Don't know anything about the Rick Steves tour. Where does it go?

A great tour of the lights is to take a Seine boat at night. The Vedettes de Pont Neuf allow you to sit outside on the upper level and you get a great view.

Before or after the boat trip 91 hour) you can take the metro to Montmartre, see Sacre Coeur lit up, and then have a drink in a cafe.

Have never been accosted by gypsies in Paris and have never known this to happen to anyone else. What type of injuries have you heard about? From reliable sources? Or just hearsay.

Which bridges do you mean; which are the touristic bridges as opposed to the bridges used by Parisians? Why carry an ipad? Are you on your way to your hotel/apartment? How would anyone know you have an ipad in your bag?

That should be (1 hour).

It is not a Rick Steve's tour. I think the op is saying that Rick Steves suggests hiring a taxi to take you on a tour.

Micheline - that it is not a Rick Steves Tour is evident by the question.

For the English language purists - I do not know anything about the suggested Rick Steves tour of viewing the Paris lights at night.

I think hiring a taxi for an hour to see Paris by night would a ridiculous waste of money. I'm sure there are Parisian taxi drivers who know Paris well, but they're not tour guides, and there are myriad ways to see Paris on other, cheaper modes of transport. I wouldn't do that in any city in the world, least of all Paris, which has excellent public transportation, including lots of boat possibilities. With a bit of research ahead of time and a guidebook, you should be able to figure out what you're looking at, and if you're on a boat cruise, for example, you'll be told.

As for "gypsies," every European city has them, and as far as I know they don't just prey on Americans, and I've not heard of any incidents of injuries. I know one person's experience isn't really relevant in this context, but in 100+ trips to Paris, I've never had a problem. If you look like you know what you're doing, they leave you alone. The absolute last thing I'd be concerned about in visiting Paris is an injury from an encounter with gypsies. I'm far more likely to have such a problem here in DC.

I'm not sure what particular lights this is supposed to be about. The Eiffel Tower has a light show on the hour every hour after dark that you can see from any good vantage point that you can reach by ordinary public transport. I'm not aware of any other special illuminations that would require a tour.

Likewise, though there are people trying scams as in any big city, it's not as though there are squads of malefactors lying in wait all over the place, any more than in any other big city.

We took a Cityrama evening bus tour some years ago. Everyone had a head phone with appropriate language info.
One had the choice after of dinner at Eiffel Tower (at the less expensive resto) or at Moulin Rouge. It was around one hundred euro if I recall correctly. We ate at the tower and had a nice meal.

If you can make a deal with a cabbie who speaks your language well-enough to describe where he (never have seen a female cabbie) will take you for a good price, go for it. We actually became pals with a driver in Palermo and made a deal for his off-duty times. He saved us much time and stress. We were lucky that way--it might not work out for others.

Someone else posted a city bus route as a good way to see Paris. Can't help with specifics here.

As for gypsies, only once in a handful of trips were we ever in close quarters with a panhandler of any kind. I yelled "NO" and gave her a little (truly, little) shove away from my dear hub whom she approached with determination in her eyes. She was just too close. Others, never.

In Paris, we have had stolen: 1) a rolled up picture of a drawing that stood up in the back of a tote bag hub had over his shoulder; 2) a neck pillow that I had attached to the outside of my rolling suitcase. Nothing else in any of our travels to Italy and France over course of 15+ years.

Interesting.

I found the Rick Steves thing: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/france/floodlit.htm. Some good specifics.

I think it's a good idea. Years ago in December, my husband was finishing up a meeting near l'Arc de Triomphe, and took a taxi (unusual for us if not coming into town from CDG) to meet him for dinner. We were staying in the 6th, so my driver naturally took me up the Champs Elysee. I absolutely adored the ride. So pretty. So TDudette's idea to make a deal with the driver appeals to me.

I often recommend public bus routes, particularly Line 42, as cheap sightseeing during the day. I hate the Hop On/Hop Off headphone/loudspeaker deal. If I find what I posted in the past, I'll get it up here. It took me a long while to appreciate that buses may take time in traffic but don't involve miles of correspondences

TDudette--My gypsy experience is about the same as yours, and it happened last year. Two teens were waiving petitions in my face, speaking nonsense very rapidly, on a bridge near the Île de la Cité. When they refused to back off, I took my tote pack, ready to swing it, and screamed at the top of my lungs, "Va t'en!" (Get away from me!).

