Is Paris France a nice place to go on Vacation??

Question

My Husband and I are planning a trip to Paris France, But I have heard mix feelings on this.
Can anyone tell me if it's worth the money to travel there?

Answer 1

My first trip to Paris was some 35 years ago. To be honest, I had to be talked into going there. My paternal Grandfather, born and raised in England, hated France. (I think because his older brother was killed there during World War I) and always bad mouthed the country.

But once I was there I feel in love with Paris. I have returned just about every year for each of the last 35. My last trip was in March 2006 and I am returning again in September of this year.

I can't guarantee your experience or reaction will be the same but I hope you give it a try.

Paris is a wonderfully comfortable city and some of the best value for money in Western Europe. Despite what many say the French are perfectly pleasant people and I make new friends every time I visit.

There is a magnificient variety of history, culture, art and entertainment in the city. And the food is to die for. I was quite a young fellow when I first went to Paris but I remember very distinctly being stunned at how good just ordinary everyday meals in very simple neighborhood cafes could be.

And it is a marvelous place for romance. You see couples embracing, holding hands, and being in love in such a simple, unaffected way everywhere you go. To be with your significant other on the Pont Alexander II (said by many to be the most beautiful bridge in the world) with the sun setting over the Seine, the Eiffel tower on one hand and the towers of Notre Dame on the other is know love in the most storybook kind of way that can be imagined.

I am now 60 and not the young cavalier I once was but when I return to Paris then I am young again, in love again, and I know that there, life can always be "La Vie en Rose."

Go there. See for yourself.

Answer 2

Definitely. If you like museums, food, parks, and a city with history. Try to go in the fall or spring though. Winter is cold and summer is muggy.

You've probably heard that people are rude there -- but like any place you travel to, if you have an open mind and don't expect it to be just like home, you will probably have a nice time. It's a beautiful city and the people there are proud of it.

Also, there are plenty of places to go outside of Paris that aren't very far. My recommendation: go to Champagne and tour some of the champagne houses. It's about 2 hours outside of Paris.

Enjoy your vacation.

**EDIT: the first answer is exhibit A. "Surly," is as surly does. I lived in Paris for a year and the old saying is true -- you get what you give. Also, if you stay away from obvious tourist locations (near the Eiffel Tower or along the Champs Elysees, for example) you can find not-so expensive places to eat and to stay. Walk a few blocks off the beaten path and there usually great, small neighborhood restaurants and cafes that will treat you like a human being and not like one of the droves of American, European, and Asian tourists that flow through the city.

Answer 3

The low season for travel to Paris runs from the end of October to the beginning of March. It makes good sense to go in the low season not only because you will save on airfare but because its altogether a more pleasant experience in the absence of the tourist hordes. A trip to Paris is not cheap but you will find that it can be surprisingly affordable. Paris is a very compact city for a major world capital and financial center. As you suggest, most of the sights are in a fairly narrow band on either side of the river Seine which divides the city in two and easily accessible. The public transport system is the best in the world and easy to navigate even for someone who does not speak French. Food costs have a very wide range and, while not dirt cheap even at the low end, do represent very good value for money. There are many places where an excellent three course meal can be had for as little as 10-12 euros per person including a glass of wine. Days trips from Paris are certainly possible but the city is so filled with attractions that it makes little sense to wander very far afield. A trip to Germany is, of course, to another country entirely and a day trip would make simply no sense at all.

Answer 4

The city is absolutely beautiful and full of historical value. What do you like?

The city is about 12 million people, I think.

How long would you vacation be for?

Do you want a retreat or an exciting place?

There are billions of works of art to see in the Louvre.

Notre Dame Cathedral is amazing.

There are many fine hotels, but the city is full of tourists.

If you don't have much time to visit sites, this may not be the best choice for you.

I absolutely loved going there.

Paris is close to many other small towns you can drive to and is surrounded by open country.

You can get around in the city using the metro.

If you go: don't miss the Latin Quarter, Mont-St.Michel, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, shopping, Moulin Rouge, Rouen, etc.

Answer 5

This is a big subjective question, but in a word "YES".....

Paris has a unique and greatly varied culture. Depending on what interests you, a lifetime would not be enough to absorb all the different facets.

It sounds like you also want to save money, so i suggest that you use one of the discount travel agents ( depending on where in the World you are located ) , plus a discount hotel specialist with customer support in different countries, such as cheaperthanhotels. Here's some links, including the official Paris Tourism Office to start off your research:

Answer 6

Paris is one of my favorite cities. I've been there 3 times and I never get tired of it. If you like walking, it's a lovely place to just stroll. Paris still has a kind of old world feel to it. While many people will tell you the people are rude, I don't think that's entirely true. I've had lots of wonderful experiences in Paris and many locals that have tried to really help me. Also the food is fabulous, but I've always been partial to French food anyway. I think you should give Paris a try.

Answer 7

Paris is a unique city with lots of attractions to keep you busy. But, just being there.. walking the streets, sitting at a streetside cafe... watching the French culture... the food and wine... that is enough to make the trip worth while. The only downside at the moment is that the US dollar is week against the Euro.

Answer 8

I enjoyed a lot of things in Paris, but I too experienced resentment toward Americans. I think it's only getting worse because of the war. It's definitely worth the trip though. Watch for pick pockets on the metro during rush hour!

Answer 9

Yes its a great place to visit it is a must in Europe.
I have been there several times and its a great place obviously some people might have had a bad experience and say that its not worth it but i definately recommend it for a vacation
even though i prefer the south of france like Birarritz but you should go...

Answer 10

Having lived in Europe for just over a year and a half, I've been to 14 total countries now. I can tell you that, by and large, one of the most charming cities I've ever visited was Rome, Italy and I would much prefer, if limited to one city/region, to go to Rome over Paris any day.

As to your visit, plan at least two days to become fully adjusted to the time difference, so you should really consider going for at LEAST a week and a half or two if at all possible.