Visit Paris - What to Know Before You Visit Paris, France - Wolters World
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Date: 2022-02-04
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Comments and reviews: 10
arctan
I went 2 times to Paris, and the first time it was an absolute blessing, and we had a wonderful time there. The 2nd time was few weeks ago (maybe corona depression) and I have never been treated so badly. Although my 2nd trip wasn't really different, I had such a different experience. We went to the same hotel and same restaurants and places as before. I can speak a little of french, and I always try my absolute best, but so many times people were so annoyed by me speaking French (my French is decent I just talk slow compared to native speakers. While I met a few people who really appreciated that I try to speak French with them (like the absolute legend flight attended from AirFrance) many on the other hand didn't appreciate it.
I was in a restaurants near louvre and although one of the staff members noticed that I'm not that good at French he made it so hard for me to understand him, he spoke really, really fast, started talking about stuff which is not related to the question I asked him and was speaking generally really blurred. At one point I was so fed up that I stood up and when that guy noticed it that I'm not dealing with that BS anymore he came to me and suddenly spoke perfect English and was apologizing and begging me to stay. Guess why he did that? Because all the other staff members noticed it, and he was probably scared for his job.
When I went back to the Airport via train, my billet was not working anymore (my GF had the same billet, and it worked for her without an issue) and someone from the staff came over and started yelling at my why I buy the wrong ticket to save money. I tried explaining to him that it's the correct billet, but he was not interested in listening. A few seconds later, I hear him again, probably yelling at another innocent person.
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I went 2 times to Paris, and the first time it was an absolute blessing, and we had a wonderful time there. The 2nd time was few weeks ago (maybe corona depression) and I have never been treated so badly. Although my 2nd trip wasn't really different, I had such a different experience. We went to the same hotel and same restaurants and places as before. I can speak a little of french, and I always try my absolute best, but so many times people were so annoyed by me speaking French (my French is decent I just talk slow compared to native speakers. While I met a few people who really appreciated that I try to speak French with them (like the absolute legend flight attended from AirFrance) many on the other hand didn't appreciate it.
I was in a restaurants near louvre and although one of the staff members noticed that I'm not that good at French he made it so hard for me to understand him, he spoke really, really fast, started talking about stuff which is not related to the question I asked him and was speaking generally really blurred. At one point I was so fed up that I stood up and when that guy noticed it that I'm not dealing with that BS anymore he came to me and suddenly spoke perfect English and was apologizing and begging me to stay. Guess why he did that? Because all the other staff members noticed it, and he was probably scared for his job.
When I went back to the Airport via train, my billet was not working anymore (my GF had the same billet, and it worked for her without an issue) and someone from the staff came over and started yelling at my why I buy the wrong ticket to save money. I tried explaining to him that it's the correct billet, but he was not interested in listening. A few seconds later, I hear him again, probably yelling at another innocent person.
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Kj
I just watched the video and have a few comments. First off, I am fluent in French, which as he pointed out isnt mandatory, but really helps.
The main thing that drives Parisian attitude is not your language limitations, it is your (as a tourist) lack of formality, which they see as uncultured and rude. So when you interact with the locals say hello/bonjour, be formal, and do NOT just launch into whatever it is you want or need. Leave American manners at home; this isnt Florida.
Another omission from this good overview video is about meals. He mentioned the general closure of restaurants in the afternoon, but failed to note that prices for lunch are substantially lower than dinner. Lunch is a big deal. Oh, oddly, the best sushi Ive ever had was in Paris.
I HATE traveling, but Paris makes it so easy.
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I just watched the video and have a few comments. First off, I am fluent in French, which as he pointed out isnt mandatory, but really helps.
The main thing that drives Parisian attitude is not your language limitations, it is your (as a tourist) lack of formality, which they see as uncultured and rude. So when you interact with the locals say hello/bonjour, be formal, and do NOT just launch into whatever it is you want or need. Leave American manners at home; this isnt Florida.
Another omission from this good overview video is about meals. He mentioned the general closure of restaurants in the afternoon, but failed to note that prices for lunch are substantially lower than dinner. Lunch is a big deal. Oh, oddly, the best sushi Ive ever had was in Paris.
I HATE traveling, but Paris makes it so easy.
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Warren
He's right about the seasons to visit. Eiffel Tower is a waste of time unless you must check it off your bucket list. Forget Versailles and go to Chantilly - same style, same furniture, same type of gardens but way fewer tourists and way more calm with few buses where you can see everything leisurely rather than the frenetic, hysteria of Versailles. EuroDisney is almost identical to Disneyland in California. Stay at a B&B rather than a hotel, much more interesting, less expensive and no crowds. Apartments are good, too, as he says. Lunch is much less than dinner for the same food so eat your main meal at noon. The text for this video gets so many things misspelled that you can't rely on the translation.
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He's right about the seasons to visit. Eiffel Tower is a waste of time unless you must check it off your bucket list. Forget Versailles and go to Chantilly - same style, same furniture, same type of gardens but way fewer tourists and way more calm with few buses where you can see everything leisurely rather than the frenetic, hysteria of Versailles. EuroDisney is almost identical to Disneyland in California. Stay at a B&B rather than a hotel, much more interesting, less expensive and no crowds. Apartments are good, too, as he says. Lunch is much less than dinner for the same food so eat your main meal at noon. The text for this video gets so many things misspelled that you can't rely on the translation.
