Making the most of Paris
Here are tips on how you can make the best of your trip to Paris
Re: Foreign Exchange (FX) - It's better to convert in Paris, so you can get the daily rate as of the time you exchange your funds. Unlike most foreign countries that offer FX for sale, (if travelling from the U.S.), be aware that the U.S. usually doesn't sell foreign currency, all they offer is U.S. traveller's cheques for your travel convenience. Sometimes FX (foreign exchange) rates differ slightly for cash and traveller's cheques, but it's nothing major. Bureau de changes are usually available in major tourist cities including Paris.
Re: Major tourist sites - The Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral, the Basilica, the Louvre, L'Arc de Triomphe (the Triumph Arc) and Le Forum des Halles (the Forum Halls) are significant places of interest, and Paris is very rich in history and culture. Even Charles-de-Gaulle airport is an intricate architectural beauty, just don't get lost in it. There are lots of interesting sites to see, and the theatres are open year round. The question to know is "Cosa c'e di interessante?" which translates to "What is worth seeing?".
Re: Weather - European cities on the same latitude, tend to have similar weather, but you may want to check for weather through my website link, so you can pack appropriately.
Re: Transportation - The metro system is quite effective and easily accessible to most tourist sites. If you prefer to use a car hires or taxis, then make your arrangements ahead of time and have sufficient funds, plus a reasonable command of the language to explain your destination.
Re: Safety - Women, hold on closely to your purse if and when you ride the trains, I've had mine picked before, and it can be a major damper on your trip.
Re: Comfort - If you plan to travel during the summer months, make sure your hotel has air-conditioning, as it is not necessarily a standard provision in all hotels. If you're travelling on a budget, you may also choose to have a separate/private bathroom facilities, rather than a communal one if that's your preference. If you plan to visit a lot of tourist sites, take along your walking shoes.
Re: Diet - Remember to try the bread, and wine is usually cheaper than soda, plus it tastes better. Seize your trip as an opportunity to try new and delicious pastries.
Re: Language - The French prefer to converse in their native language even when they understand yours, but don't count it as arrogance, it's part of their culture. Most words you'll need are the basic ones which are similar to their Spanish counterparts. Telephone, restaurant etc are pronounced similarly sometimes with emphasis on the letter 'e' at the ends of the words, but the 'e' is sometimes silent such as in 'ristorante', where you may request 'acqua minerale' which is simply mineral water. Toilets are toeletta, the word rest means 'to rest', so if you mention restroom (which is the word commonly used by Americans), it may be translated as meaning you need to rest.
Re: Conveniences - Always take sufficient funds, batteries, rolls of films, extra camcorder tapes etc. as you would on any vacation. If you love music, then take a Walkman, CD player, adaptor for the car lighter. Also, take int'l adaptors for voltage changes if you're taking your pluggable players, shaving gadgets, hair dryers etc. Everything else (including films & batteries) you can always find available.
Re: Fun - Paris is an artist's delight as there are numerous sites to visit, draw paint or whatever gives you pleasure, or you can just visit locations where you may find artists busy at work. Monmartre district is a good area to visit, and there and several parks, Opera houses and markets to visit. Have a good attitude and plan to have fun.
For photo Paris
