A few Paris questions...
 

I am leaving for Paris in three days and according to weatherchannel.com I will be there in the rain. One rainy day backup plan is see Spectacle des Jeunes Danseurs at the Opera Garnier. Before I purchase tickets online, I must ask if anyone has seen this ballet and enjoyed it or not. I love the theatre but have never been to a ballet before.

If I have a day or two without rain I would like to visit Pere Lachaise cemetary and Montparnasse cemetary. Are these places safe to visit (during the daytime) for a single female? I know in New Orleans it is not recommended to walk in the cemetaries alone because of criminals hiding behind tombstones. Based on your experience, how do you feel about these Paris cemetaries?
I will post further questions individually. Thanks everyone!

I've been to both those cemeteries several times in the day as a single woman, they are very safe. There will be a lot of people around them in general, visiting or sightseeing (at least in every part I've been in), so don't worry. Having been to NO, Paris is a lot different in that regard. How do I feel about them? They are interesting, especially if there are some people in particular whose graves you are interested in. Pere Lachaise is probably more interesting if you don't have anyone special whose grave you want to see -- it's a lot older.

As for that ballet, I haven't seen it but it's a selection of short extracts from various ballets (pas de deux, adagios, etc). done by students from the dance school. Because it's by the students, it's a cheaper ticket. I think it would actually be a very good for someone to see who has never been to a ballet before as you'll get a lot of variety, see parts of the wellknown classics in many cases, hear a vast spectrum of music, and none of the pieces will last that long if it turns out to not be your cup of tea (sitting through a 4 hr opera when you aren't crazy about it is not much fun).

I have another good rainy day backup for you, go to see Paristoric on rue Scribe right across from the Garnier Opera. It's a wonderful film about Paris' history and areas and sights. It only lasts about an hour, but is very enjoyable (they have headphones that simultaneously translate in whatever language you need). It's very well-done. Here's the link:

http://www.paris-story.com/versangl/accueil.htm

Actually, there is even a security detail at Pere Lachaise, due to the past vandalism of Jim Morrison's grave. But it isn't like you see security around every corner (and no need to, either)...

People eat lunch on benches at Pere Lachaise, that tells you, without my being too wordy.

where is the Pere Lachaise cemetary?

The 20th.

And like Christina, I, too, have ventured into Pere Lachaise as a single woman during the day. Lots of people around so no worries.

You should wear comfortable flat-soled shoes when visiting Pere Lachaise (which is on the east side of Paris); the cobblestone roads can be treacherous in heels. Take the #2 metro to the Philippe August stop; it's closer to the cemetery entrance.

If you have the time and inclination, you could add the Montmartre cemetery, which has several notable residents, including Francois Truffaut, and interesting gravesites. The entrance is at the end of Av. Rachel, off Blvd. de Clichy (near the Moulin Rouge).

Hi
Pere Lachaise in the daytime is very safe.

Try this weather URL

http://www.weather.com/outlook/trave...rs&promo=0

Just a suggestion: In addition to the usual color film, for some suitably elegiac scenes try shooting a roll of black and white film in Pere Lachaise. There's something about black and whites prints that's both timeless and evocative, but particularly effective in capturing the atmosphere of that fascinating, crumbling old necropolis.

And yes, forget fashion and wear your sturdiest shoes! Your ankles will thank you.