jane

03-01-2008

C'est la vie

Overall: 4.0 / 5.0

Paris is French.  100%.  That means that you either love it or hate it.  Personally, I love it.  The French accent is just so charming - it is just a pity that my French is not quite up to the fast conversations....but as long as you try, the Parisians will be welcoming and friendly.

So, what do I love about Paris (other than the accent)?  The wide streets, architecture, wonderful public buildings, continental pavement cafes, fast and efficient transport service -  to name but a few. Not to mention the food!!

It is also great to party in Paris - but so many different areas that it is useful to have some recommendations before you go.  I went to the Marais district and liked the mix of straight and gay people, the relaxed and entertaining bars and restaurants and being in the heart of a city to being able to walk everywhere.  By the way, they have a new system in Paris where you can "borrow" a bike at many of the major metro stations and other random places throughout the city.  These are held at stands and you pay for the bike for the time you need it, dropping it off when you finish with it at any other bike stand.  It seems to work really well and you see many French people using the bikes at commuter time - driving along with their briefcases!

Also remember that France has a strict no smoking rule as of 1 Jan 2008.  If you are caught smoking in a bar or restaurant you will be fined Euro 450 and the owner of the place will also get fined Euro 750.