In Praise Of ...... Paris (pic heavy)

It's the one love affair that I've been able to maintain.:) My homage to the greatest city in the world. :loveya:










http://web.france.com/system/files/images/Pompidou+center.jpg

I'm so tired of hearing about her.

how do they treat tourists? Specifically, Americans??? do you HAVE to speak French to go around the city?

But the vast majority treat Americans very well...

They do appreciate any effort towards speaking their language, but they want to mostly practice their English with you!

We found it to be a very welcoming town.

I have been there several times, even climbed the steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower. If you want to be treated right as an American in France visit the towns along the Normandy coast. Paris has the same problems as any other big city in the world. My favorite city in Europe is Budapest.

..... and my French is bare-bones. ..... I think it has a lot to do with attitude of the tourists.

I was there on official military duty. It is a shame that the French can treat American military like shit since thousands of American service members died to liberate France. I will admit though the cleanest public restroom I've been in is the restroom in the Hard Rock Cafe in Paris.

He was a co-pilot of a B-17 in World War II, shot down over Germany. He was badly wounded and spent time in Stalag Luft III. He later flew in Vietnam. My father was really a bon vivant; he loved snails, good wine, cheese, champagne, and especially cognac. He loved the French and just didn't have that opinion at all of them that you have. Yes, he ran into some jerks, but he met far more French people that laughed with him and got drunk with him, despite the fact he spoke little French. He even married a French woman, my mother. Her brother fought in the resistance and her brother-in-law was in a division of Alpine troops badly wounded on the plains of Belgium when the Germans invaded. They loved Americans, especially the military that came to save them. I'm not suggesting that your experience is not true and I respect it. But I think there are other viewpoints. I think it's unfair to say "the French" (in their entirety) can treat American military like shit.

The French share a border with the Germans - I always tell that to freeps who insist we did the French a big favor and that they were "weak." :wtf: We had an ocean between ourselves and the Germans so that one I'll leave to the freepers.

We had our own interests in not letting the Germans overrun Europe. Even if they could never have made it to the U.S., trade and diplomacy would have been negatively affected. So I would imagine it easy for the French to resent the fact we owe them. And 60 years later, too. How long do they have to do whatever the U.S. wants to pay off WWII?

I have rightie relatives who send around the email occasionally on how the French should still be groveling at our feet because they don't have to speak German today. Whatever. Even if we saved them from that, to go on about it for so long and in people's faces is really obnoxious.

The rude French person is a rarity....unless you're rude too.

Attitude is everything!

I know less than 5 words of French, and frankly I was treated better in Paris by the locals than I am by other Americans on a daily basis.

It must have been you...I was treated just fine and speak practically no French.

French have a lot of spunk! And they love their country at least as much as Americans love their country. And they are proud of being French and of their history and accomplishments.

Anyone who visits France with respect for the country, the culture and the people is welcome. But too many American tourists have, historically, descended on Paris as the "liberators!" and imposed their arrogance and their total lack of effort to speak French on the "natives!"

French are proud people. And they will make an effort to speak English, IF you make an effort to speak French! One thing is true, though, they are not as good at LEARNING English than the Germans or Dutch are! . . .But then again. . .who are we to criticize their lack of enthusiasm for "foreign" languages like English!

And, no, I am not French. . .but I have lived there for 4 years and I am originally from a neighboring country: Belgium, and my first language is French.

I found the French very warm and friendly and I cannot speak French. A wonderful man helped me carry by bags up from the underground, without my asking. Directions were always nicely given. I had more problems in Italy.

...that if you at least attempt to speak their language, you'll be treated just fine. I haven't been to Paris, but that's how it was in Germany and Belgium. A few phrases in the native language go a long way. I have little doubt that Parisians appreciate the effort as much as anyone else.

because we didn't have a great time in Paris. It was beautiful but everyone seemed to be in a bad mood. It was late in the season.

I went with two female relatives though. As an all female group, French waiters, all male for whatever reason, treated us in a very friendly way. The guy behind the hotel counter was nice to us from the start, kidded around with us and told us things.

I was pleasantly surprised, given what I had heard, and it was during the Blivet Administration. Right wing idiots don't go to France, so I guess given the self selected group that go there is not likely to be freeperish, tourists are probably viewed differently by the French than average Americans.

Greatest place on the face of the Earth.

It is also one of my favorite cities in the world...

Did you get to see La Sainte Chappelle?

All that stained glass...*sigh*

Thanks for posting!

K&R

What a treasure -- a tiny rare jewel that I never expected. I think that it was even more special because I hadn't planned to see it and had never heard of it prior to finding it while exploring Paris.

:loveya:

when asked in the art class if anyone had ever been to an art museum or studio and only 2 people raised their hands. Then they were given very simplistic and condescending definition of different types of art, drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.

It will be a long quarter.

I very much like Paris and so does my kid. Very nice pictures, thank you for posting them.

I get odd looks for squeezing baguettes in the store here. Ah well.

Is two days in Paris too little time?

I've been to Paris 4 times, and have only scratched the surface.

If you think you can visit Washington DC in 3 hours, and New York in one hour. . then you'll have plenty of time to visit Paris in 2 days!!!

But if you actually want to VISIT Paris. . .I would suggest 2 weeks! If you only have 2 days, I would spend them at the Louvre(at least one full day), the Eiffel tower, Montmartre and le Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame. . .And you'll have to run non-stop!

Otherwise, if you do have 2 weeks, you may be able to explore the outskirts of Paris (like Versailles). But,pleasssse, if you only spend 2 days in Paris. . .do not EVER mention to anyone that you've "visited Paris!!!!" You would be a laughing stock!

Two days is a light taste.

Do you like cities? If you do Paris really is a feast. Beautiful parks, bustling streets and history at every turn. As I sat in a laundromat doing some much needed cleaning I was flipping through a guidebook and realized that the weirdly thick crumbling red brick thing with the buildings built right up against it was the old Roman wall. As in built by the Romans. Just sitting there!

If you like museums it's one of the best places in the world. I spent 2 solid days in the Louvre and still missed things. There's the Orsay with impressionist and nouveau art. Rodin and Picasso's homes are both museums of their work. There's also the Cluny museum of the middle ages. If you've ever seen pictures of the Unicorn Tapestries that's where they are. You'll find a hundred other small museums and cathedrals to visit too. One of my favorites is the Paris Catacombs down in the old Plaster of Paris mines. The bones of 6 million people arranged neatly. No other experience like it.

Oh, and don't worry about rude Parisians. Sure you can find one but they're in no greater proportion than rude Americans. Just be polite, the French set a great value on politeness.

PM me if you have any questions, I'm not an expert but I do love it.

I spent 6 weeks there in 1980 while my husband was doing some consulting work for the French government. Beautiful city. It rained every day, but that was ok because there were so many great museums, churches, palaces, and other indoor sites. I had no idle time and still didn't see everything. Look forward to returning one day with my daughter and seeing some of what I missed.

Hang out in cheap 1 star hotels ($40/night), eat well, go to museums and concerts, and otherwise have fun.


The one thing I never understood about Paris is how they let their dogs shit everywhere.

dogs seated at the next table leaned over and put their wet noses in my dinner. They are welcome everywhere.

I started to believe that the reason it rained so much was that it was nature's way of cleaning the sidewalk. Pedestrians really do have to watch where they step.

It was a great, romantic trip -- but cold as hell in late March.

That's one of the few hooker streets in Paris, this one is by Pigalle.

I am a musician and this neighborhood is where most of the musical instruments shops are.

Pigalle is otherwise a bit tourist trap.

Whereas Rue St. Denis is just scuzzy.

while lost trying to find our hotel. Tried asking for directions and were summarily ignored, like we were invisible. When we finally found the hotel, we asked the concierge why such mean treatment. He told us we were on the hooker street and probably thought we were trying to steal some business :rofl:

Yes, I love Paris also! I lived in Versailles for 4 years, and took the train to Paris at least once a week! It is a magical city!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures!

Would you believe that the French Government is a Social Democracy!!!! And that French people are probably the most outspoken critics of EVERYTHING!. . .They didn't need "freedom of speech" constitutional right to TAKE the freedom to speak!
And they do have universal health care. . !
And their economy is recovering a LOT faster than ours. . .could it be that excellent socialist "safety net?"

I love Paris!

I have been there twice and promise not to go back. Maybe it was that I went in August and the place was insanely packed. I've visited other cities and was delighted with the people.

I have been in Mets, Nancy, Lille (loved that little town), Domremy and Strasbourg. I'll get to Normandie someday.

Yep, if you were there in August, it probably was packed. . .but you know what, it wasn't packed by Parisians!!! It was packed by your fellow tourists!

It is a well known fact in Europe that, in August, all the Parisians leave Paris to go on vacation. . .and to escape the tourists!
It is the worse month to visit Paris if you really want to KNOW Paris and the Parisians!

Sad part is that if you go read tourist guides, they say it is the best time to go. First time I went to Paris was in November (Thanksgiving week) and was freezing cold (for a Floridian of course). It was better then cause there was nearly no one in the city. We went to the Eiffel Tower and the line took us only 20 minutes to go up.

I guess to me is that it just reminded me of Disney. Too touristy for my taste.

I don't have problems w Parisians as my husband speaks French (Parisians love French Canadians).

:rofl: :rofl:

:spank:

... when about 80-90% of the country goes on vacation and the vast majority of retail Paris shuts down. When I first visited Paris (in April-May-June-July), I (not speaking French) was puzzled by the "Ferme Août" signs in all the shops and restaurants. My (now ex-)wife explained the meaning of "Closed August" (yes, Virginia, the whole month) signs. I was gobstruck. It was amazing to me that WORKING PEOPLE (organized labor) were so politically strong and such cultural practices were regarded as commonplace. I loved it! So, now I'm frequently amused that folks unfamiliar with French (and European) vacation practices are taken for a ride and visit in August without knowing.

It tickles me. :rofl:

reminisce. But as an American, I found the French in the smaller towns were incredibly welcoming and patient. I don't think it's all about attitude. Back in the '80s, it was a dream come true for me to be in a city I thought was the epitome of class. I was told several times by French friends not to admit that I was from America, but to stress my native African heritage instead.

Paris is the favorite city. I will probably never get to see it again. All downhill since nine-eleven.

I lived there for a year and it was the best year of my life.

Even though I was an impoverished student back then who would go for days sometimes without a meal it was also the best year of my life.

Paris is magic. There's just no explaining why I love it ... and San Francisco is second.

in the depths of winter (January), and we still loved it. Most were friendly. In fact, the only rude people I can really recall was probably the old dowager lady types and their nasty little barking dogs. And you can get by with just knowing how to say hello and goodbye, thank you etc in French, as long as you are sincere and smile and express that you mean well, they will be just as friendly in return. Plus, almost everybody speaks English in some form, anyway.

On a side note, though, it is interesting how they tell US tourists not to look overly "American," as in don't wear white sneakers, white clothes, or shirts with pictures on them, and other things that evidently scream "American," but I would never imagine to wear. I wore pretty plain clothes a pea coat, and a pair of boots, which really came in handy when walking through the muddy catacombs. One thing I couldn't get was how all the men over there wear like track suits and trainers that absolutely have to show off their socked ankles. Even in England the style was the same. Maybe someone could explain the style to me?
It just seemed so bizarre. Go figure, I guess:shrug: However, have you ever seen many Europeans and the way they dress when coming to the states? Apparently that whole try to fit in thing is only for Americans, as the Euros come wearing socks with sandals, and other strange attire. When my cousin came over from Europe with her fiance, I can only describe what he was wearing as flood pants and a "man purse." So much for fitting in, and it sure was interesting walking around the streets of NYC with them :rofl:

Had a grand old time all over the place except for that crap city. I even like the rest of France.

As my 2 year old daughter dictated in the year 2002 whilst sitting in a Paris café. Hanging out with a young child in Paris is the most amazing experience because the Parisians, like most Europeans love children.

In fact, photos and tales of a great deal of fabulous European, UK, South American, beach, island, West coast American city . . . hell, even New York City vacations look great.

Unfortunately, photos are all they're ever going to be to me and many others on this board and it angers me to no end that I just never made and still don't have enough money (even in my college years when I should have done this) to travel anywhere outside a 500 mile radius of my city.

People say "Oh my God, you have to go to this place and that place and see this and it's so beautiful and you'll be a better person for it blah blah blah blah blah". Any more, travelling to anywhere worthwhile seems to be a luxury reserved for singular persons who aren't bound by jobs, kid(s), homes, bills, etc and don't have to constantly worry about losing any of the above.

The cost of travelling to any major city/location is so exorbitant; how is anyone able to save up any kind of money to do this?

