One in Paris ... help

Old Jun 25th, 2016, 04:04 PM
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One in Paris ... help

Hello everyone:

So I decided to splurge and treat myself to a week in Paris. Initially, I was excited about my trip and now I am beginning to be apprehensive. I know very basic French, I am a solo female traveler and have never been to France before.

Questions...
Will the language barrier be difficult?
What are some of the 'must sees'? I am not really into 'touristy" things but would really like to see more local haunts.
Are there trains/tours/day trips to other areas of France? Is there any recommendations?
Are there any area or things I should be cautious about?
Anything advice or anything else you think I should know...

Thanks in advance..
dunamis is offline  
Old Jun 25th, 2016, 04:05 PM
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Sorry the title should be ONE WEEK IN PARIS.. HELP
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Old Jun 25th, 2016, 05:17 PM
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I know maybe two or three words of French and have always managed just fine on my five visits to France. Most people speak at least some English, at least if they are under 30 and/or in the tourist industry. I just got back from St. Petersburg, where very few people speak English, and I managed fine there, too.

If you are super worried about the language, bring a smart phone with you that will work in France and install the Google Translate app. It can translate almost real time. Speak English into it and it will speak French back to the other person and vice versa. (Or spell it out on the screen.) I used that only a few times in Russia. Google Translate can also translate words in real time using the phone's camera.

I wouldn't worry about the language.

Pick up a good guidebook. I recommend Rick Steves. There are also oodles of trip reports here on Fodor's you can read for ideas on things to do in Paris. Yes, there are plenty of day trips by train you can do. I did a day trip to Giverny (Monet's Garden) and Rouen by train all in one day (they are on the same basic train route). There are plenty of others but probably plenty to keep you busy in in Paris as well.

My favorite thing about Paris is just waling around. It's a beautiful city.
Andrew is offline  
Old Jun 25th, 2016, 05:22 PM
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Knowing even the most basic French is fine - you will have no problems. Just be aware that people are a little more formal/reserved and that you should always greet whoever you see in a store or seats you in a restaurant of cafe. A simple bonjour monsieur or mme is fine. Also in shops or markets do not pull things from the shelves of pickup fruit etc - wait until you are helped by the clerk.

As for what to see or do - you need to start with a couple of the better guidebooks so you can determine what YOU want to see, since everyone's interests are different.

For getting around the city use feet as much as possible to get a feeling for the city and the various neighborhoods. For longer distances use the Metro - easy once you figure it out. Just buy a carnet (booklet) of 10 tickets and another when that runs out. Be sure to keep the ticket you need to use to enter since you also have to use it in the turnstile to exit.

And yes, there are a lot of day trips you can do - but I wouldn't do more than one since there is so much to see/do in paris. Versailles is the classic but it gets incredibly crowded. You might also consider Chartres - about 30 minutes on the train (not Metro, regular train) which is a charming town with an incredible cathedral.

Any decent guidebooks will give you ideas for at least 10 or 12 day trips and you can pick what you want.

As for safety just use your normal city smarts:
NEVER let go of your purse, cell phone or any valuable - even in a shop or the breakfast room of your hotel
Do NOT hang your purse on the back of a chair when eating - keep it on your lap
Always be aware of your surroundings
Do not stand in the middle of the sidewalk looking at a map or guidebook - always pull over to the side so your back is next to a building

Have you booked your hotel yet? And you haven't mentioned when your trip is.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Jun 25th, 2016, 05:25 PM
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Pick up a Michelin Green Guide for Paris and stop worrying.
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Old Jun 26th, 2016, 03:02 AM
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Michelin is a good recommendation.
Everybody speaks basic English even the beggars.
Tap water is free of charge and you don't need to tip.
Say bonjour or hello when you meet someone or ask something.
Say au revoir or bye when leaving.
Merci for thanks.
Un Verre de rouge s il vous plait or in petit blanc. In cafe serre.
That is it. You speak French !

Tour Eiffel arc de triomphe etc. for one week go to a concert at sainte chapelle. Lovely.
And a cruise on the Seine. Vedettes du pont neuf. At the pont neuf
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Old Jun 26th, 2016, 03:30 AM
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The formal thing means you need to learn good morning etc and when you enter a lift or enter reception, breakfast room you need to say hi, similar in shops though you also should say thank you andgood bye. Just like mama taught you really.

Other than that English is the lingua franca of Paris. You'll be fine. Also you should not suffer the Italian thing of men trying to pick you up if you decide to eat/drink alone. French men are a little more reserved.

It is a busy city so keep an eye out. So out on the streets you need a plan, where to go. You can buy little books of maps in every little tabac (magazine shop) if you want to wander around or get an app for it.

I'd look at the timeout paris book or the rough guide book for good ideas.

In a week you will not get out and about much but you could go to Versaille or Rheims/Epernay where the champagne comes from on a train. Dead easy to do. You need to read up seat61.com on how it all works, you can buy tickets from machines at the station (all have multi-lingual buttons) or you can book ahead at https://www.captaintrain.com/en and pickup the tickets at the same machines.
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Old Jun 26th, 2016, 06:12 AM
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Enjoy Paris.

You should learn a few words and phrases in French. You can get by without speaking French but an attempt is appreciated (usually). You should say Bonjour when entering shops, always say please and thank you , etc...

Be mindful as you would in any city, especially in the main tourist areas for scams and pickpockets. I use a very flat purse that I can hold in front of me or under my coat on trains and in crowds. Don't open up your wallet out in public. Don't fall for the "is this your ring" and don't stop when people ask you to sign a petition. I avoid standing by the doors on the Metro. No need to be afraid. Be alert. Oh, and no leaving a purse or bag hanging on your chair. Don't leave smartphones out on your table.

Take a look at guide books, Trip Advisor and Pinterest for ideas on what to see. I love the main street of Isle St Louis, Musee d'Orsay, L'Orangerie, Ste Chapelle and St Denis. Paris by Mouth hosts really great food tours. Climbing to towers at Notre Dame was one of our favorite things....go about 30 minutes before it opens to avoid long lines.

Avoid cafes and restaurants immediately around major tourist sites. Overpriced bad food generally awaits you inside (also if the menu is pictures).

Paris to the Past by Ina Caro is a great book full of day trips by train from Paris. The poster FrenchMystiqueTours posts tons of info on day trips and why to go there. If you search that name, you will likely find his posts related to day trips from Paris.

Don't be apprehensive. Paris is lovely and I am sure you will enjoy it.
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Old Jun 26th, 2016, 12:16 PM
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Hi du,

Paris is a very sophisticated city. The people you meet will speak more than 2 languages.

Have you been to http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/france/paris ?

Enjoy your visit.

ira is offline  
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