Hotel Printania

Paris August 2006

by Thearnoldo

"First time visit"

Together with five other friends we went from Rotterdam by Thalys to Paris. We stayed in a cheap hotel "Printania", which is nearby Gare du Nord. Since we were only staying two nights in Paris, we had a very busy schedule. The first day we went to the Louvre, the area of Pompidou and the Notre Dame and finally to the Eifel tower. The next day a visit to Montmartre was scheduled to see the church and to taste the ambiance of this area. Of course a small glimpse of the Moulin Rouge was part of the program. After that we took the metro to the Arc the Triomph, from where we walked down the Champs d'Elyses heading for the Louvre.

See the Oriental (& Islamic) Antiquities Section

by hquittner

This is a unique collection that should not be missed especially if you are with children. The world can debate whether these artifacts should be returned to their remote places of origin to deteriorate uncared for and almost unseen but we appreciate them better here. This exhibit is almost as extensive as those in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin and having struggled through the original site in Turkey, we enjoyed their Berlin home all the more. Children may not be ready for "fine art" but they will be impressed by the antiquity and the giant elements from the Palace of Darius I (ca.510 BC) and Sargon II (710 BC) in Babylon and Iraq. They may even know of the Code of Hammurabi (1750BC) from Babylon before the Hebrew captivity or of Lagash (Prince Gudea 2100BC). But our favorite character is the studious Superintendent of Mari (from the Temple of Ishtar in Syria 2400BC). To find this section of the Louvre, you enter through the Richelieu escalator from the lobby to the ground floor and you are there. The 25 galleries extend along the North side of the Cour Carree into the Sully area.

Dress Like A French Woman

by OhSoFlossy

French women are world known for their sense of style and chic way of dressing. France is, after all, the country where such famous designers as Coco Chanel originate. So if you want to dress like a French woman follow these steps:

(1)Find the style which suits you! Contrary to popular opinion, French woman are not slaves to fashion. At a young age a French woman is taught to find the style which suits her best, and stick to it.

(2)Buy less. Yes, that's right! It is a myth that a French woman owns an enormous amount of clothes. The secret is that she prefers to spend her money on a few good quality pieces than to buy hoards of cheap clothing.

(3)Keep your style simple. A French woman is not a fussy dresser. She will always have some well cut simple pieces in her wardrobe.

(4)Buy some accessories. A French woman will always have a string of pearls and an elegant scarf ready to brighten up an article.

(5)Be ready for the unexpected. A French woman is always ready for an unexpected invitation which is why she always has a cocktail dress on hand.

(6)Understand that it is in the way you walk. A french woman looks chic and elegant not only because of the way she dresses but also because of the way she walks! Confidence is key!

I personally love Paris and all the women of Paris dress beautifully and each have a unique take on classic style. Please if you are going to this capital of fashion do try and dress with some elegance; it will be much easier to interact with the local's as you will not stick out like a sore thumb in your shorts, over-sized t-shirts and sandals with socks. Believe me very few people can look good in that ensemble.

-Personal Experience Tip-
Sunglasses (A Must When I Go To Paris)

"Liberté, égalité, fraternité, ou la mort!

by thinking

The slogan of the French Revolution was "Liberté, égalité, fraternité, ou la mort!" ("Liberty, equality, fraternity, or death!").

This slogan outlived the revolution, later becoming the rallying cry of activists, both militant and non-violent, who promote democracy or overthrow of oppressive governments.

There are many, MANY strikes in modern Paris using this slogan.
Check the news before stepping out!

Versailles, overview

by sachara

The first time I visited Paris at my own, I stayed at the campsite in Versailles. Actually the visit to the Chateau de Versailles and especially its gardens were my priority.

I was a student landscape-architecture and had learned allready every detail of the gardens of Versailles during the lessons of history of gardenarchitecture.

Finally to see the enormous complex with my own eyes was an overwhelming experience. I walked around for a full day to get a overview and I realised it was not enough to see all the details.

I came back 30 years later and was surprised about the crowds visiting Versailles nowadays.