Go Travel Paris

Posts Tagged ‘Paris’

Pick up a copy of LGBT monthly Tetu (en francais) to catch up on all the current events around town. Where you should stay: Checkout vacation apartments as an alternative to the cramped hotel room. For Shopping, you must visit the treasure chest known as Colette. Colette, pricey, yes, so bring your sugar daddy.
For nightlife, checkout Queen, the most famous gay club in Paris is a Champs-Elysees mainstay that features some of the craziest nights out in the city. Check out the insane Sunday night “Overkitsh” party for proof. Locals avoid this tourist trap, but stop by for the hot go-go boys around shaking their groove thing to the latest in Euro-House.
The Mix Club’s Sunday tea parties attract the gays likes bee to honey. The space is constantly pumping with the best DJs. Mix Club, for the Lesbians, the hippest Parisian ladies enjoy the vibe.
Cell phones in Paris use the GSM technology, though they do not necessarily use all the same frequencies used in North America. If you would like to buy a pre-paid local SIM card to put in your unlocked before you leave for Paris. If you are planning on using your non-French based GSM phone with your roaming plan from home, be aware, that they will charge you for any minute of airtime used – and will charge your through the nose for data roaming, unless you have an international plan.
What does this mean? It means that if your phone is on in Paris, and you receive a call, but do not answer and let it go to voicemail, You are still being charged until the person hangs up on the voicemail. Another option is that of the telephone card, so that you can make calls from a public phone.
In order to survive you need to know basic gay Paris etiquette so here are a few tips.
1. ALWAYS say “Bonjour Monsieur” and/or “Bonjour Madame” when entering a Paris store or Paris restaurant, or first speaking to someone (i.e. waiter, cashier etc.). Even if you just intend to browse around a Paris store on your own for 30 seconds.
2. When leaving don’t forget to say goodbye, “au revoir Monsieur” and/or “au revoir madame.”
3. Expect to be misunderstood, but use what French you can, whenever you can. Just go with the flow, and do your best to speak as much French as possible.

When planning a vacation to Paris you want to consider activities, entertainment, meals, flight, and so on. Paris has a wide array of choices from sporting events to entertainment. No matter what you enjoy, you have options in Paris. One thing you want to keep in mind while vacationing to Paris, i.e. in the country, there are many pickpockets on the street. Therefore, you want to plan to protect your belongings. If someone approaches you, make sure that you take measures to protect yourself, especially if the person is trying to get something from you. In Paris, many people are staying at apartments. The hotels are nice, yet the apartments are cheaper. The apartments add extra living space while vacationing in Paris. Some of the apartments in Paris are on islands. Some of the areas are ancient neighboring environments stretched over the beautiful Seine River. You can plan a stay at the apartments near the St. Martin Canal. The hole is conveniently located in central areas around Paris. Some of the apartments have Internet connection, which is ideal for writers, business personnel, and so on. If you prefer to stay at a hotel then check out the list online. You have a wide array of hotels to choose. How to choose passes in Paris:If your purchase passes before you leave for vacation, you will save money. The passes include the Roissy Bus, which costs only $10. You can use this bus to travel to Paris’s popular airports, such as the Gaulle. In addition, you can purchase museum passes. The passes include transportation in some instances. If you purchase the passes in Paris, you will need to consider exchange rates. Online however, you can find the passes for the same amount you would spend in Paris. If you intend to visit museums in Paris, you can find two day passes. The passes will take you to la Carte and to many monuments and museums in Paris. You are taking straight to the destination. The price of the passes is $40. Paris monuments and museums however allow children under eighteen free passes. If you are on a budget, you may want to get a three-day pass, which you will travel on the metro bus. The pass gives you limitless travel up to three days. The passes cost $13 for children ages 11 and below.  When choosing places to stay in Paris, be sure you research the market. Hotels and apartments are available for vacationers. The downside is many rooms cost $100 and up per night. Online you will find discounts, coupons, and packages that give you a break. If you plan to stay a few days in Paris, you may want to check out the travel packages, vacation packages, promotional packages, or other packages online. You will find better deals by choosing the packages. The downside if you prefer to visit Paris without a tour guide, then forgets your plans. The packages have tour guides that take you to Paris’s main attractions. If you don’t mind tour guides then the packages is the way to go. Packages often include flight, activities, entertainment, etc. You also get discounts on meals. Some packages include coupons for meals. If you choose cruise packages, all your items are paid with the package. Meals may or may not be included. Cruises are nice, since you board some of Paris’s most beautiful liners, which carry you across the fabulous shores of Paris. To learn more about packages, planning, and more check out the many web sites online where you will find coupons, promotions, discounts, sales and more.

