Paris Local Custom Tips by lmkluque

An Old Local Custom

Identifying markers at the door. 1416, such a long time ago. There is nothing in the USA, but geographical landmarks, that are as old as this building. You can imagine how impressed I was each time I realized how old some of the buildings of Paris were, that they were still standing and that I was able to see them.

Other Contact: On the way to Montmartre

A World Wide Favorite!

Do you remember being told that Princess Diana had been killed and how you felt then?

As we came upon this scene I wondered what the people were looking at.

"This is a memorial to Princess Diana." My friend told me.

A rush of feelings flooded back. The reality of all the newspaper stories was just in front of me and so was evidence of the sympathetic nature of the people of Paris.

It's always impressive to come smack in the middle of history. In Paris this is so easy to do, especially if you've read books about Kings, Queens and Court intrigues, but such a recent history as the death of Diana was nothing I ever expected to see just around the corner.

Paris Concealed!

Paris is full of hidden gardens and rooftop terraces that give the residents a lovely place to relax and to peacefully enjoy the views below in this grand metropolitian city.

Several times I had the opportunity of seeing this side of Paris and each time I was enchanted with the gracious life lived by my friends in this world famous city.

The French Revolution Continues..., Driving Review

On the way to Sunday brunch many roads on our route were closed and secured by police, stationed at the corners. We zig-zagged through the city and finally found a road wide open.

Suddenly we noticed a throng of cars and marchers behind us. What in the world have we gotten ourselves into? We were leading this great group of people for some blocks until we reached our turn.

Our friends already at the resteraunt informed us that the streets of Paris had been closed for a Worker's Demonstration!

This was not my first experience with the Revolutionary French, a group of students had a strike on the bus during one of our trips to LA and there was a transportation strike the first time I arrived in France. It was quite interesting to experience the passion freely expressed by the French people. This demonstration made my day!

Evening Events!

Some of the best entertainment can be found in the less beautiful areas. Behind Sacre Coeur is the famous Montmartre, this seems to be one of the oldest sections of Paris and lots of energetic activity can be found day and night.

Maybe because it was the older section of town and a place where poor artistic people gravitated to, that the ambience became so festive. In any case, the vigor can still be felt and shouldn't be missed.

To Live In Paris

Getting to Avenue Jean Lolive from rue Victor Hugo, to the Metro which goes to the center of Paris in just a few minutes.

The portion of rue Victor Hugo I stayed at was located just on the outskirts of Paris, and a typical residential street. The buildings were old, weather worn and reminiscent of old black and white movies taking place in the 1700's or 1800's. A pretty dreary neighborhood until you enter the striking opulence of the residence. What a revelation it was to discover the hidden beauty of Paris as well as the obvious beauty.

It Pays to Learn Ones Lessons! Stereotypes: Rude, or friendly? Review

Of course these observations are coming from the point of view, of one American, suggesting the direction of some of our differences and are meant to help a novice traveler rather than make a definitive statement.

You may have heard others complain, that the French, especially Parisians, are rude, snobbish, or arrogant. I'd say such comments reflect more the complainant than their subject.

In my experience, the French—in general—are a gracious people, they are passionate, like to debate, and speak their mind openly. They, are not quick to smile perfunctorily, so when you do get a smile, you can be sure that it’s meant.

Ask before taking pictures of people, even of French friends.

Once while taking a picture of friends at a workplace coffee bar, I noticed that they were laughing as if hearing a joke. I asked what was so funny and they told me that other patrons in the room had asked why I was taking their picture. Rather than explain that I was a "common' tourist," they said that I was a journalist! How’s that for a promotion?

I learned my lesson and later when I wanted to take a picture of three policemen near Place de la Concorde, I asked first.

One imposing officer stepped up and refused my request. For a second I was about to retreat, but saw at the corners of his lips, a small upwards turn. Encouraged, I pleaded my case. They relented and I got my picture taken with all three.

What ever you do, don’t try to get after dinner coffee and desert at the same time.

It won’t happen!