...I'm going to be visiting Paris and I've been trying to rent a car on August 3rd but most locations are sold out. Is August 3 a holiday in France?

"You'll be smack in the middle of the summer holidays, and with something like two millions tourists in Paris, many of whom are trying to get a car too."
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...Hotel Armstrong .. 36 rue de la croix st. simon, 75020 Paris
or
Hotel Nation Montmartre .. 4 Rue Boissieu, 75018 Paris

On a tight Budget Need help please??

"They are both on the other side of Paris. If you don't arrive too late take the RER, which will leave you at least much closer to them.

Here is a map of Paris, so that you know where the arrondissement are. The last two digits on the postcode. Porte Maillot is on the left, at the place called palais des congres. The number in soft dark grey is the district (arrondissement)
http://www.serurier.com/carte-paris.gif

Gare du Nord is in the 10th arrondissement."
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...I am going to be traveling parent-free to Paris, France during my senior year's spring break. I'm going with 3 friends, 2 girls and another guy and we are booking 2 separate (linking) rooms at The Westin Paris for 5 nights. I know the obvious do's and dont's[ :) ] but I need some tips on how to stay safe, what to do, and how to keep a descent budget. Please help me! Thank you for all future answers! :)

"Stick together.... I can't stress it enough. If you travel anywhere in groups you are less likely to be mugged or scammed. (Especially at night when you have been drinking... c'mon you know you will.) Check sites like wikitravel.com or google Paris Neighborhoods to know what neighborhoods are bad. Hardly anyone speaks english in Paris, so its a good idea to learn a few of the more common phrases before you go. Not only will it help you out, but the French people will appreciate it as well. If you are going to get in a cab, try to have a vauge idea of how to get where you are going or the cab drive might scam you. (One did it to me in Rome.... I was out 25 Euro for a few blocks.) As far as a budget goes, it depends on what you are going to be doing most. Try to allocate yourself a certain amount for every day. Good luck and have fun!"
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...I'm going to Paris for two days and I'm just wondering where are those great ( and famous ) cafés in Paris.

Please help me out! I've been to Paris a few times before, but I just can't find those wonderful cafés where I can just eat great croissants or good food.

* Not exactly croissants, any great french/parisian food will do! But I perfer a famous cafe with good food.

Thank you for your answer. I really appreciate it!

Oh and just any good restaurant/café will do! just ANYTHING, ANYWHERE with good food.

"If you want "famous' then go to the Cafe de Deux Magots at 170 blvd, St Germain or the Brasserie Lipp at 151 blvd St-Germain. both are in the 6th arrondissement.

There's also the Café de la Paix at 12 blvd des Capucines in the 9th by the Opera. It was designed by the same man who designed the Opera.

Actually, its difficult to believe you've been to Paris "a few times" and haven't found a cafe you enjoy or someplace with good food unless you have some particularly strange notion of what constitutes good food or a nice cafe."
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...I will be traveling international flight US to Ireland and am concerned that I have enough time to make my connecting flight if I go into Paris. Any suggestions?

"Didn't you already ask this? Oh, well, I'll just copy/paste my answer from your other question:

Well, it takes a full hour to get into the city and a full hour to get back. You'll need to allow for re-entry through security and all the hassle of getting to your boarding gate which might take up to an hour and a half. That leaves 1 and a half hours to see something in Paris. I suppose you could take a taxi to Sacre Coeur (which is the nearest big tourist site to CDG), have a coffee at a bistro at the base of the hill, climb to the top of the hill, turn around at the top of the steps of the basilica without actually going into the church itself, have a quick look at the city spread out below you and "see" the city (including the Eiffel Tower and some of the larger monuments and historical buildings) and take some pictures, run back down the hill, hail a taxi and rush back to the airport. Whew! That would be tough though.

