Le vélo = popular transportation when in Paris.
Bonjour!
We are working on another city guide and when I say “we” I mean you and me! If you have been to Paris recently please help us out by sharing:
- hotel or apartment or B&B suggestions
- restaurants, cafés, bistros
- nightclubs, theaters, shows
- unique shops, bookstores…
- kids or teens – fun stuff and ideas for young ones
- babysitters in Paris?
- outdoor attractions (parks, markets, landmarks…)
- helpful websites & books
- taxi cab, train station and metro tips
- tipping information or fees to expect
- ATM and bank info
- free or unusual things to do in Paris
- best time/season to visit Paris
- any place one should visit or any thing one should do when in Paris….
Click here to leave a tip or suggestion – or to see the recommendations. I’ll post a link to the answers in Monday’s post.
See the “share buttons” at the end of this post and be sure to forward this Paris guide to someone who is planning to visit France.
Mille mercis!
Kristin
P.S. Where to Rent a Car in Paris? Readers have sent in their favorites in the France Car Rental guide. Thanks for adding your recommendations, too!
Love locks in Paris. Note: I have just erased my previous message, here, about wanting to put up a lock next time I’m in Paris. After L&C wrote in (see first comment) I realize these locks are becoming damaging to the city’s landscape. It is good to be aware of the issue and it brings me to one more tip I could have mentioned, in the bullet above: How to be a good guest when in Paris? Thanks for sharing your Paris suggestions in the comments box.
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Absolutely agree with the idea that those wasteful and rather ugly bridge additions are just little bit over the top for the French (or for any other) culture.
I always thought marriages are created in Heaven, and what those Parisian (and other) bridges and little pieces of metal have to do with the marriages?! Or with the marriages being strong and lasting?
Plus, the padlock culture seems to be spreading quickly. Now they even have those on St Petersburg (Russia) bridges:
http://www.sptimes.ru/story/33524
Or in Moscow. Just look at this tree!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moscow-love-padlocks.jpg
or in Florence, Italy.
http://www.firenzealbergo.it/EN/Experience-Florence/romantic-getaway/pages/leggende-amore-ponte-vecchio.aspx
or in Taiwan.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/03/14/2003527754
Do we get any divorce rate reduced yet?!
Absolutely agree with the idea that those wasteful and rather ugly bridge additions are just little bit over the top for the French (or for any other) culture.
I always thought marriages are created in Heaven, and what those Parisian (and other) bridges and little pieces of metal have to do with the marriages?! Or with the marriages being strong and lasting?
Plus, the padlock culture seems to be spreading quickly. Now they even have those on St Petersburg (Russia) bridges:
http://www.sptimes.ru/story/33524
Or in Moscow. Just look at this tree!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moscow-love-padlocks.jpg
or in Florence, Italy.
http://www.firenzealbergo.it/EN/Experience-Florence/romantic-getaway/pages/leggende-amore-ponte-vecchio.aspx
or in Taiwan.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/03/14/2003527754
Do we get any divorce rate reduced yet?!
If you are a DYI traveler then my newly published book is for you! It’s called “A Petit Guide to Paris and Nice” and you can order it at http://www.blurb.com/books/2423459. For FWAD readers I will send you the text-only version for Paris (or for Nice) if you email me at candywitt@msn.com. I am a retired French teacher who has taken students, colleagues and friends on dozens of trips over the past 35 years. I finally put all my notes (and many of my photos) into a book. Thanks for taking a look at it! Bon Voyage! And Merci to Kristin for providing this opportunity for all of us francophiles. BTW, the book gives you a day by day itinerary for spending 1-4 days in each city.
If you are a DYI traveler then my newly published book is for you! It’s called “A Petit Guide to Paris and Nice” and you can order it at http://www.blurb.com/books/2423459. For FWAD readers I will send you the text-only version for Paris (or for Nice) if you email me at candywitt@msn.com. I am a retired French teacher who has taken students, colleagues and friends on dozens of trips over the past 35 years. I finally put all my notes (and many of my photos) into a book. Thanks for taking a look at it! Bon Voyage! And Merci to Kristin for providing this opportunity for all of us francophiles. BTW, the book gives you a day by day itinerary for spending 1-4 days in each city.
To me the definition of a gracious visitor is one who has done his/her homework and knows the local etiquette and all that that entails, which, in a nutshell, is: know what to say, how to say it and when to say it.
As for suggestions of what to see and do in Paris, the comments so far have been truly impressive and noteworthy!
I would like to add just one:
A barge trip that begins across from the Museum of Science and Industry on the Canal St. Martin, running through residential neighborhoods under a canopy of tress and even underground under a square for a 1/8 mile and eventually flowing into the Seine and ending across from the Tuileries Gardens. It took about 3 1/2 hours with interesting sights all the way! It is one of our most memorable experiences in Paris!
It is operated by Paris Canal Croisieres.
To me the definition of a gracious visitor is one who has done his/her homework and knows the local etiquette and all that that entails, which, in a nutshell, is: know what to say, how to say it and when to say it.
As for suggestions of what to see and do in Paris, the comments so far have been truly impressive and noteworthy!
I would like to add just one:
A barge trip that begins across from the Museum of Science and Industry on the Canal St. Martin, running through residential neighborhoods under a canopy of tress and even underground under a square for a 1/8 mile and eventually flowing into the Seine and ending across from the Tuileries Gardens. It took about 3 1/2 hours with interesting sights all the way! It is one of our most memorable experiences in Paris!
It is operated by Paris Canal Croisieres.
i emailed you a list!
i emailed you a list!
Cher Kristin, I am the designer & owner of http://www.AllFranceInfo.com and would be happy for you to share any of the links to the pages about Paris from my website. Or perhaps a link to the home page. As you will see, I have divided the Paris pages into smaller groups to make it easier.
I greatly enjoy receiving the French Word-A- Day in my e-mail box & look forward to each post.
Kind Regards, Mr. Casey Dunaway, Richmond, VA, USA.
Cher Kristin, I am the designer & owner of http://www.AllFranceInfo.com and would be happy for you to share any of the links to the pages about Paris from my website. Or perhaps a link to the home page. As you will see, I have divided the Paris pages into smaller groups to make it easier.
I greatly enjoy receiving the French Word-A- Day in my e-mail box & look forward to each post.
Kind Regards, Mr. Casey Dunaway, Richmond, VA, USA.
Found our Paris flat through airbnb.com. Loved the neighborhood location in the 11th, far from the touristy places, but about 3 blocks from Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Easy to get everywhere we wanted to go on the Metro.
Fat Tire Bike Tours – wonderful!!!!!!!
Found our Paris flat through airbnb.com. Loved the neighborhood location in the 11th, far from the touristy places, but about 3 blocks from Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Easy to get everywhere we wanted to go on the Metro.
Fat Tire Bike Tours – wonderful!!!!!!!
I’ve just looked through all the pictures L&CFrame have linked to about the locks on the bridge. As charming as you may think it is to leave a lock there for posterity, for you and your children to revisit over the years, you can see that this will not happen. I’d be surprised if your lock is there for a week. Just imagine how many thousands of people have done this, then see the damage as a result. Kiss your lover on the bridge and release the kiss to the sky, without trying to commemorate it in metal.
I’ve just looked through all the pictures L&CFrame have linked to about the locks on the bridge. As charming as you may think it is to leave a lock there for posterity, for you and your children to revisit over the years, you can see that this will not happen. I’d be surprised if your lock is there for a week. Just imagine how many thousands of people have done this, then see the damage as a result. Kiss your lover on the bridge and release the kiss to the sky, without trying to commemorate it in metal.
I’ve rented 4 apartments thru parisaddress.com. A very luxurious one when I took my granddaughter for her birthday; more modest ones when it’s just me. Good value & service.
If you have a bit of time, I recommend photographing all the bridges that cross the Seine inside Paris. There are 37. Also once did a quest to visit and photograph a parish church in each arrondissement. Great way to see the city.
I’ve rented 4 apartments thru parisaddress.com. A very luxurious one when I took my granddaughter for her birthday; more modest ones when it’s just me. Good value & service.
If you have a bit of time, I recommend photographing all the bridges that cross the Seine inside Paris. There are 37. Also once did a quest to visit and photograph a parish church in each arrondissement. Great way to see the city.
Last March my husband and I rented a tiny but glorious studio directly on the Seine across from the Hotel de Ville. Lit up at night, the view was amazing, but equally romantic and full of the murmurs of history at dawn. The owners are a great family that speak fluent English. See http://www.vrbo.com/160070, and their new, similarly tasteful studio at http://www.vrbo.com/411536. It is so important, especially for first time visitors, to stay at a hotel or apartment that is centrally located, so they don’t spend too much time traveling on the metro. I also recommend Elka Halliger’s apartments at http://www.halliger.com and Paris a la Carte at http://www.alacarte-Paris-apartments.com.
It is easy (and fairly inexpensive if done several months ahead) to buy tickets for the Paris opera houses. If a person has never been, I recommend they be sure to choose a performance at the Garnier, rather than the Bastille, because going up that marble staircase to the incredible red velvet seats under Chagall’s ceiling is a fabulous way to visit the past. Pick a ballet performance if opera is too heavy or long for your tastes. So much better to attend a performance than just taking the tour! Go to http://www.operadeparis.fr and click on links to the calendar and “en” for English, and you will see what is available for the time you will be in Paris.
Look for the cafeboats moored to the Left Bank on the Seine in good weather. You can have a lovely lunch with a fantastic backdrop of Notre Dame for a photo op!
Bon voyage a tous!
Last March my husband and I rented a tiny but glorious studio directly on the Seine across from the Hotel de Ville. Lit up at night, the view was amazing, but equally romantic and full of the murmurs of history at dawn. The owners are a great family that speak fluent English. See http://www.vrbo.com/160070, and their new, similarly tasteful studio at http://www.vrbo.com/411536. It is so important, especially for first time visitors, to stay at a hotel or apartment that is centrally located, so they don’t spend too much time traveling on the metro. I also recommend Elka Halliger’s apartments at http://www.halliger.com and Paris a la Carte at http://www.alacarte-Paris-apartments.com.
It is easy (and fairly inexpensive if done several months ahead) to buy tickets for the Paris opera houses. If a person has never been, I recommend they be sure to choose a performance at the Garnier, rather than the Bastille, because going up that marble staircase to the incredible red velvet seats under Chagall’s ceiling is a fabulous way to visit the past. Pick a ballet performance if opera is too heavy or long for your tastes. So much better to attend a performance than just taking the tour! Go to http://www.operadeparis.fr and click on links to the calendar and “en” for English, and you will see what is available for the time you will be in Paris.
Look for the cafeboats moored to the Left Bank on the Seine in good weather. You can have a lovely lunch with a fantastic backdrop of Notre Dame for a photo op!
Bon voyage a tous!
For unusual and up-to-the-minute shopping tips, be sure to check the latest advice (and archives) at chicshoppingparis.blogspot.com. I was just introduced to this blog recently, and was very impressed with it – above all when I saw French Word A Day listed as a favorite link! Synchronicity!
For unusual and up-to-the-minute shopping tips, be sure to check the latest advice (and archives) at chicshoppingparis.blogspot.com. I was just introduced to this blog recently, and was very impressed with it – above all when I saw French Word A Day listed as a favorite link! Synchronicity!
If you are there for more than a couple of days, take the bus not the metro. This way you really get to see the lay of the land and everything in between. We usual take a bus to our destination for the day, eg Montmartre and meander home to the left bank.
If you are there for more than a couple of days, take the bus not the metro. This way you really get to see the lay of the land and everything in between. We usual take a bus to our destination for the day, eg Montmartre and meander home to the left bank.
If do your homework and study the history of Paris you will reap the rewards of appreciating what you are seeing, walking on and being a part of!!
Before you go, tour Paris a la Google Earth to familiarize yoursekf with the city and to help you decide where to stay.
Consider renting an apartment. We used VRBO with seamless success. Just be sure to speak directly with the owner prior to booking.
Don’t worry about the weather. The world is just more beautiful, no matter what the weather, in Paris.
Be sure to WALK, WALK, WALK and bring VERY comfortable shoes to manage the wonderful cobblestones. (leave the white sneakers at home-try something a bit more chic!)
Buy your tickets to Le Tour Eiffel at least a month before you go and you will avoid at least one long line at the base.
Always begin your interactions with a cheerful Bonjour! Knowing a bit of French makes it really fun. People were very helpful and kind and are truely proud of their beautiful city. Your respectful enthusiasm can go a long way to ensuring a wonderful time.
Thank you Kristen for allowing this Frankophile to imagine being there again!!
If do your homework and study the history of Paris you will reap the rewards of appreciating what you are seeing, walking on and being a part of!!
Before you go, tour Paris a la Google Earth to familiarize yoursekf with the city and to help you decide where to stay.
Consider renting an apartment. We used VRBO with seamless success. Just be sure to speak directly with the owner prior to booking.
Don’t worry about the weather. The world is just more beautiful, no matter what the weather, in Paris.
Be sure to WALK, WALK, WALK and bring VERY comfortable shoes to manage the wonderful cobblestones. (leave the white sneakers at home-try something a bit more chic!)
Buy your tickets to Le Tour Eiffel at least a month before you go and you will avoid at least one long line at the base.
Always begin your interactions with a cheerful Bonjour! Knowing a bit of French makes it really fun. People were very helpful and kind and are truely proud of their beautiful city. Your respectful enthusiasm can go a long way to ensuring a wonderful time.
Thank you Kristen for allowing this Frankophile to imagine being there again!!
I agree with many earlier suggestions. I might add that hearing a classical concert in Sainte Chapelle is memorable. We learned of concerts there in Paris Scope, which can be purchased at newsstands. We also had a half-day cooking class and half-day watercolor painting class in Paris. Neither provider still does this, so I cannot give their websites. Paris is so wonderful. I will just add a practical tip for visitors with food allergies. I cannot eat gluten and was able to buy some gluten-free breads and pastries at an organic food store called Naturalia, which has more than a dozen stores in Paris: http://www.naturalia.fr.
I agree with many earlier suggestions. I might add that hearing a classical concert in Sainte Chapelle is memorable. We learned of concerts there in Paris Scope, which can be purchased at newsstands. We also had a half-day cooking class and half-day watercolor painting class in Paris. Neither provider still does this, so I cannot give their websites. Paris is so wonderful. I will just add a practical tip for visitors with food allergies. I cannot eat gluten and was able to buy some gluten-free breads and pastries at an organic food store called Naturalia, which has more than a dozen stores in Paris: http://www.naturalia.fr.
I forgot to mention a wonderful pastry shop by the name of LaDuree on rue Bonaparte. They produce the utterly delectable marcarons which actually have crossed the Atlantic and can be seen here in the States. LaDuree has the atmosphere, though! Just know that it’s a very popular spot!
I forgot to mention a wonderful pastry shop by the name of LaDuree on rue Bonaparte. They produce the utterly delectable marcarons which actually have crossed the Atlantic and can be seen here in the States. LaDuree has the atmosphere, though! Just know that it’s a very popular spot!
Oops! I spelled the name of the pastry wrong! Je n’en excuse!! It’s “macarons”! And this is not to say that they are macaroons. They are made of infused egg-white cookies joined by a scrumptious essence in the center, of either fruit, pistachio, chocolate or other. Not to be missed!! They have several location throughout Paris, but the one on rue Bonaparte is my favorite (also found in Le Printemps Department Store tea room on second floor).
Oops! I spelled the name of the pastry wrong! Je n’en excuse!! It’s “macarons”! And this is not to say that they are macaroons. They are made of infused egg-white cookies joined by a scrumptious essence in the center, of either fruit, pistachio, chocolate or other. Not to be missed!! They have several location throughout Paris, but the one on rue Bonaparte is my favorite (also found in Le Printemps Department Store tea room on second floor).
Ah, the memories! As an international flight attendant, a full day to enjoy Paris two or three times a month was wonderful enough to allow for wandering and wasting time-so back streets and pretty corners were my specialty. Even still, I recommend forcing oneself to slowly wander an interesting neighborhood-you will find your own special spots and memories along the way. For interesting luxury in accommodations, check with Panache. Our three couples recently rented a gorgeous apartment of Prince Aga Kahn in the 6th, and next trip, the apt. of opera singer Renee Fleming. Very special, historic, and interesting spots!
http://www.PanacheRental.com
info@PanacheRental.com
Ah, the memories! As an international flight attendant, a full day to enjoy Paris two or three times a month was wonderful enough to allow for wandering and wasting time-so back streets and pretty corners were my specialty. Even still, I recommend forcing oneself to slowly wander an interesting neighborhood-you will find your own special spots and memories along the way. For interesting luxury in accommodations, check with Panache. Our three couples recently rented a gorgeous apartment of Prince Aga Kahn in the 6th, and next trip, the apt. of opera singer Renee Fleming. Very special, historic, and interesting spots!
http://www.PanacheRental.com
info@PanacheRental.com
an Amazing Bakery is Poilâne
Saint-Germain-des-Prés district
8 rue du Cherche-Midi,
Paris 75006
Tel +33 (0) 1 45 48 42 59
Opening hours :
From Monday to Saturday, 7:15 am to 8:15 pm
Next door is a little cafe where you can get delicious tartines and a lovely glass of wine.
We were there in June 2012.
an Amazing Bakery is Poilâne
Saint-Germain-des-Prés district
8 rue du Cherche-Midi,
Paris 75006
Tel +33 (0) 1 45 48 42 59
Opening hours :
From Monday to Saturday, 7:15 am to 8:15 pm
Next door is a little cafe where you can get delicious tartines and a lovely glass of wine.
We were there in June 2012.
The basement of BHV near Hotel de Ville is one of the most interesting place to shop. It is mostly hardware on that level. If you would like to make your own shoes, they have everything you will need down to and including complete tanned hides.
One of my favorite little shops is Annick Gutal who makes the most wonderful soap. A little pricy, but what a treat!
Our favorite restaurant is on the right bank and called Pot Au Feu, 34 Rue Vignon 75008 Paris. Don’t skip the apple cobbler!
The basement of BHV near Hotel de Ville is one of the most interesting place to shop. It is mostly hardware on that level. If you would like to make your own shoes, they have everything you will need down to and including complete tanned hides.
One of my favorite little shops is Annick Gutal who makes the most wonderful soap. A little pricy, but what a treat!
Our favorite restaurant is on the right bank and called Pot Au Feu, 34 Rue Vignon 75008 Paris. Don’t skip the apple cobbler!
Just finished fabulous book entitled forever Paris: 25 Walks in the footsteps of the City’s most illustrious figures…read it before you go take it with you and discover the neighborhoods and walk the streets where people
like Sartre, Napoleon, Piaf ..all those famous people we love,once lived. Can’t wait for the next trip and will read this again!
Just finished fabulous book entitled forever Paris: 25 Walks in the footsteps of the City’s most illustrious figures…read it before you go take it with you and discover the neighborhoods and walk the streets where people
like Sartre, Napoleon, Piaf ..all those famous people we love,once lived. Can’t wait for the next trip and will read this again!
I love all the suggestions. I spent a month in Paris in 2010 and used the 2009 guide/blog post for ideas. One of the things I discovered while in this beautiful city was the City Free Tours. University students conduct tours of various areas of Paris (Montmartre, Latin Quarter, etc.) for a voluntary donation. They are very good! http://www.cityfreetour.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=36&Itemid=72
I love all the suggestions. I spent a month in Paris in 2010 and used the 2009 guide/blog post for ideas. One of the things I discovered while in this beautiful city was the City Free Tours. University students conduct tours of various areas of Paris (Montmartre, Latin Quarter, etc.) for a voluntary donation. They are very good! http://www.cityfreetour.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=36&Itemid=72
I’ve visiting Paris once a year since 1990 and I do agree on the damage that was mainly due to these love locks. The wood bridge used to be my favorit for watching the River, not anymore. So do please refrain from adding additional ‘damage’ to this otherwise beautiful bridge.
I’ve visiting Paris once a year since 1990 and I do agree on the damage that was mainly due to these love locks. The wood bridge used to be my favorit for watching the River, not anymore. So do please refrain from adding additional ‘damage’ to this otherwise beautiful bridge.
