Eiffel tower
by terrimae1972
I know this is cliche, but I loved the Eiffel Tower. I had no idea how MASSIVE it is. I pictured a decent size structure, but I did not expect to appear as an ant at the base of it. My fondest memory of Paris would be watching the different types of people throughout the city. Africans, Asians, Indian, Gypsies,etc.
You should buy the 'Pariscope'...
by renataa
You should buy the 'Pariscope' as soon as you arrive in Paris ou you could check it on the internet (www.pariscope.fr). It's a weekly guide that you buy at any newstand and it lists all cultural activities of the week. This way, you can plan your visits to temporary exhibitions and your evenings.
I didn't want to start with...
by lukec
I didn't want to start with it, since it's the sight most people associate Paris with, but yes, the Eiffel tower is a must. This impressive 300m high piece of steel was biult in 1889 for the World Fair in honour of 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower stands on tip of Champs de Mars, just besides river Seine. An elevator brings you to the top platform, but be prepared to wait in the lines to get your ticket! The view from the top is great. We waited for the evening to go up, so when we were at the top, we could watch the sunset and then the thousands of lights come up in the city below. It was an unforgettable experience.
Advertising
by tiabunna
From time to time in Paris, you’re likely to encounter advertising signs that, in an Anglophone country, would bring down the roof on any company brave enough to use them. For example, this giant billboard at Galeries Lafayette, advertising swimsuits with the line (roughly translated) Summer will become hotter. I’m sure this would create a furore in Australia at least, as an example of sexism and exploitation: in the context of France, I doubt anyone thinks of it as more than an advertisement for swimsuits! What you make of it I’ll leave to you. To me, it seems this is an example of the relatively more relaxed French approach to some issues (e.g. my tip “the smells”) – though the French can become far from relaxed over issues of social justice, as shown by various revolutions and other civil disturbances!
Packing List
by ChrsStrl
One that will carry as much as you need - but don't feel the need to dress up unless you are really going for a special occasion. Carry a secure bag for walking around with. Pack for European weather - when we were there it was in the high 20's C! Only what you need to take specially - this is France! A wide-angle lens, a zoom lens, and lots of film. Good walking shoes - the one thing you should do is walk in Paris.