Paris Trip
Dec 12th, 2005, 04:01 PM
#41
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Sorry if someone already said this, but
1. You don't mention allowing time in your schedule to go to the Louvre (allow 1 day, but pick what you want to see beforehand and go directly to see those things first, so that you don't end up wearing out),
2. The Musee D'Orsay is fantastic, and will take 2-3 hours.
3. Notre Dame?
4. London's public transport system is fantastic (buses and "the tube"
, and is the best way to get around if you are there for a few days (other than walking), but if you are only there for a few hours then you might want to do one of the bus tours (the double decker red or beige/maroon buses), which allow for hop on/hop off. Are you just there for 1 day? If for longer, I can give some ideas for things to do in London.
1. You don't mention allowing time in your schedule to go to the Louvre (allow 1 day, but pick what you want to see beforehand and go directly to see those things first, so that you don't end up wearing out),
2. The Musee D'Orsay is fantastic, and will take 2-3 hours.
3. Notre Dame?
4. London's public transport system is fantastic (buses and "the tube"
, and is the best way to get around if you are there for a few days (other than walking), but if you are only there for a few hours then you might want to do one of the bus tours (the double decker red or beige/maroon buses), which allow for hop on/hop off. Are you just there for 1 day? If for longer, I can give some ideas for things to do in London.
Dec 12th, 2005, 04:17 PM
#42
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Fireflyz~
Yes, the Louvre & Notre Dame are *definitely* on our list of "gotta see's", as well as any other museums we can stuff in on the 6 or so "uncommitted days", which we will play by ear.
London is indeed a day trip (to be honest, I truly wish I knew of this forum before I committed to most of the paid trips I booked - I'd make it at least an over-nighter).
Nonetheless, we have an early arrival of 7:58am, and have until 5pm to depart. I hope that is enough to make the highlights...
Yes, the Louvre & Notre Dame are *definitely* on our list of "gotta see's", as well as any other museums we can stuff in on the 6 or so "uncommitted days", which we will play by ear.
London is indeed a day trip (to be honest, I truly wish I knew of this forum before I committed to most of the paid trips I booked - I'd make it at least an over-nighter).
Nonetheless, we have an early arrival of 7:58am, and have until 5pm to depart. I hope that is enough to make the highlights...
Dec 12th, 2005, 04:25 PM
#43
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TBelle --
Don't worry about all the extras -- like you said, they've already been purchased, and there is nothing you can do about it now.
Personally, I think the shuttle was an excellent move on your part. We live here, and have come and gone from the airport many times, but I must confess, the times we used a shuttle were always the most hassle-free. And much more economical than a taxi in many situations.
Montparnasse is a nice area -- definitely take a walk through the cemetary, as well as the Pere Lachaise cemetary-- they are worth it!
I don't know if the decorations will still be up, but the major department stores put up fabulous Christmas displays. One of the most well-known streets with two big department stores is Blvd. Haussman in the 9th. There, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps both have displays, which are fun to look at. I don't imagine they will have time to completely dismantle them before you get here, but you never know. . .
It may actually be a good idea that you booked a tour of Versailles, only because tourism does pick up around Christmas/New Years, and I have been with friends and family at all times of the year only to stand out in lines for hours. This may not be the case when you go, but at least you won't have to worry about it either way.
For your rail passes, I would definitely do the Loire Valley -- who doesn't like a good chateau or two or twenty? =) Also, Normandy is an excellent day trip, especially the D-Day beaches, and the surrounding countryside is beautiful, in my opinion. Brittany is also a good day trip. Or, on the Brittany/Normandy border, you can visit Mont St. Michel -- the abbey which is on an island -- it's only accessible during low tide. There are a ton of options you have with the railpasses!
I also agree with the other posters about doing the Big Red Bus Tour in London -- SO worth it, in my opinion. Especially because you get a free river trip (only about 30 minutes or so -- but it's free!) on the Thames. The commentary on the busses is facinating, and it is one of my favorite memories of London. Don't do the changing of the guard -- during the winter, it isn't done every day, and despite having waited on days I was assured it was happening, on 3 different trips, I have yet to see this occur. The Tower of London is a good way to spend a couple of hours. But the bus tour is the best way to get a good overview of the city in one day. If you don't want to do this, though, London has an excellent subway system, which is far cleaner than its Paris counterpart.
