THE WOW Guide to Paris Paris is always a good idea. Audrey Hepburn CONTENTS: Introduction p. 3 Before you go inspiration p. 3 Practical information p. 4 Neighbourhood guide p. 4 Top 10 things to do p. 8 Top 10 free things to do p. 11 5 photos you can t leave without p. 14 5 things unique to Paris p. 16 Where to stay p. 17 Where to eat p. 19 Where to shop p. 20 Nightlife p. 23 Paris on foot p. 24 Speak Faux French p. 25 Disclaimer p. 27 2
AN INTRODUCTION Long considered the city of love and lights, Paris is perhaps the most alluring city in all of the European continent. The city s reputation has soared in recent decades, with almost every female in the world having visit Paris on their lifetime bucket list and almost every French man flocking to the capital to woo the incoming tourists. The intimate pleasures of Paris include a cheese platter and bottle of wine by the seine river, strolling through Saint Germain des Près on a balmy afternoon, testing your French on an unsuspecting waiter, and dancing through the tuileries garden while the sun sets in the late afternoon. Before you go inspiration Song: Paris by Camille Book: A Year in the Merde Stephen Clarke (2008) Film: Amelie (2001) 3
Practical information Paris is the capital of France, fashion, and affectionately known as the city of love and light. Population: 2.2 million Time Zone: UTC Telephone area code: +33 Language: French Currency: Euro (EUR) Tipping: A 15% service charge will be added to the hotel and restaurant bills, but rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated at cafes and restaurants. Climate: Tourists visit year-round with cool winters and warm summers creating a strong contrast in Paris. Snow is not common in Paris, though it will fall a couple of times per year. Spring and fall are normally cool and wet, while summer is warm and pleasant with an average high of 23 C/75 F. Get around: The best and cheapest way to explore Paris is by foot, with the Metro being your second best option at 1.70 per one-way journey of any length. NEIGHBOURHOODS 1 st Arrondissement The first is a great place to start because you ve got everything here the Tuileries, Pont des Art, Place de Vendôme, Rue de Rivoli, and a view from afar of the Eiffel Tower overlooking the river Seine at Place de la Concorde. 4
2 nd Arrondissement The second is the smallest arrondissement, but is filled with many cafés and shopping. Many short-term rental apartments are located here and the centrality makes it a great place to base yourself in the city. 3 rd and 4 th Arrondissements (The Marais) The Marais is has something for everyone, from the luxury independent designer boutiques to the quality vintage shopping on offer. 5 th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter) The Latin Quarter is filled with cheap eats from around the world, a lively atmosphere, and is conveniently located next to one of Paris most celebrated neighbourhoods; the sixth. 6 th Arrondissement (Saint Germain-des-Prés) It s difficult to describe this neighbourhood without saying something that hasn t been said before. It is the true essence of Paris as you would imagine it. 7 th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower) The seventh is home to Karl Lagerfeld and the Parisian icon itself need we say more!? While this is indeed the best vantage point to visit and view the Eiffel Tower, bear in mind the landmark can be viewed in many of the other arrondisments in Paris. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the priciest neighbourhoods to stay whilst in Paris. 5
8 th Arrondissement The eighth is expensive. How expensive? Oprah stays here when she comes to the city if that gives you any indication. 9 th and 10 th Arrondissements If you re looking for a younger vibe with an authentic insight into Parisian life for locals, you may wish to check out these two areas. For a first time visitor to Paris, these areas are a little off the beaten path and not necessary to visit. 11 th Arrondissement (Oberkampf) If you re looking for the student hangout about town, it s in the eleventh. This area is quite edgy, but Oberkampf is a great area to check out if you want to mingle with the local French students whilst in the city. Just be sure not to venture too far beyond Oberkampf, as this area can get quite a bit sketchy beyond here. A working knowledge of French will work wonders in this arrondissement. 12 th Arrondissement (Bastille) Bastille offers budget travellers an opportunity to enjoy the city at leisure, instead of falling into the trap of rushing a trip due to the sheer expense of Paris. This area is also very accessible to major metro lines to ensure you have the ease of reaching all the city s major attractions without hassle. 13 th Arrondissement (Chinatown) Not a particularly glamorous part of town and inconveniently out of the way, you wouldn t find yourself in the 13 th unless you had a reason to be here. 6
