Flying into Paris is a nightmare!
by Maltron
If possible try to find a train travelling to Paris rather than flying.
Having travelled to Paris from several European cities on various modes of transport I can say without a doubt trains are the most conveniant and after adding the hidden charges of plane travel (especially from the UK), trains often work out cheaper!
The main advantage though is that trains (e.g. the Eurostar and SNCF) take you right into the centre of Paris where the metro, RER or taxis can get you to your hotel in minutes.
After flying however I have often spent many frustrating hours trying to travel with luggage the many miles into the centre of Paris to find my hotel.
North Transept Facade
by Sharrie
Walk over to the North transept facade which was designed by Jean de Chelles & reflects the 2nd style of Parisian Gothic. On the portal pillar is a statue of the Virgin - the only original work preserved here.
If you've more time, wander to the South transept facade where the portal is consecrated to St. Etienne, the patron saint of the Merovingian structure that formerly stood on the site. Sculptured figures recount his life & martyrdom.
Montmartre
by draguza
The Montmartre Mound (Butte Montmartre) -name given to the hill of Montmartre- is full of street artists (painters, sculptors and poets) who are essentially located on the Tertre Square (Place du Tertre). It is some king of a village with its own pace of life. You could even find a vineyard at the corner of the Rue des Saules and Rue Saint Vincent ! It is a very picturesque site.
How do you say that...????
by goodfish
Before our trip to Paris, my French vocabulary consisted of "croissant" and "crepe" - pronounced improperly, I may add. Armed with just these two terms, I figured we wouldn't starve but wouldn't be making any friends either. And a week of bread and pancakes would not do my waistline ANY favors?
The good news is that the many Parisians who work in the hospitality/tourism industry have an excellent command of English and are more than willing to use it - especially if you try to meet them halfway. Learning how to be polite, in French, will often bring a smile and an immediate switch from French to English without even a "Parlez-vous anglais, s'il vous plaît?" - although that is a useful phrase to know. Additionally, you may be surprised at the amount of words used in signage that are easy to figure out.
It is respectful to address people by title (madam, mademoiselle, monsieur), and to incorporate as many manner phrases and terms as possible. It isn't difficult to learn "please" and "thank you" and your hosts will appreciate the effort.
So have some fun learning a little French! Here are two good websites which provide audio pronunciations to help you along:
http://french.about.com/od/vocabulary/a/audiodictionary.htm
http://www.online-languages.info/french/pronunciation.php
Most guidebooks also provide some translation and phonetic pronunciations, and bookstore usually offer CDs useful for polishing your skills while stuck in traffic. Some museums and attractions also offer audio tours and guidebooks in English.
Thinking on your VT friends
by Carmela71
Since we join VT and its part of your life, while travelling little thing bring you to mind other VT members. I guess I do not have to tell you, who we were thinking on, when we saw this lol ..... and made the photo ;-)
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garden at Carnavalet Museum
Saint Eustache - Nov 2010
Disneyland,Paris
Place Vendôme
