GET PARIS VACATIONS
It may seem daunting to think that one can enjoy a vacation in Paris without having to spend a fortune on accommodations, food and drink, admission fees to popular attractions, and other tourist activities. However, with careful planning, it is possible to have a great vacation in the City of Lights without incurring serious debt later on.
There are fewer tourists in October and November, making it a good time to plan your vacation during these months. Tourist lodging fees and airfare are lower during the off-peak season, and there are shorter queues at restaurants and popular attractions.
Secondly, instead of taking taxis or renting cars, walk as much as you can since this is the best way to interact with locals, explore the city, and discover hidden gems such as out-of-the-way cafes, shops with rare books, antiques, charming gardens, and houses. You can also find many free activities, such as exploring the grounds of museums and landmarks, taking pictures, joining free walking tours, and having picnics in the grassy areas of public gardens and parks.
BASIC TOURIST FRENCH FOR VACATIONS IN PARIS
When planning for a vacation in Paris, it's important to equip yourself with key French words and phrases that will help you navigate the city and communicate with people. An audio tape or CD containing basic French words and sentences is ideal because reading from books won't teach you correct pronunciation. Even if you're on a guided tour or traveling with someone who speaks the language, you may find yourself alone at times and need to communicate with people who don't speak your language. Tourists should not assume that everyone they meet knows how to speak English. Knowing at least basic French words will make things easier for everyone. By doing this, you'll be able to convey your message to others and understand what they're referring to in return.
YOUR PARIS VACATION EATING GUIDE
French cuisine is renowned worldwide as one of the best, and this is another great reason why tourists visit the country. While on your Paris vacation, make sure to experience the fantastic food available. You might be surprised by the wide variety, ranging from high-end restaurants led by famous and award-winning chefs, to bistros, cafes, bakeries, pastry shops, and even street vendors offering delicious snacks. Where you eat will largely depend on your budget, but it would be a nice treat to splurge once and try some "haute cuisine" or high cooking. Some famous restaurants include Pierre Gagnaire at the Balzac Hotel, the historic Le Grand Befour, the first grand restaurant in Paris, and Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athénée.
For tourists who can't afford to eat at high-end restaurants all the time, there are still plenty of options to enjoy good French fare. You can have filling breakfasts at bakeries or pastry shops that serve coffee or juice with their bread or pastries, and buy satisfying snacks like crepes and sandwiches as you go about your day. Locals can also point you towards good restaurants, especially those that are out of the way and lesser-known.
PARIS VACATIONS IN THREE DAYS
It's quite a challenge to see most of the city, especially if you only have two or three days. When planning your Paris vacation, you may need to choose which highlights to visit and which ones to save for another trip. The Notre Dame Cathedral is one place you should definitely visit to see the Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. Another landmark worth your time is the Eiffel Tower; you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city from the top, and you should take a picture with the Eiffel Tower as a memento of your trip. The Louvre Museum is another must-see...