Sun, 8 November 2009
Some 450 pre-Columbian pieces in Quai Branly museum.
Includes geography, people, government, economy and transnational issues.
Basil Howitt on criminal investigations in the coastal resorts.
Useful information on renting accommodation in Paris.
Relocating can have a big impact on your relationship.
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In a new series we go Inside Paris: this week responses that scotch some of the myths that have built up about the city over the years.MYTH #1: Paris is really, really expensive.
Explanation: Of course, in any city of the world, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can pay for things. On the contrary, compared to most other major tourist destinations in the world, it is very possible to get by quite cheaply in Paris. Admission costs for museums and attractions are extremely reasonable, public transportation is a downright bargain and many restaurants feature attractively priced set menus. The main staples of life in Paris are plentiful and cheap: baguettes, wine, cheese, fruit and patisserie desserts. Where expenses can add up is having lots of drinks in cafés and bars. But since the café culture is one of the great pleasures of being in Paris, our advice is to pay the price and enjoy it!
MYTH #2: Paris is not safe.
Explanation: In general, European cities are safer than North American ones, since guns, gangs, personal property/bank robberies and drugs are not as common. The most common hazard in Paris, particularly for tourists, is pick-pockets, who particularly operate in highly populated tourist areas. Parisian pick-pocketers are very skilled and usually you would never even know if you were ripped off until much later. They search for easy opportunities to snatch a purse, wallet or cell phone. Simply don't provide these opportunities or make it easy to be a target, and you will be fine. 
MYTH #3: You can’t wear jeans in Paris.
Explanation: We’re puzzled by where this myth originates, possibly because Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world. In fact, jeans are worn everywhere in Paris, by everyone, even Galeries Lafayette sales staff! While there are frequent sightings of funky and high fashion, Paris, on the whole, is a casual city. However, Parisians are never sloppy and always look put together no matter what they wear. Parisians are not known for wearing exercise-type wear out on the street, or short shorts, unless they are worn as a fashion item. These items worn will flag you as a tourist, especially if non-stylish, exercise-type white running shoes are worn with them.
Wow, I was just in Paris and had ordered and used this book as an incredible reference while I was there. There was so many useful tips and referneces thanks so much for the article.
I agree...my wife and I took a tour with Karen while we were in Paris this past week and we were overwhelmed with the advice and information she provided. I can wholeheartedly recommend her services and would encourage everyone to visit her site at www.nuitblanchetours.com to learn more about her excellent services.
Myth 6, parisians are not rude?!? it's well known across france that you can hardly get ruder than them! Ask someone on the street for directions and see how friendly they are
Parisians are not rude my foot! While French people are very warm and welcoming outside of Paris, it's like they turn into Dr. Jekyll once they cross over the peripherique onto the dark side...
I have been living here for 5 years and I am still getting used to the rudeness experienced every day in the metro, on the street... it's a daily thing to be at least whistled at by a man or even worse, having your butt grabbed... and to be told off by people trying to board the train during rush hour while you're trying to get off... these are two of the many examples, not counting the insinuating "oh, you speak French very well"..., or not to count, the rude waiters in cafés who treat you worse once they hear your obvious expat accent... I have even been yelled at, no, screamed at by a waiter because he wanted me to pay for my coffee before finishing it, because he didn't want me to "snap my fingers and say garçon", even though he had said nothing to the Frenchies around me, and it's common courtesy to let customers alone to enjoy their coffee in silence. He was lucky that I didn't throw it in his face.
Yes, I am getting tired of Parisians.
I live in Boston, and as far as rudeness goes, there isn't a more cold (literally) and stand offish community as New England so Paris pales in comparison. I love visiting Paris and I have had nothing but wonderful experiences, even for someone who isn't as fluent with her French as I'd like. If you are warm, friendly, smiling and make an effort to operate in their country as you do in yours, then the opportunities are endless to meet amazing people in France and definitely Paris.
I will say I have noticed that those travelers (mostly Americans) who tend to dress rather slovenly or dated will get a bit of a snub, but Americans are so supremely ill-equipped in that area anyway that it doesn't surprise me. Dress for dinner for heaven's sake - its Paris!
Once again, I confirm that I am an expat, living and working abroad. Don't worry, I don't wear awful white sneakers with khaki slacks and Abercrombie sweatshirts to work- who would, unless you're a camp counselor?
I may be a cynic, but try living and working here for a few years... Parisians can be downright rude, not only with tourists and expats, but also with other French people, even with each other. Ask anyone who has ever worked in Paris outside of the months of July and August.
Fair enough Carly, you're a resident I am not, however I'll reserve my judgment for the day I too am able to relocate and test the friendly or not so friendly waters of Parisian life on a day to day basis.
Je suis franco-américaine and I've been living in france for 36 years and I confirm that Parisians are rude and impolite !
And as to their bathrooms, sorry, but they could be cleaner without it being like back in the US.
What has someone residing in a place like Paris for 36 years if the people are so rude and impolite? I would venture to guess that most prefer to live in an environment and community that's much like themselves so I'm always curious what it is that keeps someone in a city they don't enjoy...
I am a believer that you bring to you what you project, so for me, I practice tolerance and do my best to calibrate to my surroundings in hopes the locals will appreciate my efforts and respond with equal and gracious attitudes.
In answer to the question is it safe on the meter/RER in general yes but there is a new wave of thief the bagsnatcher operating on theRER . Unfortunately I fell victim to this recently on the way home from the airport.. I didn't leave my bag on the seat etc it was in fact hugged close to my body as I was reading a book I noticed the theives getting on at the airport .. If I hdnt had my computer tucked under my bag I probably would've caught the thief as I stumbled trying to hang onto both. the thief came from behind after having a cigarette in between the carriages.. noone helped me even tho I gave chase and the carriage was full nor would they let me pull the alarm when i got back on when the buzzer went. There was one kind man who escorted me to the police at gare du nord but the police couldn't have cared less and I had to beg them to let me get to my friends on the RER.. for free!.Just warn people when travelling to hold their bags very tightly around their body!! I still love being inParis and do feel it is safer than other major cities.
Whilst I agree with some of the points made in this article, the notion that Parisiens being rude and impolite 'couldn't be further from the truth' is insane.. I come from London but I have lived in Paris permanently for the last 4 years and have known Paris all my life. I speak fluent French and make a HUGE effort to be polite and friendly to all Parisiens. However I still find the majority of Parisiens rude, impolite, cold , humourless and arrogant to the point of irrationality. It's a constamt struggle to understand why they have to be so unkind. The strange thing is they acknowledge this general disposition themselves but they seem to pride themselves on. I have lived in may capital cities and have never known anything like it. It is also ridiculously expensive even in comparison to London. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but we are talking about dispelling 'myths' here.....
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