Paris was named for the Parisii or Quarisii tribe, a celtic tribe coming from Germany, that settled here during the middle of the third century B.C. Before their arrival, the city was known as Lucotecia or Lutetia.
The city has always been a major crossroads throughout its history. The islets that form the city's core, Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite, created a natural ford across the Seine and its tributaries. On Cite Ile de la Cite, you will find Notre Dame de Paris.
Getting Around
Once you've used The Plan de Paris by Arrondissement (now called Paris Classique), purchased for 8,69 Euros (May '02), you will wonder how you ever managed without it. It has been my Paris bible for many years. It's a small book, not a fold-out map (so you don't look as much like a tourist when you're studying it.) The Plan includes maps of each arrondissement or neighborhood, bus routes, metro routes and a listing of Paris street names. You can buy it at most newstands or bookstores.
Metro
This is the best way to get around town (buses are fine too - once you have your Plan de Paris, you can find the buses more easily). Metro ticket rates recently increased (July 1st, 2001 to 1,30 Euros). You can buy a pack of ten tickets, a 'carnet' for 9,30 Euros. The tickets can be used only once, but you can use them at any time (I have kept tickets for months and they are still valid). The tickets may be used either for the metro or for the bus. A Paris Visite card can be purchased for unlimited use during one to five days. For more info: www.ratp.fr
Airports
The two major airports are Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) and Orly. Most of the international flights come into Charles de Gaulle. You can catch a shuttle bus to Paris or the RER (the suburban metro line).
No matter what airline you fly with, you can take the Air France (Les Cars Air France) shuttle bus from either Charles de Gaulle or Orly. It costs 75 Francs from CDG to Gare Montparnasse on the Left Bank or 65 Francs to Port Maillot on the Right Bank.
Accommodation
Left bank hotels, particularly around Montparnasse tend to be more reasonable than right bank hotels (I am somewhat prejudiced about this neighborhood, because I live here). You will also find better deals as you move farther away from the city center toward the peripherique, the belt that circles and divides Paris from the 'burbs. (Some of the 'burbs are not places you'd like to walk around at night!) It's also possible to camp in Paris (Porte Maillot).
What's going on
Pick up a copy of either Pariscope or Paris Spectacle at any newstand. These magazines list movies, plays, nightspots, museums, etc. Pick up a free copy of Paris Voice in English or check out their website: www.parisvoice.com
Movies
Paris is a great place to catch up on movies you've missed over the years (Pariscope). "V.O." means original language version if you are getting homesick to hear English.
Tips for getting along with Parisians
Forget everything you've heard about rude shopkeepers, etc. Keep in mind the following 'golden rules':
Always say 'Bonjour Madame, Bonjour Monsieur' when you enter a store.
Always count your change carefully.
Never lose your cool.
Think of every business transaction as a social event. People like to do business with people they like - no matter how bad a situation is, try to make the clerk feel as if he/she is in your shoes.
Nine times out of ten, a conversation begins:
"That is impossible. I can't do anything for you." Then you must sit patiently and wait for the person to do something for you.
If you want to read more about social interaction in France, read Polly Platt's book:
French or Foe?
For a thorough description of Paris, street by street, pick up an English version of Paris Blue Guides.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Europe Insiders page.