14 th Arrondissement The 14 th is slow-paced but charming with a sleepy appeal. This neighbourhood is mostly residential so you won t be likely to find yourself here all too often (if at all). 15 th Arrondissement The 15 th isn t a particularly attractive area with dull grey architecture and nothing to be seen. 16 th Arrondissement Located just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, this is an affluent residential area that is beautiful to walk around if you find yourself with time to explore Paris beyond the main attractions. 17 th, 19 th and 20 th Arrondissements You won t find yourself in any of these neighbourhoods on your first time to Paris, so better to skip them all together. Remember Paris is HUGE, there simply isn t time for everything. 18 th Arrondissement (Montmartre) Parts of the 18 th are the Paris you pictured before arriving, the type you see on a vintage postcard. Here you will find the likes of Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, and the Moulin Rouge but it is also an inherently unsafe area, particularly at night. You can find great cheap apartments to rent within the 18 th, so it s a bit of a controversial neighbourhood. By day it can be one of the most charming areas in town! 7
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO But first, a few helpful hints: *consider purchasing a ParisPass to skip the line for 60 attractions including The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and enjoy a free river cruise as well as free metro travel. *The Eiffel Tower, The Catacombs, and the entry to the towers of the Notre Dame cathedral have limits on how many visitors can enter at any given time. To avoid long queues, arrive at least 30 minutes before opening time. Otherwise, plan to queue for at least one hour per attraction. *All national museums are open free of charge on the first Sunday of the month. Tour Eiffel If there could be just one monument that symbolises Paris, this would be it. If you plan to go up the tower be sure to arrive early in the day or be prepared to wait upwards of an hour. Metro stop: Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel. The Louvre Certainly the most renowned museum of the world and indeed one of the world s finest, The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa and many works of art from notable artists across the centuries. With the sheer size of the museum and the hoards of visitors that visit daily you should aim to visit twice in order to see it all. 8
Metro stop: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre. Closed on Tuesdays. Musée d Orsay This collection is often cited as more impressive than what can be found in The Louvre. Housed in an old railway station, the Musée d Orsay is home to the likes of can Gogh s Bedroom in Arles, Monet s Blue Water Lillies, and Renoi s Bal du Moulin de la Galette. Metro stop: Musée d Orsay. Closed on Mondays. Arc de Triomphe Argued to be one of the best views of Paris (and rightly so), a visit to the Arc de Triomphe is a must, whether admiring it from the Champs Elysees or climbing to the top. Metro stop: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile. Catacombs The catacombs are home to the exhumed bones from the overflowing Paris cemetery. Expect to wait to enter, only 200 people can enter the catacombs at any one time. Metro stop: Denfert-Rocherau. Notre Dame Cathedral Made famous by Victor Hugo s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the cathedral is home to one of the best views of the city from the towers and is equally impressive inside as it s exterior. Metro stop: Saint-Michel-Notre Dame. 9
Sacré Coeur & Montmartre At the highest point of Paris is Sacré Coeur, with spectacular views over the city. However it is also the surrounding neighbourhood that is equally popular and a must visit whilst in Paris. Montmartre is home to many artists and creatives and epitomises the old Paris you would expect to encounter but will not find elsewhere quite like you will in Montmartre. Metro stop: Anvers or Abbesses. Château de Versailles Although technically outside of Paris in neighbouring Versailles, the Chateau created by King Louis XIV is an absolute must see for most visitors to Paris. RER stop: Versailles Rive Gauche. Place de la Concorde If there s one public square you should be sure to visit in Paris, it is indeed the Place de la Concorde. In fact, this is the largest square in Paris and stretches 8.64 hectares in area. Metro stop: Concorde. Palais Garnier While you might think you ve seen enough opera house interiors in your lifetime, you would be severely mistaken to miss the Paris Opera interior. Metro stop: Opéra. 10
TOP 10 FREE THINGS TO DO Free First Sundays If you are in Paris on the first Sunday of any month, you can enjoy some of the most popular museums and monuments in Paris for free. Of course this means long lines and wading your way through fellow visitors to get a view of popular works such as the Mona Lisa, but let s face it no matter what day of the month you visit, you ll be facing the same problem. Jardin du Luxembourg Built in the 17 th century, his is Paris second largest city park and contains hundreds of statues, monuments and fountains. It is also only a short walk away from many of Paris main attractions and makes for the perfect lunch picnic spot or place to pass time on a sunny afternoon. Love Lock Bridge While Paris is romantic enough as it is, some years ago a fad started in the form of love locks on the fence of the Pont des Arts, near to the Louvre Museum and crossing to the left bank of the Seine. While Parisian authorities have now clamped down on the trend, you can still go here to see the oodles of locks lovers have left to declare their love. After locking their lock on the bridge fence, lovers toss the keys into the river as a sign of their eternal love. 11