Husband who speaks zero French, said, "What she said." They ran off. A French man passing us said he knew there was a policeman stationed up ahead and he'd report it. Later on we saw police cornering similar teens in a clothing shop.

Our daughter living in Paris said that these gypsy action was huge for around two straight weeks in the 7th. Hoards would enter corner stores, Starbucks, etc and generally steal goods or pickpocket everyone with distraction. But after two weeks, they seemed to be gone for the rest of her stay.

There are regular cons, too. My same tote backpack "weapon" was opened (empty water bottle, broken umbrella, rain poncho, gum wrappers, probably used tissues)in a con-artist "stall" method in the Metro a few years back. Guy in a suit with a briefcase goes ahead me in the machine, stops abruptly, and says, "Il ne marche pas", making me back out and bump into a guy behind me, also in a suit. I get onto the train, and my daughter notices the pack has been unzipped.

Nothing stolen-- I certainly never keep anything valuable in that thing--but I'd like to think they caught my cold.

As to the ipad stuff--the daughter who lived in Paris bought a really strong big purse she could carry her MacBook Pro in when she traveled daily via Metro (two stops) to and from school. She kept it crisscrossed her chest when nearing Metro. No personal hassles in four months.

Those city vibes were turned off, though, at a "students only" mixer. Someone lifted her cellphone in the time it took to turn her head. It was a cheapie, but she was pretty miffed that she might know the person who did it.

She has commented that people who check their cellphones or who are texting on street corners can expect pickpockets, be they locals or tourists.

Husband does bring his ipad now, but we don't take it out of the hotel or apartment so I can't tell you about any trouble.

As most of us maintain, we feel very safe in Paris.

I think that's a really dumb idea. Do you have any idea how much a taxi for an hour costs in Paris (and at night time when the rates are higher?). I noticed Rick left that little item out. I suspect it might cost around 50 to 100 euro.

I haven't been in Paris in about a year, but it's hard to believe gypsies are that aggressive that there is a big problem with actual physical attacks. I'm not saying it is impossible, but usually they beg or pickpocket. Some can be aggressive verbally if they aren't happy with you and what you do or say to them (or don't give them), but I wouldn't worry about physical thefts too much. I would worry about pickpocketing or other careless behavior with your belongings, and whatever you do, please do not engage in conversation with them or do dumb things like tak anything from them.

I rarely have any interaction with them as I won't have anything to do with them and won't talk to them, I mainly just see them begging in the metro or other places (and I do see them try to scam tourists in popular places, tourists who are dumb enough to talk to them or answer their stupid questions, such as "does anyone here speak English" while they walk along a crowded area full of tourists). The tourists who interact with them or do stupid things have the most problems.

I think it's a good idea if you are accompanied by family members over the age of 75 with mobility problems.

And if they are still mobile enough to get on a bus, even then the taxi idea is ridiculous.

Christina--
I was really surprised about how aggressive they were last year. I had never seen it before in Paris. Rome, sure. Reason I stay the heck away from Termini. Paris, no.

A literal swarm invaded the 7th's Starbucks last year. One of the workers there was reacted quickly--she locked the doors and immediately called the police. My daughter body checked two teens that were doing a similar act at her local corner store (her Coca Lite purchase was on the house for quite some time). But as she said, the "swarm" mode of the 7th was gone in two weeks. We didn't see any activity when we visited her there later on.

Approaching people on bridges with petitions on clipboards was apparently the new thing last year too. I think I took them by surprise when I a) knew that they were speaking utter nonsense and thus totally ignored them, walking straight ahead and b) then was determined that they had to accept my bodily boundaries.

Christina, one was literally inches from my face while the other was coming up my side. I wonder if someone was behind my husband, ready to pick his pockets.

The French gentlemen said it had happened just too much lately. That was why he was determined to report it.

So this was not the old "Does anyone speak English?" thing.