The catacombs in Paris, which is near your hotel, is a good suggestion, although I don't know if you would be interested. It's miles and miles of bones, which can be creepy for some. It doesn't bother me, but I have heard from a lot of people who say they won't go back. Don't fall into the trap of paying to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower -- although there is a skating rink on the first floor right now if you want a unique experience -- instead of wasting money for the "view," which will be non-existent in winter, go to Sacre Coeur, or the roof of Galeries Lafayette, or the Tour Montparnasse. Of course, if you just want the bragging rights of saying you went the the top, then it will probably be worth it. =)
If you see an outdoor market, run to it! This is an excellent way to get a true French experience. Even if you don't buy anything, just walk along the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere.
As far as touristy things, definitely go to the Louvre. Take a stroll along the Seine and end up on the islands, where Notre Dame and St. Chapelle are. There is a tiny museum underneath Notre Dame which has the ruins of ancient buildings. It's not the most interesting museum, but I'm kind of dorky, so I enjoy it.
One of the best crepes stands is in Bastille -- on rue de la Roquette. It is attached to a full-service café called Le Bastille. If you want crepes, don't miss it!
As others have said, the best way to explore Paris is on foot. Do you by any chance have a book with walking tours of Paris? Some of my favorites are walking tours of the Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements) and the Latin Quarter (5th and 6th Arrondissements), but that's just my opinion.
Don't worry about the metro system -- it is amazing! It's a little intimidating at first, but by the end of your trip, you will feel like an old pro.
If you need any help while you are here, I would be glad to do what I can. We are coming back from Munich early on the morining of the 27th, but after that, if you need any help. . .
Have a great trip -- your daughter is a really lucky girl. I'm sure you will both have a blast.
Also, sorry for the long post.
Don't worry about all the extras -- like you said, they've already been purchased, and there is nothing you can do about it now.
Personally, I think the shuttle was an excellent move on your part. We live here, and have come and gone from the airport many times, but I must confess, the times we used a shuttle were always the most hassle-free. And much more economical than a taxi in many situations.
Montparnasse is a nice area -- definitely take a walk through the cemetary, as well as the Pere Lachaise cemetary-- they are worth it!
I don't know if the decorations will still be up, but the major department stores put up fabulous Christmas displays. One of the most well-known streets with two big department stores is Blvd. Haussman in the 9th. There, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps both have displays, which are fun to look at. I don't imagine they will have time to completely dismantle them before you get here, but you never know. . .
It may actually be a good idea that you booked a tour of Versailles, only because tourism does pick up around Christmas/New Years, and I have been with friends and family at all times of the year only to stand out in lines for hours. This may not be the case when you go, but at least you won't have to worry about it either way.
For your rail passes, I would definitely do the Loire Valley -- who doesn't like a good chateau or two or twenty? =) Also, Normandy is an excellent day trip, especially the D-Day beaches, and the surrounding countryside is beautiful, in my opinion. Brittany is also a good day trip. Or, on the Brittany/Normandy border, you can visit Mont St. Michel -- the abbey which is on an island -- it's only accessible during low tide. There are a ton of options you have with the railpasses!
I also agree with the other posters about doing the Big Red Bus Tour in London -- SO worth it, in my opinion. Especially because you get a free river trip (only about 30 minutes or so -- but it's free!) on the Thames. The commentary on the busses is facinating, and it is one of my favorite memories of London. Don't do the changing of the guard -- during the winter, it isn't done every day, and despite having waited on days I was assured it was happening, on 3 different trips, I have yet to see this occur. The Tower of London is a good way to spend a couple of hours. But the bus tour is the best way to get a good overview of the city in one day. If you don't want to do this, though, London has an excellent subway system, which is far cleaner than its Paris counterpart.
The catacombs in Paris, which is near your hotel, is a good suggestion, although I don't know if you would be interested. It's miles and miles of bones, which can be creepy for some. It doesn't bother me, but I have heard from a lot of people who say they won't go back. Don't fall into the trap of paying to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower -- although there is a skating rink on the first floor right now if you want a unique experience -- instead of wasting money for the "view," which will be non-existent in winter, go to Sacre Coeur, or the roof of Galeries Lafayette, or the Tour Montparnasse. Of course, if you just want the bragging rights of saying you went the the top, then it will probably be worth it. =)
If you see an outdoor market, run to it! This is an excellent way to get a true French experience. Even if you don't buy anything, just walk along the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere.
As far as touristy things, definitely go to the Louvre. Take a stroll along the Seine and end up on the islands, where Notre Dame and St. Chapelle are. There is a tiny museum underneath Notre Dame which has the ruins of ancient buildings. It's not the most interesting museum, but I'm kind of dorky, so I enjoy it.
