Part 1-Paris Travel Tips - location, location, location

Part 1 of a 4 part series on Paris.  Let's start with where to stay.  It's like like buying a home, "location, location, location."

Ask yourself, what do you want to do with the time that you have in Paris?  Is it eat, shop, stroll on the famous streets, go to the Museums, or waste a day laying around in one of the gorgeous parks reading your favorite book?  Well, depending on your answer, my travel advice will change.

I'll start with my 2 favorite locations.  If I'm going around the BIG sales (yes, I said sales or Soldes in French), then I stay on the right bank off the Rue Cambon.  It's walking distance to the Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, lots of shopping, but also close to the two large department stores:  Galleries Lafayette and Print Temps.  I try to stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel because you will truly feel like you're in Paris.  The 5 start hotels can be a little aloof and not worth the amount that they will charge you.  My favorite hotel is the Castille on Rue Cambon (next to Chanel's apartment and across from The Ritz where Princess Diana was the night that she died). The rooms are authentic French style.  Don't eat in the hotel, you are walking distance to cafe's, grocery stores and full restaurants if you prefer.  More on that topic later - see blog Part 2.  If you stay here, EVERYTHING you want is within walking distance.

If I'm traveling for the sites and to see the museums, then I prefer the left bank near the Rue de Bac (Metro stop).  The hotel that I prefer on the left bank is the K&K Hotel - Cayre'.  It's set up like a Marriott/Hilton property for business travelers, but they have a wonderful complementary breakfast (including Champagne).  The wait staff has been there for years and very friendly to Americans.

You can walk to Saint Germain, Notre Dame, Museum D'Orsay, and the oldest department store Bon Marche.  I'll talk more about Bon Marche in blog Part 2.

The reason why I recommend both of these hotels is due to their location - close to a Metro stop.  Take the Metro.  I know, it seems scary and it may be at times, but YOU CAN DO IT!  Here's how.

• If you are in Paris for 1 - 2 days, then just buy the book of 10 tickets (carnet) - it's easy.
• If you are in Paris more than 2 days, buy a pass.  You will learn how to zip in and out of the turnstiles in no time.  Remember to keep your ticket on you at all times. You don't want to fumble through a purse looking for it.  Do as the locals do!  Watch - they will gently push you into the system - like a school of fish.  Trust me.
• Read a map to determine which direction you need to go on that line (they are designated in colors; green, purple, etc.  Once you know how, it's easy.
• Dress like a local, not a tourist!  Observe people around you.  You will see that Europeans are slim and dressed well compared to Americans.  European men do not wear white tennis shoes and bermuda shorts.  Women, think about wearing a dress, skirt/top option with sandals (not flip flops).  No matter how comfortable they are, you will stand out.  Why does that matter?  You don't want to make yourself a target for pick pockets.
• Try to NOT speak in English when you're inside the Metro areas.  Pick pockets are looking for an easy mark.  Many Europeans speak 4 - 5 different languages.  Once you get outside the Metro stations, you'll be fine, but just try to not be loud when you're getting on and off the trains.  You want to look like a local, not a tourist.

Next blog is Part 2 of Paris Travel Tips - where to eat on a budget?

Happy Traveling!