures and wear shorts and stuff, I did. Also, make sure you go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe - it has a better view of the city than the Eiffel Tower. Also, visit the district of Montmarte. It's a really cool artsy area with lots of cafes and shops and a beautiful basilica, Sacre Coeur. Also, take a river cruise along the Seine, it's beautiful, espeically at night. And the Musee de Orsay has better known works than the Louvre, lots of Monet and stuff.

Answer 4

hi im also going to paris in a few months and this site helped us alot. it tells you all the places you should see and all the places you should go. it also says place you should eat at. also this site has information on the crime that goes on in Paris. it tells a little about the ppl and how they act. you should know a little french since most ppl their speak only french, im trying to learn a little before i go. the weather should be warm. http://wikitravel.org/en/Paris  also check out this site http://www.parisinfo.com/



have fun!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

The Paris metro (subway) and bus systems are wonderful.  They are easy to use--my mother loved using both.  Taking the bus, you would be able to see a lot of the city.  Tthe metro is just as good for getting from place to place, and much faster.  I'm not sure about using cameras in museums--most I have been to do not allow it.  You should take the time to see the Louvre museum, Sacre Coeur (Montmartre), the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville (Paris townhall).  Take a ride on the bateaux mouches (the sight-seeing barges that go up and down the Seine).  The Champs Elysees is beautiful at night when all the street lights are on.  Have a wonderfu time.  Keep a tight grip on your purse.  If you can, leave your passport in the hotel safe deposit box.  The Parisians can be extremely rude, and not just to Americans.  Most of them do speak some English, but a lot of them won't let you know that.  Just keep trying.

Answer 6

Paris is as safe as any other major city as long as you are sensible.  Think of the common sense precautions you would take anywhere else - watch your wallet/purse, don't wander around isolated areas alone at night - the usual things you would. You are usually fine in casual gear in the museums but you are generally not allowed to take photos. The weather should be nice and warm in July, probably in the high 70's.  You should go to the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay and the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is fantastic. Try a crepe and some mulled wine in the Tuilleries too.  Most Parisians speak English and although they have a bit of a reputation for being rude,  I've always found them OK.

Answer 7

first off leave your deodorant at home ,stop shaving and bathing and yes there very rude to Americans i would rather slide down a 50 foot razor blade into a pool of alcohol before i go to France