Paris has always been a wonderful destination for visitors from all over the world, and these days the city’s economy relies heavily on tourism, a fact that has ensured the local authorities work hard to make this majestic metropolis as tourist-friendly as possible. The last thing restaurant owners, hoteliers and managers of notable landmarks want is for anyone to go home again with a negative image of the City of Love.
- Paris- City of LovePanoramas / Love Photos / CC BY-ND
One of the most important factors for deciding the happiness levels of visitors is the ease of getting around, and this is a vital issue in Paris. The best advice for tourists who visit the French capital, especially for the first time, is that hiring a car and trying to negotiate the seemingly permanently busy streets is a bad idea. One look at the chaos that engulfs the Arc de Triomphe should be enough to put anyone off the concept altogether.
Like many other major cities, Paris can offer residents and tourists an underground rail network that is both affordable and convenient. Even on days when the road traffic is relatively light, the Metro is still the fastest way to get from A to B, and for many visitors the chance to travel from one art deco-influenced subterranean edifice to another is part of the tourist experience.
Going underground
With sixteen lines and more than 300 stations, there is every possibility that the underground will be the ideal transport method of choice for you, irrespective of where in this wonderful city you happen to be staying. Even in the outer suburbs, the trains can whisk you to the major central tourist attractions in minutes, and if you are staying in the outskirts you could save money on your accommodation options as well.
If you are planning a rather intensive day of sightseeing in Paris, you should consider purchasing a ticket for a hop-on, hop-off bus. These distinctive vehicles perform a regular circuit of all the major landmarks, and they feature a running commentary to keep you informed. Some of the main attractions are some distance apart, so the bus represents a sensible option for at least part of your stay.
Needless to say, the best way to get a true taste of any city is on foot, and Paris always looks particularly beautiful from the boulevard sidewalks. And once your feet have had enough of the exercise, why not head to the picturesque tranquillity of the Jardin des Tuileries? This wonderful park offers a peaceful escape from all the activity, and it’s conveniently located in the centre of the city.
Jamie Anderson lives in England and has always loved the French capital. He works for http://www.anycarhire.co.uk.
I went to Paris for my honeymoon and we had the most amazing time ever, its a wonderful city and has everything to get romantic. Using the subway was of great help, its easy to use even if you don´t speak French and its really fast as well. To me the most romantic place in Paris was the Theatre Opera de Garnier and the coffee place right there in the corner, Cafe de la Plaix, the most romantic thing ever.
Has anyone here ever been? I have heard that the French are unfriendly towards Americans specifically and was wondering if anyone has ever experienced this.
Hi Ed, that´s not true, I mean, there is rude people everywhere in the planet and France is no exception. But it is not like something racist, if you are from the USA it does not mean they will treat you bad. I was there for 2 months and I met some amazing people and most people were really nice. They do prefer if you try to speak French and not English and when I asked if they would be offended if I pronounced wrong they say its better than speaking in English, what they don´t like is our language and the fact that most americans that are travelling expect other people to speak english and we don´t try to speak their language lol.