One of the best crepes stands is in Bastille -- on rue de la Roquette. It is attached to a full-service café called Le Bastille. If you want crepes, don't miss it!
As others have said, the best way to explore Paris is on foot. Do you by any chance have a book with walking tours of Paris? Some of my favorites are walking tours of the Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements) and the Latin Quarter (5th and 6th Arrondissements), but that's just my opinion.
Don't worry about the metro system -- it is amazing! It's a little intimidating at first, but by the end of your trip, you will feel like an old pro.
If you need any help while you are here, I would be glad to do what I can. We are coming back from Munich early on the morining of the 27th, but after that, if you need any help. . .
Have a great trip -- your daughter is a really lucky girl. I'm sure you will both have a blast.
Also, sorry for the long post.
Dec 12th, 2005, 04:40 PM
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Mralexpba~
Oh, *please* do not apologize for the long post!!! Lots of great stuff in there! We do have wireless internet access at the hotel (at least I'm almost certain we do - I've gotten conflicting reports in the various documentation online), and I'd love to contact you if in a pinch after your return... How can I contact you? (Remember, I'm a novice at Fodor's, too!)
The catacombs will be a must - Kristen is a lover of gory and frightening things, and she is terribly excited about that part!
I've received so many wonderful suggestions on the day trips - I'm convinced Loire Valley is a must at this moment, but I have to admit waffling and wavering each time I investigate each destination. Soooo much history and beauty to choose from. Makes it a tough choice!
OH! And a skating rink on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower??? Kristen is just *dying* to try ice skating (she does well on roller blades). Do they have rental skates there? I sure hope so - that would make her day! As far as going to the top... I think I have read enough about it to not really see the purpose - I'd rather take photos of it than photos from it. *smiles*
The Fodor's Paris 2006 has *somewhat* of a walking tour in each section. I've only had it for today, and we had several tasks to accomplish other than my vacation planning, so I've not gone into it in detail.
Wow... only 2 weeks and we're on our way!
Oh, *please* do not apologize for the long post!!! Lots of great stuff in there! We do have wireless internet access at the hotel (at least I'm almost certain we do - I've gotten conflicting reports in the various documentation online), and I'd love to contact you if in a pinch after your return... How can I contact you? (Remember, I'm a novice at Fodor's, too!)
The catacombs will be a must - Kristen is a lover of gory and frightening things, and she is terribly excited about that part!
I've received so many wonderful suggestions on the day trips - I'm convinced Loire Valley is a must at this moment, but I have to admit waffling and wavering each time I investigate each destination. Soooo much history and beauty to choose from. Makes it a tough choice!
OH! And a skating rink on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower??? Kristen is just *dying* to try ice skating (she does well on roller blades). Do they have rental skates there? I sure hope so - that would make her day! As far as going to the top... I think I have read enough about it to not really see the purpose - I'd rather take photos of it than photos from it. *smiles*
The Fodor's Paris 2006 has *somewhat* of a walking tour in each section. I've only had it for today, and we had several tasks to accomplish other than my vacation planning, so I've not gone into it in detail.
Wow... only 2 weeks and we're on our way!
Dec 12th, 2005, 04:52 PM
#45
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Yes, they definitely have rental skates. If for some reason, though you can't do the skating on a given day (we weren't able to go Xmas Eve last year), you can try again a different day, or head over to Hotel de Ville, which also has a skating rink. Both have rental skates, and we took my 13 year old brother (who is small for his age) last year, so they will have skates to fit her.
You can contact me at: michelleandalex<at>hotmail<dot>com
If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to email!
You can contact me at: michelleandalex<at>hotmail<dot>com
If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to email!
Dec 13th, 2005, 08:29 AM
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Open market comment made me think of Clignacourt Flea market. It is on the periphy of town and easy to reach by bus. There will be all kinds of clothes to thrill your daughter and furniture for you to drool over.
Dec 13th, 2005, 09:26 AM
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Using your railpass to go somewhere in the Loire valley isn't a bad idea. You will have to check schedules carefully, though, as I think some chateaux are closed in winter months. If not closed, I think they have reduced hours, so just check that out.
