How much does a vacation in Paris cost?

Dining out is the expensive part. Fine dining in Paris is hella expensive - say USD$300 per person.

As in New York, the high-end restaurants are booked way in advance, so start looking at reservations now.

I got a decent enough hotel for USD$90 a night. Venere.com will help you find good hotel deals.

Others can probably give you a good idea about how expensive shopping in Paris can be.

Bring some Febreze because the smell of urine is everywhere

I should also add that there's tons of good restaurants in Paris that won't bankrupt you.

Don't book a hotel, go for an apartment on VRBO, many nice options for 150.00 per night or less. Always study the reviews, go with the highest number of views.

[quote]Dining out is the expensive part. Fine dining in Paris is hella expensive - say USD$300 per person.

Fuck fine dining. Go to the brasserie on the corner in your neighborhood.

Go to flunch. People here say "gurl, please" about flunch. But I love it. It's buffet/cafeteria style and very French and I love it.

The Best Western chain has fantastic European properties and well priced. Its not like BW here in the US (which are getting better, BTW) and go off season for good airfare and rates. Summer is a madhouse! Go to BW website for listings

[quote]Don't book a hotel, go for an apartment on VRBO, many nice options for 150.00 per night or less. Always study the reviews, go with the highest number of views.

Nonsense. Who can be bothered with that hassle? They're two middle-aged queens.

VRBO is not a hassle. I booked a place in Montmartre on VRBO and was very happy with it.

For a first trip, I would try to stay in any of arrondissements 1-4. If using VRBO, I agree, rely on the reviews.

I've often found the Mercure hotel chain to be more than satisfactory.

"How much does a vacation in Paris cost?"

Too much for you shitty, trashy Americans.

Stay home and don't bother us.

I was there last summer and found it surprisingly inexpensive to eat (the most expensive restaurant we ate at was similar to an expensive restaurant here in LA and there are tons on inexpensive options). and (especially) drink

Unlike r10 I also found the French surprisingly friendly.

What I learned by visiting Paris: *I flew first class. It was nice to have a place to lay down and sleep. But the flight is only about 8 or 9 hours from USA. Schedule your flight during waking hours, fly coach, and save some money on airfare. (On the way back, I didn't sleep at all and didn't need the comforts of first class.) *I stayed in a top rated hotel in the Spanish Quarter that was in my budget. Next time, the location of the hotel will be more important than how nice it is. In general, you just need a hotel that is safe, clean, and has everything you need. In Paris, you will not be hanging out in your hotel -- there is too much to do and see. If it is your first time, consider staying near the Champs-Elysee in one of the recognizable chain hotels. While there take a look at other hotels you might like for your next visit. (Or, after arriving, find a hotel you like after seeing it in person, and see if you can switch your reservations without a cancellation fee.) *There are many great restaurants, but you don't have to have fine dining every day. There are many bistros and street cafes that serve great food, and cheap. *Get the "museum package deal" that lets you go to all the museums you want for a set period of time. It might seem expensive, but you'll wind up saving money in the long run, since some museums are more interesting than others.

[quote]Unlike [R10] I also found the French surprisingly friendly.

They probably weren't French.

OR you spoke French with a fantastic fake French accent.

VRBO and AirBNB are good if you want to save on dining out but since you say you are interested in food and wine I would think you don't need a whole apartment. For me personally, staying in a really nice hotel is part of the vacation experience, so I don't like to scrimp on that.

[quote] But the flight is only about 8 or 9 hours from USA.

ONLY?

[quote]They probably weren't French.

I was there for three weeks. You think I didn’t speak to any French people? *rolls eyes*

A 9 hour flight to Paris is nothing, ya pussies.

did anyone here see Frances ha ?

she goes to Paris for the weekend. she's so exhausted she crashes out in her hotel room and sleeps through most of the weekend - wakes up and realizes he has about 4 hours left. lol.

Op we stayed at the Hotel Notre Dame - The rooms are small but they’re clean; comfortable and pretty inexpensive. This was our view and the the noise surprisingly wasn’t bad. It was a great introduction to the City as I hadn’t been before.

I definitely agree about getting the muesem three day pass

I only have 2 experiences of paris. Being a poor student, and 10 years later, living with and working for a billionaire business family. Both were amazing. The food is quite good at the budget and high end. I don't know about the value in the middle. The opera can be 200 or more per ticket. If you are interested in luxury French brand shopping, go during the SALES, obviously. Many Paris neighbourhoods are great in the summer - very quiet - only the tourist centres are mobbed. Its hot though. Its nice to take lazy day trips in the summer. I only lived there for weeks or months at a time. I don't like fitting in lots of activities everyday. Paris is one of those cities where people think they need to see or visit a lot but in fact there are so many high quality experiences available that you could just do 1 or 2 things a day and savour them, and spend the rest of the time soaking in the ambience and hopefully fucking your partner. If you aren't going to be fucking, don't even bother going. French culture is logical and brilliant if you are FUCKING daily and eating well. Even more so than in Italy, because the french can be "friendly" but remain coldish in affect.

To clarify that was the view from the window on the third floor taken from third or fourth floor without any zoom

Enjoying a quality stay in Paris is expensive. If you can afford it, or even for only a couple nights of your stay, I would definitely recommend Pavillon Henri IV. Gorgeous vista for breakfast, and Louis XIV was born here.

Totally agree about the great restaurants ; you can get grate food for 1/4 the price at so many less expensive dining establishments. All that extra money isn't worth it unless you're super rich. Everybody goes to Chartier (Metro: Grandes Boulevardes), reasonable, and the waiters write the bills on the paper tablecloths. The Rue Moufetard on the Left Bank is crammed with medium priced restaurants. And always check the plat du jour.

Pretty true what R21 said. For some reason I've always fucked the most in France, and possibly the most in Paris.

OK, foodies, list your restaurants.

I was there last October and actually was surprised how inexpensive it was compared to New York. I had an AirBNB in the Marais the first week for USD 100 a night which I shared with a friend. The follow week I had a small hotel for about 50 USD which I found on Hotwire. The room was cozy but fine.

I went in late June 2013 for a week. My trip cost about $5200. I used public transit almost the entire time & saved money with the Paris Pass. I stayed in the 15th arrond., Grenelle neighborhood.

I would say the French are reserved rather than cold. Manners are important. Greet everyone with Bonjour/Bon soir madam/mme/monsieur, and be generous with “merci” and you should have few problems. I encountered no one who was rude.

What's a "vacation"?

...when you go someplace and the sand looks different.

Agree with VRBO /Homeaway rentals being a great option. We saved money by eating out at lunch and then using the kitchen most nights. Remarkable produce and you can really taste the difference with the non GMO/free range/non antibiotic meat. Chicken actually tasted like something! We stayed in the 11e, just to the east of the Marais-- significantly cheaper rentals and just a few blocks away

That's 4 years of vacation and I live in Paris, R28.

Cannot stand the idea of going on vacation and having to cook for myself “to save money” while staying in someone else’s apartment.

“Shopping” is meaningless these days since everywhere sells the same stuff as anywhere else. Dining in Paris is no more special than any other big city, for that matter.

Yes, please share your inexpensive restaurants with good food.

I have read that in Paris, the cuter the cafe, the bigger the tourist trap.

Best Western Atlantic Hotel 3 stars, across from the Gate St Lazare and near the Opera and the Madeline.

