cheap place for this, cheap place for that
Written: Sep 25 '02 (Updated Sep 30 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: great shopping, prices not bad on most things
Cons: too many fat americans
The Bottom Line: Once you've seen Paris, you never go back to the farm.
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| Russhoolio's Full Review: Paris |
I didn't read the other reviews. But I can imagine they were written by tourists and therefore won't help you to get by on a short dollar. I lived in Paris for 2.5 months from May to August 2002. I learned quite a lot about survival in Paris.
Getting out of the CDG airport: First of all, don't take a cab. It will cost $50. Find the RER train, and take that. It will cost about 8 euros. This is not recommended if you have 12 suitcases.
Food: Avoid anyplace advertised as an "american" restaurant. The food will be awful, and they treat americans like crap. "Entree" is the appetizer. "Plat" is the entree.
Where to get food: If you are eating out on a budget, good luck. Actually I know of 2 places. Both are near Place St. Michel. Actually one is right across the street (sort of) from the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore. It is called "A Taste of Istanbul." It's a kabob place, and one of the better (and cheaper ones) The blonde lady speaks english and is very nice. It costs about 7 euros for a good plate of kabob,french fries, and salad. The other is a few doors down on the same street. It's a greek restaurant. The guy outside will promise you a free glass of wine (not bad wine either.) I don't recall the name. But it was about 12.5 euros for some very good food.
French Dictionary: buy one at home and take it with you. The ones there suck. Be especially careful about the blue one at Shakespeare and Co. It is terrible. If you must buy one there, go to "Fnac" on Rue de Rennes(Metro Stop: St. Placide) or Fnac at Les Halles.
Photo Processing: There are a whole slew of really chic photomats there. They have a nice black counter. There is one near Opera. Avoid these at all costs. They are super expensive. Look in the a phone book for "Photo Station" there are a bunch of them near non-touristy areas. ( I used the one on Rue General Le Clerc, Metro Stop: Denfert Rochereau) The quality is good, and you can't beat the price (approx $5). If you want something just a little fancier, the earlier mentioned Fnac is among the best I have ever used, but expensive. (I am a professional photographer, so I am over-qualified to comment)
Drinking to Excess: This is allowed in public places. If you are short on money, stay away from the bars. Get your beer and wine at the "Franprix" or "Champion" supermarkets. Heineken is about 6 euros for a 12 pack, and for decent beer that is incredibly cheap, try the "Stella Artois" it's about 3 euros for a 10 pack. As for wine, keep in the 2-3 euros per bottle range and you will be fine. Côte de Rhône is good. French table wines are also good.
Groceries: These are about half the price as in the US. The quality is generally better too. Try the yogurt. "Lidl" is the cheapest (Metro Stop: Pere Lachaise), "Franprix" is next, and "Champion" is the cleanest. "Monoprix" is for household products, not for food.
Pharmacies: If you have allergies, there is an anti-histamine called "Pola Marine." It is the French version of Chlor Trimeton. Only it's about 1/3 the price and works just as good. Get the 6mg version, as the 2mg version doesn't do anything.
Hotel: Make reservations. Hotel Lyon-Mulhouse is very nice. I paid 55 euros a night. The rooms are clean, and are cleaned daily. The attendants generally speak english and are very nice. And it is just off of Place de la Bastille. By comparison, Hotel Alesia is a dump, and costs 50 euros a night. I stayed at both. Hostels apparently are excellent values. But not for photographers.
Cafe and Croissant: best croissant is right next to Hotel Lyon-Mulhouse. It cost 80 cents. 2nd best is at "Miss Manon" (Metro Stop: St. Paul) it cost 75 cents. Best Cafe is at "les Mousqetaires" just down the street towards Bastille from Miss Manon. Actually that is second best, the best one I had was in Trocadero, but I couldn't find it again if I tried.
Panini: this is what the ancient greeks called "ambrosia" aka the food of the gods. Miss Manon is excellent. But the most convenient is next to Gilbert Jeune at Place St. Michel across from the yellow umbrellas. Average price should be about 3.5 - 4 euros. Pay more and one of you is born every minute.
Gypsies: Organized beggars. They are everywhere. Get used to ignoring them or you will go broke. If you are at Notre Dame and someone says to you "Excuse me do you speak english", say "Nein!" or "Nyet!" They are going to ask you for money. One girl there, about 15 years old, has about 6 diffent stories. And they don't all jive.
Swimming in the Seine: not recommended.
Shows: You can pay to go to the theatre. Or you can go to Notre Dame on Friday and Saturday night. well worth the trip. Throw a few coins in the hat. These people work hard to entertain you.
Canal St. Martin: don't go alone. But definitely go.
Monmarte: find Tommy and Christian. Buy them some wine and tell them I said hello. I leave it to you to find where they rendez-vous with their seven friends.
That is my Mini-Paris Guide.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Students
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
Russhoolio
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Reviews written: 80
Trusted by: 8 members
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