travling

Going to Paris in April. I know, I am gonna hear from a lot of you accusing me of being<BR>a traitor for spending my US$ there but I am<BR>fulfilling our daughter's dream of visiting France. So my question is: What is the ONE THING NOT TO DO while in Paris? Your responses can pertain to items such as avoiding certain tourists traps or committing a possible FAUX PAsic) of a polital or etiquette nature.

capo

I would say the one thing not to do in Paris is to not do what other people tell you not to do. <BR><BR>On a serious note, unless you have a passion for modern, not very attractive, subterranean shopping centers, you could easily skip Les Halles. <BR><BR>As for etiquette, do not neglect to learn, and use, polite French phrases, such as &quot;Bonjour&quot;, &quot;Merci&quot; and &quot;Si'l vous plait.&quot;

uncle_sam

I would not take a dinner cruise on the Seine. Overpriced for average food. For what you pay you can eat at a great restaurant and get much better service!<BR><BR>Also the Boulevard de Clichey is pretty sleazy during the day but at night ...watch out!<BR><BR>US<BR><BR>Enjoy and you're no traitor in my book ...to each his own!

Betsy

Do not, I repeat, do not wear your pink jogging suit!

rhkkmk

do not let some, and only some, parisians annoy you...they can't help it, they learned it from their new york city cousins....

CalgirlSusan

Don't tell them the wine is too cold or not cold enough (depending on white or red). Most wines will be served pretty equally chilled, or come from the same temperature cellar. Nothing is more rude than an American criticizing wine serving in Paris.<BR><BR>And only ask if they take US dollars if you want to be labeled an Ugly American.

ita

don't approach someone in English. First say: &quot;bon jour parlez-vous anglais?&quot; and you will usually get a polite response

angeleno

DON'T waste a day doing a day trip to Fontainblue.

MelissaHI

I second Uncle Sam's post. My mom &amp; sister took that dinner cruise down the Seine and regretted it. My brother and I, however, packed our wine-in-a-box (it's JUST like juice in a box, only wine, sold at French grocery stores) and took the day cruise, and that was fun.

bob_brown

Don't waste a day trip to Fontainebleau?<BR>I disagree highly. It is a slice of French history, and a very easy site to visit. Train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainbleau Avon. Bus to the chateau entrance. Return the same way.<BR>Pretty town, and a very interesting visit.<BR><BR>My advice. Don't order fish unless you like it raw. I went to one high muckity muck fish place, Bistrot de la Dome or some such place. I got a big chunk of raw tuna for my money. It may be the French way. But it is not my way and I am not going to change.<BR>If you want it that way, you can have my piece.<BR>

jmathers

Don't expect your soda to have ice cubes, it will be warm....

Surfergirl

Don't forget that the first floor (1ere etage) is not the ground floor. It's the second floor to Americans. This is very helpful advice after you've spent an evening drinking wonderful wine and are in the elevator heading back to what you think is your hotel room.

John71cove

travling:<BR>Keep in mind, &quot;When in Rome...&quot;

mclaurie

Don't go to the Louvre in the middle of the day when you've already been walking around &amp; are tired or after a big lunch. You won't enjoy it. <BR><BR>Don't climb the steps at Notre Dame unless you're in good shape, not claustrophobic, &amp; not afraid of heights. The stairway is narrow, steep &amp; one way going up (&amp; down)so you can't turn back.<BR><BR>Don't spend all your time running from one tourist sight to the next. Relax, walk &amp; soak in the beauty.<BR><BR>Most of all, don't feel guilty about your decision to go.

Patrick

That last one is the best of all, mclaurie! If I hear one more person talking about the rude French and how no one should give them any business (especially from all those who have never even been there) I think I'll punch him.

Ronda

I would skip the Musee Carnavalet and instead pick the Musee Jacquemart-Andre. Be sure to have lunch or tea there in the beautiful dinning room. Your daughter will feel like royalty. Be sure to check the closing time. <BR><BR>This is not to say that the Carnavalet is not interesting and historical. I just found the Jacquemart more inviting and if I had to pick one to take my daughter to, would pick the Jacquemart. The WOW factor is greater.

Scarlett

<BR>While being sure not to complain about the wine in Paris, also be sure not to complain about the dog in the cafe or the smoke<BR>or the dog smoking in the cafe with a glass of wine~

DonTopaz

I would skip taking the elevator up the Eiffel Tower. It's not very pleasant at the top (very noticeable sway on most days), you spend lots of time in line, and it's usually crowded. For me, a much better choice for a high-up view is the panorama roof of the Samaritaine department store, near the Pont Neuf. Much more comfortable and less crowded, and as a bonus it's free.

bmanley

Going to Paris Thurs.,also with daughter<BR>Thanks for the Good tips and more importantly the encouragement to enjoy a special trip. Thanks for not letting this thread become political. I am just seeking good solid advice not a lecture or a scolding!

littletraveler

Oh this is a very timely post, Travling, as I am going to Paris with my mother and we leave next Sunday 3/23! I am enjoying all the replies and jotting down some notes! <BR><BR>Any other tips and things to avoid or watch out for?? Keep 'em coming people!