Hi,<BR><BR> I am planning my first trip to Paris, and I plan to eat as much fine food as I can! I don't drink alcoholic beverages and since France is famous for wine, will I offend if I don't have it with my nice dinners? Also, I live in Alaska, so I'd like to go when the weather will be enjoyable. I don't want a vacation like this one to be all &quot;drizzle days&quot;. Any advice, when to go, places to see, stay, eat, browse, etc. would really be appreciated! Any neat, unique little shops that you can brag about? I want to see and do it all!

There are plenty of people,French people included, who don't drink wine. Water is no problem, either bottled or tap, soft drinks, whatever. For more Paris information go to www.anamericaninparis.com

You'll find some helpful answers on the topped thread<BR>&quot;Non-drinkers in Paris restaurants&quot;.<BR><BR>As for the neat, unique little shops, no way you can see and do them all.<BR>Have fun!

&quot;Topping&quot; is (somewhat) useful, but the reference to another thread and the &quot;other&quot; thread that gets topped always get badly separated over time.<BR><BR>Even more useful is to to provide the URL for another useful thread, like this:<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&amp;tid=1369250<BR><BR>for &quot;Non-drinkers in Paris restaurants&quot;, as previously mentioned.<BR><BR>And I agree that no one should ever feel concerned about being &quot;hassled&quot; over the decision not to drink wine.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

hi,<BR>i don't drink either and had the same issues as you do. on my trip this past october, my fears were unfounded. ice water was plentiful, as were sodas. i tried every kind of limonade i could get and also became addicted to the syrops (sugary flavored syrups mixed with water... call it a sophisticated kool-aid!). i gotta tell you though, a soda costs as much or even more than a glass of wine!<BR>as for neat shops, i enjoyed the supermarkets the best. i loved looking at condiments and jams. too bad they're so darned heavy... i wanted to bring everything home!<BR>if you want to read about my trip, i posted it on my web page:<BR>http://www.mindspring.com/~quimbymoy/paris.html<BR><BR>have fun!

Superwoman<BR>Have a wonderful time in France and don't worry about what you should or shouldn't drink or eat. I don't drink wine either so I usually have eau mineral (bottled water) with my meals but if you want a coke then have a coke. Drink and eat whatever catches your mood or curiosity. I think May would be a nice time to visit because of mild temperatures and flowers in bloom! Anyway, don't worry about the negative posters on this board and Bon Voyage!

Don't fret it or sweat it. Waiters in most all Paris restaurants are professional in their service. I never had a problem. You order; they bring.<BR>You pay after a while and leave.<BR>I have never been rushed or pushed to vacate so the management could &quot;turn the table over.&quot;<BR><BR>

I live in France, I eat out often and I don't drink. There is no problem with ordering water or soda with a meal.

No problem with non-drinking; just ask for water (or soda)- can't remember how to order house water instead of bottled water which will cost you. I would recommend the latter part of May and into June for a trip to Paris. The advantage is that it stays light later and the weather will probably be good. I have a Paris diary report if you're interested (I stayed a month). If so, e-mail me directly.

ttt<BR>

Great post! I was wondering that myself.

Thank you everyone for all the help and encouragement! I have alot of reading to do on these &quot;threads&quot;. I'm new to this site and can't wait to read everything, to be as prepared ahead of time, as I can. If we stay 7-10 days, learn to speak French, and sit long at the cafes, will I still look American?!! Just kidding! I read about some of that on another thread.