travelnovice2

Hi,
I've never traveled abroad before, and I'm going to Paris in January. My friends and I are staying in the 9th District, and have purchased Museum and Metro Passes. We also just want to wander around Paris, shop, and eat! Any suggestions? I'm also concerned about what to wear - I know it will be cold, but on top of that, we don't want to stick out like tourists if you know what I mean. I've also heard there are dress codes for cathedrals and museums... Any advice would be great!

Thanks in advance...

rex

I want to be both polite and kind to you trav... since you are a brand new registrant...

but your post is like going into the library and seeking books on the shelf which say, printed on their spine...

"You've never read this book"

Your question should be reflected in your message header (title)...

So, please re-post with a header, more like...

"Seeking advice on a first-time-ever December trip to Paris: how to dress, shopping and places to eat"

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers
Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Barbara_in_CT

As for dress codes in churches and cathedrals, you will have no problem in January. Churches general want shoulders and knees covered.

As for Paris, leave home the Hawaiian shirts, baseball caps and white sneakers, otherwise you won't have a problem unless you open your mouths. Learn a few phrases such as Bonjour, Merci, s'il vous plait and you should be fine. Make sure you have a good map.

Christina

I think your plan is fine to just wander around, and with the passes you can go to a lot of museums easily. You don't say where in the 9th, but if it's around the Madeleine/Opera area, that's a nice area and there are tons of good food shops around the Madeleine. A decent guidebook can tell you about particular places to shop, etc, and what they are like.

There are no dress codes for those things, I don't know where you heard that. Especially museums.

jules4je7

Here's my top 10 of my Paris survival tips:

1) buy a guidebook.
2) read it.
3) learn "Please", "thank you" and "good day" and "Goodbye" in French. You will endear yourself to practically anyone you meet just for trying.
4) You won't break any dress code in any cathedral if you're there in January, when it will be cold enough that you won't possibly be caught walking around in anything off-the-shoulder.
5) Wear all the black you have. I found dressing in black and not wearing much makeup and not doing my hair got me approached in French often
6) Don't be loud, and you won't be singled out
7) hold onto your bag and keep your wits about you without being paranoid. I was nearly pickpocketed near the Eiffel Tower, and wasn't afraid to challenge the would-be thief loudly. He ran, the cops followed him.
8) I found scheduling important big stuff like the Louvre was best done in the morning before the crowds arrived. Afternoons are best for wandering, cafe/wine drinking and people-watching.
9) Be friendly, and stay at a bar one night past midnight, and notice how the French people come out while the tourists go home, and how many of them are willing to talk with you. Compliment Paris and you'll make instant friends.
10) Don't miss sights for the first-timers in Paris: Ste. Chappelle, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe (climb the stairs near sunset and enjoy the view), Musee de Orsay, and a river boat ride on the Seine, just to name a few.

Happy travels,

Jules

cocofromdijon

Bonjour novice et bienvenue en France!
Do you intend to stay in Paris only? what about a day trip to Dijon? 1h30 from Paris by TGV.. churches, museums, Ducal Palace etc..

have a great stay!
corinne

everittp

Congratulations on venturing out of your comfort zone. Please don't let Rex's need to correct you discourage you from posting here. I understood your subject heading easily.

Christina hasn't heard the requirement for shoulders and knees covered in cathedrals and churches, but I have. I spent 9 weeks this year in Paris, Florence and Venice. I heard it every time our local guides introduced the tours. They also reminded men to remove their hats. I have some question about why this reminder is ever necessary, but it was! I saw women borrowing jackets, scarves etc. and men hastily dragging baseball caps off their heads.

However, as this is winter, you likely won't need to worry about being respectfully covered up.

I did notice that French and Italian women do very dressy things with scarves. So, if you have a heavy wool pea jacket or car coat or long coat, you'll be able to watch how these women change the look of their basic outer wear with scarves. Maybe you'll even have fun shopping for some!

I will suggest that you look at the names of the museums that you have bought passes for (good planning!). Then go to your library and check out some guide books. Find out what each museum's main purpose is (sculpture, Rodin; Carnavalet, French history especially the revolution on; Louvre, ancient world to about 1850, Orsay, 1850 to 1914 especially Impressionists, Pompidou, 20th century) and choose one to three of the exhibits you are most interested in seeing. Then check out a DVD/video/book about those items, artist or subject. That way, you'll be better prepared and not as overwhelmed as I was my first trip back in 1980 to London.

