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On the language, people are very good with English there (in fact better than some people from abroad you'll speak to in London!) but you tend to get a better reception if you have a go. Most conversations I had consisted of me starting off in French, them replying in English and me eventually giving up and switching to English because they'd think I was more fluent than I am and I wouldn't catch anything of what they said back!
I thought that was kind of funny. As soon as they would hear me say "Juh voo-dray" they'd kind of nod and let you know they can speak English. Suprisingly the most difficulty I had with langauge was at a McDonald's (we wanted to see what it was like there). I tried to order in French and the kid behind the counter laughed and looked at me like I was from Mars and then said "Ok, dude, let's try this in English". It was kind of funny.
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Originally Posted by RH1
OMG - this isn't helpful OR informative, just slightly entertaining, but for some obscure reason a security guy at our airport in the UK told us that! This was Wednesday morning!! Very odd.
Yeah, that's another thing. The Lourve is closed on Tuesdays, Musee d'Orsay is closed on Monday. I think most museums are closed on one of these days.
I agree with everything that everyone else said. You will also notice that French people are very soft-spoken and they are not loud by any means. When I went to France, I was 17, stupid, overweight, and I was a loudmouth. I definitely fit their "American stereotype".
So, just stay quiet, enjoy the scenery and I am sure you will fall in love with the City of Lights!!!
I agree with everything that everyone else said. You will also notice that French people are very soft-spoken and they are not loud by any means. When I went to France, I was 17, stupid, overweight, and I was a loudmouth. I definitely fit their "American stereotype".
So, just stay quiet, enjoy the scenery and I am sure you will fall in love with the City of Lights!!!
I really didn't want to say anything about that for fear of offending people but you're right
I'd go with that, and you can take some great photos of the panorama. Trocadero looks like a lit-up robot, which is quite strange but one to look out for!
Lots of good advice on this thread! I've spent a lot of time in Paris and would suggest you avoid les Halles Metro station if you're going to Centre Pompidou, unless you're fond of long, dim passages rife with petty criminals and smelling of urine. Use a nearby station and walk a block. All the touristic spots are fairly loaded with pickpockets and petty thieves, so beware of anyone approaching you with an open map, a baby in their arms, offering you a "golden ring" they've only just "found" at a cheap price, or any lost-looking small child. There are lots more scams, but these seem to be time-honored favorites. The gendarmes do a good job at keeping areas clear of these pests as much as possible, but visitors are often easy targets. Be alert in the northern arrondissements of Paris en route to Porte de Clignancourt flea market, and of course in any flea market. Try not to sit by the door on trains.....thieves like to grab a purse or bag at the last second as they exit the train..... and keep your belongings securely on your lap or in front of you. It's really only the usual precautions you'd take as a visitor to any large city, but being a victim in a country where you probably don't speak the language can be particularly upsetting.
Overall Paris is a safe city even at night, and as long as you don't stray into dodgy neighborhoods, you're probably safer in Paris than most large American cities. Learn a bit of French before you go...even a few polite words go a long way and many Parisians, especially younger people, will speak a bit of English if you're having difficulty. Walk as much as your energy will allow, try the fresh, delicious offerings in ethnic cafes, check the museums' free & discount days to avoid long lines (usually pamphlets available in hotels), enjoy the mindboggling assortments of breads, cheeses and wines, take the sewer and catacombs tours, walk through the wonderful public parks, and touch the ancient history of Paris. I believe it's truly the most romantic and beautiful city in the world. I'm nearly in tears just remembering as I type!
Oh, and don't forget to get a free Metro map in Galeries Lafayette....just the right size to keep folded in your pocket for easy reference. Have a splendid visit!
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll definitely check out the links, and use the advice!
Just be careful while you're walking around the City of Lights. You might want to glance down at the pavement once in a while, because there are a lot of little doggies in Paris, and they deposit their -- uh -- droppings everywhere!
Il y a beaucoup des chiens en Paris, et les pupus -- sont partout!
and also.....if you TRY to ask for something in French [no matter how bad] they will love you and instantly speak remarkable English.....
Very True! Just give your French a little effort once in a while. French people are very helpful. Not to mention, they all look like skinny supermodels! Must be the cigarettes.
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Picture from the Eiffel Tower
