A PARIS MUST DO
by parisfreek
Leave the usual breakfast and do this.....You will never regret this....
Go to the nearest supermarket and buy a baugette(long french breads) with assorted cold meat and cheese...and a bottel red wine and go and eat your special french breakfast on the banks of the siene river....A wonderfull place is a island near the statue of liberty....
Enjoy The eifell tower at night , the breakfast near the statue of liberty,
Just the atmosphere of Paris is truly something to remember...
Luxembourg Gardens - Beautiful Park
by Mikebb
These gardens are considered the best in central Paris, located close to the Latin Quarter and within walking distance of Ile de la Cite and very close to the Pantheon. I recommend you make time to visit and possibly have lunch at the cafe within the gardens.
The gardens cover 60 acres and the landscaping takes in all aspects, including fountains, lakes, terraces, treed parklands etc. The magnificent 17th century Fontaine de Medicis is not to be missed. The gardens are very popular with the local residents who can be seen sunbathing or enjoying lunch on the lawns.
For those travelling by train alight at Notre Dame des Champs, for those walking follow Boulevard Saint Michel from the river.
Shopping in Paris: VAT refund
by jumpingnorman
With the current state of the US dollar, shopping in Paris can be very expensive. I bought my wife a Prada which I think was probably a few hundred dollars less (bought at the LaFayette) -- but American brands which are imported like Calvin Klein are more expensive. There is also a 20% Value-added tax, so they are actually cheaper if it were not for the tax...but then remember that you are entitled to a refund of the VAT tax (except food, wine and tobacco which are not included in the list - and I think there is a minimum amount of how much you should spend in a single store).
You have to look into the current laws about VAT refund if you expect to shop a lot (like what my wife! Uh...) You will need your passport when you do your refunds, and there's this triplicate form that you have to fil out -- I filled up mine at the LaFayette itself (there is a special "detaxe" area). At the Charles de Galle Airport, this is located at Terminal 1 (between Gate 14 and 16) on the departure level and terminal 2, Hall B between Doors 6 and 7 near baggage claim or Hall A between Doors 5 and 6, and also at Terminal T9. But at the airport, make sure you come in early because of the long lines...I had my refund automatically put back into my credit card...
But bargains can be had during the months of January and July, during the "soldes" or sales. Stores are generally open about 9AM to 7PM, sometimes even open during lunch hours.
Whenever I enter a store, I say a nice bon jour (depending on time of day) and also give a polite "merci" before leaving. Have fun shopping!
Les Bouquinistes
by Martinewezel
These stalls along the Seine are cute and make part of the atmosphere.
They sell books, but also a lot of souvenirs and rubbish such as magnets, eiffeltower key rings, pictures of Marilyn Monroe etc.
Someone is getting a ticket ...
by shrimp56
I took this picture on a walk down the length of St. Germain Blvd. Parking in Paris has to be the next most popular outdoor sport after strikes and demonstrations! I remember sitting in a cafe on St. Germain in the Latin Quarter watching Parisians try to park their cars. The longest I ever saw a space stay empty was 45 seconds!
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If you MUST bring a car into Paris it is much less hassle to use one of the underground garages. You will pay, of course, but these nice parking police won't bother you! See the website for parking garage locations. Just click on the Union Jack for the site in English!