[quote]Cannot stand the idea of going on vacation and having to cook for myself “to save money” while staying in someone else’s apartment.

me, neither.

I remember going to Paris when the Eurostar first opened. Left my cases in my room. Hit the street. Who was the first person I saw? Catherine Deneuve! Trying to hail a taxi. It was like going to New York and the first person you see is Woody Allen.

NYC has a wider variety of cuisines at many price points. The praise for food in Paris is FRENCH food. For example, 6 or 8 table restaurants inside the neighbourhoods with menus, where average folks eat. There is cheap good "ethnic" food but the OP is middle aged and middle class. luxury food is the same in all international cities. I believe luxury is for multi millionaires and billionaires, cause for them the price is nominal, like the nominal price for me when I buy a falafel.

About a year or so ago I went to Paris with an old friend I grew up with who became insanely rich in, of all things, the paper industry.

We stayed at the Four Seasons also known as the George V and it was the most insanely decadent experience of my life. Never in my sad, upper middle class life have I been exposed to such amazing luxury. We stayed in the Royal Suite and it was breathtaking. When I die I think I want to be cremated and sprinkled in the courtyard gardens of this hotel.

Stay at Hotel Original in Bastille. It abuts the Marais. Restaurants locals eat in are not expensive. I went last May for 7 days and it was $1,800 air/hotel. This hotel is the best location you can hope for. Bastille metro is steps away and the rooms are AMAZINGLY themed.

OK, so name some of these French restaurants, please.

The Original is fantastic! I really enjoyed my stay there.

If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Now for a stupid question. I don't speak French. I did take it in middle school, but that is a long time ago. I can read some of it. Will I still get okay service in a moderately priced restaurant where locals eat every day fare? Should I take French classes before going? My pronunciation will be soooo bad.

From a French friend's recommendations in 2011, somebody who really knows Paris restaurants:

Never go to a restaurant before 8pm. it will get you immediate respect from the waiters :) they will think you're a socially advanced american :)

Le Beau Violet: Corsican in the 15th. 92 Rue des Entrepreneurs. Not to miss. the owner is always drunk. the restaurant is tiny. the food typical. around 35-40 euros per person.

L'agrume: 15 Rue des Fossés Saint-Marcel. This restaurant is among the 5 best fixed price menu in Paris per the NYT. menu is 38 and with wine, it's gonna be around 55/60. as close as you can get from an excellent restaurant for cheap price.

Lucas Carton: 9 Place de la Madeleine. ex-3 star who returned the stars in order to be cheaper. you should still count 120 euros per person with wine. in la madeleine area.

Fontana Rossa: 28 Boulevard Garibaldi. high end italian (from sardigna). quite expensive but really excellent.

Vagenende: 142 Boulevard Saint-Germain. Brasserie in the center of paris. the typical french style brasserie

r45, brush up online to at least make an effort and to have an idea of what you are ordering.

R45: Speaking a little French definitely helps. Enough to at least ask nicely for things.

As noted above, remember to do greetings: always say "bonjour/bon soir monsieur/madame" when entering a store, and the shop person will be MUCH nicer. Always refer to them as "monsieur/madame" and be generous with "merci".

" we're middle age"... Don't come sir, thanks

Also, if asking where the restroom is say "Ou sont les toilettes" and not "Ou est la salle de bain" as I was taught in high school french and was mercilessly laughed at by a cute garcon. Also, do not call a waiter garcon.

The people who say eating in Paris is the same as anywhere else are wrong. You will love the flavors and the freshness.

When admiring the bulge of a young french man, just point your parasol at said bulge and exclaim "Oooh La La!"

Absolutely R35. The places that focus on the looks usually will have lower quality and choice, be it food, or whatever other product they are selling. Usually middle-of-the-rooad, bland places for flyovers. And, of course, expensive - or in any case too much for what they're selling.

How do you do you say "Gurl, please..." in French?

Or do they have their own equivalent.

Generally speaking, English on the menu is a bad sign. It's more convenient of course, but a sign that the place is a bit touristy.

I still remember the restaurant in central Milan with this GINORMOUS sign above saying in English, "ITALIAN FOOD". Didn't eat there.

It's cheap. You can work your way over by playing in a band on the boat. Once you're there find a guy on the street to exchange your American dollars. You get better rates and wear burlap dresses, which are all the rage.

Learn to say “do you speak English?” and “too bad” when they inevitably say no. Be willing to walk out

I was raised in Paris. Once I saw a very good looking strange man wandering about, looking everywhere like a tourist. Muscular, dark, handsome. Followed him silently to a hotel. He was american. I had guess by the way he was carrting himself. Very easy, long stride. Another handsome man was asleep on the bed. The dark stranger and I undressed. He was marvelous. Super fit and super hairy. He fucked me senseless. We didn't speak much. Fabulous

R52 In France it is Oh La La! Not OOOH.

Fille, S'il vous plat - gurl. please. Don't know the local idioms.

Been there at least six times. You can do it for $5-6k per trip. Get a hotel with a mini-fridge. Don’t eat every meal out. Plenty of street food. We rented an apartment for two weeks and the entire trip was about $6k.

OMG r40 - that room is $20-30,000 / night. You can't even book it on the website. You have to call. Their other suites aren't "that bad" in comparison, so I actually called months back to ask about the ones that require a verbal reservation. That's just an insane amount to spend on a night in a hotel room, but I guess if you have unlimited funds, it could be worth it.

I'm very interested in eating French pastries and desserts (once I finish my keto diet and lose 10 lbs and then can gain it back & still wear the same pants)... but I can get so much of that here. I told someone I was thinking about going to Paris and they said "just go to Saudi Arabia" which I think is BS. Yes, there are more hijabs there than ever but it's not a muslim country.

I figure I will spend money on the flight and the food... the hotel isn't as important. Are French men slutty enough to come to your hotel off those apps or no?

One thing I found useful:

"Je regarde!"

=

I'm just looking!

If they bother you in a shop.

My last trip to Paris was 3 years ago. It was my first time going solo and I loved it! I stayed at a studio in Montmartre I rented from Airbnb. It was beautifully decorated and the neighborhood was lovely. No tourists, just locals. I immediately felt at home. I do speak French but was very rusty however by the end of my two week trip I was much improved. I even had a French tourist come up and ask me for directions! I was born in the Caribbean and have a French name so I don’t think I stood out.

These are some restaurants I would recommend, most are neighborhood hangouts and not expensive. I found them while walking around.

Le Cépage - Montmartre

Le Dauphin- Montmartre

Le Sévigné - Le Marais

La Petite Place - Le Marais

Cafe Cassette - Saint Germain Des Pres

La Maison Rose - Montmartre

La Rosa Bonheur - Buttes Chaumont

The last two are touristy but I enjoyed them!

I'll add "Abelard", Left Bank near the Seine. Ate there twice. Excellent, high class but totally unpretentious.

BUT THE ONE NOT TO MISS, BECAUSE OF THE VIEW:

La Tour D'Argent! Ask the Maitre'D if you can go to the roof for a photo (I did!) Nothing beats Notre Dame as a backdrop!

One more place

Le Brio in Montmartre. It was up the street from my apartment. Cute neighborhood place, very friendly people.

I went in May 2017 solo for the first time. At the end of my trip I really didn't want to leave. Wonderful people, Marcon was just elected, I was there for Bastille Day and I just loved it. I would move there in retirement if I were healthier. I was afraid at first to go solo because of that, but it never figured in. The Marais is heaven to me.

r46 and r64, thank you for the restaurant recs! Keep them coming!