The hint about learning a few basic phrases is important. The French shop keeper thinks of her/his establishment as almost an extension of home so when you enter, you look at the nearest clerk, receptionist and greet the. A cheerful "Bon jour!" will let them know that you want to be in Paris experiencing life as much as possible as a Parisian would if only for the few minutes you're in their presence. It works wonders, though they'll likely dispense immediately with trying to pretend that you speak French and they don't speak English. Again, your library will have some sort of beginner's travel phrases tutor. I liked the "In Flight ... " series. You can also download these to an iPod. An hour's tutoring in counting, colours, greetings, useful phrases for restaurant, travel, shopping etc. will help you feel more comfortable.

Eating in Paris is part of the experience. One useful hint (for Italy too) is that the price increases the farther away from the serving station (bar, counter) you are. Stand at the counter, lowest price. Sit inside, a higher price , but you have that table for as long as you want it. You're paying for the space as well as the coffee. Sit outside (I do hope you get one warm day to try this) and you pay a higher price for the seat, and the view.

Enjoy all the preparations. Your first trip abroad will be full of adventure. You'll get lost, make mistakes about which metro line to be on, see too many paintings of great battles or saints, be overcome with awe at ... something. If you have specific questions, try using the Fodor's search box (e.g. 9th district restaurants) but don't be afraid to post more questions too. Most of us who read Fodor's like showing off our knowledge. We wouldn't click on your post if we didn't. Those who are weary of answering the questions can always refrain from attempting that task.

I will suggest one historical novel to get you started: Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser. No doubt others will give you more. This one is almost daunting; it's so big and written with so many reference notes. I bought it in Paris because I was out of bedtime reading. After reading it had to go back again to Carnavalet because I remembered seeing the museum with the guide but didn't appreciate it until I read Fraser's book!

Bon voyage!

escargot

Seconding what Jules said: Bateaux-Mouches boat ride on the Seine (great at night too) - also his suggestion about learning key phrases which show interest and respect when visiting another country: thumb thru books and find one small that will be easy to take with you - my first trip I remember learning from the book how to say "I know my french is bad, but........" and onto my question. I was always met with a smile and ususally a "it's ok, i speak english" - but as they were still willing to help with my pronounciation. Also as everitt posted, it is nice to read books prior to and upon returning. I also enjoyed Marie Antoinette: The last queen of france by Evelyne Lever.

You have time to plan. I would get some books from library or bookstore and they will provide all the necessary info/tips: (copy passport/ money/ etc) you may need to know having not traveled abroad before. Thumb thru and pick out things that interest you from Fodors and other books.
Then, when you have a better proposed itinerary, post back and people will jump in and help you finalize. Lots of books on shopping/eating/etc.
Also consider Versailles. Traveling is the same everywhere: same for all big cities/safety/etc and you should be able to count on advice from your lodging - as to areas to be more attuned to - I can't remember exactly, but know the night we went to Sacre Coeur ( lovely to see the city lights come on as darkness fell) our hotel gave us explicit directions how to return to avoid one leg of the metro that could get iffy at late night.

Have fun planning ! Dress comfortably and you will be fine. Someone suggested lots of black/ this works anywhere and usually makes for light, easy packing - lots of black pants/skirts/sweater w/ some colors and scarves mixed in so there is plenty of room for what you buy there !!!

escargot

just noticed a posting "long trip report: paris" that might give you some ideas too ! search all the "paris" postings.

escargot

sorry, "long paris trip report" is how it is listed. you can plug that into "search this forum" bar when you are in europe section.

AuntAnnie

I love the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness travel guides with photos. I did Paris with a friend and we rode the Metro all over Paris with no problems. I am always irritated when people think the French are rude; I have found them to be warm and helpful if I remember I am in their country and respect their ways. The baguette sandwiches you can buy from street vendors are delicious. Try a Prix Fixe meal at a restaurant; all the courses for a pre-set prices. Most restaurants will post their menus outside. We liked Chez Rene' and Le Coup Chou (sp?). I do remember being in Notre Dame and an American woman being so loud that a woman selling rosaries asked her to remember she was in a church. The mere fact that you are asking about not being "the ugly American" makes me think you will "do us proud!" Have a wonderful time! It is addicting!

jules4je7

Here's my trip report from our trip in September to London (2 days) and Paris (7 days). It's long, just settle in with a drink in hand.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4je7&fid=2

Happy Travels

Jules

Christina

Everittp, I have been to many cathedrals in France and Paris, and there have been no dress codes. The post was not about Italy. In any case, I thought it odd to mention you probably should not wear tank tops in January.

suze

There aren't dress codes for museums, and for cathedrals you'll certainly be well covered it being winter.

