There's nothing terrifying about driving in Paris; "frustrating" would be a better description. And you don't need a car to get around Paris, since the public transportation system is excellent, and the city is so dense that you can get around on foot if you really have to.

"Oh whatever!!! If Fodor's allowed swearing I would tell you both to f.... off. But as I can't, I won't."

Charming manners!

There are advantages and disadvantages to having a car in Paris, and I'm talking about residents. I can't see any point to having one in the city if you're a tourist.

I have several Parisian friends who would never give up their cars. One works for a car manufacturer and gets hers free. She has a country house about an hour's drive out of Paris and often loads up the car to go there. She has a paid parking space a block from her home now, but previously she parked on the street and became an expert at finding quasi-legal spots. On the other hand, she spent 15 minutes trying to park to come visit us near Bastille the other day and finally gave up. We came down, jumped in the car, and we went somewhere else for dinner.

Another car-loving friend works in La Defense and lives in the Sentier. I would never drive if I were she, but she garages the car across the street from her home and drives to work and everywhere else. Granted, she has to drive out of town often for work. A third friend is a man who lives in the suburbs and loves his car. What can I say? We never have to take the train home when we visit. He insists on driving us.