I still think the Marais is the best place to stay, especially for neophytes. Probably not value for money, probably a bit touristy, but convenient to everything and a real concentration of the Paris magic we’re all there for.

r69 I mentioned upthread that Hotel Original, on the edge of Bastille literally across Boulevard Beaumarchais from the Marias , is the greatest place to stay to experience the Marais. And the Bastille metro is steps away. One day I went to Chartres and it was so easy to connect at Montparnasse.

Yes, you have to speak some French. Most hotels are in the middle of residential neighborhoods & many locals don't speak much English. During the time I was there, I had to communicate with a mailman, bus drivers & a patisserie employee - all spoke no English. Here are some easy sayings:

Je voudrais.... - I would like.... Combien? - How much? Desolee. Je n'ai sais pas. - Sorry. I don't know. Pardon - Pardon, Excuse me Ou est....?. - Where is....?

It is important to learn if you are a Left Bank or Right Bank kind of guy...

Ah Paris. Spent 10 days 3 weeks post the Brussels bombing and tourism was 2/3 down (no waiting to get in the Louvre!) . Stayed in the 17th with AirBnB, where it was mostly young families and walked/Metroed everywhere. I didn't speak any French (with the exception of "Merci Beaucoup, S'il vous plaît, Excusez est moi, Pardon moi- Parlez vous Anglais?" and got along fine. The French were surprisingly civil, but I don't know if it's because of the lack of tourists, or we tried very hard not to be loud rude Americans. I would recommend looking up restaurants on Yelp, as it's been already 2 years since I've been there. Yelp was 85% spot on for restaurant recs. It will also help you to determine if you need rsvps, if they take only cash, and hours opened/closed- they don't operate like American restos.

Beware of groups of attractive girls asking for directions- they can be pickpockets

Okay I've checked, and am pleased to find that this restaurant is still operating: Comptoir de la Gastronomie

I stayed at a cute French hotel in the Marais across from the street from the Pompidou. Hotel was very charming but the family who ran it were very "French" aka standoffish and bitter. I have some high school French so I managed to get by just fine, but one time I went into some little gay lounge in the Marais during happy hour for a drink and was trying my French on the cute flirty bartender. He asked where I was from, so I told him NYC and all of a sudden he starts yelling in English "YES, MY NIGGAH! BROOKLYN!" and he changes to music in the bar to some rap music while telling everyone in the bar that "THERE IS MAH NIGGAH!" I was trying to hide under my bar stool. The bartender was white by the way.

I agree about staying in the Marais. It's a good location to walk everywhere, and really, ambling about the city is why you are in Paris.

Many of the "nicer", expensive restaurants have English menus and are fantastic. But, yeah, as a rule the pretty, romantic little bistros which have English menus advertising French Onion Soup and Croque Monsieur = tourist traps.

Are you black, R74?

Is there an equivalent to OpenTable that’s good for Paris (or other Euro cities)?

Make sure you either know French or you have a person who can interpret your English to Spanish and another who can translate the Spanish to German and another who can translate the German to French.

Enjoy your vacation. The French are such lovely people.

R80 " The french" such as myself, ( générations of parisiens in my family) had to abandon Paris to the international businessmen and the social housing benefiters decades ago. Paris has become a shithole full of arabs, africans and tourists. Stay in the historical center. 5,6,1,2,3,4,14,15,16 arrondissements and montmartre. Cling to your personal belongings, and don't think you'll meet any real French or parisien.

"lope à jus cherche rébeu ttbm domi. souslarve à gaver. plan vicieux, lieux insolites, je paye"

That is disgusting R82

is "disgusting" the word? When in Paris, do as the Parisians

stayed at the Hotel Brazil yrs ago....

maid robbed us of all our cr cards..

Sadly, I agree with R81 on many points.

Well, we will always have Lyon.

If you want good, affordable food, Lyon is far better than Paris.

Just your pride.

Lyon is the gastronomic capitale of France. It's like a pretty little Paris. Have 2 days in Paris for tuileries, louvre et quartier latin, the rest in lyon

R90, And the Centre Pompidou, Napoleon's Tomb, the Eifel Tower as seen at night from the Trocadero, the Champs Elysee, the Musee d'Orsay, Boule' Mich,' etc., etc.

Lyon is for a day. But the cathedrals (Amiens, Rouen, Chartres, etc.) and chateaux (Chenonceaux, Chambord, Chinon, Villandry, ...) ought not be ignored! I mean, if one is of a mind to go beyond Paris.

There's never enough time for France, OP!

The bad-pickpockets on the metro. Watch for that. Be alert all the time. Wear sunglasses (pickpockets want to see your eyes). Gold ring scam - someone will pick up a gold ring and try to give it to you. Ignore them. String on your wrist-will try to tie string on your wrist and hold you hostage for a large “donation”. Usually Africans. Petition girls-ask you to sign a petition as a distraction while they pickpocket you. Just say no.

ATM’s-watch who is around. This is a common place to be robbed.

Got to BBB and hire some protection for the week.

Avoid eye contact. Don't speak with anyone. Don't go out after sunset. Don't ever take out your wallet. No jewelry. Keep your bag/phone/wallet on your lap while in restaurant / movie. No cash.

Oh, and watch out for dog feces, its EVERYWHERE.

Frankly you're much safer in Tunis, where you can speak French and visit Carthage.

Same locals anyway.

My family lived in Paris since the early 1800's. I just left. What's the point? Watch what was once the most beautiful city in the world becoming shantytown ? I don't speak arabic nor african anyway.

[quote]Oh, and watch out for dog feces, its EVERYWHERE.

I thought they had guys going around on little motorbikes, vacuuming it up.

Speak to NO ONE. Say NOTHING. ALWAYS look straight ahead, as if you know where you're going.

If anyone approaches you, play dumb.

Don't even think of going to the suburbs.

If you see THIS - walk on. DON'T get involved.

Africa Sur Seine.

Stay in your hotel. Bring binoculars. Eat in the hotel restaurant or McDonalds. Whatever you do, do NOT venture out into the streets of Paris. Take a taxi to the louvre. Why are you even going there? You do realise its France? France is no longer France.

Use vbro (Vacation Rentals By Owner). My sister and her husband, your ages, stayed in a two story flat with beamed ceilings in near Notre Dame on the left bank (St. Andres de Pres was where it was by) in one of those cobbled mews. It was gorgeous and under $250.00/night. You don't need that much space and because there is so much stock in Paris (and Rome) you can get a better, cheaper deal that is still comfortable and pretty than you can get in upstate New York. I've found that - obviously, I guess - the bigger and more expensive the city, the better and greater the Vacation Rental by Owner deals, because there's so much competition. There's a flat near the Colisium - a studio - for $77/night. Yes, I realize that's Rome. My brother also vacationed in a Paris apartment with his family.

VBRO (a/ka Home Away) is better than arbnb. Paris is a great walking city. I was there (again) for the day this past June. All we did was walk around and then have an early dinner at Cafe Deux Magot (never again - thought it would be fun but it's a pit now). We walked from Place de Madeleine to Notre Dame and then across into the left bank. Ended the day trip at the Luxembourg gardens. If you get an apartment or flat you will save so much on necessary meals, and can use that money to choose judiciously where and when you want to eat out.

