General notes, recommended Web sites, tips, and observations

Traveling to Paris: From central Europe, we prefer to travel to Paris by train. For schedules, see the German railway site, which despite its name provides schedules for all of Europe. From the United States, we prefer to fly nonstop on Air France. British Airways offers better summer prices, but typically requires a connection in London, adding about four-plus hours to your trip. For travel to Paris by Eurostar — and for all modes of rail travel within and near Paris, see Paris by Train.

When: We like Paris in the spring or fall, but winter can be great as well — the barren trees open views not seen at other times. Summer can be hot, and beware: beginning in early June tourist crowds are thick. In July-August, about one-third of the good Paris restaurants are closed for vacation and general repairs.

Web sites and blogs (Paris, France and the French): There are many Paris Web sites and blogs, but for general information and getting started we have liked Paris Notes. It contains numerous well-written articles, tips, and usefully-categorized links to about 500 other Paris-related sites (including excellent listings of hotel and apartment Web sites). First-time visitors will especially appreciate an excellent overview, “Paris for Beginners.” Unfortunately, Paris Notes is, or soon will be, discontinued, and we do not know what will happen to the Web site. For a good substitute, see the Paris page of France Today — also a fine magizine, and a good Web site covering the rest of France.

Other similar and very useful "all around" Paris Web sites include Paris-Insider, by Beth Marlin — a great source for tips and articles that go far beyond the guide books; the Paris page of "France Today"; Secrets of Paris, by Heather Stimmler Hall, an American writer, publisher, and tour guide who has lived in France since 1995 (you can sign up, as we did years ago, for her free monthly emails), and Colleen's Paris, by a flight attendant who's lived in the city since 1992. Many of the other sites listed below also contain practical and useful Paris information and tips. Also not to be missed is Eye Prefer Paris, a blog by a transplanted New Yorker, Richard Nahem, who now lives in the Marais and provides tours and cooking classes. Also: We have long enjoyed Paris Daily Photo, which is just what it says — along with perceptive and amusing commentary by Eric Tenin ("a friendly Parisian").

Of the many other Paris / France-and-the-French-related Web sites and blogs, there are a few speciality sites that we highly recommend:

Paris dining Web sites: We enjoy John Talbott's Paris. In fact, we wish we'd discovered this highly individualistic site years ago; it reflects the views of an obviously wise and experienced observer who clearly would make a great dinner companion. (Talbott's site also includes social/cultural/art/ and literary musings.) A similarly useful and opinionated site (covering both Paris and London) is John Whiting's Writings. We also find very useful the Paris dining forums, France: Dining page of the EGullet Society, and Chowhound (France forum) — both are fine sources for dining recommendations, offered by serious eaters, covering Paris and beyond in France (and, indeed, on other parts of those sites, the rest of the fine dining world).

Another excellent Paris dining blog is Rosa Jackson's Edible Adventures (Paris, Nice and Beyond). Jackson is Canadian, lives in Nice, and she writes frequently about dining in Paris, where she also has lived and often visits. In fact, she’s the dining reviewer for (now defunct) Paris Notes, among many other publishing responsibilities. Jackson’s writing is lively and we’ve found her recommendations to be very reliable. Finally, we enjoy the Diner's Journal section of Alexander Lobrano's blog (as well as his book, Hungry For Paris — a dining guide, and more).

"Foodie" Web sites with a Parisian flavor: Among our favorites is David Lebovitz's Living the sweet life in Paris — a one-stop shopping site with everything we need to know about chocolate and ice cream, and much more. The writing is lively and authoritative, as one might expect from a former pastry chef of Chez Panisse who has lived in Paris since 2002. (The photographs alone are worth a visit.) Another great foodie site is Chocolate & Zucchini, by Clotilde Dusoulier, a young Parisian who was inspired to cook and love fresh produce while living in the San Francisco Bay area. Her main site is in English, with a version in French. See especially her helpful listing of marchés volants — neighborhood markets for which vendors set up on specific days for a few hours, usually in the morning. (These markets are our favorite sources for lunches when we stay in a Paris apartment.) Finally, we enjoy Julien Tort's Julot: Ze blog — "A site for analysing in depth fine dining, culinary techniques, American and French politics, music, opera, and the rest," written in both English and French.

