The Seine
by sachara
Visiting Paris, it's almost inevitable to see the Seine. This river played a important role in the origin and development of Paris. Many of the important monuments are built along the river, like the Tour Eiffel, the Notre Dame and the Louvre.
At many places a lot of trees are planted along the riverbanks. It's a nice place to sit on a bench for a while or to walk. You can find bookstalls, a city beach, but also a 'musée en plein air'.
Paris Tip
by Gard
I’m not sure what I will remember best from Paris. It was kind of weird for me to come back after being there 5 years ago. It is easy to glide into a pattern of visiting all the places that I had been to just out of nostalgic reasons. But I’m glad that we had a lot of time in Paris. We got to see quite a lot and we didn’t have to worry about seeing all in one day. I think the feeling of being on the metro during rush hour is something that I will remember for a long time. Lots of people squeezed together in hot, hot metro car. But I will also remember Paris for all the bridges, sculptures and churches.
Parisian architecture
by OrlandoBR
Maybe one of the reasons for everybody to think Paris is such a beautiful city is the fact that its characteristic buildings are so extravagant that they could be a section of a palace.
In the past, before they were divided in separated apartments, people owned the entire buildings. They lived in what was called a "hotel particulier".
Of course there were no elevators, which were later introduced and forced to fit wherever possible, and that explains why today they are so small and scary in Paris.
customs
by CMagalha
Again, thank you all.
I did call the French Consulate in Rio. The person was not really helpful. Stated that I must carry a valid passport, return air tickets, hotel reservations and that amount in CASH: EUR 60 per day). And, of course, the final word on whether or not I would be accepted is from the customs official.
I asked about a credit card (I am taking a brasilian-based and an american-based). The answer was that I must proof how much is my credit. Simple: I can take the last two statements, showing my credit-line.
Tha flaw is that my statements are in PORTUGUESE.
Of course I am aware that I would need Euros in chash for snacks, metro, etc. What I am considering is buying traveller-checks and, when coming back, selling the excess to my bank, wasting the bank spread plus all the taxes.
Comfortable Shoes!!!
by ingridf_nl
I made the mistake of bringing only one pair of shoes, which ended up being the source of foot hell. We walked much more than we expected. While this necessitated me buying new shoes (not such a bad thing) much of the damage had been done (a bad thing). :) So find the most beautiful comfortable shoes you can (french women dress extremely well) and then bring a second pair. Your feet will thank you.