The dog feces picking motorbikes were a 80's thing that only encouraged the dog owners to let them shit on the sidewalks, used to be the worst thing about Paris, now it's the least annoying. Make a detour. Only worse city is Marseille, wich is now, I think, officially in North Africa. Paris died 20 years ago

[quote]Take a taxi to the louvre

RUN from the taxi into the museum. DON'T look about.

Wear dark glasses and a headscarf.

Don't ever EVER take a taxi unless 1) it has an official visible "accreditation" number 2) you know exactly the shortest way to go where you want to go. 3) your relatives know where you are and when and where you should be. 4) you can check on Google map he is following your instructions.

And cross Berlin and Cologne off your list. London, too. Only choices: Helsinki, Vienna or Zurich. Now that the Russians have put things back in order. you might consider Sevastopol.

The sidewalks are narrow and packed with people. You'll often find yourself walking (knocked onto) the street. After a few days, you'll feel a strange, cloying, claustrophobic feeling. That's PARIS!

The winters are mean (the winds blow across from Russia and seem to blow up and into you). The summers muggy, oppressive.

Armpit B.O. on the metro. Time to go home not when you no longer notice it - but when you start to like it.

Avoid those awful cafes on every single fucking corner, that all look alike. The waiters are rude - that is, if they even acknowledge you.

Tokyo has a tower and unique food. The monsters haven't awoken yet from the Fukushima radiation. Go now while you can. Much safer than Paris.

The metro ? Are you MAD ? Do NOT use any kind of metro/RER at ANY time, unless you want to be mugged/ murdered/raped/infected. Use buses for short distances in central city on the left bank only. Stay on your feet with your personal belongings under your arm. Near the chauffeur. And thoroughly cleanse your hands afterwards.

If you take a taxi - LOCK THE DOORS, or they'll come along and pull you out, take everything you own AND MORE.

But DO take you movie camera - you might witness a terror attack. Film it and post it online. It could go viral!

[quote]The metro ? Are you MAD ?

Taxi? Are you MAD? THIS could happen and probably will.

R112 and R113 and R114 are advising you to spend the whole of your Paris vacation at Charles de Gaulle. It's possible, since there's a Sheraton right inside the airport.

Best to AVOID areas that look like THIS >>

Paris is so dull that Hitler couldn't be bothered to destroy it.

Don't eat at restaurants, they will spit in your plate because you are americans. Not amount of politeness and kindness will ever do. Eat take away food that you can see being served to you at all times. Don't ever use public restrooms.don't even go there.

[quote]Don't ever use public restrooms.don't even go there.

Don't they have those little stand-alone cubicles on the street anymore?

Always shit in your hotel room before you go out.

Don't even think of doing it in the cafe toilette or you'll be confronted with THIS >>

Don't use that unless you have a taste for days of stranger's waste/dead bodies of children. Seriously

That would be the best option R120. You know what's inside, around, and up the walls

I recommend the old fashioned pissoir (see pic).

But I've come across/been confronted, on entering, by random feces. So, BE WARNED!

Strangely, you'll be assaulted by the smell of human shit in all sorts of places - descending into the metro etc...you'll get used to it. But it can be alarming at first.

FORGET The Louvre.

It'll probably be closed.

Beware of rats. They are everywhere. Go central. You will need to walk. Chances are transportation systems will be down/on strike. How are you planning to go from the airport to the city? If you tale a taxi/ rented car you will be attacked in a "attaque à la diligence" meaning they will stop the car, hold you at gunpoint, rob/kill you. You don't want to take RER ( same thing, you won't make it alive AND with your luggage). I think there should be a private " navette" ( bus). Don't plan to ask for help at the airport, do your research, there is nobody to help. If by chance there is, they won't speak english ( or pretend they don't)

True story, if a distraught pregnant lady and her mother beg to use your cell phone for an emergency call, just walk fast and ignore them. They will take it and run. If you try to run after them, they will scream assault and you will be lynched by the crowd.

You guys are pretty hysterical. It’s tragic that some of your comments about today’s Paris are true. I remember my first vacation there with a another flight attendant. We pretty much used “Fodor’s Paris on a Budget” as our bible since we were young and on a limited budge. We went to dinner at a place recommended by the Fodor guide (sorry I don’t remember the name, this was 30 years ago) and I looked up from our table and saw this beautiful women enter the restaurant escorted by two men. I told my friend, “Kathy, look, I think that’s Catherine Deneuve.” To which she replied, “Yeah, right I’m sure Catherine Deneuve would be eating in a place recommended by Fodor.” But then the maitre d and other staff rushed to greet her and I knew it was her. They seated her at a table across from me and several times when I looked up to get a look at her she was glancing at me as well. She was really stunning, Anyway, I think the tips concerning using a few phrases are a good idea (Duolingo is a great app). If the French believe you are attempting to speak their language they are more open to assist you. Have a great time OP. P.S. I still haven’t been to Giverny, it’s on my bucket list. Bon Voyage!

Also.....what everyone is recommending concerning pickpockets is true. Even 30 years ago there were gypsie children who would approach you (especially near tourist spots). My friend had this happen and I quickly starting yelling at them and shooing them away, she was alarmed by my behavior and then I pointed to her fanny pack which was now unzipped within seconds. Beware.

You hysterical queens are why they hate us. Losers. Paris is fine, you dandies.

Just ask Kim K. And that was luxury private resort with staff and security. Imagine the rest

Get a RICK Steves book, stayed in his fave hotel on one of my trips. It was fine, paid 10.00 more for an Eiffel tower view, you had to stand on your tip toes and lean out the window for the view !!! Me and Ex both laughed. Eat a couple of nts at the gai Moulin. good cheap food and service, 2 salads, entress and dessert and 2 bottles of wine around 50.00, not Michelin , but good, decent food and great eye candy.

When I travel to cities I spend as little time as possible in my lodging. I never get spending a lot of money on where you stay, but that is me.

We eat here every often, about 16 euros total, excellent food/atmosphere, when we are in residence. Right behind Place St Michel near the Seine.

R133 Erna, you are a disgusting cow. Die already.

We stayed at an airbnb about three years ago. great apartment! Nice neighborhood bakery to buy croissants hot from the oven after my morning run, not far from the Eiffel Tower and the Train station. We went to Versailles for the day.

We went for walks, (go in the late Spring or early summer) We went to the Rodin Museum, the Musee' d'Orsay, and Notre Dame. The Louvre too, but it is overwhelming so make sure you look into the ten "must see" art works at the Louvre. You'll enjoy Musee' d Orsay much more, I think.

Best food we had was Moroccan. take advantage of the authentic ethnic dishes if you go. Now the advantage to staying at a hotel, like my sister and her husband did last year, is that the Concierge can recommend decent restaurants.

Two things. Get passes. They're worth it. They get you into the museums and other tourist places. otherwise you wait in lines and you pay individually. A pass is worth it and they really do pay for themselves. Also, get a card for transportation. You can hop on and off. And get a couple books, one with basic French and one to understand their buses and subways. (You'll see more on buses.)

You can go to the flea markets, Luxembourg Gardens and the famous cemetery is another must see. Of course there's the Champs Elysee, the Arch de Triumph and you really must visit Napoleon's Tomb. Magnificent. Don't forget to walk across the Point Neuf. paris is a physically beautiful City and I belive Louis Napoleon and his German planner did a spectacular job with the modern city of Paris, which dates to the mid 1800's. Montmatre is fun in the summer when the young people have spontaneous street parties. If you shop, do it at the famous Flea markets the best one is Puces de St- Ouen. It was featured in the Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris. But there are a few others. They're famous for them. Google it. Ten days for two of you you'll easily spend $4,000. Find deals on airfare and maybe you can get a good deal on a package from TripAdvisor. In fact, Trip Advisor really helped me. Oh. And their "pharmacies" are much different from our drug stores. The French are really helpful.