Depending how much energy you have, even though it is a loss of money on the pass, you might reduce its use to one longer TGV trip (eg, Lyon), and the others regular trains closer to Paris (Chartres, Rouen, Amboise, etc). Tours for the Loire Valley is a TGV trip, also (although I don't think as expensive as going to Lyon), but once there, you'll need to figure out some other method to get to a chateau. There are trains to Blois and Amboise (and Chenonceau) from Tours. I think you can go directly from Paris to Amboise and Blois, also, but I'm not sure on the schedules. At least using your pass will make non-TGV train travel easy, as you won't have to reserve, and just get on and sit where there is a free space. It will be nice not to spend the time in line at the rail station getting seat reservations, as you must for TGVs.
I have one suggestion I would really recommend -- go to a good bookstore with a decent travel section (Borders or Barnes & Noble do where I live), and buy Earl Steinbickers' "Day Trips France" guidebook. It's trade paper, $17 retail. Also, you can get your Streetwise Paris map at that time (or another if you like something else better). Given how much you have invested already, I would definitely spend that $17 for that guidebook. It covers every place possible for your daytrips (including Lyon), and gives you maps, directions, sights of interest, and walking tour suggestions. It also has a section describing in general terms the French rail system, stations, and other useful rail tips. If you aren't near a good bookstore or they don't have this, you can order it on Amazon or somewhere easily.
Depending how much energy you have, even though it is a loss of money on the pass, you might reduce its use to one longer TGV trip (eg, Lyon), and the others regular trains closer to Paris (Chartres, Rouen, Amboise, etc). Tours for the Loire Valley is a TGV trip, also (although I don't think as expensive as going to Lyon), but once there, you'll need to figure out some other method to get to a chateau. There are trains to Blois and Amboise (and Chenonceau) from Tours. I think you can go directly from Paris to Amboise and Blois, also, but I'm not sure on the schedules. At least using your pass will make non-TGV train travel easy, as you won't have to reserve, and just get on and sit where there is a free space. It will be nice not to spend the time in line at the rail station getting seat reservations, as you must for TGVs.
I have one suggestion I would really recommend -- go to a good bookstore with a decent travel section (Borders or Barnes & Noble do where I live), and buy Earl Steinbickers' "Day Trips France" guidebook. It's trade paper, $17 retail. Also, you can get your Streetwise Paris map at that time (or another if you like something else better). Given how much you have invested already, I would definitely spend that $17 for that guidebook. It covers every place possible for your daytrips (including Lyon), and gives you maps, directions, sights of interest, and walking tour suggestions. It also has a section describing in general terms the French rail system, stations, and other useful rail tips. If you aren't near a good bookstore or they don't have this, you can order it on Amazon or somewhere easily.
Dec 13th, 2005, 12:48 PM
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Hi TBelle: You have received some excellent ideas for your trip. My suggestion to see the south of France was because the weather will be very cold in Paris and London as you are going in the dead of winter. You might like going somewhere with some warm sun and the TGV Mediteranee would provide that getaway. As lovely as the chateaux are in the Loire Valley (Chenonceau is my favorite), I would save that for another time of year as it will be quite cold. However, if the cold doesn't bother you too much, go for it. Chartres is a wonderful city too with its awe-inspiring cathedral. Have fun whatever you decide to do, it will be a great trip!
Dec 13th, 2005, 01:21 PM
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Once again, all, I must profoundly thank you for your suggestions. I have built a page in MS One-Note and categorized ideas and made highlights, etc., to help make the final decisions.
Huitres (or anyone) - the comment "the TGV Mediteranee" - excuse my extreme ignorance on the subject, but I assumed if we were on the same latitude the temperatures would be the same. All of France seems to be on the same latitude (more or less) than our home state - what are the average temperatures in the South of France in this time period?
Christina - as always, thank you. I love your input.
A question on the movie theatres - as many have suggested them (love the VO tip, Christina) - are the movie theatres in Paris different from those in the USA? (And then, a selfish question, as I am a smoker - is smoking allowed??? - what IS a movie theatre like in Paris?)
I can't wait to be able to give a full trip report to this Forum to pay you all back for what you have given to me and Kristen!
Huitres (or anyone) - the comment "the TGV Mediteranee" - excuse my extreme ignorance on the subject, but I assumed if we were on the same latitude the temperatures would be the same. All of France seems to be on the same latitude (more or less) than our home state - what are the average temperatures in the South of France in this time period?
Christina - as always, thank you. I love your input.
A question on the movie theatres - as many have suggested them (love the VO tip, Christina) - are the movie theatres in Paris different from those in the USA? (And then, a selfish question, as I am a smoker - is smoking allowed??? - what IS a movie theatre like in Paris?)
I can't wait to be able to give a full trip report to this Forum to pay you all back for what you have given to me and Kristen!
