Advice on Paris anyone?

SaintAnselm · 02-18-2003, 09:35 PM

Hey all!! I'm off to Europe in a week or so to visit my girlfriend in Spain. After being in Madrid and Sevilla for a week we are heading to Paris for 3 nights. I was wondering if anyome here had any advice on the city. I especially am looking for help with where to eat. We will have no money so we need cheap food. As far as sights go, I think we have that down. Although if anyome has any idea for out of the ordinary sights that would be awesome. Thanks.

Qwikshot · 02-18-2003, 09:38 PM

Don't admit you are an American, and I think you'll be safe. Good luck and safe travels...

Maple Leafs · 02-18-2003, 09:53 PM

If you see a tall guy named Joe who tries to seduce you by claiming to be a millionaire, don't fall for it.

stkelly52 · 02-18-2003, 11:48 PM

Paris is in France. Everyone here hates France.

Qwikshot · 02-18-2003, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stkelly52
Paris is in France. Everyone here hates France.

I don't hate France, I'd just be wary to go there right now...

Buddy Grant · 02-19-2003, 12:05 AM

Make very sure to take licenced taxi's (if you are taking a taxi anywhere). Say you are Canadian to get friendlier service. There are lots of relatively cheap places to eat, including most of the expected junk food places. For one afternoon a picnic lunch in the garden park right behind the Cathedral Notre Dame is cheap and breathtaking too. There are lots of great spots for outdoor eats if the weather is okay. Evening meals can get really pricey, sorry no serious tips there, I bet Darkiller can help out though

.

Tarkus · 02-19-2003, 12:06 AM

Don't go to France. Shouldn't support that country with your dollars at this moment.

Tarkus

strait8 · 02-19-2003, 12:44 AM

Here are some options for meals in paris
Breakfast:
Do not eat in your hotel unless it is included. Go to a nearby patisserie bar. there you will get croissant and coffee for $2-3 per person

Lunch
two Choices
There are a chain of bakery restaurants called Pauls which make delicious sandwiches and soup. You can eat in which is a bit more expensive or take out. A meal if taken out is very reasonable.

The big department stores Like Bon marche have great food floors where you can buy food to eat for lunch or take to your hotel for dinner. This is your least expensive option for dinner

Supper
For this meal you if should go out, look for Bistro's with Prix Fixe menu's. When I was there two years ago you could have a three course dinner from the "Fixed price" menu for $20/per person or less. This was an appetizer maincourse and dessert. These are a real bargain as the same 3 course could not be bought in an comporable french restaurant in a major US city for twice as much or more.

I found Paris to have excellent high value food in most every Bistro. just stay away from restaurants in guide books or with michelin or gault Millau ratings.

The places I am speaking about appeal to locals. If you are a beer fan go to Brasserie. These Alsatian type beer halls seve good food and beer at reasonable prices. you will see locals here by the score.

Hope this helps. take your walking shoes and walk everywhere. have fun

Iceberg · 02-19-2003, 01:04 AM

When you go out to eat and get handed the check say "oh sorry I already payed for that. Its called the Marshall Plan"

Alf · 02-19-2003, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tarkus
Don't go to France. Shouldn't support that country with your dollars at this moment.

Moron

Darkiller · 02-19-2003, 04:16 AM

lol
Well you should have a great time in Paris (this is where I live), go downtown and visit the famous places live Notre Dame, Le Louvre : that should already be a good start.

Kevin From Dell · 02-19-2003, 04:18 AM

Kyle told me he had some advice for picking up French women... e-mail him for details.

Kevin From Dell · 02-19-2003, 04:30 AM

ACStrider · 02-19-2003, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Iceberg
When you go out to eat and get handed the check say "oh sorry I already payed for that. Its called the Marshall Plan"

haha...I had to laugh when I read that one.

Anthony · 02-19-2003, 07:46 AM

don't listen to these other guys. you proclaim to any who'll listen that you're an american. be bold. they're drop to the floor once their spines give way. when you're in a bar, just look at them and shake your head in disgust, muttering to yourself "how can you all look in the mirror being so weak and scared?".

if one of those french a-holes get uppety - you kick 'em in the nads.

Bee · 02-19-2003, 07:58 AM

Paris is great.

I really have enjoyed it every time I've gone. Having married into a French family perhaps I've been treated differently than "typical Americans" who travel there, but everyone I met always were kind and friendly (nothing like the stories you hear about the French). Of course, I haven't been in a year or two, so things may be much different now with the growing Anti-American sentiment In France and Germany.

As far as advice, I think the thing I enjoyed the most was going to the small art galleries that are a little out of the way. My first visit, I went to all the tourist spots but everytime since then I have tried to go places that tourists don't know about. I've had a much better time doing that, but that's me. If you like art, Paris is a wonderful place to pick up a few pieces for a fair price if you go to the smaller galleries.