For wardrobe I suggest layers, silk undershirt, knit tops, sweater, slacks, walking shoes or boots, nice looking weather proof coat.

Grahamh49

Glad to hear that you're giving Europe a try. Paris is perhaps not the most welcoming place to foreigners, although they LOVE your money! The food is great provided you move out of the USA box and explore a little. Always try to use the set menus. They're always better value than the a la carte. Remember service is much slower and things like iced water are not automatic. Drinks in cafes are not cheap and are dearer if you sit down! (terrasse) The cheaper prices are stood at the bar (comptoir) The public transport is great, if they're not having a strike. In spite of what one of the correspondents says, dress is important to the French and if you stand out as tourists you risk being targetted by the villains. Dress as if you were visiting any large city centre, or going to work in a reasonably smart office and you won't stand out. You're going to reveal your nationality as soon as you speak anyway! If you're US citizens, you might do well to claim you're Canadians. Neither your Mr Bush or our Mr Blair have made many friends in europe just recently.
If you buy clothes there you won't be disappointed. I usually stock up when there. (The rest comes from the US, or charity shops!!)
As to weather it won't be NY/Chicago/Toronto cold. Check just before you come so that you don't overdo the pullovers.
Enjoy.

elaine

Hi
You can wear whatever you like, I will presume that you had no intention of going into churches in January in tank tops and shorts. Only the very highest level of restaurants have dress requirements such as jacket and tie for men.

There's a difference between being sort of respectfully or even chicly dressed, and in being taken for a tourist. You will be taken for a tourist no matter what, you'll be the one speaking French, if at all, with an odd accent, you'll be the one with a totebag and a camera and a map (I hope, a map) and comfortable shoes (I hope again). That's fine.
While it's helpful and appreciated if you can say Please and Thank You and Good Day in French, don't worry about carrying on a conversation. In almost every shop and cafe, someone there will speak more than enough English.
If you're going to take a taxi, have your hotel write down your destination if you're concerned about how to say it.

I have a long file on Paris; if you'd like to see it, email me at [email protected]

When I saw your title I too assumed you had general newbie travel questions, rather than for Paris specifically.
If you'd like to do some research without going to the library, try using the Paris superthread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

or, just click at the top of this screen on Destinations.

How long will you be there?

weatherbase.com and accuweather.com can give you both historical weather trends, and a forecast before you go.
Plan on dressing in layers.

StCirq

You've gotten mostly good advice, plus some you should know is not so good.

If you're spending a couple or more thousand dollars on a trip to Paris, your first outlay of cash here at home should be for a good guidebook so you will arrive in Paris with some knowledge of what there is to do there that interests you and where to go to do it. A good map should be your second purchase.

I've been to Paris something like 67 times and haven't encountered any sort of dress code enforced in a cathedral, church, or museum since about 1978. That's an Italian thing, not a French thing (evertrip's tour guide must've gotten his countries mixed up).

Dress sensibly and in layers. You will most likely encounter cold, wind, and rain at least one or two days. If you don't want to "stick out" don't wear a puffy orange ski parka with a baseball cap, pink mittens, and white trainers. Wear a nice wool jacket or coat with a scarf, gloves, comfy warm pants, and good walking shoes or boots. Have a warm hat and umbrella at your fingertips. Learn to greet everyone with a "bonjour Madame/Monsieur/Mesdames-sieurs" always say "merci Madame....." and always "au revoir Madame....." Don't forget your "s'il vous plaîts" either. Get a phrase book now and listen to some spoken French on tapes or on the internet so you can get a sense of at least the sounds and cadence of the language.

It's an absolutely ludicrous suggestion to pretend that you're Canadian. Also, it'll be January - I doubt you'll be seated on a terrasse anywhere, but it's true it will cost you more for a hot cup of chocolate if you take it at a table instead of standing at the bar.

Regarding the boat ride on the Seine, uhnless schedules have changed there is only one company in Paris that has boat rides on the river past 6 pm in January - the Bâteaux-Mouches company, which is the least desirable IMO (boats are huge, hard to hear the commentary, etc.). I'd take my boat ride during the daytime at that time of year and use the Vedettes de Paris company.

Bonne route!

suze

I have never had anyone ask what country I was from. That's silly IMO to claim to be Canadian. That said, I don't talk politics with total strangers. Again, the situation has *never* come up when I'm traveling.