Web sites addressing French social and cultural issues: We have very much enjoyed Polly-Vous Francais?, a smart and intelligent blog. The writing is clear, amusing, and confident — and yet gentle at the same time. It’s designed for Francophiles, and has become a “must read” at least once a week. Also excellent is Ask a Frenchman. It is was it says — and his responses are opinionated, informed, and witty. Finally, we enjoy Stuff Parisians like — edgy, satiric and insightful observations by Olivier Magny of the Paris wine-tasting enterprise, O Chateau.

Web sites addressing political and cultural issues and news from France: For a sustained response to the silliness of "Freedom Fries" — and some fine links to French news and culture sites — we've enjoyed Superfrenchie (but it seems to be somewhat dormant lately?). For a range of serious to light "French News," we read France Today. When we are feeling more serious we turn to news and analysis presented by Arthur Goldhammer in his site, French Politics.

Web sites addressing the "expat experience": There are a number of blogs and sites that provide an interesting window in the "expat experience," generally from an American-in-France perspective. Among the best, we think, are Halfway to France (la "Framéricaine's" intelligent mix of Americana and Central France) and La Mom (An American Mom in Paris) (lively and well written chronicles of an American who has lived in Paris for a decade).

And then there are a number of sites geared toward those lucky enough to be considering moving to, and perhaps purchasing a home in, France. Among the best of these is Craig McGinty's This French Life, a British-based publication that provides a wealth of practical information, ranging from tips concerning taxes, to keeping gun-toting hunters from crossing your property.

Even more Web sites and blogs: Finally, the most amazingly comprehensive collection of Paris- and France-related Web sites and blogs can be found at Quasi French — another blog by "la Framéricaine."

Paris guidebooks: We prefer the Michelin Green Guide for Paris. Carrying it, you don’t immediately stand out as an American (or Brit, or a German, etc.) because Michelin guides also are published in French, Italian, German, and other languages — and so they are frequently seen in the hands of European tourists. The Eyewitness and Access guides also are very good.

Arrondissements & pocketbook map: Paris is divided into 20 districts — called “arrondissements” — starting with the 1rst, in the center (where the Louvre is located), and circling in the pattern of an escargot shell to the 20th, far from the center. (See a map and brief description of each arrondissement here.) If you stay in the city for more than a few days, you’ll want a map that shows all of the streets, not only the main rues as the free tourist maps do. You can buy a map, in small pocketbook form, at most “Tabacs” or newspaper stands. If you are considering the location of a hotel, apartment or restaurant, you can click on Google maps, enter the address, and zoom in. Use the yellow icon of a person above the zoom feature and drag it onto a location, and you'll be able to take a virtual walk up and down the street and throughout the neighborhood.

Métro tickets, public buses, and public bikes: Paris is a walking city. But when your feet wear out or it’s just too far, the Métro is great and very easy to use. We highly recommend Ben Lam's comprehensive Web site, Paris by Train. This intelligently organized and well written site addresses almost every question one might have about using the Métro, RER, TVG, and Eurostar — including how to get to and from the airports (on the Air France bus or RER), weekly and monthy Métro passes, etc.

Métro trains arrive at two-minute intervals during rush hour and run until about 1:30 a.m. A few main parts of the bus system run all night. Purchase Métro tickets at most (underground) Métro stations in groups of 10 — that’s called a “carnet” (pronounced “car-nay”). The price is 11,40 € for 10, which is discounted over the single ticket price. Even at the full rate it’s quite a deal, and reflects a 60 percent public subsidy. The tickets are good for both the Métro and the “RER” (the regional commuter trains), as well as all public buses. Keep the ticket with you — you may be asked to show it by the Métro police, and if you don’t produce, there can be a big fine. If you stay for a week or longer, you can save further by purchasing a weekly or monthly pass, a carte orange (or Pass Navigo Découverte), for which you’ll need a passport-size photo. See Paris by Train.

You see more of the city by using the public bus system (see map), but although buses often use dedicated lanes they still get bogged down in traffic. And figuring out how to get from point A to B is not quite as easy as with the Métro. But note: Instead of paying at least 25€ for a two-day pass on a private tour bus (with those almost unintelligible recordings in four languages), just hop on a city bus line such as the number 72, which runs from Hotel de Ville in central Paris to the western suburbs. Much of the route is along the Seine and passes many of the major sites.