Dec 13th, 2005, 02:01 PM
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France is about the same latitude as Newfoundland and Montreal, Canada. I think southern Provence is still not south (maybe like Cape Cod), but France has a different climate than strict latitude numbers would suggest. It's considered a moderate marine forest climat (mild winters) on the atlas I have, whereas same latitude in N. America is a continental forest or taiga climate with cool summers and severe winters (Montreal is in same climate as Moscow, not Paris, even though closer to Paris in latitude).
Anyway, it is a little warmer down south but still not that warm in winter.
As for theaters, yeah, they are basically the same as in the US, except a bunch of French people are in them. I haven't seen any stadium seating places in Paris yet, though. Most of them are pretty nice as they like cinema a lot in Paris (there is one hole-in-the-wall place I go for art films which isn't so nice, but there are lots of first-run theaters on bd Montparnasse and rue Odessa and on rue du Depart next to the tower complex. There are some nice ones on the Champs-Elysees, also.
They have ads before the show for about 10 minutes, but are doing that a lot in the US now, anyway. A lot do not have AC, though, which really bums me out in summer when I'm there, but won't concern you.
No, you can't smoke in theaters. I think that would be a fire hazard, if nothing else and the mess it would create would be terrible (ashes, butts, etc.). I suppose there are some that might have a smoking area in the lobby or somewhere, but you might as well go outside for that matter.
Anyway, it is a little warmer down south but still not that warm in winter.
As for theaters, yeah, they are basically the same as in the US, except a bunch of French people are in them. I haven't seen any stadium seating places in Paris yet, though. Most of them are pretty nice as they like cinema a lot in Paris (there is one hole-in-the-wall place I go for art films which isn't so nice, but there are lots of first-run theaters on bd Montparnasse and rue Odessa and on rue du Depart next to the tower complex. There are some nice ones on the Champs-Elysees, also.
They have ads before the show for about 10 minutes, but are doing that a lot in the US now, anyway. A lot do not have AC, though, which really bums me out in summer when I'm there, but won't concern you.
No, you can't smoke in theaters. I think that would be a fire hazard, if nothing else and the mess it would create would be terrible (ashes, butts, etc.). I suppose there are some that might have a smoking area in the lobby or somewhere, but you might as well go outside for that matter.
Dec 13th, 2005, 02:22 PM
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So I will basically be expecting the same climate as here, which is what I thought originally. That's fine. We have purchased fur-lined boots, and have winter coats for the trip. Kristen is VERY warm-natured, and I'm in that constant phase of hot-flash, cold-feel, if you know what I mean. I think we can do fine in the entire country, then.
As for the theatres, I didn't really *expect* smoking inside - LOL - just thought I'd ask if there was a difference. I can easily skip a smoke for a movie.
As for the theatres, I didn't really *expect* smoking inside - LOL - just thought I'd ask if there was a difference. I can easily skip a smoke for a movie.
Dec 14th, 2005, 10:16 AM
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In 1950, my father immigrated to Montreal, Canada from Paris, after looking on a map and noting that it was in the same latitude as Bordeaux, France. He arrived with his family in February, in the cold and the snow, ...and never stopped kicking himself for making such a wrong assumption. Latitude has little to do with climate - the gulf stream, on the hand hand, has a lot to do with the difference between Canada and France.
Dec 14th, 2005, 10:48 AM
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TBelle,
You have certainly received lots of great info from the folks here but I didn't see anyone mention the free fashion shows at the large department stores. (Forgive me if it was mentioned and I missed it). Printemps is Tuesday at ten am and doesn't require reservations and Galleries Lafayette is Fridays at 3pm but I believe that requires reservations. I'll bet someone at the desk at your hotel will help you call to confirm this info. Might be something your daughter would like and then you could shop and have lunch at the store for a day inside, away from the cold weather. Whatever you end up doing, it will be a splendid trip...you'll be in Paris!!!!
Peg
You have certainly received lots of great info from the folks here but I didn't see anyone mention the free fashion shows at the large department stores. (Forgive me if it was mentioned and I missed it). Printemps is Tuesday at ten am and doesn't require reservations and Galleries Lafayette is Fridays at 3pm but I believe that requires reservations. I'll bet someone at the desk at your hotel will help you call to confirm this info. Might be something your daughter would like and then you could shop and have lunch at the store for a day inside, away from the cold weather. Whatever you end up doing, it will be a splendid trip...you'll be in Paris!!!!