Hope this helped and bon voyage!"
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...Ok. I have already posted a question like this but didn't quite get the information I was looking for. I am going to Paris with 2 or 3 friends on my spring break of my senior year when i'm 18 and with NO PARENTS!! :P. I am hoping to book 2 rooms for 5 nights at the Westin Paris but I am not sure yet. I need help with the following:
1. What is the best way to travel while in Paris other than renting a car?
2. Do grocery stores in Paris have descent prices or is it cheaper just to go out?
and 3. What do I need to know about the time change and airport flights? I dont want to miss my flight back home! lol

Thank you for all your answers! :)

"Best way to travel is underground train called Metro or buses, if you buy a pass you will be able to hop on and off at will within the zone. Zone 1-2 is quite enough to cover the whole of Paris. You have a metro station every 5 to 10 mn walk of any point in Paris (it was built that way on purpose), you have bus stops everywhere. You can get a free map of the buses and metro in any metro station.
Don't even think of getting a car. We drive like madmen, have little patience for people who don't know where they're going, play at bluff-your-way and blink-you're-dead with outsiders (non parisians), and the city is slowly being transformed into a nightmare for drivers, deliberately, to stop people from taking their cars. Parking space is at a premium and traffic jams are becoming horrendous. Which doesn't sweeten our temper.
Besides, you would not be able to rent a car as you need to have a three years old permit for that.

You have plenty of grocery stores, small supermarkets, and 7/7. They are cheaper than a restaurant. Monoprix, Leclerc, Franprix, Casino are a few names for supermarkets. Then you have discount shops, like Ed or Discount. The big hypermarkets are outside Paris due to the price of space in the city. The small 7/7 are the most expensive because they are family owned and stay open most of the day every day.

Time change is +6 hours if you are in New York, +9 if you are in Los Angeles. The landing time on your ticket is the time in local time. The take off time from Paris is also in local time."
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...Hi Everyone,

I am in Milan, Italy for about a month and half. I have covered few places in the week ends. I would like to visit Paris (I have Schengen visa).
The night train fare from Milan to Paris is around 100 Euros one way ... which is a huge amount. Is there any train which is cheaper than this ? I explored the flight options but even that would be slightly lesser or almost same.

I prefer to travel over Friday night and would like to stay in Paris for a night on Saturday and return back on Sunday night. I am also exploring the cheapest hotels there.

Please guide me ...

Advance Thanks,
SM

"Ryanair: http://www.ryanair.com
I put in some dummy dates and got 13.99 euros each way, + taxes would be about 40 euros return."
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...So, this September I will be in Paris by myself and am looking for some advice on where to go to meet fellow backpackers. Not staying in a hostel (long story) so just wanna see if anyone knows of any cool bars/pubs for backpackers. And also I will be there for some of the AFL finals, anyone know of any aussie pubs or anywhere they will play the game?

"Café OZ - The Australian Bar
18, Rue Saint Denis
Tél : 01.40.39.00.18
http://www.cafe-oz.com/sports-refchatelet-1.html

They'll be showing the AFL finals."
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...Looking for trendy yet affordable teen fashion. Help ?

"Affordable? In Paris? Really? Nope. Don't think so. The closest you're going to get is either so-so quality for less at stores like Celio, H&M, C&A, or decent quality for sort of expensive at stores like Mango, Zara, Benneton Colors, or good quality and expensive, like at the stores in the Citadium (all US brands btw) or some of the funky specialty boutiques in St. Germaine.

The best areas to department store shop are Haussman (near Opera) and Les Halles/Chatelet. The Champs-Elysees is a must see, and there are some interesting specialty shops in the galleries you will find tucked away along the street.

I think if you're into trendy American brands, the Citadium in Haussman would be interesting to you. My 20 year old son gets his Carhart jeans and Etnie sneakers there. There's not a whole lot of pretty girls stuff there tho. My 25 year old daughter LOVES Zara, Mango and Bennenton Colors. She owns a bunch of their dresses and looks very "Paris" in them. There are outlets for all of those at Haussman as well.

Hope this helps and have a blast shopping in the glamor capital of the world! Bon voyage!"
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...I am visiting Paris soon and can not wait to shop there! Could anyone give me the best clothing stores to shop at? Merci

"There are so many! If you have a big budget, then of course head to Rue Saint Honoré and Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, where the famous fashion houses have their boutiques, e.g. Chanel, Lanvin, YSL, Chloé. Even if you can't afford to shop here, it's great to just walk down the streets and see all the amazing window displays.

