| From the "City of Lights" to the "Most Romantic City | | | | plate, or even a selection of buttery-sauteed snails or |
| in the World," Paris has picked up quite a few | | | | frogs legs is a must when in the city. But you don't |
| impressive descriptions over its long and rich history, | | | | have to break your budget to eat well in Paris. |
| and lures in scores of travelers each year. There is a | | | | One of the best ways to save exorbitant expense |
| wealth of things to see and do in Paris, but even a | | | | when dining out in Paris is to focus on lunch; evening |
| tight budget can still give travelers an in-depth view | | | | meals are often subject to significant surcharges, and |
| of this fascinating and picturesque city. | | | | snagging a reservation or a walk-in spot can be quite |
| Getting to and from the airport | | | | the feat. Consider instead a prix-fixe menu at a |
| Charles de Gaulle Airport is the first glimpse of Paris | | | | downtown bistro or a quiet brunch at a cafe. |
| that most travelers get – and frankly, the best | | | | Consider instead a prix-fixe menu at a downtown |
| way to enjoy this crowded and uncomfortable | | | | bistro or a quiet brunch at a cafe.escargot |
| airport is to simply get out. You'll find currency | | | | Chez Marianne, near the Notre Dame Cathedral, is a |
| exchange stations conveniently located near shopping | | | | popular choice among travelers and locals alike, with a |
| districts and hotels throughout the city, but changing | | | | classic ambiance and perfect people-watching terrace. |
| a bit of cash for some euros before you leave the | | | | You can enjoy a sit-down meal of traditional and |
| airport is usually a good idea. | | | | Middle-Eastern fare for around €20, with walk-up |
| Taxis abound at the airport, but high prices combined | | | | sandwiches available for just €4. |
| with frequently dismal traffic during the day, means | | | | Close by, on the Ile-Saint-Louis, Mon Vieil Ami offers |
| taking advantage of the city's commuter trains and | | | | splendidly hearty daily lunches featuring impeccably |
| excellent metro system is a faster and more | | | | fresh produce in a sleek, intimate space. At less than |
| affordable option. | | | | 15 euros for the plat du jour, this is one of Paris' best |
| RER trains from the airport to multiple stops within | | | | deals. |
| Paris leave every eight minutes and cost 8 euros 50 | | | | For true cheese-oholics, Pain Vin Fromages, near the |
| cents (approximately US$11.50 at the March 2010 | | | | Rambuteau metro station, offers a cornucopia of |
| exchange rate of US$1.35 per euro). Keep in mind | | | | fondues, cheese plates and raclettes at reasonable |
| that self-service kiosks only accept "smart chip" | | | | prices. |
| credit cards – if yours doesn't work, you'll have | | | | What to do? |
| to pay with euro coins rather than notes, or resign | | | | Paris inspires grandeur. From Napoleon's imposing Arc |
| yourself to standing in what is likely to be a long line | | | | de Triomphe to Eiffel's pioneering tower, every |
| at the ticket counter. | | | | notable landmark seems to have monumental |
| Story highlights: | | | | proportions. But Paris also has delights of a smaller, |
| * Beat the local traffic and rent a Vélib bike | | | | quieter nature; manicured parks and flower gardens |
| * Try local delicacies of escargot (snails) and cuisse | | | | give a green backdrop to the broad avenues, soaring |
| de grenouilles (frogs legs) | | | | cathedrals and marble monuments. |
| * Wander through the towering cathedrals and | | | | For a low-cost capture of the city's charm, take a |
| impressive museums | | | | tour of one or a few towering cathedrals, or check |
| * Visit Le Marais - one of the most fashionable and | | | | out the Picasso or Rodin museums – the latter's |
| oldest districts in Paris | | | | garden is particularly beautiful. Some museums, |
| * Pick up fresh bread, cheese and meat at an | | | | including the Musee d'Orsay and the Louvre, are free |
| authentic food market | | | | the first Sunday of the month. |
| Getting around Paris: | | | | Walk through the "Le Marais" district; one of the only |
| The trains take about 30 minutes to reach Paris and | | | | areas that preserves the narrow streets and |
| offer easy connections with the metro system to | | | | architectural styles of Medieval and Renaissance-era |
| allow for navigating towards a meeting place or hotel | | | | Paris. Le Marais is one of the most fashionable |
| within the city. The metro system itself is famously | | | | districts of Paris, and here you will find the famous |
| fast and efficient, with trains running on most lines | | | | rue des Francs-Bourgeois - one of the rare streets of |
| every five to 10 minutes throughout the day. The | | | | Paris completely open on Sunday. |
| lines are color-coded and are usually identified by their | | | | Cheap movie tickets lead the way to Paris' many |
| numbers or end-station names. Metro tickets can be | | | | theatres, which are held by many to be the best in |
| purchased at any station and run a modest 1 euro 60 | | | | the world. When visiting in the summer, look for local |
| each, though buying a pack of ten tickets at a | | | | celebrations such as Bastille Day on July 14th or the |
| discount (11 euros 40) is a good option for most | | | | Fête de la Musique on June 21st, both of which |
| travelers. The tickets are good for unlimited travel on | | | | offer free music and plenty of parades and other |
| the metro system within a two-hour period. | | | | festivities. |
| If you'd like to get a bit of exercise into your travel | | | | Shopping |
| itinerary, consider seeing Paris by bike. The city | | | | In an era of shopping malls, Paris still offers |
| sports many well-kept bike paths with scenic views, | | | | thousands of intimate specialty shops, as well as |
| and getting around on two wheels can also help | | | | large department stores offering world-renowned |
| avoid the frustrations and confusions of local traffic. | | | | perfume, wine, cheese, chocolate, haute couture and |
| You'll find bike rental stations with the name Vélib | | | | antiques. |
| dotted throughout the city; after paying a security | | | | Rue Mouffetard |
| deposit, you can rent a bike at a fairly low rate. | | | | For a little more atmosphere check out the city's |
| But be warned – for every 30 minutes you | | | | food or flea markets. The famed Marche aux Puces |
| spend with a Vélib bike, your rate will go up, so | | | | at St. Ouen/Porte de Clignancourt (not the |
| you'll want to get to your destination and return the | | | | bargain-hunter's paradise it once was) has interesting |
| equipment quickly. Alternatively, you can rent a bike | | | | stalls selling clothes and name-brand athletic shoes. |
| from the transport authority. Roue Libre, Les Halles | | | | Other fascinating markets include the outdoor food |
| on Mondétour offers by-the-day bike rentals for | | | | markets held each week in every arrondissement, |
| around 10 to 20 euros. | | | | the flower markets on Ile de la Cite and the stalls of |
| Where to eat? | | | | old books, prints and maps along both banks of the |
| Paris is an excellent place to spend copious amounts | | | | Seine. One of the last authentic food markets of |
| of money on food, and for the true connoisseur, | | | | Paris is situated on the Rue Mouffetard. |
| taking a break for a glass of wine, a special cheese | | | | |