Paris General Tips by barryg23

Favorite Thing: The Mouffetard area is one of the nicest in Paris. Located in eastern part of the 5th arrondissement, it's principal street, Rue Muffetard, is one of the oldest in Paris, dating back to Roman times. Like many of my best places in Paris, most people discover Rue Mouffetard and the surrounding by accident.

There is an excellent market at the southern end of the street on most mornings of the week, while there are plenty of pubs, cafes and good-value restaurants at the other end, near Place de la Contrescarpe.

Many of the buildings date from the 18th century, when it was called Rue du Faubourg St. Marcel, while some of the shops still have their old painted signs.


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Favorite Thing: One of the most beautiful areas in Paris, but also one of the least known, Canal St. Martin is the place to escape the crowds and see some of the real Paris.

The canal was created in the 19th century, at the behest of Napoleon, to provide Parisians with drinking water. For many years this area was run-down but in recent years it has been rediscovered and "gentrified".

A walk along the canal, past the locks, bridges and mini gardens is a lovely way to spent an afternoon.


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Favorite Thing: Formerly called Place De La Revolution, over 1000 people were guillotened here during the French Revolution. Nowadays, it is one of the busiest squares in Paris, with traffic coming from all directions.


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Favorite Thing: The Luxor obelisk at Concorde is over 3,200 years old. From Place de la concorde there are great views of the Eiffel Tower in one direction an d the Champs-Elysee in another.


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Favorite Thing: Possibly the prettiest place in Paris, this wonderful gardens is a great place to read quietly or have lunch. I always associate them with Marius and Cosette from 'Les Miserables'.


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Favorite Thing: The Palais du Luxembourg lies at the western end of the Jardin du Luxembourg. Maria De Medecis had this palace and the gardens built to remind her of home. As if Paris didn't have enough things worth seeing! Nowadays it's the home of the French Senate.


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Favorite Thing: This is a small flower garden beside the Palace. There are some beautiful areas within the gardens and it's a lovely place to pass the time and esacep all the noise and stress of Paris.


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Fondest Memory: On my last trip to Paris, we saw a great exhibition on Alfred Hitchcock at the Pompidou Centre. I'm not sure if this was a temporary or permanent exhibition, but if it's still there I'd advise you to go - it's a lot more fun than the Louvre.

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Favorite Thing: These street signs are popping up all over the city, especially close to landmarkes, tourist attractions and popular areas. Great idea whoever thought of it!


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Fondest Memory: One of the most popular activities in Paris during the winter is ice-skating. And it's completely free. Though you will have to pay to hire the skates. I'm an awful skater and normally avoid it completely, but on one visit, with practically everything else closed on New Year's Day, I decided to give it a go. It was really good fun though I spent most of my time at the side or falling on the ice. The location at L'Hotel de Ville is excellent and there are good views of Notre Dame and Ile de la Cite in the distance.

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