Flip Key at TripAdvisor, VRBO, and Homeaway are also good places to look for an apartment. You rent by the week.

Rentals under one year (9 months for students) are now forbidden by law in Paris and violators risk a 50k euros fine

so then why are there a zillion places for rent by the day there on airbnb, etc.?

The Hotel Duquesne was really nice and in a good spot. Make sure you know which arondissments are the best. Look at a map of Paris.

Where to Eat in Paris When You’re Sick of French Food

We've never had problems iwth pickpockets in Rome or Paris. We got hit in London outside Sheffields, but never in Rome, Venice, Athens, or Paris.

I carried everything in a bag with a lock on it. Four attempts to pickpocket me that I know of, one inside the Louvre. Was approached by the petition girls, they were looking for “donations”. Also had a Roma try the gold ring scam in me.

My friend and I (both female) took the Metro everyday for 10 days. We had no problem with pickpockets (although we did witness one steal a purse). Contrary to the upthread advice, we were able to spot pickpockets (they have a certain kind of restless eyes, energy and are loitering/lurking) and pointedly stare right back at them. We also made sure we knew our routes and walked like we knew where we were going, and not like clueless tourists. We don't carry purses and I have my phone on a metal crossbody strap, so it's more difficult to grab the phone from my hand.

I will say that when we walked from the Metro to Puces de St- Ouen, there is a block before the market that has hordes of loitering Arab and African guys loitering around trying to sell you cigarettes- it's quite daunting. I just dialed my Resting Bitch Face to 11 and they left me alone. There is a great little resto in one of the main buildings- Les Gastropodes

Forget taxis and the touts that will approach you before you exit airports or train stations (esp Gare du Nord). Take Uber.

THank you R143. I think people need to take precautions in big cities, especially around tourist attractions or popular tourist havens. I have a ouch with my passport, money and plane ticket, as well as two credit cards. The pouch is strapped to my chest under my shirt and sweater, and I keep a minimum amount of local cash in my pants pocket Never had a problem. it helps to know where you're going and to walk with purpose.

OP you never indicated how much you wanted to spend. What's your limit on lodging? what would you be most comfortable with per diem. I find it easier to get breakfast on the fly. Coffee, fruit, yogurt, a roll. Then I splurge on a late lunch or dinner. The Museum passes are great. They save time and money.

here's the information I think you'll find this helpful.....

[quote]Fine dining in Paris is hella expensive

How the fuck would you know?

Eat at Le Polidor and Bofinger. Do as I tell you. And pronounce it BO-FON-SHAY

Oh yes r144, you'll encounter the a bunch of Africans trying to sell you trinkets/cigarettes or aforementioned gaggle of pickpocket gypsies/girls as you approach the Tour Eiffel. And before I forget, make sure you take the roof tours of either Sacre Coeur or Notre Dame. Touristy- yes, but worth it.

R143 there is also Chauffeurs privés, like Uber, you need an app for that, but public transport is just fine, RER B will take you from CDG airport to the center of Paris, during the day there is direct train who don't stop in the suburb, they are faster and safer. In any case you can chek everything about transport in Paris on ratp.fr

R140 thank for the link, I know a very good mauricius restaurant in a gallery a the 34 avenue des Champs Elysées, it was cheap and really good! Some colleagues had an after work at Chez Bouboule, they have 3 restaurants, you can do pétanque indoor. You can try your luck behind the Lycée Henry 4 behind the Pantheon, there is plenty of restaurants like creperie that cater for parisians and tourists. If you want something special, you can book in advance the Jules Verne at the 2nd floor of the Eiffel tower, they keep the best table next to the window for Anniversary, people on honeymoon and proposals. Otherwise the Tour d'Argent is similar, but they both have a dress code I think.

R125 there is no rat in Paris, it's not Ratatouille! We do have very small mice who can go everywhere, often find in the rail tracks of the metro. We do not do strikes/riots every week, thanks.

R119 yep, we still do

R117 Hitler asked to have Paris destructed, the general who was running the city decided not to do it, thanks God...

R110 winter are not very cold, but very damp, (we are having floods at the moment), our weather does not come from Russia, it's from the Atlantic, the Gulf-stream. We are not very far from England, it can rain a lot sometimes.

R98 you can track you ancestors as parisian since the 1800?! I have never met in my life somebody who was more than 3rd generation! Everybody has grand parent from all over France, Europe and the world! It's about fucking time you discover that there is life outside Paris!

R80 we asked the italians, spanish, magrebins, antillais ect to come help us rebuild France after WW2, without them we wouldn't have public service, hospital or post running! We are a multicultural country, and have been for more than half a century, it's also about fucking time you realize it!

R94 is correct we don't do eye contact but you can ask for direction, keep you clothe comfortable but you are not going to walk a mountain, no backpack (really easy to open for pickpocket), no fanny pack, it's not the 90' anymore. In public transport, stay on the right of the escalator and let people who are going to work climb the steps on your left.

R92 africans will sell you souvenirs, Roms will steal you money, often using children because we don't put children in prison in France. They often work in group, do not hesitate to tell them to go away/fuck off, keep it short.

R90 Lyon is indeed one of the best place in France for food, but you can also visit Strasbourg or Lille for the architecture, easy to reach by TGV, if you have more time (7-10 days in Paris is a lot!) you can also visit Brittany, or Dordogne, or pays Basque with also a very good reputation for the food (hope you are not vegetarians, right?)

R71 it's better if you know some french, it definitely help. The thing is, every french learn english at school, for at least 6 years and then never get to use it. So the best is to articulate and make short sentences. We understand perfectly french people speaking english, we love an english accent when you speak french! By the way nobody in France knows the Steve Martin scene "I would like to buy a hamburger".

R63 yes, very useful!

R54 I would say "Pleaaase" and rolling my eyes, but I'm not sure we talking about the same thing.

I don't know any hotels, but stay next to a metro station, preferably not directly on a busy boulevard, avoid les Halles, my friends stay there because it's very central, but it's also very noisy. I would recommend the ice cream Bertillon on the island st Louis behind Notre Dame, they have plenty of choice, very tasty. Check when the museums are closed, depending if it's a national or a city museum they will close on a different day. Enjoy!

Hitler ordered Paris destroyed, r150?

Amazing - please provide documentatia/verificatia for this outrageous claim.

Hitler treasured Paris, he considered it his trophy.

Don't feed the pigeons, they carry more deseases than rats, and will mob you and shit on you. The rains in paris are acid. Proof on the monuments. ( just to let you know). Go to Meudon, posh suburb on a hill where my uncle lives.with great view over Paris. You will see like nowhere else the miles thick brown pollution cloud over Paris where you just were and will go back shortly.

R151 have a look at the bio of the commander of Paris, General Dietrich von Choltitz, they had bombs wired all over the monuments, ready to erase them from the map.

[quote] He is chiefly remembered for his role as the last commander of Nazi-occupied Paris in 1944, when he disobeyed Adolf Hitler's orders to level the city, but instead surrendered it to Free French forces.[4][5] In many contemporary accounts he has been called the "Saviour of Paris" for preventing its destruction. Choltitz later asserted that his defiance of Hitler's direct order stemmed from its obvious military futility, his affection for the French capital's history and culture, and his belief that Hitler had by then become insane.

