August in Paris

A lot of people often think that Paris is not worth visiting in August because everything is closed.
This is a misconception which might once have been the case but is no longer accurate. The museums never close, the parks are still open, many many restaurants remain open and get this . . . the most interesting part to you as a tourist the crowds are less. This makes visiting the Eiffel Tower delightful rather than stressful, going to the Louvre time well spent instead of time lost in long lines.

Oh, mind you there are still a lot of people in Paris but at the same time things just seem to run a lot faster.

I rarely leave Paris in August as I enjoy the calm the reigns throughout. The city takes a deep breathe and renews itself.

So consider Paris in August before everyone else finds out.

A little metro know-how. Buyer beware.

Do not be fooled by random people who come up to you to help you get metro tickets. These people do not, most likely, work for the RATP (the Paris metro service company). If you are in doubt go to an info desk or the the guichet (counter).

I have had guests tell me that they spent 50 euros for a ticket that was supposed to be unlimited and reusable and all they had to show me was a one ride ticket worth less then 2 euros.

Visit the RATP site to plan your trip or to find out about the prices. You can view the page in English.

Our site's links' page is full of helpful links to help you plan you Paris holiday: www.feelslikehomeinparis.com/Links.html

I want to stay in "Central" Paris

I am often asked by people for accommodations in central Paris. Though I know what they mean when they ask that, I almost feel like saying, "what is central Paris?" The thing is that most tourists don't understand the geography of Paris and overestimate the distances. If you go onto some of the Paris travel forums (I won't site them but I am sure you all know which ones I am talking about), you will find "experts" on Paris telling people to stay in the 5th, the 6th or 7th districts. I have nothing against these areas and have lived in the 5th and gone to school in both the 5th and the 6th (Junior year abroad), but Paris is so much more than just these areas and because of the escargot shape (snail shape), the 17th is just next to the 8th, and the 18th. The 18th is next to the 10th and above the 9th (where you have Opera), The 9th is just above the 2nd. So are you far? Not at all. I have taken a casual walk to the Marais from the 18th via the Champs-Elysee (in the 8th), through the Tuileries gardens (the 1st), past the Louvre (also the 1st) and I think it took me an hour or so. Paris also has a great metro system not to mention a great bus system. I think that all the districts of Paris merit being visited. If for nothing else but to experience Paris the way a Parisian does, going to local bakeries, pastry shops, bars and restaurants. Go to places where you might actually run into a Parisian. Ha, now wouldn't that be funny? I welcome your opinions on your Paris experience and would love for people to comment here about the interesting places they've visited.