Notre Dame Cathedral A visit to one of Paris most popular and spectacular attractions won t cost you a think. If you decide to climb the stairs to the tower, however, you will pay a small fee of 8.50. Père Lachaise cemetery Located in the 20 th arrondissement is the largest cemetery in Paris, covering over 100 acres. It is here you will find an impressive line up including the tomb stones of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrisson to name just two. Galeries Lafayette Assuming you don t make any purchases, a visit to Galeries Lafayette won t cost you a penny. Just be prepared for the temptations to lure you inside stores where you won t walk out of without burning a hole in your wallet. The Seine River Wondering where the best views are in Paris? Chances are you immediately thought of heights like the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe or Notre Dame Towers. But the best views? They re free! Head to the Seine River and take a stroll these are some of the best views you will find in Paris. Montmartre Just strolling around picturesque Montmartre, the artist s district, is a sure way to spend a pleasant afternoon. There are many winding alleyways to wander through, 12
ample boutiques, and many great French food eateries to be discovered. Place des Vosges This is one of Paris lesser known parks that is often more beautiful than the more renowned parks and very seldom will you find tourists here. La Madeleine Louis XV began La Madeleine, but Napoleon soon converted the structure into a monument to the glory of his army. Long after his death in 1842, La Madeleine became a holy church and is nowadays a peaceful place to pass by. 13
5 PHOTOS YOU CAN T LEAVE WITHOUT The Eiffel Tower Under no circumstances should you miss a photo opportunity with the icon of Paris itself. Whether you re beside it, under it or on top of it, be sure to snap a photo of it. See: where to take the best photos of the Eiffel Tower. 14
Notre Dame For the best perspective, head up the towers of the cathedral and include a gargoyle in the frame - too few people take the time to see this perspective on Paris. Arc De Triomphe Whether you re in the centre of the Champs Elysees dodging traffic, standing beside it or on top of it, be sure to include the Arc De Triomphe in your holiday snaps. It s an icon as old as Paris itself! Montmartre You can t go to Paris without snagging that iconic vintage postcard shot. Where to find it? None other than the Artists district in Montmartre. Outside a Parisian Café At some point in your visit you re going to sit down at a Parisian café, espresso in hand and snobbish waiter to take your order. This is a great chance to people-watch and blend in with the Parisian crowd. Just be sure to snap a photo these will be some of the most memorable moments in Paris you ll have! 15
5 THINGS UNIQUE TO PARIS Parisian Café Culture London may have invented them, but the Parisians have held on to café culture with a firm grip. Indeed, the only other city in the world with a similar grasp on café culture is Vienna. Parisian café culture is as famous as French crepes or the French baguette there s just no escaping it. If you don t embrace it, you re truly missing out on a key part of Parisian society. Be sure to make some time for people watching at any of the historic hotspots such as Deux Magots, Café Flore, La Dome and Lipps. Picnics The second most Parisian culinary affair after the café is the iconic Parisian picnic. Grabbing a bottle of wine from your local wine shop and a slab of cheese from your local Une crèmerie is about as Parisian as it gets. Head to the River Seine for a perfect Parisian picnic or pop a bottle of champagne under the Eiffel Tower for that special occasion. Cinémas of Paris Although they are continually fading over the years, there is still a small selection of traditional independent French cinémas to be found in the capital. Holding underground screenings of indie French films, they re the perfect way to step back in time and experience what life must have been like during the Parisian golden era. Try L Accatone, Action Christine or Le Balzac. 16
