Hiring a guide for Paris?
Jan 23rd, 2007, 05:48 PM
#1
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Hiring a guide for Paris?
Does anyone have recommendations on hiring a guide for Paris?
We are visiting for one day and thinking we may want to have a guide. Still thinking about it at this point but wanted to get some recommendations
I tried doing a search and I guess didn't search correctly as I didn't come up with what I was looking for
Thank you
We are visiting for one day and thinking we may want to have a guide. Still thinking about it at this point but wanted to get some recommendations
I tried doing a search and I guess didn't search correctly as I didn't come up with what I was looking for
Thank you
Jan 23rd, 2007, 08:18 PM
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Contact Michael Osman. His website is http://www.geocities.com/parisfinder/. We spent a wonderful day with him in Paris. He will plan the day around what you want to see. Search his name here and you will find many other glowing recommendations.
Jan 24th, 2007, 03:37 AM
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I second Michael but he is notorious for not answering emails. If you only have one day and he doesn't answer your email until a week before you arrive you might find yourself in a panic about whether he is going to be available.... When he isn't available his friend Scott helps out too.
If that doesn't work and you just want to get a fun overview of the city and a "lay of the land" before heading out on your own you can take one of the Fat Tire Bike Tours which start under the Eiffel Tower.
If that doesn't work and you just want to get a fun overview of the city and a "lay of the land" before heading out on your own you can take one of the Fat Tire Bike Tours which start under the Eiffel Tower.
Jan 25th, 2007, 06:39 AM
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Tod: I'd like your recommedation. I've been emailing Michael Osman to no avail (so far). Thanks. [email protected]
Jan 25th, 2007, 11:09 AM
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try Barbara at www.thefrenchside.com - I originally used her for a photo tour and she was great! She also does other tours...
Jan 27th, 2007, 07:28 PM
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Here, here, Robespierre - I totally agree. There are other guides & frankly I was not impressed with Michael Osman. He has such a loyal/rabid following here that I've never mentioned it, but since you're inquiring, I'd say look elsewhere.
Jan 27th, 2007, 09:54 PM
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For sure, there are lots of others, and we've hired more than several. But, Michael is positively superb in many, many ways, and, most definitely the very best.
There are very good reasons why, and also very good reasons why so many are unsuccessful booking him...
There are very good reasons why, and also very good reasons why so many are unsuccessful booking him...
Jan 27th, 2007, 10:26 PM
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You might check parisphototours.com. I have not taken one of their tours but I am familiar with them from when I was on the AOL board. They do more than photo tours and will also customize tours to fit your needs. There is information on the website. One of the women Linda Mathieu is from Texas, married to a frenchman. I remember when she was moving to Paris. She has a blog and I check in on it from time to time..there's a link on the phototours website..it was fun to read her experiences building their house in Provence. She works with another woman who, as I recall is from Belgium and I think lived in Boston for some time and now is in Paris. So, anyway, if you don't get a better suggestion or hear from Michael, you might give them a try. There is an e-mail address on the website to contact them so you could see what they could do for you and the prices.
Jan 28th, 2007, 01:51 AM
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The info that Crefloors posted is quite good and these folks are friends of Michael's (just "friends" not associates, etc.)--through the AOL French board. Michael has a loyal following because he served the purpose he was hired for by those who like him. For us, it was a truly superb experience--and I had met him previously in a social situation. No need to trash him--especially if you have never used his services.
Jan 28th, 2007, 02:08 AM
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I just reread the thread, and I see no "trashing" of Michael Osman. Obviously, he is doing something right to have such a loyal following. I think what most people were suggesting is that if he doesn't have time to answer e-mails from people looking to use his services, he is quite busy, and there are a number of other excellent options in Paris.
Jan 28th, 2007, 04:07 AM
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Just to clarify - I mentioned Barbara above - I originally was matched with her through parisphototours.com (which someone else mentioned).
So, basically, I'm also second'ing the recommendation for parisphototours.com
So, basically, I'm also second'ing the recommendation for parisphototours.com
