is Paris worth a visit right now?
 

Hi Everyone!

I'm planning to visit Paris for 3 nights, and I've heard that it is militarized, that you gotta go thru inspections on tour attractions, that you will probably spend more time thru airport security and so on.

I am not terrorized, I know I have more chances of dying crossing the street at home than I have of getting killed by a terrorist attack in Paris, but I do wonder if these things will ruin my experience of the city? are they true? and if they are, how bad is it?

I'm tying to decide whether I should add Paris or Berlin to my itinerary, and I think I'd rather go to Paris, let me know what you think!

Thank you so much!

Great time to go to Paris as many it seems have been deterred - hotels may have better deals, etc.

And as you say the chances of being involved in a terrorist attack are less than being hurt or killed in a crash on the way to the airport or even a plane crash.

My friend just came over from France and back and said it was a breeze going thru security - rather surprised her.

Oh for goodness sake.. where do you hear all this nonsense.There are security checks at musuems.. but there always have been.. they look a bit closer now, this is true, .. but it makes little difference. I go to Paris about once a year.. just got back from this years trip in early June,for all intents and purposes.. nothings changed for average tourist.

A few more police man walking around true.. but so what,, they aren't like American police that randomly shoot people.. you should feel safer if anything.

We flew into Paris and out of Amsterdam.. it was absolutely business as normal in an airport,, security yes.. but we didnt find it worse then usual.

Just think that in the 80s there were as many or more terrorist attacks if I recall correctly in Paris and Europe- heck the Bologna train station was part blown up and killed dozens.

Operation Vigipirate - on vigilance against terrorism I guess has for years been in place in France - the reason there are few lockers in train stations and trash cans that are often open boxes on the floors of stations, etc.

And to stay away because of a fear of the virtually impossible just plays into the terrorists hands- that is exactly what they want. I will be going to Paris hopefully this Christmas just for that reason (well also to see in-laws).

Was there in December not long after the November attacks and there were no drawbacks to the security in place. In fact, a fellow in line before us at one of the museums was detained because he had a knife in his backpack. I was glad to see that.

Of course it is with going to Paris, but I'd sure add more time. Three nights is just two days - not nearly enough time for this wonderful city.

Are you kidding? Stop watching American news.

Not sure where you are from but here there has been security at major sights, sports stadiums and transit hubs since 911. It's for everyone's protection and only takes a few extra minutes.

If that or the sight of anti-terrorist forces is going to ruin your trip - I would check the status wherever you are going to see what measure are in place.

Thank you so much guys! I also thought that, a friend of my dad told him he regretted visiting Paris (that was a few days ago) because of the feeling he had the city was militarized and such, I guees it either wasnt true or was an exageration, either way I wanted to confirm, thanks a lot for the taking the time.

I returned from CDG 3 1/2 weeks ago and didn't see any of the stuff you are pointing out. Getting through passport check & security was a "non-event". We stayed near the Gare de Lyon the last night & there were police around - but as I recall there has always been police around.

Stu Dudley

I'm glad the airports are back to normal. The morning after the Nice attack we spent three and a half hours in an unruly mob at passport control. It was unbelievable.

I know Paris is worth a visit and am headed there in December!

Paris is always worth a visit. I took my annual trip to Paris this May and had 2 glorious weeks.
Go and have a fabulous time.

Now that the OP has been reassured, I wish to say to justineparis and St Cirq, your repeated anti-American comments disgust me. (That one of you actually is an expat American says a lot about you as a person.)

That is all.

I think that some of the perceived "anti-American" remarks are generally triggered by "anti-French" questions. Thin skin works both ways.

No it is not a good time to go. I spoke to a colleague today who returned to Australia last week and she had a such a wonderful time and loved eating all the fantastic pastries and other food she put on a few kilos. Also she found the people so warm friendly and helpful. Best avoid a place like this.

NewbE's continued judgment of other people's comments disgusts me.

Newbe .that is never all, I will always say what I want and you can refute the facts or whine about your poor little patriotic ego getting slapped, ... get off your high horse and deal with it.. your country has some major violence issues to deal with .. look up police shootings PER CAPITA and compare that to other first world countries.. ha ..

Your whining disgusts me .

You know what's really, truly disgusting?

Ignorance and narrow-mindedness.

OP, great question, it is important to get a clear view from people who have recently visited on this sort of thing

I didn't think that any comments were anti-anyone, though perhaps I heard a distant rumble of anti-Murdoch, which, let's face it, is anti-Australian, if anything. (oops probably really anti-born again christian, four times married, Australian, "incredibly humble" American) who in European eyes is as laughable as Dame Edna E.

rant over :-)