Would I go back? In a minute. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some warts. Getting there, getting around, and staying there were all part of the rich experience.
First let me say that many Americans are lying. The people of Paris that I met were generally friendly and helpful. My French is atrocious. They usually worked with me with sign language. The people of the Riviera were quite the opposite everywhere, but that’s a different story.
To start with, I think I entered the EU without anyone even noticing me. The security there is non-existent compared to the US airports. I landed at Schipol in Amsterdam. We were given a choice, not kidding, on were to exit to. The choice was International or EU flights. I went the EU flights way and ended up in the terminal … no customs. I then caught my connection to Paris. I met an extremely nice college student that spoke fluent English. She really saved me at Charles d’ Gaulle.
Charles d’ Gaulle airport is probably one of the worst airports I have ever been in. Moscow was dirtier and seedier, but easier to get around in with people directing me. Once my newfound friend left me, I was horribly lost. De Gaulle is a bizarre airport that was laid out by an idiot. I missed my shuttle, because it took me 45 minutes to find the right exit, after I flashed my passport at customs.
My cell phone that I rented in America didn’t work. Lucky for me my MCI calling card worked, until I got home. I called the private shuttle service. They then put me on a “companion” shuttle company that arrived 45 minutes later. In that period of time, I dodged the smokers. It seemed like everyone on the curb was lighting up. It then took an hour to get to my hotel. That’s 2 ½ hours after customs. I would probably fly into a different airport and TGV into Paris. I love TGV!!!!!
I stayed in the Latin Quarters in Paris. It was great. I stayed in the “Hotel du Levant”. Someone had recommended it on their pages, and they were right. Clean, friendly, and remodeled are just a few of the terms I would use for the du Levant. It’s blocks away from Notre Dame and a long walk to the Louvre.
The Latin Quarter has narrow streets filled with life. Sleepy mornings give way to busy afternoons. The shops, restaurants, and vendors are all buzzing with action. My favorite restaurant was on Rue St. Michel across from Rue St. Severin.
Let’s talk about the subways. They are a wonderful way to get around, but a bit confusing. I went down a tunnel that led me to some weird access area that I’m sure that I shouldn’t have been there. No gates or anything to let me know. I ended up on a grate like walkway next to people entering the Transit. Needless to say, I spun around and “high tailed” it out of there.
The subways though are fast. They cover most of Paris and are crowded with normal looking people, unlike the RER. The RER is a train system that also runs in the Paris underground. It connects into the subways at certain stops. Now even though it goes further and faster, avoid it at ALL costs. The people that frequent the RER make New York City subway riders at 3 in the morning look safe. The RER is filthy, and I would venture to say unsafe!
As places to visit to go, the Louvre is the most amazing museum. Don’t go on the first Sunday of the month. That’s the day it is free to the public. As good as that sounds, it was horrible. You can’t appreciate the Louvre when you wait 2hrs. plus to get in. Then you end up in a slow moving line snaking through the galleries. Forget about sitting and enjoying a painting. But go any other day.
What I think I enjoyed the most about Paris was exploring the city. The different neighborhoods with their shops and restaurants can keep you busy for days. Somewhere on the Right Bank there is an area of plant and flower shops, really cool.
If I give you one piece of advice, it’s to learn more French than I know. A great experience can only be better when you can understand more of the language.