Peg
Dec 14th, 2005, 11:01 AM
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Galleries Lafayette does require reservations for the fashion show. Great views of Paris from the upper roof deck of the store. 7th floor I think. Pringtemps fashion show is under the gorgeous stained glass dome.
You have some good travel books. I like the DK Top Ten books. Small, light, has metro map and great info on what not to miss at the various sites.
You have some good travel books. I like the DK Top Ten books. Small, light, has metro map and great info on what not to miss at the various sites.
Dec 16th, 2005, 12:42 PM
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Oh my gosh! I think I've been working too much and not reading enough! I did not even *realize* there was a possibility of fashion shows - since we were "off-season" for the really big shows!
Kristen will love, love, love this!!! Thank you SO much, my friends!
Kristen will love, love, love this!!! Thank you SO much, my friends!
Dec 23rd, 2005, 05:07 AM
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Hi, all~
2 more days and we're off - leaving midafternoon on the 25th for Paris! The past 12 days since I've found Fodor's has been a cross between a blessing and an absolute hoot!
1) Concerned over the many posts on attire, I swiftly tossed my white tennis shoes and purchased boots for both of us.
2) Concerned over wearing boots for 17 days, I ran out and got black suede tennis shoes for both of us.
3) Concerned over looking doudy, or sloppy, or any of ther other words used in the attire posts, I purchased new clothing for both of us.
4) THANKS for all the shopping trips, posters! I'm realizing now that we would have been fine with what we had, but hey... It was a good excuse to shop!
5) I've consolidated all the great ideas into one long page (boy is it long) so I could review everything at a glance - and realized it was an intense read even in its consolidation!
6) We have decided on Chartres and Loire for day trips, and of course Versailles was already scheduled, as well as that London day trip.
7) I've studied French endlessly, and can now barely utter the most minimal phrases. I'm apparently too old to learn a new trick...
Otherwise, we will "wing it" and walk the streets. We're VERY excited, and will report back, to be sure.
Thanks again, and may you all have wonderful holidays!
Teri
2 more days and we're off - leaving midafternoon on the 25th for Paris! The past 12 days since I've found Fodor's has been a cross between a blessing and an absolute hoot!
1) Concerned over the many posts on attire, I swiftly tossed my white tennis shoes and purchased boots for both of us.
2) Concerned over wearing boots for 17 days, I ran out and got black suede tennis shoes for both of us.
3) Concerned over looking doudy, or sloppy, or any of ther other words used in the attire posts, I purchased new clothing for both of us.
4) THANKS for all the shopping trips, posters! I'm realizing now that we would have been fine with what we had, but hey... It was a good excuse to shop!
5) I've consolidated all the great ideas into one long page (boy is it long) so I could review everything at a glance - and realized it was an intense read even in its consolidation!
6) We have decided on Chartres and Loire for day trips, and of course Versailles was already scheduled, as well as that London day trip.
7) I've studied French endlessly, and can now barely utter the most minimal phrases. I'm apparently too old to learn a new trick...
Otherwise, we will "wing it" and walk the streets. We're VERY excited, and will report back, to be sure.
Thanks again, and may you all have wonderful holidays!
Teri
Dec 23rd, 2005, 06:00 AM
#58
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I've missed the middle part of the thread and may be repeating. If so, my apologies.
I'm sure your language books have taught you the requisite Bonjour/Bonsoir Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle when entering a store or making contact with someone. They love their formality!
Also, be sure to start your conversations with "Parlez-vous anglais, s'il vous plait" as opposed to expecting that they speak French.
Lots of Merci's will get you far even if you aren't a francophone. No worries based on the places you are going. The first person you address may not speak English but you will find someone easily.
I'm sure your language books have taught you the requisite Bonjour/Bonsoir Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle when entering a store or making contact with someone. They love their formality!
Also, be sure to start your conversations with "Parlez-vous anglais, s'il vous plait" as opposed to expecting that they speak French.
Lots of Merci's will get you far even if you aren't a francophone. No worries based on the places you are going. The first person you address may not speak English but you will find someone easily.
Dec 23rd, 2005, 07:02 AM
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Hi, Teri TBelle, I haven't read all of the posts, so I may repeat a recommendation, or you may have already thought of it-- buy your daughter a journal for her trip for Christmas. We are going on our own trip to Paris soon, and I got my husband (the writer) one for Christmas. Somewhere on another thread, a poster suggested bringing postcards from where you are from to share/show those who might be interested. I thought that was a nice idea. Have a wonderful trip.