Before anyone tells me how easy it is, remember it wouldn't be just ME going - it's three people including me, which automatically triples the cost. I went to Toronto and Ottawa two years ago, only because they're within driving distance - we drove and stayed in the cheapest hotels we could find. The total cost of the vacation when all was said and spent was nearly $1700, just for two Northern cities that are within driving distance. Most of the expense was food, parking ($22 a day in Toronto), attraction cost, tolls, public transportation, etc.

I wanted to go to Germany for a metal festival once . . . until someone I worked with from Germany brought me crashing back to earth - even factoring in plane bargains (which everyone else except me seems to find), hotels, car rental, food and other expenses (thank you, weak US dollar!), the cost would hover around $5,000 to $6,000. When you live paycheck to paycheck, that simply isn't happening.

All I can hope for is the occasional visit to D.C., since I have relatives there. It's driveable and cheap. No beaches, but it's got some good museums.

It's just really hard to look at photos like this, because all I can do is shrug and sigh with a "must be nice", knowing that, short of a financial miracle, I'm never going to be able to experience this sort of thing myself.

I'm a grad student, and he works at a dog boarding facility. We have no kids. The other night, we were planning a trip to Costa Rica for our fifth wedding anniversary next summer. Traveling in Mexico and Central America is reasonably cheap, particularly Mexico because the peso isn't doing that well. But we got very lucky: two weeks ago, when we were traveling from our home in Oklahoma to our family's home in California, we got bumped off of our flight. Delta gave us two $400 flight vouchers. So our trip to Costa Rica won't cost us more than about $1000 (around $300 for the flight, $300 for the hotel for a week and $400 for spending money). We can save that up in about four months.

We don't travel to Mexico much, because I'm there for research so often that I don't want to go unless someone is paying. When I graduate with my PhD in 2011, we're taking a two week trip to Europe. We'll do this because we have friends we can stay with, which will cut down on our hotel costs.

If you can stay with friends, you've saved yourself about 100 euros a night, depending on the city.
Then you can spend your money on museums and food and night life.
The first Sunday of the month museums in France are free but don't go to the Louvre that day; too many locals and tourists.
The trains are a cheap form of transportation but reserve a seat for long distance travel and plan your trip even for second class seats. It's not required but strongly suggested.
Luggage...is by far, the biggest pain in the butt. Get a good 'carry on' size and a back pack (for day trips) and do not go over that size, even for two weeks. Do laundry and ship your souvenirs home. It's always better to make a plan of which souvenirs you want before you go which gives you something to look for.
have fun!

I'm pretty skilled at international travel at this (9 months in Mexico at a time for the past couple years), and I can do one camping-sized backpack for a month's worth of clothes. Two weeks will be nothing.

First things first is my summer trip to Costa Rica. I can't wait!

as my sister and I did back in the day around Europe, until we could afford hotels on subsequent trips. Some were icky, majority were not and I couldn't beat them for price and meeting other kids from all over, many of whom I'm still in touch with in our middle age. I hated the ones that kicked us out all day long but now I'm grateful for it because it really forced us to do more exploring.

In most European cities a car is the last thing you want so no parking or rental fees needed.

The two biggest expenses are the flight and somewhere to sleep. Note I didn't say hotel. :-) There are short term apartments for rent all over the major cities, usually for a fraction of the cost of a hotel. If you are in a city like Paris with a great metro system consider staying a bit further out from the city center. Prices drop dramatically and you wont mind a 15 minute train ride to the action. Also, consider hostels. They're not all for kids.

With an apartment you also get a stocked kitchen. You can shop in a local grocery store and cook for yourself. Save the eating out for lunches which are cheaper and just as good. Hell, in Paris you can make a wonderful lunch out of a loaf of bread and a couple of cheese or meat bits. It's delicious and you cant beat a Parisian park for picnic settings.

Most importantly, go off-season. The plane tickets will be hundreds less and accommodations about 1/3 off peak rates. Anytime from October to about March. I spent 2 weeks in Paris in late January, sure it was chilly and rained a bit but I was there! It doesn't rain in the Louver and sitting at an outdoor cafe under a nice heat lamp sipping a beer and watching the lights go on and Parisian rush by in their raincoats and umbrellas was a 5 Euro splurge I'll remember forever. There's also no lines or crowds!


You can do it, don't say it will never happen. Worst case scenario, wait for the little freeloaders to graduate and then go! They can watch the dog while you're gone.

that's my plan, anyways. :)