I know that in Washington, there is an hourly rate for taxis that is very reasonable (around $50, with 15-minute increments) so it can be an economical way to tour the monuments at your own pace, especially for those who have trouble climbing on and off a bus or for a family of four, when nighttime monuments bus tours are upwards of $30/person.

Of course, the monuments route in Washington is less spread out than the highlights of Paris are, and if there's no set hourly rate you could be at the mercy of the cabbie. But for some visitors, it may be an idea worth looking into.

Taking a Seine cruise on the Vedettes de Pont Neuf seems a much better idea to me. If you leave at dusk, you can see the lights coming on all over Paris. And it is a lot less expensive and a lot easier to see than from a taxi.

thanks. the rick steeves description is a suggested itinarary. I read recently of tripadvisor about two senior aged new yorkers being mugged recently on the ponte neurf (they wrote about it). A collegue of mine just back fromParis mentioned that when you see these gypsies to cross the street and avoid them since they are quite physical. Definetly the boat tour will be first for a night outing.

I just don't "get" the whole "lights in Paris" thing, as PatrickLondon mentioned. No matter where you are in Paris at night, unless in some far-out arrondissement where most tourists won't be, you can see all the illuminated buildings, and in many places can spot at least or actually see the Eiffel Tower illuminated, as well as anything else that's lit up. I guess I'm just not getting the concept. Driving around in a taxi to see things "lit up" seems really odd to me.

And I don't get the comparison to DC, either. I live here in DC, and there's nothing special at all about the monuments at night, and I'd never take a taxi around the city to see them. We have a decent metro system, and there are Peddicabs that will haul you around to see whatever you want to see for a fraction of the price of a taxi. The Peddicabs aren't even allowed to quote a fare - they just rely on "tips," so if you offer then $20 to take you around all the monuments, you've got a better bargain - and a far better view - than from inside a taxi anyway.

I would be hesitant to do this taxi drive - unless you knew that the driver was interested in providing some sort of commentary as to what you were seeing. I would organize this through the hotel concierge if you want to do it - at a fixed price - no just pick up a random cab at a stand.

We have walked and looked at a lot - but I think a boat ride would be good too.

I am not aware of pickpockets attacking anyone. That is not what they do - or want to do. they want your valuables. You can foil them by 1) not carrying an iPad around - why do you need it? and 2) keeping any valuables secure in a front cross-body bag.

As for crossing bridges in Paris - I have done this umpteen times and never had a problem. Perhaps it has something to do with being a New Yorker and able to walk right past people - no matter what they are saying or doing, eyes straight ahead, and completely ignoring them. Just as I would the panhandlers or whatever at home. The mistake is in engaging with these people in any way.

The worst I have seen was in Spain.

One woman tried the give me a flower ploy - and yelled at me when I just let it drop on the ground and kept walking. She was successful with most tourists, who, though confused,, took the flower, and then couldn't get rid of the woman. In Toledo a woman selling some raggy looking lace tablecloths was mad that I didn't stop and look at her wares - and put a curse on me - and was REALLY mad when I laughed at her. A nearby american tourist told me to be careful - or the curse wold come true. I mean, if you think that way then buy all her ratty tablecloths - but don;t complain about it.

The key is being attentive to what is happening around you - and determined no to be conned.

The problem I see is that con artists who ask "do you speak English" or "pardon! can you help me" are SAYING much the same things you, an English-speaker with limited or no French, would be saying if YOU needed directions or assistance--although their English would be accented and their appearance/attire would likely be different.

YOU would like an English-speaker to reply to you, but you would not want to reply to the con seeker. That might not always be as easy a distinction as one would like. Having said that, even when approached by individuals we have had no real trouble disengaging, and if course we get away immediately from clusters of potentially-annoying strangers.

One of the charms of Paris is the elegant use of artificial light, especially along the Seine and the Île de la Cité.

That deserves a leisurely stroll to appreciate it. A taxi cab ride is a bit insane for many accounts, including practical aspects, such as being in a cab zooming by things and craning your neck to see what you are supposed to see. It sounds like a scene out of a bad movie.

on trip advisor-the couple who got attacked on ponte neuf- were new yorkers-go figure.

