J'adore Paris!! I might be biased because I took high school French so I had no issues navigating my way around the city and basic communication with the Parisians we came into contact with. I love and respect how EFFICIENT and all-business the French are. I like it that way. Keep it professional! Their public transportation was on point. I think they improved their metro system for the Paris Olympics. On averaged we waited 5 minutes for the metro, and we were able to transfer to different lines we needed to get around. The French were quiet and respectful on the Metro, so I get why they would be annoyed at travelers who are not respectful of their space. Among my European travels, Paris is without a doubt my favorite. They had the most impressive attractions that you have to experience in real life to get its' fully beauty, such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tour, or a minor detour to the Versailles Palace. I especially loved walking around at night along the Seine river and admiring the Eiffel Tour from different angles, and seeing the shimmer for 5 minutes on the hour every hour at night. I also love baked goods and you can get delicious croissants and pastries in Paris just going to any patisserie without the need to do research prior. Even buying bread and butter from the market was delicious. A true simple pleasure in the everyday life. I also want to emphasize on how CLEAN they are. So clean! We came during the fall and we saw the leaves getting swept at night and they would spray the streets with high pressure water to clean the streets. So clean!! Even the metros are clean!! Not smelliness compared to other leading public transportation systems like in London or Tokyo. The only thing that I had difficulty with in Paris was all the smoking... Before coming here I imagined myself sitting outside at the cafes people watching and admiring the streets of Paris... but in reality that's the smoker's area. Too much pollution for me. Nevertheless I still love Paris. It has unparalleled beauty. I would not hesitate to come back when opportunity allows. read more

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100 YELP stars!!!! Loved it. Can't wait to go back. Loved the people. We were treated so well everywhere we went. Loved the food. Not a bad meal to be had. I tried to stick to the classics, but ended up having some of the best Ramen I've ever eaten. Loved the architecture and buildings and streets. Loved the history. Frome Notre Dame to Sorbonne, epic encounters with historical significance. I will definitely be returning to the city of Paris! read more

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"Paris by the dashboard light" is one of Meatloaf's best songs, and it's easy to see why he loves this city so much. One of the greatest cities in the world, and I have thought so ever since my first night here. But definitively not since my first day here, which was quite different. I had just crossed the English Channel (La Manche) with a rental car for the first time, and we had explored the beautiful towns and villages of northern France along the way, and were very tired. So after a night of traveling from Oxford to London to Northern France, we made it here to Paris for my first-ever visit with the original love of my life, and I have to say I had very mixed feelings about it. I think largely because it was too hot and we were too tired and the traffic in this city is just too unbelievably bad. So after our bad day of heavy traffic and confusion, we came back into the city at night and drove around and got to know Paris when nobody was on the streets, and my God what a beautiful f**king city. The time to drive around Paris is definitely at night. I guess it's like London in that regard, perhaps Rome too, as in you don't want to drive around this town in the daytime. Maybe it's beter to be on foot in the daytime, but the driving is better done at night. I will remember that lesson in future, and now that it's out of the way, I can say that I've had some of the best North African food imaginable in this city - as good as in North Africa itself - and also the street Crepes and Street kabobs are second-to-none, especially the street crepes in Bacteria Alley located near Notre Dame, which is just spectacular and unmissable for food. I'm not surprised the French call it Bacteria Alley, as they're an extremely snobbish bunch, and cheap greasy street food is always going to be something they'll turn their nose up at. But food in Paris is no joke, and the cheap kind is my kind. And there are lots of little cafes and whatnot that I've discovered over the years, and the backstreet bakeries are surprisingly just as good as the ones in the little villages around France - and just as cheap too, if you know which ones to go to. I haven't yet been to Jim Morrison's grave but I'm looking forward to it. And for modernity, La Defense is the built-up business skyscraper area (like the Docklands), and it seems pretty cool. I visited both the stadiums and the Stade De France is a spaceship and an amazing one as well. I suppose my joint favourite is the Parc Des Princes where PSG play (who I don't like), and I like it because the park next to the stadium - the Bois De Boulogne - is famous in folklore and in The DaVinci Code, and in my life too, partly because the entire park is absolutely full prostitution, and I'm talking about some extremely sexy women and trans people. I'm more known for selling it than buying it (lol) but if you're into viewing or even purchasing such things (legally), the BDB is a sort of open-air in-the-bushes-literally Paradise Buffet, and it's amazing. Then there's the sex District next to the Moulin Rouge and what not. You can't go wrong with that. And the area around it - Montmartre - is perhaps the prettiest neighbourhood in any city in Europe. With steep cobbled hills and passageways and beautiful old time lamplights, as well as Sacre Coeur towering over Paris, looking down over this unmissable, unrivaled, unmatched city, the heart of the world (although London, New York, perhaps Berlin, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Tokyo would argue about that one), and certainly the city that is the heartbeat of France, of Western Europe, of Europe in general, and of love. I was inside Paris once. Not Hilton unfortunately, but there's a movie about that. And remember what the late, great Peter Gabriel told us: Oh Think Twice It's just another day for you and me in Paris, nice! read more