Cabaret Shows When it comes to cabaret shows in Paris, there s about as much variety amongst shows as there are in the actual shows themselves. If you want the traditional (albeit touristy) cabaret show, book your tickets in advance from the Moulin Rouge. It s a fun night when matched with a bottle of champagne and will give you a new outlook on Parisian culture. For something a little more contemporary and artsy, head straight for the Crazy Horse. Cooking Schools It s not uncommon to love the French cuisine so much that you return home wanting to more into a Frenchie yourself. Make that dream a reality by attending a Parisian cooking class! La Cuisine offer classes in English and also run food tours for the serious foodies. WHERE TO STAY Rent an Apartment If you really want to live like a local and experience Paris how it should be experienced, look no further than booking an apartment for your stay. Try Wimdu, Air BnB, and Paris Attitude for the latest offerings. Prices drop by as much as half during the winter months, making this a great time to visit for longer stays. $ Hotel Tilsit Etoile This budget hotel is just a few steps from the Arc de Triomphe with rooms start as low as 100. www.tilsitt.com. 17
$ Aparthotel Adagio Paris XV With rooms from as low as 100, the Aparthotel Adagio is another great budget option in Paris. The location is less ideal, but the rooms are more modern and contemporary than others in this price range. www.adagio-city.com. $$$ Hotel Gavarni This hotel is located very near to the Eiffel Tower and as surprisingly inexpensive for its offerings. Rooms start as low as 150. www.gavarniparishotel.com. $$$$ The Westin Paris-Vendome The Westin has one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and is quite affordable for a four star hotel in Paris. Rooms start as low as 200 per night. www.hotel-josephine.com. $$$$$ Four Seasons George V Paris Centrally located in the 8 th arr. is the luxurious Four Seasons George V. If you can t afford to stay a night, be sure to indulge in a lavish afternoon tea or drop by the bar to see the opulent interiors. www.fourseasons.com/paris. 18
WHERE TO EAT Angelina If you find yourself in Paris during the winter months, head straight to Angelina for the best chocolate chaud not just in the city, but in the entire continent of Europe. 226 Rue de Rivoli. Café de Flore As one of the oldest and most renowned coffee houses in Paris, Café de Flore continually attracts more and more visitors each year. Located in the iconic Saint-Germaindes-Pres, this is the perfect place to people watch and sip on overpriced hot beverages but feel oh-so-very Paris in the process. 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain. Laduree With locations sprawled throughout Paris, Laduree has promptly become a Parisian icon in itself. Home to the famed macaron, you ll be sure to find your sweet fix amongst the many sweet treats on offer. 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Hemingway Bar at the Ritz If you re looking for tasty cocktails in a chic setting, you ve come to the right place when you enter the Hemingway Bar. 15 Place Vendome, The Ritz Hotel. 19
Costes Bar If you re looking for a bar to mingle and jingle with fashion s elite, head straight to the much celebrated Rue Saint-Honore fashion district and drop by the bar inside the Hotel Costes. 239-241 Rue Saint-Honore, Hotel Costes. WHERE TO SHOP Opening Hours: Generally speaking, shop hours are between 10AM and 7PM Monday through Saturday. Many of the shops around tourist areas such as the Champs Elysees will be open later and on Sundays, but to avoid disappointment aim to leave Sunday as a carefree day enjoying Paris at leisure. French Sales: If you come to Paris outside of January and July, you ll notice it s impossible to find a bargain. That s because the French government regulates sales (soldes) to twice per year during these months. Outside of these months small savings can be made, and these will be marked as promotions. Tax Refunds: Are tedious in Paris, but if you spend over 175 in the same store in the same day, they re totally worth your while. In order to qualify for a tax refund in Paris you can t reside within the EU and must not leave the store without a Retail Export Form. You can then declare your tax refund before leaving the EU at the airport. Be sure to carry with you the form, the item(s) you have purchased, your air ticket, passport, and a good dose of patience for what would have to be one of the most tax refund systems the world over. 20
Knowing where to shop: Before you arrive in Paris you might have the incorrect assumption that the best shopping in Paris will be found on the Champs Elysees. That couldn t be further from the truth. The best shopping you will find is at Galeries Lafayette - a mecca for those coming to Paris for the fashion! If you re looking for highend fashion labels, head straight for Rue Saint-Honore. If it s designer vintage you re after, you will find a great selection over in St Germain des Pres. Concept Stores Colette Highly popular concept store Colette has built a name for itself among the in-crowd for being home to the latest and greatest must-haves. With coffee table books galore, playful colours, film cameras and much more, this is a favourite of Parisians and visitors to the city alike. 213 Rue Saint-Honore (Metro: Tuileries) French Touche Homewares, bags, and trinkets galore there s nearly nothing you won t find at French Touche. Alongside Colette, French Touche was one of the first concept stores in Paris and remains an all time favourite. 1 rue Jacquemont (Metro: La Fourche) Pop Market A less expensive choice with oodles of goodies you never knew you just had to have, Pop Market is a great place to pass time rummaging through the bright and playful goodies for your home. 50 rue Bichat (Metro: Goncourt) 21
