Navigating Through Paris
Navigating through the City of Lights
Such things like the French are known to speak only their language, the waiters are rude or that the sales people are impolite and are reluctant to help are nowhere near the truth. A big city often comes with a big attitude and city-dwellers may not always be open to an influx of outsiders trying to find their way around. But what you need to change is your way of looking at this so-called brusqueness.
Keep in mind a few simple rules of traveling and you will find yourself better geared in an unknown place. The French are not as open and welcoming as the Americans and may not always sport a ready smile or come up with a witty comment as the Americans. This should not dampen your spirits and you should remind yourself that the French are a reserved lot. This is where you need to bring out your camaraderie and this will help you find helpful, friendly Parisians.
While pouring over your guidebook, make sure you learn the French equivalent for everyday words like ‘Hello’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’. If these words are used with even a faux French accent, you will go a long way. Appreciating your effort, they might ask you to continue in English and that is almost like reading your thoughts.
Now let’s move to actually getting around the beautiful city of Paris. Paris is spilling over with attractions which you would never like to miss.
Get into the walking mode and put on those comfortable walking shoes. Walking is highly recommended in Paris because of the short distances, density of sights, beauty of the scenery and the liveliness of the streets.
You can opt for guided walking tours or do-it-yourself tours. The attractions will either be on the Left Bank or Right Bank. The River Seine almost cuts across the city and divides it into two halves, with the Right bank being up north and the Left bank more southerly.
Going through the addresses you will come across a new word “Arrondissement” which is actually another word for ‘district’ that the city is divided into. Paris is divided into 20 such districts but you need not know all of them to get around the city. If you stay in the 7th, you would have stayed very close to the Eiffel Tower. The 1st is the center of Paris, the Louvre and the 16th is a fancy up-market neighborhood.
The Paris Metro is one of the oldest and the best systems in the world. The Carte Orange is a Travel Pass good for unlimited travel in bus and train network. RER is the suburban train that takes you further outside the city limits. The Bus system is exceptionally well organized and fast. Finding a taxi from the thousands plying the streets is not difficult. You can use the boats or Batobus which sail up and down the Seine. There is yet another option: that of the modern unisex Velib bikes, which can be rented and be taken around the city at your own pace.
The public transport system is seen as a benchmark for a city’s ability to host visitors and Paris scores highly in this respect. Stumbling blocks reduced to a minimum, you just need to get there and enjoy your stay in this wonderful city.
If you enjoyed this travel article then you may love these too: