What are some things to know before going to Paris, France?

Question

-do i need to know french well? i only know little bit. What are some phrases that are good to know?

-are there any nice stores there that sell french style clothes and berets cheap?

-where are some nice inexpensive restaurants over there? any yummy food suggestions (no meat or wine in it!)?

-what are some other things good to know?

Answer 1

Having recently been to France I can tell you that knowing a little french it really goes  a long way. It doesn't have to be much. I knew a little french and it really proved to be a great tool for breaking the barrier. Take a phrase book with you all the time go through it and any time you want to say something to someone look up what it is an try to say it in french first before resorting to English. You'll see that the response is going to be more friendly that if you just start to speak in English. After all you are in their country and experiencing their culture is what is all about and culture comes through language.

Use Bon Jour to greet people everywhere. Politeness is really well regarded in Paris. Also say Sil Vou Plait as much as you can. And when looking for the price of something say

Cet Combien.

On the other stuff all I can say is that whereever you are planing on going there go early in the mornings. The crowd are more manageable in the morning. For retsaurant be ready to spend a lot of money. Truth is that France is a very expensive place specially when it come to food. So take advantage of the menu of the day is one of the cheapest way of eating and still is om the pricey side. And last

Walk, Walk, Walk, Walk. I don't know of another city where walking is just a pleasure and the only way of grasping what Paris is all about.

have a Good Time.

Answer 2

This is something I am going to post in almost all of the "What should I know... France" questions:

One thing to notice in France is that there are three (3) different prices for items; mainly food.  There is the price for:

1. Locals,

2. Tourists that make an attempt to speak the language (sans book)

3. Those tourists who don't make any attempt or only know a few lines («garçon!» not included, haha).  Prepare yourself with some French.  Try to go beyond the basic phrases.

Answer 3

Yes, you need to speak French.  At a minimum, be able to ask directions (and understand the responses) in French.  

French cooking (where so many cuisines have drawn from) draws heavily from meat, wine, and cheese; this could be an issue.  Try chowhound.com and use their user boards for recommendations (all the places I recommend use various meats and wines as it's essential to french cooking).  If you're vegetarian, you might want to try any vegetarian/vegan travel boards (don't know of any) for tips.  You're about a half step away from trying to find food in Japan that is vegetarian and does not have rice and/or noodles.

There are shops of every style, demographic, and taste.  

Paris is a wonderful city.  Be not afraid.  I spent six months there and loved every minute.

Answer 4

get a book on Paris, France!! duhh