If you're not looking to spend so much money, there are less expensive but still very French shops. Good ones are APC, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Sandro, Maje, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno.

There are obviously the standard high street stores, like Zara, H&M, C&A and Camaieu, but if you want to get something special that you can't find anywhere else, these aren't the places to go.

If you're a fan of vintage, there are a lot of great vintage shops in Paris. Here are a few of my favourites:

32 Rue des Rosiers 75004 (this one doesn't have a name, it just says 'Coiffeur' over the door)!
Free'p'star - 8 Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie or: 61 Rue de la Verrerie, both 75004
Kiliwatch, 64, Rue Tiquetonne, 75002

It's also always worth a visit to the famous flea market Puces de Vanves at Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue George Lafenestre 75014. It's open from 9 till 1 on Saturday and Sunday.

Also, make sure you visit the famous department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps - they are both amazing just to walk around, even if you don't buy.

Hope you have a great time in Paris!"
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...Would like to know the most appealing arrondessment to live in, in Paris France for the arts. If you can give any web sites that would be helpfull. I love the thought of moving to Paris to be an artist. Out door cafes, bars, and parks would also be helpfull to me. Thanks~

"That's easy. Montmartre (18th) or the Latin Quarter (5th and 6th)."
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...I'm traveling to Paris in July and in order to save room in my luggage (and to make sure my clothes stay clean), I planned on buying toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc., after arriving. Is there an equivalent of a Walgreens or Target in Paris (specifically the 6th district) where I can do this?

"The guy who suggested Monoprix is right. You can also look for pharmacies (look for the green cross)-- they also sell toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo, etc. If you can bring your own toiletries, you can save some money bc the toiletries in France are more expensive than in the US. Also, for some reason, it's easier to find Colgate toothpaste there than Crest. You can use zip lock bags to store your toiletries so there will be less chance of spillage."
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...Going on a trip to Paris and wanted to know on what days shops and stores typically close. Particularly on the Champs-Elysées.

"Typically stores are closed Sunday and Monday especially if they are open on a Saturday. Tourist shops will be open 7/7 but the "general rule" is as above. also, stores open later here. Retail stores open at 9:30 or 10am."
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...My family and I are taking a vacation to Paris for a few days and I need to figure out how to get to the Eiffel Tower on june 30th from the hotel that we're staying at (we're leaving the hotel at around 5 PM). I also need to know which mode of transportation is easiest/quickest/cheapest.
Hotel Address: Paris Republique Crowne Plaza Hotel 10 Place de la Republique Paris 75011 33-1-43144350
Also, are there any tips you have about seeing the Eiffel Tower and traveling in Paris?
Thanks so much for your time!

"I suggest that you take Metro 9 from the Republique metro station in the direction of Pont de Sevres and get off at the Trocadero stop.

When you exit the station you will be at the Palais de Chaillot across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. There is a huge Plaza there with a gorgeous and completely unobstructed view of the Tower, undoubtedly the best in Paris. Its absolutely breathtaking.

From there you can just walk down a long, easy, series of steps complete with beautiful fountains to the river and then walk across the bridge to the tower itself. This is not only the best way to see the tower but the easiest way to get there."
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...I'm going to Paris for five days at the end of the week and I'm wondering what sort of fun things there are to do there.
I've already been to Paris once and I've been to the Eiffel Tower and a few museums so I'm looking for something fun like a night club or something
I heard that if you 18 or 19 you can go to bars and drink.
I'm 15 but I look 18 or 19 so that should work out fine.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

"go to the sacre coeur at night teen usually hang out there or around there
there are some night clubs and night cafes"
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...Would like some info from those who would know how one can travel from Paris-either Charles De Gaulle or Orly to London ( UK) by road/coach travel- Will be landing at Charles De Gaulle airport-Can make way to the bus station from the airport but need some details
Any websites? Need this real ASAP Thanks

"Hello,

Coach isn't the most popular way to move from Paris to London but the company "euroline" has a direct and regular line between Charles de Gaulle airport and London... It takes about 7 hours and the price range is around 30-45 euros per adult (rebate possible for people under 26).
You will find schedules and prices on their website
http://www.eurolines.fr/?lang=ENG

But I would also consider train wich is pretty faster (Eurostar is an high speed train) from Paris Gare du Nord (direct access from Charles de gaulle by RER (train)) to downtown London.
Take a look at the eurostar site. Sometimes the prices are equal to coaches but train is much faster and offer some services (Bar, food, sometimes DVD player or books...)
http://www.eurostar.com"
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...I'll be staying at the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center in July. Are there any sidewalk cafes within walking distance? I also would like to ride on the double decker bus that takes you to all the tourist attractions. Is there a stop for that bus close? Thanks for the help.

"I haven't visited yet, but have been doing some research. It appears that there are good bakeries and cafes nearby. I looked at the reviews on tripadvisor.com, and many of them indicated that there are good eating establishments within walking distance.

There is a good website for the double decker buses - http://www.carsrouges.com/content/index.php

It looks to me like you may have to take the Metro to get to the starting point, but again, from the reviews I've read the Metro is easy to use, and there are two stops within a couple of blocks either direction out the front of the hotel.

The guidebook "Fodor's See It Paris" 3rd Edition is where I got the double decker bus info.

Our visit will be in November. Let me know how it goes. I hope this was helpful.

D."
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...Im going to paris in july and staying there for one month,Im a single male,so I need to know:
1- night life,best clubs and bars where I can meet ppl and make friends and hook up!!

2-Day life and where to spend the day

3-main events with young crowd!!

"Try to buy Pariscope in newstands every Wednesday.

You will get television and theatres programs, club venues and many interesting pieces of information on activities in Paris."
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...I've asked some questions about hotels in Paris and I have gotten several answers that say to stay in the center of Paris. Where is that? Is this hotel close to the center of Paris? Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center - 17 , Boulevard Saint Jacques. Or is this one better - Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel - 39 Avenue de Wagram. We want to visit the tourist attractions and need to stay at a Marriott or a Renaissance hotel. Where should we stay? I know we can take the Metro from any location, but it would be nice to be close so we can go back to the hotel and rest during the day.

"The centre of Paris is deemed by the authorities to be the square facing the main entrance of Notre Dame cathedral. Anywhere with a radius of 2 kilometres can be considered Central Paris.

The Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center - 17, Boulevard Saint Jacques. is a lot further out than your original suggestion being situated to the south of the river near the Perphérique and a major rail terminal - can be noisy as that road never sleeps, neither does the rail terminal. Only a cemetary separates the hotel from the rail terminal."
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...I need help picking a hotel in Paris. I have to stay at a Marriott or a Renaissance. I want to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and ride a double decker bus. I'd also like to eat at a sidewalk cafe. It would be nice to be able to see the Eiffel Tower from the hotel. Also, it would be nice if the hotel is close to the tourist attractions so I can go back and rest during the day. I don't plan on doing any shopping.

Here are my options. If anyone has stayed at any of these, I'd appreciate your feedback on the hotel and the area.

Thanks in advance to all for your help!



Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel
4, Rue du Mont Thabor
Paris, 75001 France

Paris Marriott Hotel Champs-Elysees
70 Avenue des Champs-Elysees
Paris, 75008 France

Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel
39 Avenue de Wagram
Paris, 75 017 France

Renaissance Paris Hotel Le Parc Trocadero
55-57 Avenue Raymond Poincare
Paris, 75116 France

"i'm planning my vacation trip too!! what really helps is

http://www.expedia.com/

they have comparisons of every kind for you to make your choice."
(chosen answer)

...

"Well, I promise you that you will see a lot of beautiful women in Paris but the news about actually meeting them isn't as good.

I notice you're from Australia, certainly one of the friendliest and most informal places on Earth. You'll find the French considerably more reserved and formal than Aussies (or Americans) which does make getting to know people considerably more difficult.

So if you're thinking of Paris for a whirlwind romance you're probably going to be disappointed."
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What are the best travel deals in town? Looking for things to do around Paris? We've compiled some of the best and most frequently asked questions on all things Paris. Hope you find the information useful.