 

Paris is the capital of France. It is the largest city of that country. It is one of the most fascinated cities of the Europe. This is the reason why the city is visited by large number of tourists every year. This is also known as â??city of lightâ??. The beauty of Paris is overwhelming and architectural and artistic heritage combine to make any visit an unforgettable experience. The famous monuments such as the Eiffel tower, Louvre, Notre Dame and the river Seine attract millions of people.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel tower built by Mister Eiffel for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 and the height of Eiffel tower is 320 meters. If you would take a view of city from that particular place it will allow a very impressive view of the city, at night it becomes spectacular attraction lighting up the city.

Louvre

You can visit one of the finest museums in the world here for example the Louvre which is having stunning glass pyramid, it also contains a vast collection of treasures including, the Mona Lisa.

Musee Dâ??Orsay

The Musée D’ Orsay, a converted train station, it is a perfect setting for an outstanding display of impressionist paintings, with works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir and virtually every well known artist of that time. The eye-catching Pompidou Centre houses modern art, whilst the Musée Picasso is a must for devotees of this artist.

Hotels in Paris

Paris is a beautiful city. Thus, it is the first attraction of tourists. Tourists and visitors will find here a vast selection of hotels which easily suitable for every taste and budget. Paris accommodation ranges from the most luxurious hotels and large chain hotels, to the small hotels rich in old-fashioned ambience. Despite having such a choice of hotels, it is always wise to select and book a hotel for your Paris vacation well in advance.

As the second largest city in Western Europe, Paris is a great place to visit; ideally situated along the banks of the river Seine. For most people visiting Paris, a short stay is often the way they first see the city; if you have more time, it will make for a remarkable holiday, with many great sites to see.
This city is also equally well known for its gothic architecture and markets; it is the home of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and many other famous tourist attractions. Visitors to Paris as well as its citizens can travel around Paris easily; the Metro underground system is easy to understand, efficient and reaches everywhere even the most enthusiastic tourist would want to visit.
You can’t miss the Eiffel Tower, mainly because it’s over three hundred meters high; there are only a few places in the city where it isn’t visible. Illuminated in the evening, it is one of the most beautiful sights in the entire city; guided tours add to the thrill as you get to peek into history on how it was constructed.
The famous Paris Avenue ‘the Champs Elysees’ must also receive a visit; with shops, cafes, and restaurants littered along the wide pavements, it is a must see for every visitor. This is considered a more exclusive and busy area of the city; it is also where most of the five star hotels are situated but thankfully hotels tend to be cheaper once you move away from the city center.
A trip to would not be complete without a visit to the Louvre museum; with almost a third of a million exhibits, you will not be able to see everything in one trip. A short stay in Paris only ever allows a small appreciation of what is on offer; with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to view in addition to some of the finest collections of art in the world. Many well known artists spent years of their lives in Paris; the likes of Monet, Picasso and many others lived in the city for years and some of their work can still be seen today.
Paris is also the home of the equally famous Arc de Triomphe which Napoleon had constructed in the early part of the 19th century; the names of his generals engraved upon it to honor them and his troops. It also features an observatory to take in surrounding views; in particular those obtained along the lanes that lead from it.
Obviously, these are not the only places to visit; although no trip would be complete without seeing these, they are probably best viewed as part of a guided tour, some of which are actually free. It is fair to say that you won’t see everything on a Paris short stay of two or even three day break; what you aren’t able to this time will have to wait for another occasion.

In this article, the Senior Editor of Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News, Phil Chavanne, discusses the role of sneakers as fashion accessories in Paris.

I can’t count the number of times travelers who asked me: ‘Should I wear sneakers in Paris?’ and other variations of the same question. American tourists especially are concerned about ‘not fitting in’ with inappropriate shoes.

That attitude is remarkable indeed. Dressing so as not to shock the sensitivity of the locals: how much more considerate can you get? I can only give kudos to all of you who ever asked the question or thought about it!

Parisians and sneakers

Many first-time visitors to France and Paris are convinced that all French women are picture-perfect fashionistas. This is vastly exaggerated, even though access to stylish clothing and everything fashion is easy in Paris where ‘Elle’ magazine still dictates what’s in and out.

Yet I don’t find such a big difference in perennial tastes in the streets of Paris and in New-York avenues. Even though variations do exist, leading brands are international in nature, and they are imitated everywhere. Globalization and imitations tend to homogenize fashion, making everyday wear look similar in large cities like Paris, London, Milan, and NYC.

But the question about sneakers remains valid. Sneakers have become such a commodity in the US, how is it in Paris?

At first glance, I would venture there is hardly as many women wearing sneakers in Paris as in New York during the work week. The generally accepted business dress code in France looks down on sneakers. Therefore, unless her employer cultivates a younger, sporty image, the Parisian woman wears discreet-looking city shoes to go to work.

Yet sneakers are the ‘it’ shoe when they become design icons. Adidas, Puma and Nike each have their own stores in Paris, where dozens of different models are on display. Judging by the crowds these shops attract, none of these brands suffer from popularity deficit disorder in Paris.

