Transportation in Paris. Any advice?
Dec 21st, 2012, 01:36 AM
#521
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't bring back wine.
Don't take a 28" monster suitcase.
And, most of all, don't listen to <strong>one word</strong> of anyone who repeats any of the old BS about Parisian rudeness and snobbiness.
I guarantee you will return to Paris (with a 21" roller) once you have visited it. It is magical.
SS
Don't take a 28" monster suitcase.
And, most of all, don't listen to <strong>one word</strong> of anyone who repeats any of the old BS about Parisian rudeness and snobbiness.
I guarantee you will return to Paris (with a 21" roller) once you have visited it. It is magical.
SS
Dec 21st, 2012, 02:29 AM
#522
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,923
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>>An acquaintance of mine mentioned to me today that she had been in Paris and people were very rude. She said Paris was overrated and full of snobs. <<
I'll bet she forgot (or wasn't aware) that Parisians don't take kindly to people who launch directly into the business at hand, like, for example, the woman I saw (or heard first) who was no doubt perfectly pleasant in her own context, but marched up to the desk in a metro station and said "The [whatever attraction] - where's that at?". Not even so much as a "Bonjour" or a "Parlez-vous anglais, madame?".
I'll bet she forgot (or wasn't aware) that Parisians don't take kindly to people who launch directly into the business at hand, like, for example, the woman I saw (or heard first) who was no doubt perfectly pleasant in her own context, but marched up to the desk in a metro station and said "The [whatever attraction] - where's that at?". Not even so much as a "Bonjour" or a "Parlez-vous anglais, madame?".
Dec 21st, 2012, 03:40 AM
#523
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OMG, so tired of that "rude Parisian" stereotype! Not true at all.
I actually think it is the person saying that's own rudeness being reflected back on them. Why woukd you take advice on where to go clubbing, from someone who thinks Paris is overrated and full of snobs???
The wait for a bag isn't that long...unless the bag doesn't arrive. Which happened to us last year and we lost an hour at CDG dealing with that (especially irritating since it was snatched from us in the jetway for being too large...which it was not, it's a 20 inch rollerboard....I am still POd). Then more time lost later for delivery....don't check unless you absolutely have no other options! Trying to get a bag back with no sleep and jet lag is a less than stellar way to start your vaca. I can get a weeks worth of winter clothes and shoes into a std rollerboard bag. Don't overpack!
I definitely agree that I don't take it if I can'y carry it myself!!!
I actually think it is the person saying that's own rudeness being reflected back on them. Why woukd you take advice on where to go clubbing, from someone who thinks Paris is overrated and full of snobs???
The wait for a bag isn't that long...unless the bag doesn't arrive. Which happened to us last year and we lost an hour at CDG dealing with that (especially irritating since it was snatched from us in the jetway for being too large...which it was not, it's a 20 inch rollerboard....I am still POd). Then more time lost later for delivery....don't check unless you absolutely have no other options! Trying to get a bag back with no sleep and jet lag is a less than stellar way to start your vaca. I can get a weeks worth of winter clothes and shoes into a std rollerboard bag. Don't overpack!
I definitely agree that I don't take it if I can'y carry it myself!!!
Dec 21st, 2012, 05:12 AM
#524
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
She said the Parisians she came across made fun of her accent. In any case, it's not like I'm not going to go juat because of that. It's been my dream to go to France since forever. Nothing is going to keep me from coming. Except maybe the weather. Snow storm today. Here's hoping the weather is better on Wednesday.
Dec 21st, 2012, 08:08 AM
#525
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hard to believe after 500 posts we are still talking about luggage!! Or is it "again".
DON"T take the 28" bag--it is an albatross.
Parisians are not rude. Tourists can be, and get "repaid" in kind.
The bank still gets paid a commission--and you get fewer Euros than at an ATM in Paris.
I hope you have a LOT of money for those shoes and purses, because you will experience sticker shock--it ain't cheap to buy in Europe.
DON"T take the 28" bag--it is an albatross.
Parisians are not rude. Tourists can be, and get "repaid" in kind.
The bank still gets paid a commission--and you get fewer Euros than at an ATM in Paris.
I hope you have a LOT of money for those shoes and purses, because you will experience sticker shock--it ain't cheap to buy in Europe.
Dec 21st, 2012, 10:47 AM
#526
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So, my cousin is now asking me for the list of places we'll be going to so she can map it out on her iPod. Cause her dad wants to see where we are going and she doesn't trust my sense of direction. El oh el.
And I know that shopping isn't cheap. It's what, 19% sales tax? It's not that much more to the sales tax where I am.
Im bringing my luggage. I dont care about the size. Maybe ill come to regret it later but oh well.
And I know that shopping isn't cheap. It's what, 19% sales tax? It's not that much more to the sales tax where I am.
Im bringing my luggage. I dont care about the size. Maybe ill come to regret it later but oh well.
Dec 21st, 2012, 11:38 AM
#527
That is not sales tax -- it is VAT. If you buy a very large amount at a single store, you can get part of that tax refunded. Otherwise, you can completely ignore its existence because all prices that you see are net -- no tax amount will be added to your purchase.
Dec 21st, 2012, 01:12 PM
#529
Didn't you say your cousin was 22? That's just ridiculous. You're only going to Paris, for heaven's sake.
And didn't you also say you were just buying key chains and T shirts? Where did this buying shoes and bags thing come from? Unless you buy off the street, which I think is illegal these days, I can't think you're going to like the prices.
And didn't you also say you were just buying key chains and T shirts? Where did this buying shoes and bags thing come from? Unless you buy off the street, which I think is illegal these days, I can't think you're going to like the prices.
Dec 23rd, 2012, 04:21 AM
#532
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rue Du Commerce in the 15(?), I think, is a good area for resonably priced shopping.
Otherwise, the high dollar stuff of my dreams, is rue Faubourg-St honore and also Ave Montaigne, off the Champs Elysee. Designer heaven but it will cost you!
The Marais is also loaded with shopping...no my fav area, can be very Americanized. Blvd Hausmann is home to two top, huge department stores. Glleries
Lafayette and Printemps...you shouldn't miss the Christmas windows there. Around zchristmas they will be packed but they have everything.
Otherwise, the high dollar stuff of my dreams, is rue Faubourg-St honore and also Ave Montaigne, off the Champs Elysee. Designer heaven but it will cost you!
The Marais is also loaded with shopping...no my fav area, can be very Americanized. Blvd Hausmann is home to two top, huge department stores. Glleries
Lafayette and Printemps...you shouldn't miss the Christmas windows there. Around zchristmas they will be packed but they have everything.
Dec 23rd, 2012, 05:04 AM
#534
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For family souvenirs you might look in the museum shops and in the stationery sections of the big department stores. Paper "things" are just beautiful in Paris, I think. Beautiful sticky notes, little notebooks, etc.
Dec 24th, 2012, 04:29 AM
#536
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My hotel is on the rue du faubourg st. Honoré! I probably cannot afford shops in that area, but there's nothing wrong with window shopping, right?
I will check out rue du Commerce for sure! Thanks!
I'll check out the paper "things"(stationery?) As I would like to buy some nice stuff for a friend.
I will definetly be writing about my experiences, either on here or on a blog with pictures and whatnot.
Again, thank you all sooooo much! I cannot express just how grateful I am for all the advice and helpful tips I've received from all of you! You've helped make my dream trip a reality and you've put up with my crazy questions and I'm so happy I found this website. I have so much info, I don't think I'll find myself trying to think of what to do or what to see or where to go.Thanks a million!
Joyeux Noël et bonne année à vous tous!
I will check out rue du Commerce for sure! Thanks!
I'll check out the paper "things"(stationery?) As I would like to buy some nice stuff for a friend.
I will definetly be writing about my experiences, either on here or on a blog with pictures and whatnot.
Again, thank you all sooooo much! I cannot express just how grateful I am for all the advice and helpful tips I've received from all of you! You've helped make my dream trip a reality and you've put up with my crazy questions and I'm so happy I found this website. I have so much info, I don't think I'll find myself trying to think of what to do or what to see or where to go.Thanks a million!
Joyeux Noël et bonne année à vous tous!