Démocratie Full of culture funsies, designer accessories and plenty of books and magazines to rummage through, this is a great concept store for today s youth. 14 boulevard Saint-Michel (Metro: Saint-Michel) Vintage Coiffeur Vintage Wildly popular and always busy, Coiffeur offer a great range of vintage bargains with oodles of choice. Whilst here be sure to visit the nearby best falafel in Paris, just a few doors down at L As du Falafel. 32, rue de Rosiers (Metro: St Paul) Didier Ludot Didier Ludot is where you will find vintage haute couture, designer brands, and enough name-dropping to last the century. Prices are steeper than traditional boutiques (and with good reason). 20-24 Galerie Montpensier (Metro: Musée du Louvre) Free P Star Often cited as the best vintage stores in Paris, Free P Star now have three locations throughout Paris. In the organised chaos you re sure to find a bargain as the prices are cheap and there s a lot of variety. 62 rue de la Verrerie (Metro: St Paul) 8 rue Ste Croix la Bretonnerie (Metro: Hotel de Ville) 20 rue Rivoli (Metro: St Paul) Kilo Shop Just down the road from the flagship Free P Star is another bargain-hunters paradise, kilo shop. The name of course says it all they re selling vintage by the kilo. 69-71, Rue de la Verrerie (Metro: Hotel de Ville) 22
Markets Bouquinistes Book Market more than 250 green stalls spread across the Left Bank of the River Seine. Located along the River Seine St-Ouen flea market In operation since the Middle Ages, this massive flea market just north of the 18 th arr. is the most popular Parisian flea market. Rue des Rosiers (Metro: Porte de Clignancourt) NIGHTLIFE VIP Room If you want to mingle with models, celebrities in town for the weekend, and the Parisian social scene, VIP Room is the place to do so. 188 Rue de Rivoli Social Club This club is a great place to visit to go and see up and coming electronic acts in Paris. If you re into electronic music, this will be your perfect choice to dance the night away and rub shoulders with the trendy crowd of Paris. 142 Rue Montmartre Chez Raspoutine The interior alone is enough reason to visit Chez Raspoutine, a popular club just off the Champs Elysees. Think plush red sofa, chandeliers, and a difficult door policy due to the high clientele that frequent the club. 58 Rue de Bassano 23
PARIS ON FOOT Beginning at the Arc de Triomphe, get your orientation in Paris by walking from West to the East in this 1-2 hour introductory walk. Start at the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs Elysees Walk along the Champs Elysees towards Place de la Concorde As you walk along the world s most famous shopping street, stop for morning tea at the flagship Laduree patisserie Once you have passed through the main shopping area, to your right you will notice the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais When you reach Place de la Concorde you will see the Tuileries Gardens in front of you, behind you is the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, to your right is the Tour Eiffel and Musee d Orsay, and to your left is the Madeleine After you ve viewed Paris major monuments in your 360 view, continue through the Tuileries Gardens As you exit the garden on the other side you will see the the Louvre immediately in front of you After a quick photo opportunity at the Louvre Pyramid, with the Louvre in front of you and the Tuileries Gardens behind you, turn left and find yourself at the River Seine Continue walking eastward until you reach Pont Neuf and walk across the renowned love lock bridge Continue in the same direction (eastwards) on the opposite side of the Seine and you will be walking through the Latin Quarter Cross the river again when you reach Notre Dame cathedral on Ile de la Cité Et voila! You ve just completed your introduction to Paris 24
SPEAK: FAUX FRENCH (aka how to cheat-speak French on holiday) Tips for a successful encounter: Smile a lot. Approach younger people or someone who does not look busy Speak slowly and clearly Use hand gestures Carry a map and point to where you want to go if all else fails Don t be deterred by one cold-shoulder encounter Above all, try! Parisians consider it rude should you enter a shop or establishment without a simple greeting (in French!) Bonjour! [bon-zhor] ( Hello! ) Bon soir [bohn-zhoor] ( Good evening ) Au revoir [oh-vwar] ( Goodbye ) S'il vous plait [sill voo pleh] ( Please ) Je voudrais [zhuh voo-dray] ( I would like ) Merci [mare-see] ( Thank you ) Parlez-vous anglais? [Par-LAY voo on-glay?] ( Do you speak English? ) Excusez-moi de vous déranger" [ex-kuh-zay mwuh duh voo day-rawn-zhay] ("Sorry to bother you") Pourriez-vous m'aider? [por-ee-ay voo may-day] ("Could you help me?") Madame [mah-dahm] ( Ma am, Mrs. ) Mademoiselle [mahd-mwa-zel] ( Miss ) Monsieur [muss-yuh] ( Sir; Mr. ) 25
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