These are two phrases - "Do you speak English?" in both French and Italian - that I'm going to have to learn very well soon.
In case you're wondering if I'm simply trying to be prepared in case I meet citizens of either Italy or France, the truth of the matter is that on May 20th, I'm leaving to spend eleven days in Paris and Italy.
My lovely friend Melissa, the same Melissa who made all the yummy jello shots for my birthday, is going to Paris for a business trip and invited a bunch of us to go with her since she not only has a hotel room, but the company flat in Versailles as well.
The group of us who are going - Melissa's mom and brother, Ben, Nathalie, and I - were talking about what we wanted to do while there. Someone brought up going to Italy, so we're going to be in Paris for a week and then fly to Italy for a few days since we found these cheap round trip tickets for a couple of hundred dollars.
Two of the places I have always wanted to go just happens to be Paris and Italy, so I am beyond excited to have this opportunity come up. Not only am I going to get to see these places, I'm also getting to go with three of my favorite people on the planet. I really can't even begin to guess how much fun we're going to have on this trip.
So, for those of you who a) still read this site and b) have been to Paris, what would you say is a must see for someone going to Paris for the first time? I'd love to know what y'all found to be the most enjoyable.
Be sure to take the metro (subway) a lot! It is a wonderful thing for us Texans to explore.
Here's a few random things, but I'm sure you'll find lots to do.
I loved walking around the Louvre--not for the art, but the architecture. Be sure to go on the side door instead of the main glass pyramid entrance. It'll be way less crowded and you can use the automated pass machine.
The Eiffel tower is all lit up and sparkly at 11pm every night. Quite beautiful.
Go to the top of as many churchs as you can. I know it's a hike, but the views are wonderful.
You *must* go see Le Sacre-Coeur. Here's my panoramic photo from the top: http://flickr.com/photos/eliot/29003724/ and here's my photo from one of the steps below: http://flickr.com/photos/eliot/29003707/ (be sure to click on "all sizes" to see the full beauty!).
Have a blast!!! Don't act like an American and people will treat you very nice. I had a great time.
Posted by eliot at April 23, 2006 01:07 AM
Yay! I'm so excited for you! And envious!
I've not been to Italy yet, but if you're going to be in Paris here are my recommendations:
1. Eiffel Tower - I highly recommend a night visit because it is absolutely gorgeous at night. However, be wary of the little kids who will try to make off with your purse.
2. If you have time to do museums, the Louvre is amazing. So is the Pompidou Center, Musee d'Orsay, and the Picasso Museum.
3. A walk through the Catacombs is unbelievably creepy but very cool.
4. A visit to Notre Dame is interesting, but make sure you hit the underground excavation museum on the grounds, and Sainte Chapelle is way prettier if you only have time for one church.
Posted by mac at April 24, 2006 09:46 AM
What part of Italy will you be visiting? I was in Venice and loved every minute of it. Check out all the churches and usually you can go up top for awesome views of San Marcos Square. Wear lots of black, and don't wear any white tennis shoes or you'll stand out like a American tourist.. hehe
Posted by Pam at April 24, 2006 05:25 PM
I second the Paris Metro comment. It's a cultural experience in itself. And also agree with the "wear a lot of black" comments and try not to be a "loud Amaireecan". You'll have much better luck when trying to get help.
Eiffel Tower at night is indeed a must-see. It lights up for 10 minutes at the top (or bottom) of every hour at night.
The best (and manageable) museum in Paris (in my humble opinion) is Musee d'Orsay. Louvre is good, but pick what you want to see. Mona Lisa is there, small, but good to "say you saw it".
If there's time, a GREAT cultural experience is to go to see a show (cabaret) at Le Lido (we saw Le Bonheur). The costumes are amazing, and music is also great.
Food: THIS is important. If you want to do one "special" dinner, go to Le Petit Zinc in St. Germain. Just Google it, but make a rezzy! Also a good place to browse is Fauchon (near La Madeleine church). They have great chocolates, teas, wine, etc. Also a pleasure for the eyes.
Shopping is everywhere, but one place to hit are the Grands Magazins, or Big Stores. Printemps and Galleries Lafayette are near the Opera and have everything. Rue Rivoli also has a ton of shops (near the Louvre).
I guess since I've seen Paris a few times, I've now migrated to shopping instead of sightseeing. Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame are two must-see churches.
Guess I've rambled on plenty for you!
Where in Italy are you going? It's great there, as well. Food is excellent.
Have a GREAT time! While you're getting to know the French, we'll be laying on a beach in Australia!
Oh, and by the way, EVERYTHING in France is smaller, narrower, littler, etc. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Same for Italy.
Best Wishes,
Anne Duffy
Posted by Anne Duffy (Sean II's significant other) at April 29, 2006 01:42 AM
I'll work on a list for you for Paris, but if you will be in Versailles, be sure to see the Palace there. I didn't, but I have always wanted to see it.
In Paris - it is *SO* worth it to walk the stairs to the top of Notre Dame. Mike & I both agreed, that was our highlight of the trip.
The Eiffel Tower sparkles earlier than 11pm; it is STUNNING and amazing, and fabulous, and I loved it too. Also go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
There is great ice cream in Paris - two different shops, and I can get you directions to both. Fabulous. I'm a sucker for the lemon sorbet. Of course, the ice cream in Italy will be fantastic.
I'll be out of school already by then - can I just come with you and be your tour guide? I'm good with the Paris maps, and fantastic at navigating the Metro!
OH! Whatever you do! Learn this lesson! The walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde (where the obelisk is located at) is NOT as short as it looks on the map! It is looooooong! And if it is 80 degrees, you will be HOT and miserable at the end. I had a meltdown there. By the way, there is a Sephora on the Champs-Elysees - I think it is the main store. Things we have at Sephora here, and some different - but it was cool to say I was there!
I can look and see if I still have Paris maps & recommend books if you need them. Give me a call! :D
Posted by Christine at May 1, 2006 09:31 PM
if you stay in Versailles make sure you go see the castle and let somebody explain you why the have fences in the bedrooms. Go see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the pic is called something different in France "La Joconde"! If you rent a car be careful driving in France and Italy is very different from the american way of driving.go see paris at night! In italy eat some real Ice cream, ( from a small bar)there is nothing like it, anywhere else in the world! my dad is italian so if you let me know where you going in Italy I ll let you know what you can do . I m german come see germany it is a five hour drive with the car from Paris. Germany is nothing like americans always think it is !Hey and have fun ! Now listen , if you go to some street market and you buy something make sure you buy the display model of whatever you want , don't let them fool you and hand you something that is already packed, it will be mostly something different.And in Europe Visa is not takeing everywhere like in the USA, most small stores dont accept Kredit Cards! be aware of people trying to sell you roses on the street, they are experts in stealing and i mean they are really good . And don't worry European don't hate americans like its always said. And if you go eat, go to a small not so fancy restaurant!
Posted by Annabell at May 8, 2006 01:14 AM
oh and try some european Coca Cola is much better !Don't drink Pepsi taste real bad here !
Posted by Annabell at May 8, 2006 01:16 AM
Bonjour, my name is Pierre and I am from Paris. Your friends are right, don't act like an American and people will be nice to you. That's because we don't like Americans because they are fat and ignorant. You should learn more than just 'parlez vous anglais'. Maybe 'please' and 'thank you' would help. If you want another tip about looking like an American - loose some weight. The only fat people here are tourists.
Posted by Pierre at May 11, 2006 04:32 AM
Paris!
Posted by Towngirl at May 28, 2006 03:14 PM
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