WELCOME TO PARIS - The City of Lights

Paris is the most romantic place in the world. Paris could take you multiple lifetimes to explore from top to bottom – and that’s not counting the Louvre. Happily, the metro system is extremely efficient and will aid your see-and-flee sightseeing. But to truly savour Paris’ heady parfum, opt for the bus, or even better, your feet. 

Here are 8 iteneraries  when travelling to Paris.

·          From Notre-Dame to Place de la Concorde (click for details) – spend time wandering around the lovely Ile de la Cite, of the Notre-Dame, and relaxing in the Tuilleries before tackling the Louvre.

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 The Faubourg St. Honore – Chic spots in cities come and go, but the Faubourg’s always had it and probably always will, with its well-established shops and cafes.

·          From the Tour Eiffel to the Arc de Triomphe (click here for more info) – You won’t be able to cover this whole area in one day, but plan lots of time for what could be called “monumental” Paris. In adition to the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees, and the Arc de Triomphe, there are several excellent museums worth planning yours days around.

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 The Marais & the Bastille (Click here for more info) – The marais is Paris’ most popular Sunday-afternoon-lazing neighborhood, where you can while away the afternoon at the Place des Vosages or shop to your heart’s content. And if it’s new and happening in Paris, the Bastille is where you will find it.

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   Ile St.-Louis & the Quarter Latin – Ile St.-Louis is one of the most romantic spots in Paris. Leave time to wander the Latin quarter, a hood known for its vibrant student life.

·         From Orsay to St.German-des-Pres – Great cafes and two of the city’s most fabulous museums are found here also. Also don’t miss the Jardins du Luxembourg.

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·         Montmarte – Like a small village inside a big city Montmarte feels distinctly separate from the rest of Paris – but its prime tourist territory with Sacre-Coeur as its main attraction.

When you’re in Paris you must use the Paris Etiquette. The Parisian reputation for rudeness is undeserved. Parisians are sticklers for “politesse” and exchanging formal greetings is the rule. Informal American-style manners are considered impolite. Beginning an exchange with a simple “DO you speak English?”  will get you  of on the right foot. Learning a few key French words will take you afar. Offer a hearty bonjour (bohn-zhoor) when walking into  a shop or café and an au revoir (o ruh-vwahr) when leaving even if nobody seems to listening. When speaking to a woman above the age of 16, use madame. For a young woman or girl, use mademoiselle. A man of any age goes by monsieur (muh-syuh). Always say please, s'il vous plait (seel- voo-play), and thank you, merci.

What To Wear When in Paris. When it come to dress, the French reserve athletic-type clothing for sports. Sneakers are fine as long as they are  not gym shoes. You will feel comfortable wearing jeans just about anywhere as long as they are neat, although before you head out for the evening  make sure to check if they are acceptable.