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I never understood how someone could fall in love with a city until I spent a week in Paris in 2003. It was a cool November. The weather was perfect, hotel perfect, buffet breakfast every morning. My daughter took a year of French. Her knowledge helped when people did not speak English. We really needed it by the end of our stay when we frequented the McDonalds for all our meals. Your money runs out fast in Paris! You can tell by all of my pictures we did all of the tourist things. We also love cemeteries. I had a list of graves I wanted to visit. Everyone was so nice. We only had a couple of disappointments. One when someone tried to overcharge us for a meal. That was during our side trip to Versailles. In the city we only had a mishap using their subway. You have to be sure to keep your ticket and that your ticket has not expired. The fines are steep. We were stopped as we exited one station and I couldn't find my stub. They will ask you for your passport. It can be rather scary. It happened to one of my daughters friends recently. She had a very costly fine because she did not realize tickets are time limited. Paris was my last true vacation. Fond memories on a cold Winter Day! I highly recommend! read more

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Freighted and benighted with so much darn history! Read Luc Sante's book, to get a true in-depth feel of historic Paris. Me, I counted myself fairly au fait with generalities of Fr ( including having played C Saint-Saëns in my teens), so I watched Le Weekend and 2 Days in Paris, To the Wonder (cinematography of Paris awesome!!!)--rewatched Midnight in Paris and Amelie, and Lord knows I've read books about Paris and France for years now. I'll leave you with some trivia regarding the refulgent City of Light/Ville Lumière: There are approximately 5,414 thoroughfares 3,195 streets 330 passages 314 avenues 189 villas 142 cités 139 squares 30 bridges 20 arrondisements in Paris. But truly, nothing I could ever write could do justice to experiencing this magical, mystical city. So simply, go to the reverie. PS Beguiling to behold the Mansard roofs and windows. And all that cobblestone to follow and get gleefully lost... read more

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My 5 stars vacation for sure. Paris The city of love The city of lights Visit Paris with someone special and create unforgettable memories. My favorite places in Paris: -Eiffel Tower: climb the Eiffel tower and take a lot of pictures during the day and at night. -Paris Disneyland: home of Ratatouille's Remy. It's my 3rd favorite Disney resort after Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland. -Musée du Louvre: you can see Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at this glass pyramid. -Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris: I was fortunate enough to visit this beautiful church before the tragedy. -Arc de Triomphe: another Instagram-worthy place. -Galeries LaFayette: spend your hard earned $$$ in exchange for top designer goods. My wallet was a lot lighter when I left this place. -Cafes, restaurants and bakeries: the food in Paris was insanely good and fresh. My friends warned me about French people not being friendly. I find it quite the opposite. Maybe because I stayed around the tourist area. Maybe I came across nice people. The locals were friendly, helpful and just genuinely nice. I can never get tired of staring at the beautiful Eiffel Tower. My stress melted away in seconds. Honestly it was one of my favorite places in the world after Tokyo and Honolulu. I count my blessings, close my eyes and pray for my next visit. Au revoir, Paris! 5 stars! read more

The City of Light (La Ville Lumière), mon amour. I love this city for the romance, fashion, museums, culture, architecture, food, wine, churches, Chateaus, patisseries, boulangeries, and Crêpes. Food and wine! It is a beautiful city. For two weeks as a marital honeymoon getaway with my then-husband it was a romantic visit. Note: Local French Parisians are generally not friendly nor welcoming to Americans visitors based on my experience. Definitely learn some French to get by through your travels. read more

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City of Love. Thats the past, present, future of Paris. It's the most romantic city in the world. You can walk for hours here. Even days. I know. I've done it. Even though the subway works super well and goes to very useful places, nice days are made for walking. The various neighborhoods are so distinctive. They have a flavor each their own. But you'll always find a cafe and a place to sit and watch the world go by. Which you should certainly do. Then you should go to one of the many museums. Or churches. Or parks. Or even do a little shopping. All before you end the day eating a terrific meal at one of the many restaurants. I'd avoid having a car in Paris, really no need. Walk or subway will work. 8/RaD read more

When I first met you, I found you dense and impenetrable, much like the captain of my high school cheerleading team in 1998. Yet, my attraction only grew, and within a week I found you to be easy, comfortable, and something I couldn't get rid of, much like the captain of my high school cheerleading team in 2008. Paris is beautiful. Everything you hear - about the culture, about the nightlife, about the food - it's even better than imagined. And forgot the stereotypes about the people. Everyone I met was friendly, many were more than happy to speak English (although I was happy to pick up some French), and I made lots of new friends. The worst meal I had here was still better than 90% of what I eat at home. Versailles was one of my favorite experiences ever. I love that the entirety of France collectively agreed not to pronounce the letters H or R. Everyone is well dressed all the time. And yet, just about every nook and cranny on every side street smells like piss. Although I was excited to see Spain also, I would have been perfectly happy to have stayed in Paris for the whole trip. I can't wait to go back. Je t'aime, tu beau, ville folle. read more

