Loricat's Travel Guides » Paris, France

Of all the cities in the world, this is the one that I dream of living in, at least for a year! I would love to be able to study at the Sorbonne, shop for groceries like a Parisienne, and take the beauty of the architecture for granted. But even in a short visit, you can get a feel for the real life of the city by renting an apartment for your stay (check out the two options in my bookmarks).

But, speaking of assumptions, leave any North American ones at home:
* The Parisiennes do not clean up after their dogs in the streets as we do (although they are trying to now). And the dogs join them in the cafés.
* They smoke...a non-smoking room in a hotel is a relatively new thing. Remember that smell most people's homes had before the smoking nazis came down on us? The one that we only notice now that we've lived in smoke-free homes and public spaces? Let it go, it's not going to kill you. Neither will the couple lighting up cigarettes at the next table after dinner.
* The buildings are old, and the rooms are small. The hotel standards are very rigid, and a 2-star hotel is usually quite lovely...but the rooms will be small. When it was built 300 years ago, it was the height of luxury.
* Many of the public toilets are squats. Of course its awkward, you spent so long developing one set of habits for something you don't want to think about much. Just relax. :-)

I apologize for sounding a bit preachy, but in my visits I've caught myself in righteous indignation a couple of times...and I've heard it many times from other travellers. It's ugly, and Paris is so beautiful -- it's not a nice match.

Bon Voyage!