Anthony · 02-19-2003, 08:03 AM

that's a great idea bee.

we should all marry the french, and breed them out of existence.

Bee · 02-19-2003, 08:06 AM

I'm doing my best, my wife is half french and half german (but born in France).

Fritz · 02-19-2003, 08:23 AM

Advice? Those old stone buildings do not burn well, so focus on the wooden ones.

Grid Iron · 02-19-2003, 08:41 AM

I love Paris, though I am annoyed at the Parisian gov't right now.

The best restaurant I've ever been to in my entire life (33 years!) is Le Petit Zinc in Paris. Search for the name with Google and their web site will pop up.

It is very popular, so make reservations ASAP. A week may be too late. It is fine dining, so I think it will cost about $70-80 with a full bottle of wine. $50-60 without.

A well-traveled co-worker of mine went on my advice and said it is a "world class" restaurant.

For more inexpensive alternatives, get the ham sandwiches served on a baguette. The crepes with nutella inside are awesome.

Last piece of advice: go to Versailles and do the whole tour. Totally awesome.

Tarkus · 02-19-2003, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alf
Moron

You want to start something here, go for it. I wouldn't spend a dime in this country for very good reason, and there's lots of other who feel the same way. You're just to stupid to figure out the reasons.

Tarkus

JeeberD · 02-19-2003, 03:12 PM

You know, when I first saw this thread I thought it said "Advance on Paris anyone?" and was going to be another France-bashing thread. Turns out I was right.

JonInMiddleGA · 02-19-2003, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hell Atlantic
you kick 'em in the nads.

Damn, talk about trying to hit a small target ...

TZone · 02-19-2003, 07:06 PM

Seriously, this guy writes the best travel books by far. See if you can get a copy of his France book. He lists little out of the way places that you would never find anywhere else. A few years ago, my wife and I spent 23 days in Europe and we lived by his recommendations – we had a great time on a budget.

http://www.ricksteves.com/home.htm

Have a great trip.

tucker342 · 02-19-2003, 07:42 PM

Check out the Catacombs, way out of the way, but well worth it.

02-18-2003, 09:38 PM	#2
Qwikshot Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: ...down the gravity well	Don't admit you are an American, and I think you'll be safe. Good luck and safe travels... __________________ "General Woundwort's body was never found. It could be that he still lives his fierce life somewhere else, but from that day on, mother rabbits would tell their kittens that if they did not do as they were told, the General would get them. Such was Woundwort's monument, and perhaps it would not have displeased him." Watership Down, Richard Adams

02-18-2003, 11:48 PM	#4
stkelly52 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Seattle WA	Paris is in France. Everyone here hates France. __________________ Check out an undrafted free agent's attempt to make the Hall of Fame: Running to the Hall Now nominated for a Golden Scribe!

02-19-2003, 12:05 AM	#6
Buddy Grant High School JV Join Date: Oct 2000	Make very sure to take licenced taxi's (if you are taking a taxi anywhere). Say you are Canadian to get friendlier service. There are lots of relatively cheap places to eat, including most of the expected junk food places. For one afternoon a picnic lunch in the garden park right behind the Cathedral Notre Dame is cheap and breathtaking too. There are lots of great spots for outdoor eats if the weather is okay. Evening meals can get really pricey, sorry no serious tips there, I bet Darkiller can help out though.

02-19-2003, 12:44 AM	#8
strait8 H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Vancouver BC	Meals in Paris Here are some options for meals in paris Breakfast: Do not eat in your hotel unless it is included. Go to a nearby patisserie bar. there you will get croissant and coffee for $2-3 per person Lunch two Choices There are a chain of bakery restaurants called Pauls which make delicious sandwiches and soup. You can eat in which is a bit more expensive or take out. A meal if taken out is very reasonable. The big department stores Like Bon marche have great food floors where you can buy food to eat for lunch or take to your hotel for dinner. This is your least expensive option for dinner Supper For this meal you if should go out, look for Bistro's with Prix Fixe menu's. When I was there two years ago you could have a three course dinner from the "Fixed price" menu for $20/per person or less. This was an appetizer maincourse and dessert. These are a real bargain as the same 3 course could not be bought in an comporable french restaurant in a major US city for twice as much or more. I found Paris to have excellent high value food in most every Bistro. just stay away from restaurants in guide books or with michelin or gault Millau ratings. The places I am speaking about appeal to locals. If you are a beer fan go to Brasserie. These Alsatian type beer halls seve good food and beer at reasonable prices. you will see locals here by the score. Hope this helps. take your walking shoes and walk everywhere. have fun Last edited by strait8 : 02-19-2003 at 12:45 AM.