Obviously, certain posters on this thread are going to think I've been ridiculous, but I've paid a taxi driver in several cities to drive me around at night, and wouldn't hesitate doing it again and again. I loved all my experiences.

I often travel for business and my free time is restricted. I love to see cities at twilight, and I happen to really enjoy photographing in low-light situations. I think some of my most artistic images were taken at night. But even without the camera, I still enjoy driving by and looking out the car windows to take in the scene, without the worry that comes with being the driver.

It would never occur to me to do this activity using public transportation. It would take too long, and I couldn't stop, go, and get in-and-out at will.

I don't rely on taxi drivers to play tour guide, but I've been lucky. I don't speak any foreign languages and many taxi drivers speak some English. The minute they realize how much I enjoy this experience, many have put their captain's hat on to lead the way on my visual adventure, talking up a storm. One recent guy in Florence told me he was grateful to have me as a passenger because he really loves the challenge of speaking English, and I provided that for him.

As for cost, much depends on your approach, and what you feel the experience is worth to you. In my experience, many drivers quoted a price that I thought was too cheap, so I increased the price and told them I may want to get out, take a quick photo, and move on to the next stop. I've never been told no, and with the increased offer, I've never had a driver not appreciate putting forth a greater effort. This has really worked well for me.

You can never judge these simple pleasures by what others think of their value. Some people will easily pay $100 for an article of clothing, while others will pay it for one night's dinner. Spending money on personal pleasure is personal. I really don't care what others think about my choices. I do and spend money on what pleases me.

A few years ago my daughter and I were stuck at a hotel at CDG on our way to Vienna. Decided to take a cab into Pais and split it ($50) with a couple of American college kids who had never been there. Our driver was Vietnamese with no English. I had him give us a tour like Steves suggests with me acting as "tour director.". He was enchanted to be driving Americans around with one who was fluent in French. We got out at St. Germain, had a couple of drinks at the Flore, and then went back to our hotel at CDG to catch our flight in the morning. It was fun, but one would need someone who speaks French and knows Paris.

I've been to Paris a few times, and the easiest way for me to see the city is to go on a half day trip on one of those sightseeing busses and make a note of what I consider the best and most interesting sights, and then go visit them later on my own and at my leisure.

As for "gypsies," every European city has them, and as far as I know they don't just prey on Americans, and I've not heard of any incidents of injuries. I know one person's experience isn't really relevant in this context, but in 100+ trips to Paris, I've never had a problem.

Never heard of it - you participated in a long thread not long ago where someone said it happened to them - in a Starbucks their smart phone was stolen when two folks distracted them and in that same thread I said I knew a good friend who was in a McDonalds where a same thing happened - his I phone stolen when someone thrust a paper in front of him and the accomplice stole his phone.

Anyone who has been to Paris hundreds and plus times who does not know gypsies can be a real problem - well that is just incroyable IMO!

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/France/Ile_de_France/Paris-99080/Warnings_or_Dangers-Paris-Beggars_and_Aggressive_Vendors-BR-1.html

Well St Cirq you've heard of it now - above link.

<< in a Starbucks their smart phone was stolen when two folks distracted them and in that same thread I said I knew a good friend who was in a McDonalds where a same thing happened - his I phone stolen when someone thrust a paper in front of him and the accomplice stole his phone>>

Was anyone injured? NO.

Anyone who walks around Paris is likely to see/encounter "gypsies." That is not the same as actually having a problem with them, which I maintain I have never had.

I paid a taxi driver in Siem Reap, Cambodia to take me around, but that was for the entire day and the price was $20.

Agree with sentiments regarding gypsies. I would not consider Paris to be any different to any other large city as StCirq has suggested. If you were keen on using a cab for transport at night, one option might be to use the cab for drop off then another for return trip to your hotel. A cab from your hotel to the Trocadero gives a great view of the Eiffel tower at night (stick around for the hourly light show!on the hour from 9pm I believe???)
You could then walk across the bridge over the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. Allow at least 1.5 hours for a relaxing time

theotherside-souns like a good idea.. I have ordered some MACE. Is it legal to use in Paris if threatened, or will I be the one arrested

.. I have ordered some MACE. Is it legal to use in Paris if threatened, or will I be the one arrested

I usually go to the restaurants that use the more traditional spices and herbs. And I usually take a less aggressive attitude toward the waiter.

