I will be arriving Paris on 27th September alone and like to know more info about getting to Paris from airport. I will be spending Saturday and Sunday in Paris and wonder where I should visit as a tourist and a good location to stay (2/3 star hotels).
Is it save to travel by subways?
subways in france are definitely not like those in usa. I wouldn’t suggest striking up conversation with people, it’s not disney world, but you can depend on it a lot more than american public transportation.Have fun!
Is it true that French people does not speak English to foreigners even though they know how to speak? How safe is Paris if I would but to move around the city myself?
See, for french people France is as big endless country as US for Americans and several of them don’t feel there might be need to talk any other language than French. But they are REALLY NICE PEOPLE and they talk to you in English if they only can, sure. Enjoy your trip!!!
The Metro in Paris is great, but it may be a bit daunting for a first time visitor who speaks no French. You might try something a bit less intimidating to get into the city. There is bus service from the airport to the city. I believe you can get to Les Invalides (Napoleon’s Tomb) from the airport as the first stop and I think it’s Air France that provides this bus service. That way you don’t have to worry about luggage.
If you do take the subway, buy a packet of 10 tickets (you get a discount). Even if you’re going to be there only 3 days, you’ll probably use them all if you try and see a lot in those three days.
Also, hold on tightly to your purse and don’t wear those tiny backpack bags in the subway. Lots of pickpockets and they’re good and very, very swift. Be especially careful if you’re standing by the doors. Best to sit and mind your own business.
If you want inexpensive and clean hotels, go to the Latin Quarter. There are some good hotels near Gare Austerlitz and many of them serve cafe and croissant for breakfast.
If you’re going to see a lot of sights (if there isn’t a museum strike!), get a museum pass. You won’t have to stand in line and you can save lots of money if you plan to visit lots of places like top of Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, d’Orsay, etc. If you only plan to go to the Louvre, a museum card may not be worth it.
As an American who has lived in and visited Paris and other parts of France, I can honestly say that if French people feel comfortable speaking English, they will try. But you should learn some basic phrases so that you at least try to speak their language. You will be in their country, after all.
I also want to say that Parisians get a bad rap for being rude. In fact, it’s a big city and they’re no more rude than New Yorkers, San Franciscans, or any other large urban dwellers. It just seems worse because it’s in a language you may not understand.
I have found that if you try to speak French, however bad your French skills may be, the people appreciate the effort and will be as helpful as they can be.
You’ll have a great time. Paris is one of the most wonderful cities on the planet!
Bon Voyage.