02-19-2003, 04:16 AM	#11
Darkiller FOF2 Guy Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Paris, France	lol Well you should have a great time in Paris (this is where I live), go downtown and visit the famous places live Notre Dame, Le Louvre : that should already be a good start. __________________ FOF2 lives on / Continue to support the best game ever ! - Owner of the San Francisco 49ers in FOF2 - Charter member of the IHOF and owner of the Paris Musketeers franchise (FOF2004) - Chairman of the IHOF Hall of Fame - Athletic Director of the Brigham Young Cougars in TCY FOF Legend: Hall of Fame QB Brock Sheriff #5, one of the most popular player in Front Office Football history.

02-18-2003, 09:53 PM	#3
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	If you see a tall guy named Joe who tries to seduce you by claiming to be a millionaire, don't fall for it.

02-19-2003, 12:06 AM	#7
Tarkus High School Varsity Join Date: Jun 2001	Don't go to France. Shouldn't support that country with your dollars at this moment. Tarkus

02-19-2003, 01:04 AM	#9
Iceberg H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kensington, MD	When you go out to eat and get handed the check say "oh sorry I already payed for that. Its called the Marshall Plan"

02-19-2003, 04:18 AM	#12
Kevin From Dell n00b Join Date: Jan 2003	Kyle told me he had some advice for picking up French women... e-mail him for details.

02-19-2003, 04:30 AM	#13
Kevin From Dell n00b Join Date: Jan 2003	Last edited by Kevin From Dell : 02-19-2003 at 04:34 AM.

02-19-2003, 07:46 AM	#15
Anthony Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Astoria, NY, USA	don't listen to these other guys. you proclaim to any who'll listen that you're an american. be bold. they're drop to the floor once their spines give way. when you're in a bar, just look at them and shake your head in disgust, muttering to yourself "how can you all look in the mirror being so weak and scared?". if one of those french a-holes get uppety - you kick 'em in the nads. Last edited by Anthony : 02-19-2003 at 07:53 AM.

02-19-2003, 07:58 AM	#16
Bee Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Fairfax, VA	Paris is great. I really have enjoyed it every time I've gone. Having married into a French family perhaps I've been treated differently than "typical Americans" who travel there, but everyone I met always were kind and friendly (nothing like the stories you hear about the French). Of course, I haven't been in a year or two, so things may be much different now with the growing Anti-American sentiment In France and Germany. As far as advice, I think the thing I enjoyed the most was going to the small art galleries that are a little out of the way. My first visit, I went to all the tourist spots but everytime since then I have tried to go places that tourists don't know about. I've had a much better time doing that, but that's me. If you like art, Paris is a wonderful place to pick up a few pieces for a fair price if you go to the smaller galleries. Last edited by Bee : 02-19-2003 at 07:58 AM.

02-19-2003, 08:03 AM	#17
Anthony Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Astoria, NY, USA	that's a great idea bee. we should all marry the french, and breed them out of existence.

02-19-2003, 08:06 AM	#18
Bee Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Fairfax, VA	I'm doing my best, my wife is half french and half german (but born in France).

02-19-2003, 08:23 AM	#19
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	Advice? Those old stone buildings do not burn well, so focus on the wooden ones. __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster

02-19-2003, 08:41 AM	#20
Grid Iron Ice Cream Man Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bay Area	Le Petit Zinc I love Paris, though I am annoyed at the Parisian gov't right now. The best restaurant I've ever been to in my entire life (33 years!) is Le Petit Zinc in Paris. Search for the name with Google and their web site will pop up. It is very popular, so make reservations ASAP. A week may be too late. It is fine dining, so I think it will cost about $70-80 with a full bottle of wine. $50-60 without. A well-traveled co-worker of mine went on my advice and said it is a "world class" restaurant. For more inexpensive alternatives, get the ham sandwiches served on a baguette. The crepes with nutella inside are awesome. Last piece of advice: go to Versailles and do the whole tour. Totally awesome. __________________ Follow the story of the Oregon Ice of the Continental Football League.

02-19-2003, 03:12 PM	#22
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	You know, when I first saw this thread I thought it said "Advance on Paris anyone?" and was going to be another France-bashing thread. Turns out I was right. __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO Last edited by JeeberD : 02-19-2003 at 03:13 PM.

02-19-2003, 07:06 PM	#24
TZone n00b Join Date: Feb 2002	Seriously, this guy writes the best travel books by far. See if you can get a copy of his France book. He lists little out of the way places that you would never find anywhere else. A few years ago, my wife and I spent 23 days in Europe and we lived by his recommendations – we had a great time on a budget. http://www.ricksteves.com/home.htm Have a great trip.

02-19-2003, 07:42 PM	#25
tucker342 Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Iowa City, IA	Check out the Catacombs, way out of the way, but well worth it.

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