Genevieve's Guide to Paris
So you're going to Paris? You have saved 2 or three days, and you want to visit the City of Lights. I've been down that path a few times, mostly with high school kids, but here are my suggestions:
Before starting, I've only ever had one concern in the people one might run into, and these may be pickpockets, or con artists. I have observed 3 young women pick-pocketing in July 2006 in the metros, I have also been given a line of BS from a couple of young women in July 2012 about a gold ring they "found on the ground" then a line about how they found it, and "want to return it to its owner"...I usually have some change, or even dollar bills and throw it their way, and walk away.
So, now for the fun! Before visiting the city, take some time to look at a map on line. I would do a search on events happening when you will be there. One year, I arrived, and discovered that Prince was playing at a big venue but I hadn't planned for it. You could research bike tours, churches, museums, concerts, high end shopping districts, flea markets, whatever floats your boat, prior to going. I have a penchant for the Jewish quarter, Le Marais, the boutiques are beautiful. I always try to stop by the BHV, which stands for the Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville, it is a giant department store, with hardware in the basement, and my favorite- office supplies on the 2nd level (?) Who doesn't dream of living near the "Eglise de Saint Germain des Près" where the Existentialists had their coffee, and philosophy?
The next step is to get familiar with the main tourist stops: Eiffel Tower (la-tur-ef-el), The Champs Elysees (lay-shanz-ellie-zay) , le Louvre, and Notre Dame. Americans tend to love the "Quai d'Orsay museum" (kay-door-say) but if the weather permits, I would visit the Jardin de Luxembourg, a park, and find the pond in the center of it where kids are literally floating their boats. Follow the weather before going to Paris. It can be raining in July, or brutally hot.
Try to pack light, then pack lighter. I always have to unpack my suitcase before going. One teacher made her students pack their bags, them walk a mile with them before going, so that they would understand the struggle awaiting them. Spaces, cars, trains, etc. are all smaller in Europe. Pack outfits that you love, what you are comfortable in, and feel chic, with good shoes, and a back up pair. Coco Chanel said about elegance, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."
I have visited Paris with my BFF and she had some antiques to buy, so we went up north to the flea market at an area called Saint-Ouen, and that was incredible, French antiques!! Oh Oui! This friend also had a dream of taking high tea at the RITZ, it is being served, and we tried it.
By extension, ANY open street market in Paris is a must. Ask your hotel concierge (concierge definition: in France-a person who has charge of the entrance of a building, in USA a member of a hotel staff in charge of special services for guests) three things :
- Where are the closest 'boulangeries" (boo-lawn-juries)? -bakeries for croissants
- When are any markets happening around your hotel?
- A nice Metro map of Paris, with bus routes on the back.
Note, according to Dr. Gundry, France still uses live yeast when making their bread, so have at it! (USA went to chemical yeast in the 50s) Markets will be great photo opportunities, and sell artisan-type things, I like to buy salad spoons made from olive trees, linen dishtowels, and lavender soap.
Traveling with high school students prevented me from taking a taxi from the airport; but the buses are fabulous! For about 15 Euros I can get a variety of buses from Charles de Gaulle airport to within walking distance of my hotel. Ask any help person, or French at the airport, they will know where to go.
Speaking of transportation, around Paris there is a great metro-bus system. If you are there for 3 days, I suggest buying a 10 pack of metro/bus passes, and replenishing when you run out. I have never done the "All-day" pass because I know that I will walk a lot. My BFF showed me how to find taxi stands, A blue circle with a taxi pictured inside, for the generous spenders. The metro is quite an experience, can be fast, but at rush hour is often CROWDED. The bus allows you to see Paris as you travel from point A to point B.
Now for the nitty-gritty. Meals are the THING in France, be aware that if you want to be with the French, then adjust your schedule to this:
8am : Light breakfast
10am: Coffee, snack
12 noon = Lunch (The words are synonymous)
If you want to eat with the French, then drop what you are doing at high noon! Sit down in any restaurant and try the "menu du jour" often means an appetizer, meal, dessert and coffee.
4 pm: Snack time "le gouter"
Dinner anytime after 7
Lastly, and most importantly, I fail everyone on this quiz: "What 2 words are more important in France, 'please and thank you', or 'hello, and goodbye'?"
Bonjour! (bon-jure) and AUREVOIR (oh-vwar)
You MUST, I repeat MUST, greet every single person you encounter, from your hotel receptionist, to the man standing behind his shop bench when you see them, and leave. This is THE MAIN PROBLEM IN FRANCO-AMERICAN RELATIONS. People say, "The French are rude." Well, guess what? We start every conversation off on the wrong foot. So train yourself to say hello to everyone you meet before going to France. For more about this and other differences, may I recommend this book : Bringing up Bebe, by Pamela Druckerman. http://www.pameladruckerman.com/books/bringing-up-bebe/
As well as another book suggestion, THE BONJOUR EFFECT by Barlow and Nadeau which goes into depth on this issue and quite a few others useful for an American visiting or living in France.
The Normandy beaches are a day-trip away from Paris, and there are plenty of tours for those interested; but those interested may wish to spend more than a day.
More quotes by Coco Chanel:
• One shouldn't spend all one's time dressing. All one needs are two or three suits, as long as they and everything to go with them, are perfect.
• The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you.