Any good books for Paris? I'm going there soon.?

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Rillifane

All the major guidebooks are pretty much the same. Pick whichever one seems to suit your personal style.

The best map you can get is probably the Michelin "Paris Plan" It is what I've used for many years.

Navigating the Metro is very easy because most stations have large light boards where you just hold a button for where you want to go and the complete route lights up. Makes getting around a comple no brainer.

I've been visiting Paris on a regular basis for 35 years. I've almost never experienced anything but pleasant people.

But then I never thought anyone owed me help. I've never acted as though I had a right to have people speak English. I've never been demanding and always have tried to be polite. I've tried to learn the local customs, habits and tastes. I don't expect (or want) everything to be just like it is in America and see the differences as a learning experience rather than a source of complaint.

And wherever I have gone, be it Paris or Shanghai, I knew I was a guest in someone else's country and tried to be a gracious one.

The result is that I have been treated with kindness and warmth in every corner of the world, including Paris.

Do the same and you will be too.

teresacmt

I went to Paris In 2002 before America got ticked off that they wouldn't support our war efforts. Even back then and we're talking just a few short months after 9/11 when most of the world was kind and sympathetic to us the people in Paris were the rudest people I have ever met. I can't even imagine how much worse they must be now toward Americans. They speak English and you will hear them doing so until you walk up and then all of a sudden they don't speak a word of it and they pretend to not even understand your attempt at French. The French men were very forward and kept hitting on me simply because I was a girl walking alone. The METRO reeks of urine in most areas and I was advised at the youth hostel I was staying at not to use it for transportation after dark it's very dangerous. The buses are okay but not always very consistent from what I remember. As far as books go the Travel section in Borders has loads of good books on everywhere in Europe I purchased several of the "Let's Go!" books for my trip and they were helpful in every city I visited. When you get sick of the rude Parisians (and believe me you will) London is a short train ride away and it's beautiful and the people are much more friendly.

justachick

Best bet it to go to the bookstore, sit dow in front of the paris section and scan each book. See which one works best for you. I've traveled abroad a lot, and I've found that different travel book companies work best for different trips.

As for the metro, from personal experience, everyone will tell you that it's super hard. It's not! It's big and expansive and thorough. But that's a plus. Every line has a color and number and every stop has a name. The direction of the train is named by the stop at the end of the line in that direction. In the stations, look for the color of the line that you want and follow it to the train platform. The make sure that the train is going toward the city at the end of the line for the direction of your destiation (did that make sense cause it sounded more complicated that it really is).

PS. don't let people intimidate you about France or Paris. Take the time to learn few key phrases (hello, thank you, i would like..., thats beautiful, etc). You don't have to speak french to get around, but they appreciate an effort to be polite. Try to enjoy their culture and they will be nice. I've never once had French people be rude to me. In fact, I've experienced great hospitality and a eagerness to help. Enjoy your trip!!!

sandra b

I have a few favorite books about Paris. One is Paris Inside Out by David Applefield. Applefield is an expat living in Paris for some time so he approaches Paris like an American would (but one who has vast knowledge of the subject). Another book I love is The Little Black Book of Paris by Vesna Neskow...it has many maps of Paris inside and the layouts of the arrondissements. It has knowledge about restaurants, museums, cafes, clubs, bars, bookstores, hotels...absolutely everything. It is a small size that you can easily carry around with you but it is chock full of information on Paris.
Parisians aren't generally known as "nice" no matter how you slice it. Generally, they are nicer if you try and speak the language even if it's "Bonjour" "Merci" and "De Rien". Don't expect people to be smiling at you in the street or jumping out to greet you.

BEACHRESCUE

I didnt know that Paris Hilton could read

tinkbostwick

it's ok everyone speaks english in the city
have fun it's beautiful, you'll gain some weight too

brandi j

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luxembourg

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Trip wiz

I would recommend DK Eyewitness Travel guides. (check out half.com for a used copy) I have used them in Paris, London, Madrid and Prague. They are highly visual and provide sections that are for the four day visit as well as detailed accounts of each section of the city. Paris is a wonderful city and the people are friendly. Just try the little French you have, such as Bon jour (Good morning) or merci (thank you) and you will win their hearts.
The metro system is easy to understand and maps are available at the ticket booth. Be sure to purchase a weekly pass and you save a bundle on transportation. Take a passport size photo with you.
Hope you enjoy your trip.

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