R151, it is true. There is a movie about it.

Near the end of World War II, Gen. Dietrich von Choltitz (Gert Froebe) receives orders to burn down Paris if it becomes clear the Allies are going to invade, or if he cannot maintain control of the city. After much contemplation Choltitz decides to ignore his orders, enraging the Germans and giving hope to various resistance factions that the city will be liberated. Choltitz, along with Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling (Orson Welles), helps a resistance leader (Alain Delon) organize his forces.

Initial release: October 26, 1966

Director: René Clément

Music composed by: Maurice Jarre

Screenplay: Francis Ford Coppola, Gore Vidal, Pierre Bost, Jean Aurenche, Claude Brulé

Story by: Larry Collins, Dominique Lapierre

Only very stupid people believe HollywoodCIA bullshit.

the airport is the worst, lazy fucks and so slow!!!! i was in transit for over 4hrs and my luggage didn't even make it to the connecting flight.

i would go visit jim morrison's grave. if you do go, pls say hi for me!

The Africans who tie bracelets on your wrists will sell you hash if you ask nicely, so I don't know what you all are complaining about.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery, I think it's called and everyone is buried there. Just everyone. Jim Morrison is the least of it. Look up the famous people. It's So worth an afternoon.

I have had the ice cream at Bertillon, R150! Wonderful! I loved to wander around the neighborhood around Notre Dame. Great pharmacie there too if I recall. I would love to see more of France, but I had only a few days so I was only in Paris. We did take the train to Versailles one day. I will definitely come back. Train to Lyon, maybe go to Nice, & St Jean Cap Ferrat.

R81 Good riddance, you lacy fuck. Paris and France is technically and financially an welfare state, powered and financed by Africa and other former colonial countries. Hitler should have finished you off, lol!

The French can sometimes be racist as fuck, as R81 so eloquently demonstrates.

r127, Go to Giverny! Get your picture taken on the bridge!

First time my husband and I were in Paris, first a.m. we left our hotel to go to our rental car parked on the street. Flat tire! Oh, crap! Well, two young Parisian guys saw us and changed the tire for us, gratis!

Another time in Paris we hailed a taxi (again, we had a car) just to ask the driver directions (who better to ask?). He decided it was easier to let us follow him to our destination!

I reserved our leased Renault from the US. The night before our flight, Renault rep called us, asking for our flight number. Why? To MEET US at the airport and drive us to where our car was waiting.

Being welcomed sans reservation and soaking wet on a stormy Bastille Day at Restaurant Abelard, and then eating Charolais beef and a rabbit dish avec vin, is a cherished memory.

IOW, the Parisians I met on any level were friendly, kind, and helpful.

"Pere Lachaise Cemetery, I think it's called and everyone is buried there. Just everyone."

One begs to differ, r160!

My friend and I met a very sweet lady in her 70's at the bus stop who chatted our ears off. Turns out she worked at the UN in the 1950's in NYC and had a torrid affair with a diplomat.

She was HIGHLY opinionated about the best sights to see. "Well I guess you COULD go to the Louvre, but the Musee Rodin is much nicer..." She also recommended spending an afternoon in Bois du Boulogne.

r151, Really? REALLY?! Man, you must be young.

R165 so your old lady friend was into brazilian trannies?

OP, I lived in both Brussels and Paris as a teen. And even back then (we're talking like 25 years ago) everyone spoke English. So don't worry about the language, you'll be fine.

As far as food, You can get by without spending a fortune so no worries there.

I haven't been to Paris in over a decade, and from what I know from people I still know living over there things have changed a lot. Not for the better, I'm afraid. Be careful, and be safe.

It's such a gorgeous city. You will have a wonderful time.

When I went the had this program called City Greeters. The City coordinates walking tours with locals for tourists. It's free, but you need to reserve well in advance. The old gentlemen who showed us around Monmartre was fabulous. He knew all kinds of history and details from living in the city forever. My favorite part was when he was pointing out the EIffel Tower in the distance, he let us know, "That one we are still on the fence about. It's so new."

You americans don't understand. R162. I am not racist. I don't feel superior as a white man.40 years ago there were no arabs of african in France or so very few.They weren't there when I was a child.It's not like America where you were all immigrants, you brought them enslaved and they deserve respect and equality. You have no more reasons to be there than they do. But we didn't bring them over. They were colonies, wich was wrong,They wanted independance, wich was right. And they don't belong here. I don't relate to them and I think they would be much better off in their own country.

Look, French is food is just a dozen variations on gravy. You can do that at home.

just don't go to marseille. if you value your life. all of them thugs.

Assuming airfare around $800 and hotels around $120 per night, figure $1500/week if you are on your own.

All of them thugs. Did you use a Scrabble to decipher that one R172? True too c, go to Nice. And monaco. Saint paul de vence is a treat

if you have to ask, you can't afford it. and be careful of scammers. don't get portrait drawn by artists etc. and pickpockets. have you ever been out of the country?

Whenever I need a cheap vacation, I default to Go-Today. They always have the best rates for airfare and hotel. I especially like the trips where you fly to a country, visit the capital city, then Rent-A-Car and visit several smaller cities or regions, like Paris and the Burgundy region.

I’m frightened! We cancelled the Paris trip! I don’t want to be raped by an African who puts strings on people! I’m going to Branson instead!

Good for you OP

I don’t think OP’s question on cost is out of line. I like to budget as well.

Oh they will not spit in your plate. Parisian waitstaff are just trying to get through the day and make money like anyone else. I had 'rude' waiter at Cafe Deaux Magot but I'm pretty sure he did it because it was expected, and he was very funny.

I took the Metro and loved it. It is one of the only things that reminds me of when cities were cities. The Metro slingshots into the station and the doors fly open before it comes to a stop. Same when it gets going again. I like it. It's a subway - it's not a chauffered limo, but it's fine. I had trouble with the ticket dispensing machines though, but that's on me.

You know, since Europe has so many refugees to cope with, there is a backlash, and things are different. But they have to realize this is what America looks like. We are a diverse nation and now they are dealing with the growing pains of being a more diverse nation. If their economy was healthy no one would care.

Some of you people are such wimps! You should stick to Paris-Las Vegas if you're so scared.

Yeah, because Vegas is so much safer.....

R133 - I can't believe you mentioned La Tourelle. I went there on my first trip to Paris. I opted out of the tour group trip and went around the city on my own. Stopped at La Tourelle for dinner. Had such a wonderful meal there. At that time, I believed the restaurant was ran by a husband and wife, the wife was Asian. Wonder if they're still there.

Yes, r184, the charming wife is from Hong Kong and the French husband chef looks like he was probably scorching hot 25 years ago. They are still owning/running it with their two sons. We plan to dine there at least once when we are in residence again next week, having arrived on the TGV/AVE from Barcelona - a 6.5 hour direct journey.

Don't bother to tip OP. Service is included. And they hate you anyway. But if you tip they hate AND despise you.

[R181] European societies like French or British has been diverse for a very long time, as any ex-colonial power, it is not a recent influx of refugees that created that. In France or UK the proportion of Muslims is much higher than in US due to immigration from North Africa or Pakistan, Bangladesh respectively.

