Going to Paris, Looking for Advice

[Dexter Morgan]

So I get a call from my wife today, and she says that she has a business trip scheduled in April, and that the conference will be in Paris. Apparently her employer has also offered to pay for mine and my daughter's flights out there, as well as the extended stay beyond the business portion of the trip.

I love to travel and Paris is definitely on my list, so I'm realllllly excited. It's also going to be our first trip to Europe, so I'm not sure what to expect. I'm looking for any general advice from those who live, or have been there, for some of the following things...

What is the general opinion of Americans? Moreover, are there things that Americans do that the French would find insulting? We like to think of ourselves as polite people, but we know that all cultures are different.
Is the city safe? Any suggested precautions?
Small child friendly? We will be bringing a one year old.
What are some of the must-see attractions? We know the major places such as Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Louvre... but I'm sure there are many other nice places to visit.
Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by Blu Atlas

What is the general opinion of Americans? Moreover, are there things that Americans do that the French would find insulting? We like to think of ourselves as polite people, but we know that all cultures are different. I found that they were very accomodating and polite.
Is the city safe? Any suggested precautions? It's a big city so I'm sure it has big city problems. Just be vigilant like you would be anywhere else.
Small child friendly? We will be bringing a one year old.
What are some of the must-see attractions? We know the major places such as Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Louvre... but I'm sure there are many other nice places to visit. I did all of those and would suggest them 100%
Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Please see my bolded responses above.

[lifevicarious]

I've been to Paris a number of times and what I have found is they dislike if you expect them to know English. It would be the same as someone coming here and then speaking to you in their native language and expecting you to know it. Based on that I would suggest you learn at least the very basics, hello, goodbye, thanks, etc. I found even Bonjour dramatically changes things.

I find the city pretty safe but it is a large city with a lot of tourists so people prey on tourists in the touristy location. So watch your pockets and keep your wits about you.

Definitely add Montmarte and Sacre-Couer to your list of places to visit. But all of Paris is picturesque, my favorite thing to do is just wander and take pictures not knowing where I may end up.

Oh, random but at a diner Coke is usually the most expensive drink, wine is even cheaper. So if you or your family are Coke drinkers, you may want to think twice or stick with water. It is often 3 to 4 EUROS for a can of soda at cafes. Prices are rarely posted as tourists usually don't think a coke would be expensive.

Also, if you are just grabbing a coffee or croissant, you may want to stand at the counter. Most places in Europe charge a much higher price for the same items if you have table service.

Not sure if any of that helps but thought I would throw it out there anyway. Enjoy the trip, Paris is awesome!!

[Dexter Morgan]

Originally Posted by O_V_N

Please see my bolded responses above.

Thank you. One of the biggest concerns of mine is the attitude towards Americans. Glad to hear that you had a good experience.

[Dexter Morgan]

Originally Posted by lifevicarious

I've been to Paris a number of times and what I have found is they dislike if you expect them to know English. It would be the same as someone coming here and then speaking to you in their native language and expecting you to know it. Based on that I would suggest you learn at least the very basics, hello, goodbye, thanks, etc. I found even Bonjour dramatically changes things.

The wife and I took French in high school, so I do have some recollection of the language. Plus we'll be brushing up on it in the next few weeks, because you're right, we can't expect them to completely understand English.

I find the city pretty safe but it is a large city with a lot of tourists so people prey on tourists in the touristy location. So watch your pockets and keep your wits about you.

Definitely add Montmarte and Sacre-Couer to your list of places to visit. But all of Paris is picturesque, my favorite thing to do is just wander and take pictures not knowing where I may end up.

Will definitely look into these - thanks!

Oh, random but at a diner Coke is usually the most expensive drink, wine is even cheaper. So if you or your family are Coke drinkers, you may want to think twice or stick with water. It is often 3 to 4 EUROS for a can of soda at cafes. Prices are rarely posted as tourists usually don't think a coke would be expensive.

Also, if you are just grabbing a coffee or croissant, you may want to stand at the counter. Most places in Europe charge a much higher price for the same items if you have table service.

These are EXACTLY the types of suggestions I was wanting to hear.

Not sure if any of that helps but thought I would throw it out there anyway. Enjoy the trip, Paris is awesome!!

Thanks a ton for this info.

[Dexter Morgan]

I just thought of another thing. Is it common for Parisian hotels to have outlets that are compatible with plugs from the USA?

[Blaumann]

Originally Posted by Blu Atlas

I just thought of another thing. Is it common for Parisian hotels to have outlets that are compatible with plugs from the USA?

No, they have completely different wall sockets. Also France has 230 volts mains power, instead of the 120 volts in the U.S.

As others have said, Paris is a great city, but i'd stay clear of the "cités".