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cash
Great advice on going to Paris in the spring and fall. It's not only cheaper, less crowed, but the cooler temps are great as you will be doing a lot of walking. After you walk for ten minutes you start to heat up. Not good in the summer.
Visit the less visited gems. You can find those in a book or the net. Saint-Eustache is a great example as it is second only to Notre-Dame in its elegance, and grandeur. Walk inside it's beautiful. Can't do that at Notre-Dame. Other gems as well. It seems to never end in Paris.
Seems like everywhere I go in Europe they prefer cash. I think it's because of the high income tax rates. They don't report the cash as taxable.
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Great advice on going to Paris in the spring and fall. It's not only cheaper, less crowed, but the cooler temps are great as you will be doing a lot of walking. After you walk for ten minutes you start to heat up. Not good in the summer.
Visit the less visited gems. You can find those in a book or the net. Saint-Eustache is a great example as it is second only to Notre-Dame in its elegance, and grandeur. Walk inside it's beautiful. Can't do that at Notre-Dame. Other gems as well. It seems to never end in Paris.
Seems like everywhere I go in Europe they prefer cash. I think it's because of the high income tax rates. They don't report the cash as taxable.
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Sawyer
I have been visiting Paris every winter for the past 5 years. My friends and I have made it an annual trip. However, the city is still terrifying for nothing other than how the Parisians treat tourists. Our poor French used to carry us for the first couple of visits, but they seem to become even more rude as times go by. Of course, not all Parisians are like this. I do not wish to perpetuate stereotypes at all, but the city would be absolutely perfect had it not been this uncomfortable for tourists.
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I have been visiting Paris every winter for the past 5 years. My friends and I have made it an annual trip. However, the city is still terrifying for nothing other than how the Parisians treat tourists. Our poor French used to carry us for the first couple of visits, but they seem to become even more rude as times go by. Of course, not all Parisians are like this. I do not wish to perpetuate stereotypes at all, but the city would be absolutely perfect had it not been this uncomfortable for tourists.
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Fergal
Excellent AGAIN. Just, a small point be very careful with some groups in Paris. Roma and some North African groups will hassle you a lot, beware they are trying to rob you. Be abrupt and say 'NO' when they speak to you and walk away. Why should they speak to a complete stranger? Keep your wits and walk away. There are a lot of professional thieves in Paris and the cops are not around or helpful compared to other cities in Western Europe.
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Excellent AGAIN. Just, a small point be very careful with some groups in Paris. Roma and some North African groups will hassle you a lot, beware they are trying to rob you. Be abrupt and say 'NO' when they speak to you and walk away. Why should they speak to a complete stranger? Keep your wits and walk away. There are a lot of professional thieves in Paris and the cops are not around or helpful compared to other cities in Western Europe.
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Aerodyll
I don't think it is possible to get a bad meal in Paris ( or at least you have to be REALLY unlucky. My wife and I went to the crummiest looking greasy bar for a burger and it was one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. You could literally spin round 10 times and spit and you will hit a great restaurant or cafe. I thought this was just an exaggeration but it really isn't, food in Paris is exceptional.
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I don't think it is possible to get a bad meal in Paris ( or at least you have to be REALLY unlucky. My wife and I went to the crummiest looking greasy bar for a burger and it was one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. You could literally spin round 10 times and spit and you will hit a great restaurant or cafe. I thought this was just an exaggeration but it really isn't, food in Paris is exceptional.
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Yorkshire
Do not attempt to see Paris in one day. In fact I probably can spend several weeks and still not see everything in paris. It is just such an amazing place. And there is something in Paris for absolutely anyone. Whether you're into fine dining, architecture, history, or just enjoy having a good time Paris is for you.
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Do not attempt to see Paris in one day. In fact I probably can spend several weeks and still not see everything in paris. It is just such an amazing place. And there is something in Paris for absolutely anyone. Whether you're into fine dining, architecture, history, or just enjoy having a good time Paris is for you.
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jasminne
First timer here. I've never been to Paris and I have been inspired by it from watching Anastasia, Madeline, and Fancy Nancy. But what I really would like to see in Paris is a Opera Garnier because I have read The Phantom of the Opera and I am curious to know of the Phantom still exists today.
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First timer here. I've never been to Paris and I have been inspired by it from watching Anastasia, Madeline, and Fancy Nancy. But what I really would like to see in Paris is a Opera Garnier because I have read The Phantom of the Opera and I am curious to know of the Phantom still exists today.
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Musicviolamusician
I'm doing a college group project in which we interview a specific culture. We decided on choosing the French culture. We would like to interview (Zoom meeting) someone who's French and talk a little about their culture. Anyone who's interested let me know.
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I'm doing a college group project in which we interview a specific culture. We decided on choosing the French culture. We would like to interview (Zoom meeting) someone who's French and talk a little about their culture. Anyone who's interested let me know.
reply
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