An Hour From Paris and other Paris, France General Tips

Favorite Thing: Annabel Sims little book by this title is a wonderful introduction to some of the lesser known (and lesser traveled) places in and around the Ile de France. Her suggestions may be just a start for arriving at some unassuming place that gives the feel of being in a different world from Paris. Now these places are not necessarily insiginifcant. She gives interesting and informative background on over 20 places as well as a lot of practical information about getting there and getting around including times, travel connections and maps. A great resource for a day trip break from Paris.

Fondest Memory: We visited Rambouillet and its presidential retreat where the first G-4 (then) conference was held and where both Napolean and Josephine visited. We visited Provins, a medieval power house trade route. But in both cases we were the only tourists visible.

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: My wife and I both love Paris and, if at all feasible, plan our European trips to end in Paris. Meanwhile I enjoy reading various things about this lovely city. One source of pleasure for me is a publication called "Paris Notes." It features articles on history, art, food (of course) and has listings for events and exhibits and tips on out-of-the-way things that might be of interest. I recommend it to Paris lovers.

Fondest Memory: There are also a lot of books on Paris, but I like the ones that show something of the everyday life and character of the people there. Here are some of my favorites:

"A Moveable Feast" by Ernest Hemingway is a fascinating memoir of the artists days as a struggling young writer in Paris. A classic.

"Almost French" by Sarah Turnbull. She is an Australian journalist who meets and marries a man in Paris. It recounts her struggles to meld Aussie and French cultures.

"Paris to the Moon" by Adam Gopnik. He is a writer for New Yorker magazine and describes his journey both in navigating a foreign city and becoming a parent there. It is very entertaining.

"A French Affair" by Mary Blume. Columns from the "International Herald Tribune." This is a witty, but affectionate portrayal of the wonderful and strange culture of France.

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: There are so many options for eating and drinking in Paris, but one that deserves emphasis is picnics. On this day, we picked up cheese, fruit, bread, Orangina and some chocolates. We were staying on rue Cler, so were just around the corner from the Eiffel Tower and its huge park. We found a nice park bench and enjoyed the fine day, good food, people watching and this little beggar that was hungry enough to eat out of my hand. This is a great way to enjoy another dimension of Paris and there are so many wonderful parks and public places to picnic. Also, you are usually not far from some kind of store selling basic food items. The whole point is the picnic, not the cuisine although it is hard to beat a good baguette and good French cheese!


Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: If you are looking for a cyber cafe, check the list at:

http://www.world66.com/world/europe/france/paris/cybercafes


Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: Walking in any city aquaints you with it in a way that can't be done in vehicles. We had been to Paris in the summer and the spring but the last trip was in October. It was less inhabited by tourists and we enjoyed walking in the cool weather. Many places in Europe have 'plane trees' which are great and hardy shade givers. They are a variety of sycamore which I also grew up with in southwest Oklahoma. The sidewalks seemed to sprout these leaves each evening giving one a pleasant sense of season. I guess the point is that Paris is wonderful any time you can get there.


Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: The Paris Museum Pass is a real bargain in my opinion. If you plan to visit 4 or more museums and monuments in 2 days or 6 in 4 days or 8 in 6 days, it will not only save you money, but will also allow you to skip lines awaiting entrance. The pass includes over 60 museums & monuments in Paris and the area around Paris, like Verailles. It should be noted that children uner 18 are allowed free access to most of these attractions. The passes are good for 2, 4 or 6 days but you need to remember that these are only consecutive days. Prices as of March, 2000 are 2 days - 32 Euros, 4 days - 48 Euros and 6 days - 64 Euros. They can be purchased on line or at many Paris area locations including CDG Airport. A complete listing of these locations as well as a listing of all the included attractions is on the website as well as hours of operation and closings. It also lists the individual admission costs for each attraction so you can compare costs. The only major thing I have found that is not included is the Eiffel Tower and special exhibitions at the museums. Even if you spend a little extra on the pass, it may be worthwhile for the avoidance of lines as well as the convenience. The website is :
http://www.parismuseumpass.com/en/home.php


Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: Almost French by Sarah Turnbull is a love story, but more the journey of a young Australian woman to become a part of France as she marries a Frenchman and moves to Paris. I found it entertaining and amusing and enjoyed seeing a bit inside French culture and family life and the difficulty of becoming a part of it. An amusing example is that her husband is appalled when she wears her sweat pants to pick up her morning baguette because it is not nice for the baker. Good insights and entertaining peek into French attitudes and social mores.


Leave a Comment