Ville de Paris - Local Flavor Near Me

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We returned to Paris after about a week in Alsace, Germany, and Belgium. When we got to the front of the line for taxis, one after another refused to take us with two teeny dogs. Together they're all of 16 pounds. Someone commented that "Muslims have an aversion to dogs." Hmm, get a different job then. I felt genuinely discriminated against, unjustly, and anything but welcomed to put more tourist money into the French economy. We had to wait for the ninth cab before someone would take us. Shame on you, Paris. read more

Ville de Paris - Beggars like this family passively beg in the vicinity of the main train stations - Local Flavor Near Me

People are very friendly for the most part, but to the seasoned traveler, it's clear that the city is falling apart. Decent transit system. Absolutely excellent patisseries and boulangeries. But, it is hands down the most overrated capital in all of Europe. It feels too busy and overpopulated. Tourist areas are cramped and full of people trying to sell you crap. Even though people seem relaxed, they're stressed out beneath the surface. So they chain smoke uncontrollably. The coffee is horrible. I was 0 for 7 in purchasing a decent coffee while there. Hard to find affordable, healthy food. Everything closes after 5 pm, then you're stuck on a diet of coffee, bread and alcohol. If you're a non-smoker, it feels like you will suffocate. You will inhale second hand smoke every minute of every day. Good luck finding green space to run in. The romanticism has faded. This is a rugged city, with very few gems to make up for the overall filthiness and lack of basic services. read more

Paris is a cool city and one of my favorites among many cities I've visited. There's lots to see and do and experience from the language, culture, food, wine, architecture, museums, churches, history, and people. It's fabulous city and everyone should visit Paris once in their lifetime. read more

Ville de Paris - Local Flavor Near Me

Paris, mon amour I love you more and more Hold on wait, someone knocking on the door.............no really someone is...brb OK. I'm back. Silly knife salesmen disturbing my ode to Paris. My new favorite city in the world. You were a present to myself for turning 30, and while you are most definitely the most expensive gift I have ever given myself....you were worth it. we laughed (me with you, you at me), we cried, we drank tons of wine (yeah, sorry I drank your share). You were everything I expected and more. The city of love and light. Although, I was hoping I had some sort of flashback delusions alla Midnight in Paris. Speaking of Midnight, why does it stay daylight so late? You are svelte, beautiful, welcoming and lovely. I love you dearly, MARRY ME. Ill wait for your answer.... Love, Me read more

Things I Learned In Paris It's normal to ride a bike everywhere in the city without a helmet. It's normal for dogs to walk off leash on the streets, shops and eateries. It's a beautiful city but it smells like pee. Food is very very expensive. Almost as much as Vancouver plus 10% inflation. In spite of spending a week learning travel French most places speak English. Out of respect for the city I spoke very basic French was appreciated. I haven't seen one overweight person in Paris. Kids are well behaved in public. Pedestrians don't come first and people on scooters will run over you. There are no street signs, some buildings have street plaques, you can't tell north on a map and the city streets look like a spider web built on meth. Good luck trying to find your way around. Don't play hero and go back to where you came from by taking a different route...results will very. Some souvenir shops are very expensive and cheesy. You can buy a France coloured theme pack of M&M's at any train stop for 2 €. This also saves the hassle of dealing with pushy sales people. Toilet paper is pink. Most record stores carry unauthorized recordings on vinyl. Don't expect to see a large selection of authorized legal material, however, flipping through the unofficial stuff is very fun. You don't need to pay for the Eiffel Tower just to climb stairs. There are many photo op points around. The income of one person allows for one parent to stay at home to properly raise the kids into behaved and real family connected beings. The voice of little kids speaking French becomes one of the most enjoyable senses in Paris. Straight men aren't afraid to be metrosexual. It's actually considered to be a pride to actually take care of yourself as a male. I haven't seen one coloured hair alternative person. Peter and I have been to different areas of Paris and although someone like me is very unusual in Paris no one blinked an eye at my fashion or so much as cared. They have this anything goes attitude. Unlike London there's no real class division, everyone just blends in together. No matter how often you do laundry your clothes will always smell like cigarettes. read more

#513-2016: just the other day my daughter told me she would like to go visit Paris once in her life (which we have to wait for a while longer, till her passport is issued again) and she asked me to tell her what I like so much about the city... it would be kind of obvious to mention the Eiffel Tower (when building World Expo symbols still had a long-standing meaning) as well as the Champs Elysees (much more majestic than the tiny Corso sempione in Milano). What about the Arc de Triomphe? amazing in its timeless beauty... but Paris is much more than just that!! it may be a chaotic European metropolis (whose subway, BTW, is greatly structured) but you can still find whole neighborhoods that have been frozen in time and allow you to travel back to a bohemian era... granted it is much of a touristy city, granted if you go to the Louvres, you will most likely spend more time in line rather than enjoying the amazing masterpieces on display. but, where else can you marvel in the cultural diversity that make this city great? I just love this polluted, chaotic city... despite the fact that some rude men still piss in the middle of the street as if it were normal to just do so. so, when my daughter asks if it truly is the romance capital of the world, can I but not agree with it? read more

I really don't get the charm of this city. It's stinky and boring. Paris needs to take a trip to berlin to learn how to live a little. Also, the city needs to be toilet trained. read more