Paris, an Aussie's travel guide.

Paris is the worlds most romantic and beautiful city. Whilst it is not as old as most European cities, it has a special elegance in its architecture and layout. When you look down on the city from the Eiffel Tower you will see how much planning went into this city. The courage that they must have had back in the 1850's to virtually demolish the city that stood and replace it with fine new buildings, tree lined boulevards, housing for the workers close to their employment, and areas for the wealthy close to the centre of the city. Do we have politicians with that sort of courage today.

Wherever you go in Paris the streets are tree lined, parks are beautifully manicured, and they are laid out to be people friendly catering for those who just wish to lounge in the sun, stroll, throw frisbees, play bocce (bowls), or sit sipping cognac and admiring the passers by. Streets are lined with cafes where Parisians drink short black coffees and partake in the age old pastime of watching others as they go by. Coffee is a way of life here. By the way if you want a Cappuccino you will have to ask specifically for it or perhaps a Cafe American. Don't just ask for a coffee and expect the same as you get in your local coffee house.

Parisians are friendly people despite what you may have heard, but practice your conversational french and don't be afraid to use it. They will laugh at the way you will murder their laws of grammar, but that will only break the ice and get a conversation started. Most Parisians have a knowledge of English, but they get insulted if you don't try to speak French. They are very proud of their heritage, and most will regard France as the best place in the world, in fact it is their world. I suggest that you brush up on your High School French or go to an Adult Education short course to get you up to basic conversational standard. For the more serious pupils, you can arrange formal lessons in Paris that include a home stay by clicking Learn to speak French Other languages are also available on this website.

What to see in Paris-

The Avenue des Champs de Elysees - This promenade runs from the Place the la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaul le, the site of the Arc de Triomphe. To call it the main street of Paris is really doing it an injustice as it is much more. The finish of the Tour De France is held here every year in July. It is a beautiful Avenue filled with the worlds leading fashion houses, jewellers such as Cartier, high profile businesses, and even a McDonalds Cafe. It is also the home of the Lido a very popular and professional revue style cabaret show. It is a little more risque than what Australians are used to, but it is so well done that it never becomes anything but classy. Even the prudish will enjoy this show. Stroll down this Avenue leisurely and just enjoy the moment.

Le Tour de Eiffel is so well known that I really need not write anything at all. I suggest that you line up early, avoid the illegal vendors trying to sell cheap souvenirs, and go all the way to the top by elevator. Unless you are young and trying to see what your limits are don't climb the stairs. Try going at night when the view is spectacular. One more thing take a coat or pullover even in summer at night. It will be cool and breezy.

Montmartre - This is a rather Bohemian village area of Paris and it is looking a little worse for wear, but it does have the Moulin Rouge
and Sacre-Couer which are both worth a look. When you go to Sacre-Couer you will probably be approached by vendors selling genuine leather goods at great prices. Unfortunately they are plastic and are only worth a fraction of their stated value. Don't buy them. In Montmartre (lower down the hill) the shops in the street carry beautiful drapery, and lots of quite unique goods that you probably won't find elsewhere. They are worth a look. The area is safe but it looks a bit rundown. Alternative is probably a good description.

The Metro - almost a piece of art in itself, it offers a wonderful mode of transport around Paris. They boast that no-one in Paris is more than 500 metres from a Metro station. This is the best way to travel in Paris. I suggest that you just buy tickets as you need them, but you can purchase a weekly pass that also has museum passes that will save you money.

The Seine - I haven't done a boat trip on the Seine, but it looks promising. The river itself is average, but this is Paris. Some of the bridges over the river are quite ornate. You will marvel at their beauty.

The Louvre - You won't have to be a museum type to appreciate the Louvre. This is really something else. Don't miss this art gallery and museum, it is one of the top three in the world. You could spend a day marveling at the Egyptian antiquities alone. Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa etc etc etc. This is a stunning art collection.

Musee D' Orsay - another fabulous art gallery showing latter masterpieces including the expressionists. I prefer the Louvre but this ex-railway station is well worth a look.

Rodins gallery - 20th century sculptor responsible for the "thinker" and other masterpieces. Well worth seeing for any art lovers.

Food - the food in Paris is very good but in tourist areas it is quite overpriced. I have had disappointing meals at Brasseries in Paris. Look for where the locals eat and avoid the tourist areas. I found that the food in the country is much nicer and better priced, unless you can afford to eat .

Where to stay - Always stay close to the centre in cities like Paris. Hotels are quite dear, so I use apartments for either 1 week or three to four days depending on my schedule. Many apartments in Paris are owned by Americans who renovate them to a high standard. You can book them on this website.

Best Tip - Paris is not a hurried and stressful city. Just relax and enjoy your stay. One week should give youn a real taste for Paris, but you won't see all of the sites in that time.

Trips Outside Paris -

Versailles - Please take the train to the Palace of Versailles. It wasn't just where the treaty that ended World War 1 was signed, it was the Kings summer residence at a time when France was the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth. The gardens cover a huge area and they have set the standard for the rest of the world. The Palace is just magnificent. Napoleon Bonaparte was in awe of this place, to the point that when he was emperor he used the "petit palace" which is much smaller and although beautiful much less grand. You should spend all day here, but you still won't cover everything.

Monet's Garden at Giverny - a short train trip to Giverny will connect you with a bus that travels to Monet's house (well close to it) where both gardeners and art lovers will have a visual feast. Monet considered his garden to be his greatest creation, and he spent many hours painting the features such as his bridge, as well as the water lilies and other flowers. Considered the father of expressionism, and one of the greatest painters of his generation which included so many greats. You will need a day for this trip but if you love gardens and/or art you won't be disappointed.

Mont Saint Michel - wonderful old monastery on an island just off the coast of France on the border of Brittany and Normandy. This is a fortress that held out the English during the 100 years war, and it is a very spiritual place for the French people. You can walk across on the seabed at certain times, but the tide returns very quickly so make sure you go with a guide. I didn't take a bus trip from Paris as I was staying in the area, but I believe it is a full day for a return trip in a bus. If you have time this is a must see.

Car Hire - You won't need a car in Paris, the metro is excellent. But if you are traveling on then either the TGV (rail) or a hire car is ideal if you wish to control your own itinerary. We always lease a new car (Renault or Peugeot)
for a short period of 21 days or more, which because of tax advantages that apply in France usually work out cheaper than car hire, and you get a new car. If you only require a car for a short period you can see your hire options by clicking here.

TGV (Rail) - The TGV is an exceptionally fast comfortable train that compares favourably with the best trains anywhere in the world. You can find out rail travel prices by clicking here. Rail offers some advantages, but of course has the disadvantage of not having transportation once you reach your destination. Ideal for city to city travel, but not ideal if your trip takes you to the country where a car would be a big advantage for accessing local sights. Click Here to book or investigate a Train Trip in France
.

Bus Excursions - There are many short bus excursions that can be arranged from Paris. Click here to see what you can organise.

Always travel with an open mind and don't make judgments about other cultures.

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