Even though it costs nearly 10...
by Julia_W
Even though it costs nearly 10 euro, you have to take the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower! The view from the top level is absolutely amazing. If you can, try to go up at night as well as during the day - you will be rewarded with lights to the horizon. Notre Dame - after my first visit, I went back three times, it is so beautiful.
Paris, France
by XenoHumph
Oh yeah...there is a Paris in France too!! It's actually the capital of the country. Real nice place. What's to do there?... Lots!! I am afraid it will not fit in just one tip. May I suggest that you be re-routed to the many excellent VT pages on Paris there are?
For a glimpse of this city, which reputation makes it romantic, beautiful, city of lights, culture center, history mecca, packed with world-reknowned museums...go see the pictures in my travelogues on Paris, France! I studied there for a few years. I encourage anybody to go study in Paris, it is a fantastic experience. The only danger is to be pulled away from your study books by the many temptations of this marvellous capital!
Cycling in city traffic
by Nemorino
Since I am a notorious autophobe you might wonder why I would choose to spend entire days cycling among these foul-smelling monstrosities.
Well, in part I suppose it's a way of getting some cheap thrills, since I'm too old for bullfighting or bungee-jumping, but there is also a matter of principle involved: I'm simply not willing to let these rotten bastards (LOL) crowd me out of my share of public space. Paris is so beautiful that it should be open to all of us, not just these motorized zombies.
And I'm not the only one. I read somewhere that bicycle use in Paris has increased by 50 % in the past six years, and that's just the beginning.
Update: That 50% increase was before the start of the new Velib spontaneous self-service bike rental system. Now thanks to Velib there has been another huge increase in bicycle use, in fact the streets of Paris are swarming with bikes.
The French newspaper Le Monde has already noted a change in urban behavior; they say automobile traffic is adjusting to the masses of bicycles on the road, which is estimated at up to 60,000 thirty-minute rides daily. Wow.
Additional photos: More people on bicycles asserting their right to cycle the city streets in Paris -- even before Velib.
Tipping in restaurants:
In...
by JennyLuker
Tipping in restaurants:
In Parisian restaurants the service charge is ALWAYS included. You do not need to leave a % of the bill in addition.
HOWEVER - it is polite to leave 1 - 2 Euros discretely on the table as a thank you.
XIIth - The famous POPB !!!
by Maillekeukeul
What ?? You haven't already heard of the famous POPB ??? Such a shaaaaame !!!
POPB means "Palais Omnisport de Paris-Bercy": it's one of the most famous places to watch any kind of sports and tournaments among the best ones that happen in Paris... For instance, the Tennis Masters Series Tournament of Paris, or even surfing, volleyball, icegliding, martial arts ... everything !!! Don't forget your eyes !!!