There are 1,000 “Velib” public bicycle rental stations (the word comes from “velo,” bicycle, and “liberté,” freedom) where you can rent one of 20,000 bikes for very low cost (the site is mostly in French, but it's fairly easy enough to figure out; see also this description from the New York Times). Also note: American Visa or Mastercard credit cards won't work for Velib, but according to this additional article in the NYTimes, American Express cards will work.

Car rental: The last thing we want in Paris is a car. But for exploring the countryside, a car is very useful, and often necessary. You will save considerably by booking before you arrive in France. When arranging from the United States, we usually use the services of a broker, Gemut.com (talk to a real person by calling 800-521-6722) who works with several major agencies to find the best rate. Note: You will be charged substantial extra fees (35 Euro) if you pick up your car from a rental office that's located in an airport or rail station; there’s no extra charge for returning the car to the airport or rail station.

Walking tours: We have often enjoyed “Paris Walking Tours” — two-hour tours in English, 12€ per person. The schedule for the current and following month can be found on line. For most walks you simply meet at a designated Métro stop at a certain time of day (usually 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.) and join a group of others who show up, with no need to reserve. The operation is run by an English couple, Peter and Oriel Caine, and when they do not conduct tours themselves they employ exceptionally qualified Americans and Brits who have studied art or history or both while living in Paris for many years. (They also have a London Walks site, linked at the Paris web site.) We also have heard good things about “New Paris Tours,” which offers a free 3.5 hour tour (but the guide will expect a tip).

Museums and passes: Museum passes, good for two, four, or six days, can be purchased at most underground Métro windows. Pass holders are permitted to avoid the entry lines and jump in front of all those poor folks queued up to purchase tickets. At some locations, including the Louvre, pass holders are provided a special entry. One of our favorite museums, Carnavalet (in the 4th arrondissement, the Marais), is free. It covers the history of Paris, all in a huge 17th century mansion. For a list and description of the approximately 120 Paris museums (with hyperlinks), click here. Finally, for an excellent and thoughtful piece touching on how to, and how not to, experience a museum such as the Louvre, see this, by Michael Kimmelman. (Caveat/admission: To some extent, I've been guilty of some of the things he describes . . . .)

Two of our favorite places in Paris are islands: We enjoy the Ile St. Louis, especially at night — stroll around it, and/or view it from the right or left banks. We also enjoy the Place Dauphine (near the tip of Ile de la Cite). Speaking of the river’s “banks”: the river Seine, of course, bisects the city; the right side of the river’s flow is the “right” bank; the left is the “left.”

ATMs and credit cards: Throughout Europe, one gets the best exchange rate by using ATMs. All U.S.-issued credit cards charge one percent for the foreign currency transaction, and most also add — for no good reason except that they can — another two percent, for a total of three percent on each transaction. So everything you put on the credit card is the opposite of “on sale,” and costs three percent more. Very few credit cards today don’t charge this unnecessary additional two percent. You can ask your credit card company whether they charge the extra two percent, but be sure to speak with a supervisor because most telephone clerks won’t really know the answer. One card that does not charge the extra 2 percent is issued by CapitalOne. Travelers checks are unnecessary and a hindrance. Regarding probems using American-based credit cards in some automated terminals, see this article from the New York Times. (We've successfully used our American credit cards in many automated terminals, but every once in a while we've experienced the problem described in this article.)

Ubiquitous odd sights — rolled carpet and green plastic: You will see quite strange rolled-up pieces of carpet in the gutters, near the drains at street corners. Contrary to the assumptions of some, these are not left so that strollers may wipe sidewalk dog deposits from their shoes; they are instead used by the “green men” (the garbage collectors and street cleaners) to divert flows of storm drain water in order to flush paper and cigarette butts the gutters. And why are the street garbage receptacles (those bags hanging from hoops) clear green plastic? Because the former and more traditional metal mesh garbage receptacles proved too dangerous when terrorist bombs exploded inside them.

Money saving tips: (1) Be British (or at least avoid some American web sites): If you can book by using a non-American web site you might save substantially. For example, we saved more than $500 on a one-week chateau rental in the Dordogne by booking through a British Web site instead of an American one for the exact same property, terms and dates. Another very useful French/European site for finding relatively inexpensive vacation homes in France is Gites de France (part of the site is in English). (2) Follow suggestions by Matt Gross, "The Frugal Traveler."