[Elandyll]

Things to remember:

- Paris is the #1 destination for toursits in the world, but it's also a very busy city where millions of people work every day, and you are bound to meet people on their way to work or on a break. Like in every big city, people can be depressed / busy / stressed, so they can definitely be "grumpy".

- Most French people learn English, but msot also do not use it in their every day life and lose quitea bit of it as they age. If you show that you are trying to communicate (and not having ghe attitude of "demanding" that they speak to you in English), they should be more than willing to also try their best to communicate.

- Coffee and Tea are I think the cheapest drinks, then Fruit juice, then an assortment of saods. Wines/ Alcohol comes in all kinds of shapes and prices. 18 is the minimum drinking age in France, and now smoking is barred in all public places (only allowed in bars/ restaurants if they have a non smoking section).

- Public transports are great and can take you everywhere. Subway in particular is easy and you have an entrance/ exit every 100m or so.

- As said earlier, avoir the "banlieue" or Paris 's Suburbs, where dormitory cities (known as "cites") are, particularly the North East (St Denis & co), those are places where toursits could run into trouble (every city has those).

- Tons of things to see: Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe/ Champs Elysee, Concorde, Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Montmartre, Invalides Quartier Latin, Notre Dame, etc.
One of my favorite place is the "Rue Mouffetard", a street in the old Paris that is barred to Cars, with old coblestones in places if memory serves.

[Dexter Morgan]

Originally Posted by Elandyll

Things to remember:

- Paris is the #1 destination for toursits in the world, but it's also a very busy city where millions of people work every day, and you are bound to meet people on their way to work or on a break. Like in every big city, people can be depressed / busy / stressed, so they can definitely be "grumpy".

- Most French people learn English, but msot also do not use it in their every day life and lose quitea bit of it as they age. If you show that you are trying to communicate (and not having ghe attitude of "demanding" that they speak to you in English), they should be more than willing to also try their best to communicate.

- Coffee and Tea are I think the cheapest drinks, then Fruit juice, then an assortment of saods. Wines/ Alcohol comes in all kinds of shapes and prices. 18 is the minimum drinking age in France, and now smoking is barred in all public places (only allowed in bars/ restaurants if they have a non smoking section).

- Public transports are great and can take you everywhere. Subway in particular is easy and you have an entrance/ exit every 100m or so.

- As said earlier, avoir the "banlieue" or Paris 's Suburbs, where dormitory cities (known as "cites") are, particularly the North East (St Denis & co), those are places where toursits could run into trouble (every city has those).

- Tons of things to see: Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe/ Champs Elysee, Concorde, Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Montmartre, Invalides Quartier Latin, Notre Dame, etc.
One of my favorite place is the "Rue Mouffetard", a street in the old Paris that is barred to Cars, with old coblestones in places if memory serves.

I've taken note of all points. Thank you for all of the information and suggestions.

[garlad]

I'm in Paris NOW!! Chilling in our hotel room after a great day visiting the Louvre and Notre Dame.. Will prob head out tonight for a few drinks!

Home on Sunday so will let you know what we did and what you should look out for!

[Dexter Morgan]

That would be awesome, thanks!

[CZAR]

Im good I watched "Taken" Got Em!!

[ManUtd]

For every city in Europe I went to I bought Rick Steve's guide. It has all the useful info you'll need. Here is the link: Rick Steves' Paris 2010.

[Dexter Morgan]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Im good I watched "Taken" Got Em!!

That was actually one of the things I thought of when I first found out about the trip. Been trying to block the thoughts from my mind ever since.

[Dexter Morgan]

Originally Posted by ManUtd

For every city in Europe I went to I bought Rick Steve's guide. It has all the useful info you'll need. Here is the link: Rick Steves' Paris 2010.

Ordered. I was wanting a little guide book, so I'm glad I got a recommendation on one. Thanks.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by Blu Atlas

That was actually one of the things I thought of when I first found out about the trip. Been trying to block the thoughts from my mind ever since.

Don't go to a hostel Have fun.

[silversnake]

I'll write more when I have more time but remember this. TIP IS INCLUDED by default. Depending on the waiter I may leave an additional tip but remember that it's already included.

Any tourist attraction go there EARLY. The Louvre takes a day and you won't see everything. Do the boat ride at night, it's very romantic and relatively cheap compared to other attractions. You know what to visit , but the beauty of Paris is walking around the city and just taking everything in. There are metro's literally everywhere so it's hard to get lost as long as you know where your starting point is.

As some have said, don't take for granted that they speak English and saying "Merci" (please) Bonjour (hello) Au-revoir (goodbye) goes a long way. The city is just like any big city with their problems. I would not venture off too far from where you live late at night or "shady" areas like the citee.