Here’s a favorite Sunday adventure..Chateau de Vincennes, it was lovely, quiet and a perfect place to immerse oneself in medieval Paris as well as a lovely picnic spot…check it out!
Here’s a favorite Sunday adventure..Chateau de Vincennes, it was lovely, quiet and a perfect place to immerse oneself in medieval Paris as well as a lovely picnic spot…check it out!
We discovered the most wonderful B&B call Manoir de Beauregard in the 19th. Just delightful and oh so Parisian…. only 3 rooms but run by a wonderful elderly french couple. Beautiful decor and just like a “mini Versailles”. Breakfasts to die for! Check them out at
http://www.manoir-de-beauregard-paris.com
Also just adored the segway tour run by Fat Tire tours http://www.fattirebiketours.com/Paris
This was a real fun event for the young and young at heart. Our 14 year old son thought it was “really cool”. The night trip was amazing and we had an unforgettable experience zipping around the Louvre on these crazy contraptions.
We discovered the most wonderful B&B call Manoir de Beauregard in the 19th. Just delightful and oh so Parisian…. only 3 rooms but run by a wonderful elderly french couple. Beautiful decor and just like a “mini Versailles”. Breakfasts to die for! Check them out at
http://www.manoir-de-beauregard-paris.com
Also just adored the segway tour run by Fat Tire tours http://www.fattirebiketours.com/Paris
This was a real fun event for the young and young at heart. Our 14 year old son thought it was “really cool”. The night trip was amazing and we had an unforgettable experience zipping around the Louvre on these crazy contraptions.
I love staying at the Hotel Victor Hugo in the 16th (www.victorhugohotel.com). Less than a block walk from the Victor Hugo Metro stop. The 16th is very quiet and the hotel is right in the middle between the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. It was great to be able to walk down to the Trocodero and people watch by La Tour Eiffel anytime. There’s great flower and cheese shops on Avenue Kleber and an awesome place called Cafe Copernic on the corner of Avenue Kleber and Rue Copernic. He 16 is great – quiet, not a tourist trap and has a ton of Parisian charm.
I love staying at the Hotel Victor Hugo in the 16th (www.victorhugohotel.com). Less than a block walk from the Victor Hugo Metro stop. The 16th is very quiet and the hotel is right in the middle between the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. It was great to be able to walk down to the Trocodero and people watch by La Tour Eiffel anytime. There’s great flower and cheese shops on Avenue Kleber and an awesome place called Cafe Copernic on the corner of Avenue Kleber and Rue Copernic. He 16 is great – quiet, not a tourist trap and has a ton of Parisian charm.
Take a walking tour to find the sundials of Paris. Here are two websites
on sundial locations: http://www.shadowspro.com/en/paris.html and http://www.sundials.co.uk/~paris.htm. Also, I found the book “Cadrans Solaires de Paris” by Andrée Gotteland and Georges Camus at the bookshop at the Hôtel de Béthune-Sully in the Marais. The bookshop specializes in art and architecture books and guidebooks for regions throughout France but with emphasis on Paris. English and French titles and is worth a visit for anyone touring Paris or France. The official website is http://mobile.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/monuments/recherche-libre/bdd/monum/208. For more information see http://en.parisinfo.com/museum-monuments/167/hotel-de-bethune-sully-centre-des-monuments-nationaux.
Take a walking tour to find the sundials of Paris. Here are two websites
on sundial locations: http://www.shadowspro.com/en/paris.html and http://www.sundials.co.uk/~paris.htm. Also, I found the book “Cadrans Solaires de Paris” by Andrée Gotteland and Georges Camus at the bookshop at the Hôtel de Béthune-Sully in the Marais. The bookshop specializes in art and architecture books and guidebooks for regions throughout France but with emphasis on Paris. English and French titles and is worth a visit for anyone touring Paris or France. The official website is http://mobile.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/monuments/recherche-libre/bdd/monum/208. For more information see http://en.parisinfo.com/museum-monuments/167/hotel-de-bethune-sully-centre-des-monuments-nationaux.