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PARIS - advice and suggestions for trippers.
Mainly for people travelling with mikesmiles.com, but useful for everyone new to
Paris.
Metro Pass: Paris VisiteA 3-day, 3-zone Pass will cost about £16 and is valid for
Metro, buses and local trains. 1-day and 5-day passes are also available. Best arrive
early and buy your pass in the Eurostar Terminal in London. Don't wait until reaching
Paris - there are long queues at the arrival station, Gare du Nord.
Visits
Most of the students who come on a trip to Paris have not visited the city before.
Therefore it is obvious that they want to see as much as possible. However, I would
advise you not to try to do too much! Strike a happy balance! Much better relax a
little and absorb the unique atmosphere of the city.
It is a very good idea to get a book with information about Paris. If you don't want
to buy one, your local library will have plenty of free guide books. Hotels, too,
usually have a selection of leaflets. You can also check out our webpage!
Euros (€)
No one knows exactly the places to find the best exchange rate, but the Post Office
gives a good rate. So does Marks and Spencer. And most banks give a reasonable rate,
too - but be careful of high street kiosks - they often give far less than they promise,
and often actually cheat you!
There is a small agency in a short covered shopping street between London’s Victoria
Street and the Bus Station, just near Victoria Station, which seems to offer much
more than anyone else.
Details, and link to a Google Map: Link fx, 2 Victoria Arcade, SW1E 5ND.
Tel: 020 7233 8822
Normal high street banks may also be considered.
If you prefer, you can take a small amount of €uros with you, then collect more from
a cash machine in Paris. The exchange rate should be reasonable or good, but most
banks do add a small service charge.
Some of the most popular places to visit
Lots to see, of course! However, do not join the long queue at the glass pyramid.
It is not necessary. On the Rue de Rivoli there is an escalator down, which takes
you in with far less queueing.
The most famous museum in Paris for Impressionists, once a huge train station.
Don't miss it!
Second only to Musée d'Orsay. Among the paintings are numerous works by Monet and
other impressionists.
Disneyland
Hotels provide information and most sell tickets, You can also get information
and tickets from RER stations. The Disneyland RER station is Val du Marne.
To get to the Palace of Versailles, get the train from St Lazara, Defense or Puteaux.
If you visit this famous palace, don't omit the town of Versailles, too - it's pleasant.
Show Time
There are a number of famous, spectacular shows in Paris. They cost about
£100 with dinner and about £30 - £50 without dinner. The main shows are:
Lido - the most spectacular. Expensive.
Crazy Horse Saloon - spectacular. Expensive.
Moulin Rouge Made famous by Toulouse Lautrec, the painter. A good show.
Follies Bergere
Used to be the most famous. Not quite so costly. Smaller.
More Information, Suggestions and Advice
Lunches - eating cheaply.
Buy bread in a shop (patisserie or boulangerie). They will
cut it for you if you like. Then buy ham, cheese or salad at another shop (boucherie)
usually next door. They will happily make it into a sandwich. This is the cheapest
way to have lunch in Paris. Much cheaper than buying ready-made sandwiches!
You can also buy a drink in a bar and eat your lunch there. But ask first.
France is world famous for good food (cuisine) and great wines!. So try not to have
junk food! See a recommendation below.
The Cafe Society
One of the great pleasures in Paris is to sit at a table inside or
outside a bar. When you sit down in Paris you pay a little more than if you stand
at the counter. But you'll enjoy it more! Just sit and watch the world go by! It
is not necessary to give a tip in a bar or restaurant - it is already included. You
can give a small tip if you like, if the service has been good.
WARNING!
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BELONGINGS SAFE!
THERE ARE CLEVER PICKPOCKETS IN PARIS!
INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT.
