Why Travel Here?
"The city of lights" is the heart of all romantics, fashionistas, artists, and food lovers. Paris is obviously beautiful, but these key features draw in millions of visitors every year. The ambiance of the city is simply unforgettable. Sight-seeing is another popular activity in Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the stunning architecture. It righfully deserves its #1 spot on the list!
"Eiffel Tower" by Macrojournals
FashionParis is one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Once again, leave the fanny packs and tourist hats at home. Everyone from Marie Antoinette and Coco Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix got their start in couture fashion in Paris. Don't look like an American! How do you blend in? Dress stylishly and take pride in what you wear. TIP: certain clothing choices such as shorts and sneakers are frowned upon, especially in formal outings.
Art/Architecture
Is sight-seeing your favorite tourist activity? Here are some of the top places to visit!
1)Notre-Dame Cathedral
2)Musee de Louvre
3)Eiffel Tower
4)Palais Garnier
5)Versailles Palace
FOOD!
Excusez moi but I love food! French food and dining resembles the city- it's an art! Try something new that is not KFC-esque and savor your food, don't gulf it down! Even the art of perfecting a French dish, such as wine and cheese, is a reflection of the work and care put into the dish!
- A few must-try classics are soupe à l'oignon gratinée (French onion soup), croque-monsieur (a grilled cheese and ham sandwich smothered in more melted cheese), streak frites (steak and french fries), and coquilles St-Jacques (seasoned scallops topped with cheese and bread crumbs served in a shell).
- Have a sweet tooth? Make sure to try these French desserts! Macarons, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants), puits d'amours (large puff pastries filled with vanilla cream and drizzled with caramel sauce) or crêpes (fixins' range from Nutella to bananas and berries).
- Want a quick bite to eat? Here are a few things you should pick up: a baguette sandwich, a savory crêpe at a crêperie or crêpe stand, chocolat chaud (hot chocolate), or café crème (coffee with cream).
Tips
1) Best way to see the city? Definitely get the Paris Visite Pass! This pass gets you free trips of the métro, bus and RER trains around the city. It'll save you some euros! It even offers discounts on admission fees for tourist attractions!
2) Be aware of the city's dress-code. Period. For the time being, you are not an American tourist!
3) Want to experience real fine dining but can't drop that kind of cash? Eating at lunch time will save you! Highly esteemed restaurants offer a cost-efficient menu in the early hours of the day.
4) Monoprix Monoprix Monoprix! This is the French Walmart equivalent. Buy a variety of things needed while on your trip from here, not an expensive souvenir shop!
5) It is commonly known that Parisians stick up their noses to Americans. While I am not completely sure whether or not this is true, I do know that a little bit of diplomacy helps! Try speaking the language! Even a simple hello (bonjour) will go a long way!
6) Keep in mind that in France euros are used. They roughly translate to $1.35 USD.
7) Most public services, including restrooms, collect a fee. If they don't, it is polite to leave 50 cents to a euro for the attendants.
8) The best time to visit is in July and August when the weather is just about perfect. (just above 70 degrees farenheit) However, it is the most expensive and crowded.
Au revoir travelers!
Cites used:
http://travel.usnews.com/Paris_France/Travel_Tips/
http://travel.usnews.com/Paris_France/When_To_Visit/
http://travel.usnews.com/Paris_France/Things_To_Do/