[quote]Don't bother to tip OP. Service is included. And they hate you anyway. But if you tip they hate AND despise you.

God, when I first came to England I could never get used to the tipping non-tipping thing. Some places you tip, some you don't. You don't tip in a working man's Caff for example. I'd leave money on the table and they'd all stare at me as I went out.

Even today people say I over-tip.

Tipping is so much a part of the American culture - especially as I was a fucking waiter myself.

I beg to differ R187. I am french and Parisien. France begun to be " diverse" in the 70's, with ' regroupement familial ' ( bring in the wives and kids of ex- colonies issued workers) which everyone now agrees was a tragic mistake.all of them now France haters thugs and drug dealers. And the new migrants are unemployable. They were in the African jungles three months ago. Behave like Boko Haram in centre Paris, harrass and rape women, men and children. Read the european press.I don't want Diversity thanks. I want my country back

R189=either CIA or moron

R188. Read the ticket. The mention " service compris" means you don't need to tip.if you have to tip ( in taxis you have, before you get off, and they will carry your luggage and thank you " monsieur") tip 10 %.Fucking the waiter is always a plus. But remember he is french = no deo, unclean ass. R190, being, again, French living there, I think I know better. your stupid comment not needed. Truth hurts? Fuck off already.

We have found French sizemeat to be larger than that in most other countries and also very clean. Uncut of course.

For your information OP

A fish-free zone?! Thanks for the info!

It's not like " fishes out, gays welcome" R194.you might not want to have the integrist muslim gay experience in immigrants district while in Paris daddy.

I still don't understand how France let the situation with this savage immigrants get so out of hand. If you try to legally immigrate to France it's nearly impossible but these motherfuckers not only got into the country but also behave like beasts and have no respect for anyone or anything.

How the fuck is that possible???

Pere Lachaise Cemetery > great for a quick BJ, especially at sundown

Well at least they have McDonalds so civilization is slowly arriving

We have sampled Towel sizemeat and found it not to our liking... The color is strange and the public hair is very black. Also it is cut.

Tell us more r197!

A nice vacation at a nice hotel, nice location, not spending a fortune dining (which you don't have to do except maybe once or twice, money for museums, etc., some smallish shopping, about $5000 per person. Sharing a room obviously brings the hotel costs down.

Backpackers can be cheap. Not middle agers who want better accommodations.

R196 one word: SOCIALISTES. In your country = Hillary Clinton.

i can't imagine staying in hostels sorry. bed bugs.

You can get a decent hotel in a good location, have good meals, (maybe splurge once if you're there for a week or ten days} and if you get the Museums Pass and a metro card you will save a lot. I project 7 nights and 8 days in Paris at $4000 total for two people, or $2000 per person.

Go to TripAdvisor for hotels, and Priceline for air. Trip Advisor has forums where people discuss their travel experiences. It's definitely worth skimming through. Lots of good suggestions.

I remember the summer of 1979, fresh out of high school, I flew Laker Airways to London with my Frommer "Europe on $15.00 a Day" in hand....definitely doable in those days...now you would be getting off cheap at 150 a day.

We can have a great time in Paris with 75 euros per day complete nice hotel room with private bath in the best part of Paris (6th arr), 3 good meals, for 95 euros/day. For two people maybe 80 euros per day per person.

I'm sure I'm not the only homosexual who always thinks of Julia, when I go to Paris.

R185 - Aww I envie you. Wish I can go back there soon. The one time I was there was 12 years ago, I still remember the candied lemon in syrup that was served for dessert. I'm glad to hear they are still in business.

R202 yes let's pretend Sarkozy did not exist, that's what I do every day! Remind me, what was left of the police when he finally left?

R209 oh yeah and when was that? Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris is an evil cunt, she's worse than Hitler. Hitler didn't touch Paris. She destroyed it. You american dodged a bullet with evil Frau Clinton. You'll never know.

paris is flooding big time right now, after this event, i'm sure there will be lots of deals to be had. you might want to look into this.

I've been to Paris, but I've never been to me.

When I order creme brulee in Paris, should I tell them I want it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

R189 LOL! There's nothing French about you at all.

They closed the Louvre because they were concerned the first floor would flood. It's raining like end times.

R214 Thank you. I am very flattered. What is it? My english? Is it good?

We are preparing to visit Paris again!

And, r208, perhaps you are referring to the "Chocolate sublime" which is a fabulous homemade square of chocolate mouse in sort of a sparse and light orange sauce? A better dessert one can not imagine.

[quote][R214] Thank you. I am very flattered. What is it? My english? Is it good?

It's a mix.

Well R218, my father was french, my mother french/ italian, I was born and raised in Paris so I guess I can pretty much qualify as french

R210 Jacques Chirac did worst by transforming a good part of the appartements into offices. Companies use to bring more tax money than people! You were not kicked out of Paris by "foreigners", but by good old capitalism - Andouille!

For people still interested in food and who knows some french, we have a tv show "Trés trés bon" on the channel Paris Première, every week they cover a restaurant, bakery, street food and other products. It's helpful when you want to know if a restaurant is worth it. In the episode below they are trying korean and vietnamese food, because after some time, we get french food fatigue and wants to try something else.

thanks for that link, R200 - c'est bon

[quote]Well [R218], my father was french, my mother french/ italian, I was born and raised in Paris so I guess I can pretty much qualify as french

I, personally, wasn't doubting your Frenchness. I think you're marvelous, actually.

I want to see Paris and other places in Europe. Serious question: how do I NOT behave like an ugly American? Friends have told me to claim I am from Canada when abroad.

Get new friends. They sound awful.

Thx R222. I am rude enough? You Americans are so sexy

No, it's... AM I rude enough?

& I'm English, not American.

Yes it is, indeed. R226 Typing is getting crazier by the minute. Are you English? Even sexier. I blew my last englishman last month. Ginger, hung like a horse, swallowed his sour ginger load with pride. Cheers mate!

...and as this thread is about COST. What did you pay for the sour ginger milk?

Well apart from my self esteem when he declined a bis the next evening, asking " who are you?" , actually it didn't cost me a euro. Was walking distance on the grindr.

r223 as noted above, learn basic (Insert country) salutations and courtesy phrases (ask if they speak English first in said language) and always use them. Do not laugh out loud (we Americans tend to bray) or have loud conversations anywhere. Wait patiently in queues. Don't toothy smile too much if you want to get something or when greeting people (i guess it makes us look like maniacs). No trainers unless you're actually exercising or you're a millennial and wearing expensive designer trainers. Always wear a scarf. BTW, you can pick out a non-European 80% of the time by the color/straightness of the teeth (Americans are obsessed with straight white teeth). Take your time in cafes (hours!) and when you ask for the bill, expect at least 20 minutes in getting it and maybe 10-15 getting it back to sign or to get change. So if you need to be somewhere, plan accordingly. I always tip but not the 20% that we're accustomed to- you can google how much is customary.

Anybody else want to chime in?

Also this app is invaluable- many of our drivers loved it- it translates aurally and on screen

Oh yes r223 as a common courtesy anywhere (including US), if you need to check your phone or maps, don't stand in the middle of the sidewalk or on the corner, get out of the way!

R188 If you are happy with the service, you can usually leave 1 or 2 euros as tips in regular restaurant and café, preferably in one or two coins, no pile of copper coins. If you do a Michelin star restaurant and pay over 100 for the meal, you can tip 5 or 10 euros. As far as I know (and I don't know much) the waiting staff don't pay taxes on their tips like their Canadians colleagues. Do the Americans waiter pay taxes on their tips?

