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Visiting Paris

Sometimes called the City of Light, Paris is known throughout the world for its romance, art, food, and sights. As you prepare for your trip, here are a few of the basics to help you orient and plan your Paris experience, including weather, language, safety information, and the layout of the city.

Weather

Summers in Paris are usually around 70 degrees, although heat waves have been known to occur in late July and August. To avoid the heat, many Parisians go on vacation then, leaving the city much less crowded than in July or June. Spring and fall are often rainy but offer mild temperatures, and the spring flowers and fall foliage often add to the magic of the city.

Winter, however, is usually cold and rainy. Paris seldom receives a good solid snow, and people often get excited over a few flurries. With an average of two hours of sunlight a day from December through February, Paris winter months are often quiet but offer a great way to see the lights. This is often the best time of year for inexpensive hotels and airfare.

The Language

Using French in Paris is one of the best ways to make the most out of your trip. Parisians are proud of their language, and speaking even a little French in Paris is always a good idea. Learn at least a few key phrases before you arrive to help you get around, order food, and ask for directions. Besides, it is way more fun to say “ooh la la” when you finally get to see the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe than “well that’s neat.”

Neighborhoods

Because Paris is more than 2000 years old, it is safe to say there are many nooks, crannies, parks, and cafés to discover. This is a city that has inspired many authors, composers, and artists. As you visit, you will discover that each different neighborhood and area of Paris has its own unique history and attractions to visit. The Seine splits Paris right down the middle and the two halves are often a good way to orient; the Rive Gauche, or left bank, is on the south, and the Rive Droite, or right bank, is to the north. Unlike some more modern cities that are set up like a grid with square blocks, Paris is set up like a spiral with twenty arrondissements going clockwise. These arrondissements are labeled with abbreviations. For example, 5eme is short for the 5^th arrondissements. This is usually straight forward, but a few neighborhoods take up two or part of two arrondissements.

Safety

While Paris is a relatively safe city, there is information that is useful to keep you safe. Scams and pickpocketing are common in flea markets and crowded Metro stations. A money belt is often a good bet to avoid being pickpocketed. Try to keep money in different places on your person just in case. With scams, it is best to avoid anything that seems luscious or too good to be true. As with any big city, going into poorly lit parts of Metro stations or side streets isn’t recommended.

Price of a Trip

Airfare and transportation to and around Paris depends greatly on which airport you choose and what kind of transportation you like best. The Metro is often the most affordable, popular, and easy way to get around, but there are also rental cars available and taxi cab stands that are well-marked and easy to find.

It is best to budget higher for dining and attractions while visiting Paris. A three-course meal will usually cost 30 to 50 dollars a person, and food is simply more expensive per portion in the city. Attractions can also be pricey but often well worth the money. Planning ahead is one of the best ways to find the right budget for your trip.

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Visiting Paris