<I have ordered some MACE. Is it legal to use in Paris if threatened, or will I be the one arrested>

How do you plan to get the mace from home to Paris? On the plane? In your carry-on? In your checked luggage? I don't think any of those are allowed.

It is illegal to bring mace onto an airplane, carry on, checked bag,whatever. Jack, you'll probably not even make it through US security. The consequences if caught will be far,far worse than any encounter with gypsies. All of those who have posted have considerable experience traveling overseas and all have made it quite clear that it is an absolutely inane idea to even consider carrying mace.

Rick Steve's has a blog called travel scams where people write in the scams they have witnessed or experienced and where. The gypsies are prevalent around the train stations. When coming into Paris via train and catching a taxi to our hotel our taxi driver told us not to speak to any groups near the main attractions and warned us about gypsies. As it was someone approached my daughter's friend while walking down the Champs Elysees and a frenchman shooed her away, and then lectured the friend to be aware of gypsies (mothers with children especially) Always carry a money belt and never a backpack. With an ipad I would consider a crossbody messenger bag that zips and keep it in the front of your body.

It sounds like you have the feeling that all gypsies are aggressive? Most that I have come across are like the homeless in your home city or town. Nobody can guarantee 100% your safety,that includes your home city/town. I personally have not been approached by anyone in an aggressive manor. Ask yourself, would you walk around the touristy areas of San Francisco at night? That to me would be a similar experience to the area around the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero.
If you do get asked for money , just say no, look away and keep walking , they are used to that response!

Just to add
Certainly don't get into your head that Paris is full of gypsies, that is not the case! Enjoy your vacation

An hour?

Several years ago I took my 80+ yr old parents to dinner on the Ile St Louis. We walked around to the front of Notre Dame after dinner, which was my mom's limit.

We hailed a taxi, which can be done, btw; I asked the driver to "fait un petit tour"-- Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, etc., on way back to hotel.

My parents were thrilled, took maybe 15-20 minutes and about 12 euros.

It looks like Jack's thread on bringing mace to Paris has disappeared.

on the lights of paris: how about some buses? suggestions:#73 or #69 or mix with a cab. Hotel east of the Lovre

I was in Paris about 2 weeks ago and was approached twice by a "gold ring" scammer. One operates just outside Musee D'Orsay and the other was on Rue de Rivoli. Different skin colours, one dark one olive. There's also one near Four Seasons so I was told by an employee of the hotel.
I did the minivan illuminations tour which included a cruise on the Seine booked through Viator. Much cheaper than a taxi I would think, about 2.5 hours altogether.

Different skin colours, one dark one olive.

What was the color of their socks?

Foxity has a Paris by Night tour.

http://www.foxity.com/en

I'm with wesleymarsh--hub and I were also lucky but we had a wonderful experience in Palermo with a taxi driver.

Not saying it's the only way to go but it worked for us. We also enjoyed the Cityrama tour I mentioned--although we do read before we go, tour guides often add to the information.

Last summer DD was living in Paris for a study abroad term. A few of the girls were out and about one afternoon and saw a tourist become surrounded by the gypsy girls. One of DD's friends told the tourist what was happening, and one of the gypsy girls was NOT happy and took her pen and tried to stab her in the rear with it. DD's friend was faster than the gypsy, so was fine. So yes, they CAN get aggressive. I do not think this is typical though, but of course it pays to be careful.

I have only seen the ring scam once, and DD and I just laughed as we saw the woman bend down. I knew exactly what it was and was laughing, and just ingored the woman and kept walking.

Otherwise we have not had any issues, but that isn't to say things don't happen. DD's experience and other posts on here and other boards are enough for me to know "never say never".

As for the taxi ride to see the lights, why not? I think it sounds like a fine idea. I would opt for having a hotel arrange it, or my apt landlord possibly.

This foxity sounds great: my wife wants an introduction has anyone tried this?