Always keep an eye on your stuff and don't flaunt what you have. There are a lot of cops / military in the streets / metro so it's generally safe but the further you are from the city center the less security there is.

If you are on a short time, the tourist buses are the best to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. Also, look for the metro passes for the weekend or the week depending on how long you stay. Plan ahead so you know what to do and where to go. There are a lot of tips that can be found online for seeing attractions. The louvre , for example, you can purchase tickets INSIDE the metro avoiding long lineups directly inside the museum. You can also purchase them ahead online but you have to wait inline to pick those up I believe.

Champs D'elysees is incredibly beautiful but it comes at a price. You will pay the most for EVERYTHING (food, drinks, etc) on this street. If you turn the corner the prices drop by half. This is not to say that you should not have a drink on a terrasse on this street because it is worth it, but I wouldn't recommend making it a habit

Above all, have fun and it won't be hard. Avoid tourist traps and just be friendly and you'll be fine

[Dexter Morgan]

Originally Posted by silversnake

I'll write more when I have more time but remember this. TIP IS INCLUDED by default. Depending on the waiter I may leave an additional tip but remember that it's already included.

Any tourist attraction go there EARLY. The Louvre takes a day and you won't see everything. Do the boat ride at night, it's very romantic and relatively cheap compared to other attractions. You know what to visit , but the beauty of Paris is walking around the city and just taking everything in. There are metro's literally everywhere so it's hard to get lost as long as you know where your starting point is.

As some have said, don't take for granted that they speak English and saying "Merci" (please) Bonjour (hello) Au-revoir (goodbye) goes a long way. The city is just like any big city with their problems. I would not venture off too far from where you live late at night or "shady" areas like the citee.

Always keep an eye on your stuff and don't flaunt what you have. There are a lot of cops / military in the streets / metro so it's generally safe but the further you are from the city center the less security there is.

If you are on a short time, the tourist buses are the best to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. Also, look for the metro passes for the weekend or the week depending on how long you stay. Plan ahead so you know what to do and where to go. There are a lot of tips that can be found online for seeing attractions. The louvre , for example, you can purchase tickets INSIDE the metro avoiding long lineups directly inside the museum. You can also purchase them ahead online but you have to wait inline to pick those up I believe.

Champs D'elysees is incredibly beautiful but it comes at a price. You will pay the most for EVERYTHING (food, drinks, etc) on this street. If you turn the corner the prices drop by half. This is not to say that you should not have a drink on a terrasse on this street because it is worth it, but I wouldn't recommend making it a habit

Above all, have fun and it won't be hard. Avoid tourist traps and just be friendly and you'll be fine

Wow I never would've known that. So that applies to anywhere that I would get served? Bars even?

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by Blu Atlas

Wow I never would've known that. So that applies to anywhere that I would get served? Bars even?

You should just get an extra ticket so silversnake can go he can make sure you don't get in any sh**

[Anthony P]

"Merci" (please)

actualy, it is thanks (s'il vous plait is please)

as for the rest, I agree, I went twice (after work) to the Louvre and wished I had more time, I would say it is easily worth 2 days.

here are some thoughts

- you need to try the metro

- if you can (since it is work related for your wife and her work is paying) stay "downtown", then you have easy access and most stuff , I stayed once in district 9 (Paris is divided in districts that start at 1 at the main palace (Louvre) and circle around like a snail shell
and everything was walking distance, also most of the interesting stuff are on the north shore with stuff on the south shore real close to the river (Hotels des Invalides- military museum and tomb of Napoleon, d’orsay- cool little museum used to be train station, Eiffel tower)

- there are more museums and stuff (like moulin rouge) then you can ever do so don’t worry about doing everything enjoy what you have time for

- it is an odd place, especially for us in NA but even compared to many European cities, Everything there is historic, you feel like you are walking through an architecture/art museum. So just go for hikes in the streets and you will find gems, a cool building here, an incredible fountain there, a nice little bakery for a croissant while walking....

- get and always have on you a good street map, it is not New York, every street goes this way and that way and some stop in the middle of no where, you will pick a street and go SW then it will curb on you and you are going East, you get to a cross section instead of the "normal type of choice of going straight or left and right there will be 8 and who knows in what direction they will go later on.

- I did not drive in Paris, but the streets are a mess (not only because of direction like before but there are also many streets that are one way), public transport is good (especially the metro) and if you are well situated many places can be walked, so I would recommend not driving.

- Some places that I am not sure others mentioned, Opera house, Magdalene churche, large/small palace, Parc Monceau, Alexandre III bridge

-tips, if you want for good service and only what would be insulting to an American waiter. If you leave a big tip they will think you are an idiot.