Tip what? there is no need to tip! i used to wait tables in college and these fucking tourists never ever tip me nothing and their excuse is they didn't know. fucking lies. They are just using it as an excuse. fucking cheap cunts. I wouldn't tip them, they have a service charge in the bill already!

Be horrible and dominant with them. Don't tip. Treat them like shit. They will know why even if you don't. They are born victims anyway. Otherwise they wouldn't wait tables.

R216 No that's because you are criminally stupid. You are living in the world's largest welfare/colonially dependent country. Your mere existence is financed by $21billion financed by Haiti and loads of other billions from slavery&colonialism. Now, vai a prenderti la tu povera troia di madre e torni in Italia. France is financially, manufacturally , electrically powered by Africa.

France, love it or leave it.

yes, american waiters are taxed on tips, esp if you pay by credit cards. and they report the tips on their tax returns. so they have to pay tax!

Nobody wants to go to Paris w/ me (financial, scheduling, not liking me enough for vacation, etc...) but I don't really want to go there alone. It seems awkward to eat in all of those restaurants alone. I still want to go though... any thoughts?

Lunch... or pay for an escort to join you for dinner

R235 you don't understand. I don't care to see them that's all. Good italian. My mother is fine by the way. She doesn't need your racist slur. You are very lower class aren't you? African descent yourself perhaps ? Or were you raised in a farm ? Hoi polloi are always so sensitive on these matters. Are you going to cry?

I spent three days on my own this past summer. It was fine. I did eat dinner earlier than normal for Paris. I stayed in the Latin Quarter. My food recs are on the cheaper scale: Mi Va Mi for amazing falafel and Eric Kayser/Paul for quick breakfast/lunch options.

R235 ... your references are bogus, try again

R235 Oh and I am happy we are the 1st. Good news. I thought it was England and the commonwealth. Good. Thank you for the good news

R239 LOL! You are quite delusional and can't even formulate a simple argument. You have 3 Intl Airports around Paris, feel free to leave the country and move back to Italy.

r237, I love going by myself to Paris, I've done it at least 5 times. I spend hours wandering, sitting in parks, flea markets, shopping....but then again I'm a loner. French brasseries are easy for dining alone. I pick up wine, and various meats and cheeses for my evening at the apartment. I don't care for dining alone in the evenings.

r237 I went solo for a few days in May, '17, and it was amazing. You have to have no fear going in.

R241 Well, the BBC, Bloomberg, the 12 CFA countries and Elysee Palace itself would highly disagree with you about this known issue.

R243 I have always felt free to do whatever I wish. That is called privilege. I wouldn't need to " move back" to Italy. My family retains quite a few properties there. You seem terribly offended. Pull yourself together. It makes you seem weak and vulgar. No one is attacking you personaly precious.

R247 You had a meltdown about the "other" French inhabitants indicates the opposite. You're living in a totally wrong country, seek help or an education. Bacio.

R248 Call me honey, I can use a hate fuck anytime, especially from a hot JSW. Baci to you too

r248/r249 = thread killers.

Like anything, it depends more on your budget and lifestyle. e.g. do you take taxis or public transit. To be honest, you can research the basics of this stuff before you go by getting quotes for a hotel and flights in your lifestyle range online, how much the museums cost and so on, and give yourself a rough food budget for each day to guesstimate.

yeah really r250. Take it elsewhere girls...

I bookmarked restaurants that I Yelped, and for the most part stuck to them. It was awesome and the reviews were spot on.

I also found the French to be friendly for the most part. I do speak the language, not fluently, but dec3ntly, and my accent is okay (people thought I was British). OP, make sure you never speak to someone without a pleasantry first - Bon jour, bon soir - excusez-moi or pardonnez-moi. You will be gauche and despised if you just start speaking without a greeting or excusing yourself.

One thing to know, in Paris you’re either a Parisian or you’re not. Doesn’t matter if you’re French born if you’re not a native Parisian. So just be prepared to be though a wee bit inferior and you’ll be fine - there are some really nice people there.

I went to Paris with my boss for a week and spent over $10K, all first class. I felt like Anne Hathaway in Devil wears Prada, though my boss is nothing like Miranda Priestly. I had a lot of time to myself and saw everything. I'd do it again in a heartbeat at the same level.

Ines De la Fressange said Paris is Disneyland for grown-ups.

"How much does a vacation in Paris cost?"

My hoo-hoo is no longer a vacation destination.

If you speak French, but never been to Paris, Parisians speak 10x faster than regular French.

R246 that's better! Non bullshit media :

[quote] The CFA franc was created by France in the late 1940s to serve as a legal tender in its then-African colonies, and it is one of the most prominent signs of France's continued influence over its former colonies.

[quote]The CFA franc is pegged to the euro with the financial backing of the French treasury.

[quote] While some see it as a guarantee of financial stability, others attack it as a colonial relic.

Your see, no bullshit R231 : [quote] our mere existence is financed by $21billion financed by Haiti and loads of other billions from slavery&colonialism... France is financially, manufacturally , electrically powered by Africa.

We've had lots of of fun here, and all 'au naturel'!

But you'd better be in good shape, otherwise no go.

: D !!!!

I have spent an hour on this thread, and already my poor mother has been insulted( in italian) by a SJW migrant diffender ( like herself btw, poor generous soul actually buys grocery and water to bring them in their tents) for no reason except they are terminal cunts. This is what to expect in Paris OP. Cunts, thugs, migrants and the random anti 'white privilege ' SJW. Cesspool all the way. Go to Bordeaux/Lyon/Nice/Monaco

r259- There's a French tv comedy called "Au service de la France" that takes place in the 60's. There is a running gag that there is always an African delegation waiting in the lobby to discuss their independence from France and are always ignored. It's on Netflix.

I don't like French food.

Or, r262, Alsace, Normandy, and/or Brittany!

Don't worry Donald, there are McDonalds everywhere

The show R263 refers to is called "A Very Secret Service" in the US/Canada. It's a great show.

Thanks R263 and R267, I'll have a look. I personally enjoy reading "A thousand years of annoying the french" by Stephen Clark, there is a lot in it we don't learn at school, where we were ridiculed by the english, which happen very often in our history, it helps to understand the franco-british "love/hate" and lack of trust.

you can't afford it. just forget about it.

R626 We know who you are.

r270, ??? 626, seriously? ...you probably drink as much as that guy. ....you need to learn how to format...once you sober up.

hee hee eat my asshole.

IF you want to eat a 5 star restaurant, you had better reserve now. For good bargain hotels or apartments, unfortunately the locals know more, and it changes. Eat where the locals eat (not the tourist traps). All neighborhoods have the local bistros and wine/bar places. You can have delicious food on the street, including crepes, ethnic sometimes and sandwiches. The french love a picnic and the wine stores sell little bottles of wine and champagne (love this).

All the museums have cafes too. Definitely, get a pass for the metro and the museums.

For me, the most expensive part was the hotel. Versailles takes all day,

France and especially Paris are are nice, but it would be an even nicer without the Frenchmen who nobody in the world likes.

I've stayed at a hotel in the Gare de Lyon area before. It wasn't anything fancy, just basic hotel fare. Hardly saw any tourist there. The area seems safe enough, at least back in 2007.

R275 Most Gare areas look more like Kinshasa now, but it shouldn’t have been much different in 2007.