Day trips: Many first time visitors — especially Americans, who have to fly over a lot of earth to get to Paris — want to “make the most of it,” and so they plan to combine a week in Paris with "day trips" to one or more of the cathedral at Chartres, Louis XIV’s chateau at Versailles, Monet’s garden in Giverny, Fountainebleu, Chantilly, Vaux-le-Vicomte, the Loire Valley, or Normandy (the WWII landing beaches), etc.

We'll say the same thing that we candidly tell friends: This is rather like going to a museum and rushing through every room in order to check off all the high points from a checklist. You can do it — and pure adrenalin probably will propel you through. But unless you can slow down a bit and really try to absorb, will it be a worthwhile experience to you? Maybe so, but we can’t recommend it.

We recall a sage teacher who advised us not to “overload” our days. And so we suggest staying in, and trying to get to know, Paris. Venture out to Versailles or Chartres or Giverny if you must, but try to leave other areas off your list. (On the other hand, if you ignore this advice — and in our experience many do! — we still bet that you’ll be pleased with your own choice; traveling in France, even in an overly ambitious way, is usually quite fun.)

If you are staying in a Paris for more than a week, and/or if you've been there at least once before, it can be worthwhile to take a day trip outside the city. To plan your trip by train, consult Paris by Train. (For train transportation to Giverny, see this useful post on Tripadvisor.) In addition to the standard options listed above, one of our our favorites is the unassuming town of Auvers-sur-Oise (reachable by train), where Vincent Van Gogh spent the last, and very productive, months of his life — and where he now lies next to his brother, Theo, about 100 feet from where Vincent painted crows over the wheat fields. (Throughout the town and surrounding fields are reproductions of Vincent’s paintings at, or relating to, the spot depicted; see them at Musee d’Orsay before you travel to Auvers.)

Driving in the countryside/ Maps and GPS: We use both a GPS device (a Garmin 270) and Michelin maps. But note: One cannot rely on the GPS alone. If you don’t study the map first, and orient yourself to the area and surrounding main towns, your GPS (we call ours Madame) may take you, from, let’s say, Roanne to Julienas in the Beaujolais, on extremely narrow one-lane back-country mountain logging roads, at night, in the fog, with no other light or sign of civilization in evidence for 45 minutes of tense white-knuckle and stomach-churning driving, with my wife grimly offering muted sighs and suggestions, while we fully expected the tin man (and flying monkeys) to jump out from behind the black trees and wave us down. And yes, we were quite late to dinner. So, GPS, good. But know your hard copy map as well.

Speaking English in France; Magic French words; and learning French on line: Despite years of study and many visits to France, our French still is quite poor — and yet we try, and it is almost always appreciated. Here are two quick tips that will smooth your way:

First, at a minimum, learn and use constantly the “magic words,” which are very easy to say: “Bonjour Monsieur” and “Bonjour Madame.” Utter either of these two simple phrases as soon as you make eye contact with your hotel receptionist, store clerk, waiter, taxi or bus driver, newspaper vendor, etc. This will start you off on the right foot, and you are likely to be just fine, even if you can speak no (or few) additional words of French.

Second, never speak English without asking first, “Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais?” (“Excuse me, you do speak English?”) Doing otherwise, and blaring ahead with questions in English (or German or Japanese, etc.) is just plain rude, and may quite understandably trigger a less-than-warm response.

On a related point: Notice that French people in public places (especially in restaurants) speak considerably more quietly than, for example, most people in the United States. Once you become aware of this, and “turn down the volume,” you will be treated better by staff and fellow patrons. (These and more specific etiquette tips can be found in our section, How to blend in: 12 ("Une douzaine") tips on how not to appear too much like a tourist in a Paris restaurant . . . (or at least how to be a good one).)

Finally, there are a number of free Web sites that will allow you learn French, or at least allow you to master basic pronunciation of key words and phrases. Many of these web sites are designed to try to convince you to “upgrade” to a paid subscription, and the free parts of the sites can be a bit clunky — but still useful. Among many available, you might try: French Tutorial.Com, Speak French.Com, Learn French On Line, Bonjour.com, or even this: Tex’s Tech Grammar — a French language site associated Texas Tech University.