Paris

Pros: The foreigners, the shopping, Maison Kayser, the BVJ, the sights
Cons: the "ugly American" stigma, being robbed, city becoming too Americanized

I went to Paris with a student travel company called CEA this past June and had the absolute BEST time of my life. I can honestly say it was the greatest decision that I have ever made. The way I stumbled upon this company was by surfing the web, like...

Pros: Art, History, Beauty: unsurpassed It's Paris!!
Cons: Driving (see review), Metro feels unsafe

Who doesn't dream of someday venturing off to Paris? This city as practically the epicenter for romance, style, food, wine, art, etc. I was of course one of those people who once dreamed of seeing Paris first hand. Here is my account of my first trip...

Pros: this is a really nice break
Cons: weather could be an issue

You have just arrived in Paris and you need to find a place to be outdoors – fresh air and sunshine – to help with your jet lag. Or maybe you are in Paris with your children and need to give them a break from the museums and churches. On the other hand...

Pros: Unlimited Access to Many Sights, Bargain Price, Avoiding Lines
Cons: Absolutely None

I went to Paris as an absolute unadulterated tourist. It was my first trip there and I wanted to see the sights - not the out of the way off-the-beaten-path attractions - I wanted to see the biggies: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the...

Pros: Tons to see, short lines in March, interesting food, easy to use Metro
Cons: Eating can be expensive, rainy in March, should know at least restaurant French

My trip to Paris was planned in January of this year, and the decision to go was mostly based on the cheap March airfares and my desire to try something new for vacation. I travelled to Europe last year on a cruise (see my opinion of the Celebrity...

Pros: lots of emphasis on service and product packaging
Cons: shopping styles very different from U.S.; can get very, very costly-- beware!

Paris is a shopper's paradise. From flea markets to upscale designer boutiques, you can find them all in Paris. There are some ways to avoid being an Ugly American shopper, too.

Most importantly, a shop owner takes pride in his/her wares....

Pros: culturally and historically rich city
Cons: none

[Updated 12-8-99] Paris is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world. A lifetime would not enable you to see it all. Most people who visit Paris go for only a few days, and may be overwhelmed with things to see.

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Pros: very interesting, and a very impressive Army Museum
Cons: a bit pricey compared to more mainstream attractions

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

Despite the numerous streets and locations named after Napoleon I (or after people related to him), his tomb is usually not regarded as a prime attraction of Paris. This is a pity, because...

Pros: less expense for more space, having kitchen cuts food costs, intimate neighborhood feel
Cons: no room service or concierge, travelers must be fairly independent

Are you tired of staying in well-appointed-- but BORING-- hotel rooms? Can't tell which city you're in because your hotel room always looks the same?

If you're visiting Paris, consider renting a furnished apartment. An apartment rental...

Pros: An inexpensive, indulgent, gourmet, breathtaking trip!
Cons: You can't walk through the fabulous Paris outdoor spaces for hours on end.

Consider spending a romantic Valentine's Day in Paris! Why Paris in winter? While you won't want to walk through the parks and see lots of site on foot, it's cheap (relatively), the tourist population is at a minimum and there is more great art and great...

Pros: Beautiful city, a great variety of activites, great walks, restaurants, shopping, shows, museums, galleries...
Cons: expensive, fast, a little stressful

Just as New York is New York and Vienna is Vienna, nothing can compare to Paris but Paris itself. I am also French, and I adore Paris. One thing is for sure, as for New York: If you don't have money, you won't enjoy Paris in the long run, because it is...

Pros: It's alive, walkable, responsive, beautiful, nothing comes close
Cons: Will gobble up the unwary

I just want to say something about Franco-US relations. If you think Parisians hate Americans then try being an Englishman!

In fact it's not as bad as it seems. Parisians are famously sniffy, haut-bourgeois. They equate this with courtesy,...

Pros: The sights, the people, the food, the people, the wine, the music, the people, and Orangina
Cons: Summer heat.

There are lots of things to see in Paris. But your contact with the French people you meet can make the trip memorable or a bad memory. So, this is where I preach to the audience.

You don't need to speak French. Pull out your phrase book,...

Pros: Everyday local living with dogs and fresh food
Cons: Times too short to enjoy it all

I'm with "Orik" on Rue Cler, a great place to stay and to pick up the local Parisian habits. Unlike "ba24" I've never found enough time to do all the things I want to do in Paris. I've been there maybe 12-15 times, about 4 on...

Pros: A great view of many of the major sites. Cheap!
Cons: don't go in rough weather

Who would have thought that something that looks like a total tourist trap could be such a great investment?! Bateau Mouches (fly boats) is one of the several operators that runs the long flat boats that zip up and down the Seine. For roughly $8.00 the...