So what’s the major difference in shoe-attitude between the American female consumer and the French female consumer? The latter will wear sneakers as design items, not as workaday shoes. She won’t buy sneakers for comfort. She will buy sneakers if they compliment dress-down pants and make them look smarter. She will buy sneakers which make her feet look thin, small, and classy.

A mere glance at the types of sneakers most commonly seen on women’s feet in Paris is telling: you won’t see any wide, cushy, comfy-looking, plain vanilla sneakers. You will see small, thin-looking, flat-sole, designer sneakers.

For the very same reasons, a pair of ‘escarpins’ by Stephane Kelian or Prada will always be favored over a pair of Pumas. Shoes are a fashion statement, and the more understated it is, the better.

And that’s another major difference between French and American woman. Understatement is a cardinal rule in French fashion. Anything that is too visible is considered garish. This is why the French little black dress is such a fashion icon, and why Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly will always be remembered as ‘the’ American fashionable ladies.

Tourists and sneakers

Does all this mean you can’t wear sneakers when you travel to Paris? Of course not!

First of all, sneakers can be comfortable walking shoes. And walk you will, in Paris. The very best way to discover the city is to walk along its streets. Wearing shoes in which you feel comfortable walking 10 miles a day at a leisurely pace is a majorly important decision for the general mood of your stay in the French capital.

Do not back off from wearing sneakers if these are your best walking shoes. And if you have even better walking shoes, pack them, even if they make you look like you are on a trekking trip!

Frankly, you should not ask yourself this question. Who cares about how you look in the street? Don’t be self-conscious, just be comfortable in your shoes. You are a visitor, these are your vacations, this is your very own time! Jeans and sneakers are international. People won’t be offended by your looks. Unless you dress in pink tops and electric blue pants, with golden sneakers and Jackie-O shades, nobody around will have any second thoughts about your attire.

And if they ever notice your jeans, LL Bean trekking shoes, and Patagonia jacket, well, push come to shove, they might think you’re American. And so what? In all likelihood they will appreciate your visiting Paris.

Restaurants and sneakers

Now, does it mean you can wear sneakers everywhere, on any and every occasion? Probably not.

Restaurants are a case in point. Can you dine out in sneakers?

Say, you are strolling along in your casual jeans and comfortable Lands End boots. It’s now dinner time, and you are looking for an enticing restaurant. There is it! The menu displayed outside is appetizing, prices are reasonably expensive, the place is not too crowded… but guests are dressed smartly. Will they let you in? Will you fit in?

I have yet to see in Paris a door sign indicating ‘No Sneakers Allowed In’. True, some high-brow places will expertly leave you at bay: “Do you have a reservation? Sorry, we are full tonight”. But generally speaking, no restaurant will refuse to seat you because you wear sneakers.

The right question is therefore not ‘Will they allow me in?’, but ‘Will you feel comfortable entering a dressy place in sneakers?’ I daresay probably not. And being self-conscious is not the best way to enjoy your meal. Your attention should be in your plate and on your food, not on your shoes and attire.

So my practical rule is ‘Dress according to the place you go to’. If you plan to dine out at expensive, dressy restaurants when you are in Paris, just pack your Pradas. Even better: visit Stephane Kelian’s and Robert Clergerie’s boutiques in Paris, and buy yourself great-looking footwear by these typically Parisian designers.
Other places and sneakers

There are other places where sneakers just won’t cut it.

The Opera House is definitely one of them. But who would be so foolish as not to dress up for opera night? The sneaker point is moot.

What about a cabaret? I would say it is much better to dress up when you have dinner at a cabaret like ‘Moulin Rouge’, ‘Lido’, and ‘Paradis Latin’. Though only the stage is well lit in these places, the fact is people around you will usually be dressed up. You will feel much more comfortable in some more formal wear.

How about the boats on the Seine? If you are boarding a boat for a dinner cruise, don’t wear sneakers. This is a romantic experience, you will want to make the most of it. An evening dress is ‘de rigueur’. On the other hand, if you simply want to cruise up and down the stream, sneakers are fine.

Museums? Forget style, wear very comfortable shoes. Nobody will look at your shoes, art is on the walls. But walking down the Louvre galleries is a tiring experience: so much too see, so many galleries, so slow the pace. The good doctor’s advice: go with cushion and comfort.

Art gallery ‘vernissages’? Style is your cue. Art galleries are small, vernissage evenings are short. Evening dress, black preferably, nothing flashy, and good-looking design shoes. No sneakers.

Wrap-up

Dress according to the place you go to. If in doubt, call in advance to understand the dress code. Pack up a nice pair of shoes, or buy some when you are in Paris. Bring a nice, understated evening dress.

But don’t shy away from sneakers for any not-so-formal occasion. Wear them in the street with no shame. You will blend in without any problem if you wear jeans and a pair of sneakers. Nike is an American brand, and it is very popular in France. Levi’s, Diesel, Wrangler, and Calvin Klein are American brands, and they rule the jeans world in France too.

So be comfortable in your sneakers, and enjoy the view.