Have you vacationed in Paris?

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Donna

I have been to Paris twice. I had a great time on both trips. The first vacation, I was there on a "learning vacation" for three weeks. I had cooking classes in the mornings with most afternoons and most evenings free to explore on my own. A few of my afternoons were spent with my classmates. We took day trips a few times outside Paris. Also my final weekend there was spent in the French countryside. The highlight was hot air ballooning over the Loire Valley

The second trip I made to Paris was a short one. I went mainly to experience the journey itself. I wanted to ride the Eurostar over from London. The Channel Tunnel "Chunnel" train had only been operating for a couple months when I went. So it was a very new way to get across to Paris from London. I stayed for 3 days before heading off to Belgium, also via Eurostar.

I do not speak fluent French. I struggled along with my "High School French" and a phrase book. I did just fine. Many French citizens speak quite a bit of English, especially those that work in the tourist related busineses. But, a word of advice...

I'm American. And I have never encountered any animosity from the French for being "an American tourist". I have seen many Americans being treated rudely by the French. But in every case it was well deserved. It almost always started with the American tourist going up to the French and speaking English, or asking "Do you speak English?" or complaining about how "things are so much more convienient at home" or some other equally insulting remark....

Like Americans, the French are proud of their country and it IS France, where the national language is French. I always made it a point to Try to speak French first. When the French saw my sincere effort, (and how bad my French was in comparison to their English) they would usually then smile and say "Actually I speak a little English." Then between their English and my French we would always manage just fine. It's not that they don't like Americans. It's just that it is their country, and they are proud of it.

Christine S.

Here are a few tips:

- Paris is full of things to do. Get a guidebook (or check Frommers.com- it posts all of its guidebooks in their entirety online) and read it to get a sense of what you might like to do. And whatever you decide, be sure to budget some time for just hanging out at cafes, people-watching and savoring the sights and sounds.

- If you don't speak French, learn a few basic phrases before you go. Attempting to speak to someone in their language makes it far more likely that they will make the effort to help you out (and will usually switch to English to do so).

- If you're planning on going to one of the most popular museums (Louvre, Orsay, etc.), go early. You won't beat the crowds entirely, but you'll find shorter lines and better viewing of the art. If you go to the Louvre, head down to the basement, where you can see the foundations of the old palace!

John

I live there, actually, but I'm American. Gorgeous city, incredible nightlife, the food is to die for. I speak fluent French, yes =]

One tip - most people here speak at least a bit of English, and of you memorize a few phrases in French with which you can approach them.

Such as -

Excuse me, I'm so sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you happened to speak any English, and if you would mind helping me for a moment ?

Hope this helps, and please, come visit the most beautiful city on earth !

Mouse House Man

Great Vacation Rentals are to be found here!

Jillian T

I had a great vacation when I stayed at this villa in Bulgaria (site in resource box), it's got everything, all modern fixtures and fittings, a collosal back yard with many different types of fruit trees and a wonderful pool. If you've never been to Bulgaria before it's an amazing place with scenic countryside and a coast with breathtaking beaches and resorts. And best of all it's cheap!!! Pint of beer - 50 pence - â‚¬0.65 - 1 US dollar, packet of cigs ï¿¡1.00 - â‚¬1.30 - $2.00, a 3-course evening meal in a restaurant with drinks etc, no more than 5 UK pounds - 6 euros 50 cents - 10 US Dollars. The villa is in the country side but only a twenty minute journey from the nearest coastal town. Visit the villa's site in the box below.

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