First, I would like to say Thank You to everyone, who posts on this website, for his/her Paris travel advice. It made my trip much easier. I was in Paris from Sept 12 to Sept 22. The weather was beautiful- 65 to 70 degrees everyday and no rain!! I was lucky. I stayed in the Marais at Hotel Jeanne D'Arc. It is a budget hotel, small, kinda noisy, 62e per night. I love the Marais neighborhood!! Everything is so close and accessible: the St Paul metro stop, bank, laundry, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, etc, etc and I felt very safe at night walking around by myself (solo traveler.) In general, the Paris tourist sites get crowded around 10-11 am so go early!! The Metro is the easiest transportation to use (and I was worried)buy a carnet of tickets from the machine at the metro station and you're on your way, get a metro map, use it! I had no problem whatsoever with speaking the little French I know and comunicating with the French people. Everyone was pleasant, kind and very helpful. I even had a few locals ask me qestions! So, if you are on your way to Paris, enjoy. If I can be of further help with any questions you might have, ask! I will be glad to help. Diane
Posted by
eugene, OR, USA
29 posts
diane, i am on my way to paris on tuesday. solo, woman, staying in the marais near the st. paul metro stop. so you, in essence, have been my advance person. thank you so much for your post. it makes me even more excited than i already was.
Posted by
Mentor on the Lake, OH, USA
251 posts
So glad to hear that you had a great trip. What was your favorite place in Paris? Any unexpected delights? Please share.
Posted by
Tucson, AZ, US
3 posts
Diane did you get a museum pass? Was it worth the price and did it help you with lines? I want to get a pass. My friend who has been to Paris does not think it is necessary. Your advise is appreciated.
Posted by
Newman Lake, wa
15 posts
We are heading to Paris at the beginning of November. I would like to try and blend in and not look too much like a tourist. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Toronto
12 posts
I just got back from a 10 day trip in September, of which 4 were spent in Paris. In order to blend in, I highly recommend wearing shades of black & grey, and limiting colour to only accessories. I took my regular vacation clothes which are colourful (I have to wear neutrals to work), and I stood out. You don't need a beret, poodle or a cigar, didn't see anyone having all three at the same time. Btw, we stayed in Montparnasse, near St. Jacques station. We felt safe coming home at night, and really like the restaurants on Rue Daguerre. The one tip I can think of is that if you are interested in seeing St. Chapelle, try to get there very early because the line was never seemed to have less than 50 people at any given time, and it moved quite slowly. Have a great time!
Posted by
Calgary, Canada
78 posts
James, why the cranky attitude? I think the blending in question is fine, as I always have the same thought. Karen - just dress 'nicely' - that is, no athletic wear that everyone here in North America seems to wear as a uniform! (I'm guilty sometimes too...) Wear clothes that you feel good in, and accessorize! Scarves, necklaces... and use the opportunity to check out the locals and then buy yourself a nice souvenir. That's always my favorite part! Have fun!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I think James' "crankiness" comes from the fact that this question has been asked 1000 times, but for new posters, it is a new question. I think Lisa's advice is perfect. And as Kira said, scarves are very popular with Parisian women. The long, narrow kind.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Maryann, I have been to Paris many times, and only gotten a two day MP ,, once. I used it for Versailles on one day, and St Chapelle and Orsay on the other day. Its not actually nessesary anymore,, as you can now buy Versailles tickets online in advance. The Rodin rarely has lines, and is close to the Orsay , go there first in the day, and buy the combo ticket thats good for same day visit to both, viola, line at Orsay avoided. Louvre is dead easy, do not use Pryamid entrance, I have used the underground shopping mall entrance( buy ticket from machine) at least 7 or 8 times now, and never had a long line to deal with, and I go in summer! I personally have not encountered long line at Arc De Triomphe, and the MP is not usable at the Effiel Tower anyways( you can buy an online ticket for that though now!). The MP does gain you admission to the Towers at Notre Dame, but does not allow line skipping. The MP is convenient, you can pop in and out of several places with it, but it is not nessesary.