First Time in Paris
 

My friends and I are going to Paris in March for a week. Any tips? What's the weather like? Any suggestions for going out at night?

Anna: Far from a "Paris Expert", I'll offer a little based upon several trips. <BR> <BR>First, it's easy to get around. The Metro (subway) and bus system are a piece of cake to use. We used the Metro extensively and never had a problem. Buy a 10 ride pass and watch for pickpockets. Just keep your belongings closed and in view and I'm sure that you will have no problem. <BR> <BR>Charge whatever you can (and that's alot!) and you can save on the exchange rate, otherwise use the Bureau de Change. <BR> <BR>Paris never sleeps and you can stay out all night. The food and the sights are fantastic. <BR> <BR>Tips: See the Eiffel Tower by night, there's nothing like it. Stop by Notre Dame and walk along the banks and also go to the Louvre' even if you have no real interest in art, there aren't many places that can surpass this museum. Take the RER-C Metro to Versailles and spend the day. Go to Montrematre and the Sacred Heart church and Painter's Square just behind it. Don't miss Champs Elysees' and the Arc de Triomphe also at night. <BR> <BR>You can expect temps in the 40's and 50's, but 60's are not out of the question in March. We were there last January and it was in the 50's for five days! <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR> <BR>

The best tip is to get the Paris museum pass (Carte musees & monuments). You can glide in past the multitudes waiting in line. You don't have to pack everything in on one visit - go back to things you missed or really want to see again. It comes in 3 or 5 consecutive days. <BR> <BR>Visit your local library and check out several guidebooks -- then buy the one(s) you think describe the kinds of things you want to see/do the most. You will use them! Don't try to schedule everything into one trip. You'll never see it all. Enjoy yourselves. You'll be planning a return trip the minute you get back on the plane!

To the above poster: Remember the metro stops running at night. So you have to be on the train by midnight. First time I visited Paris we got stuck half way back to our hotel when the subways stopped running and we couldn't transfer lines. At night the Seine river boat trips are more scenic IMO than during the day. Expect rain and overcast skies in March. <BR>

Hi Anna: Definitely take your umbrellas and stroll around St. Germain in the evening--on the Left Bank, it's where all the cafes are--lots and lots of activity. You'll have a great time.

If you don't want to take an umbrelly, buy those lightweight rain "ponchos" in the dime - er - dollar store. We carried two in our camera bag in France. I have one in my portable computer case for business trips. They cover just about everything (and are hooded!) if you ever DO actually need them. And if you lose one,it's no big deal.