Paris

Language

Paris is a multicultural city, especially in the suburbs, but it is also very French and French is the language that is spoken.

Best travel time

Paris can be very cold in winter and very hot in summer but, on the whole, the winter and summer temperatures are comfortable, ranging from a daytime average of 7C in winter and a daytime average of 25C in summer. Paris, and much of Europe, was affected by heavy snowfalls in the first months of 2010 and again in December 2010.

Communication

Paris has an excellent landline, broadband and cell phone network.

Traditions and Culture

For many French people, the Parisians are different to the rest of France. There is no doubt that the average Parisian takes great pride in the City of Paris, its historic buildings and boulevards, its institutions, its museums, its galleries, its fashions, its restaurants, the Eiffel Tower and its late 18th century revolutionary history. Eating haute cuisine, shopping for chic designer clothes, visiting the opera, and supporting the Tour de France cycle race which begins in Paris are just a very few of the many traditions that Parisians enjoy and respect. Paris is a beautiful city and because it was not bombed during World War II its stunning architecture remains intact and unspoiled. There has, of course, been modern developments including the George Pompidou Centre and various new shopping districts but, by and large, Parisians have beautifully preserved their city and their way of life. For example, there has been no attempt to integrate poorer people or immigrants into the heart of Parisian life; they are housed in the suburbs, and so to the visitor, Paris offers a remarkable and extremely attractive lifestyle for those who can afford it. However, pick-pocketing is rife.

Religion

There are some magnificent Roman Catholic churches in Paris but the most famous has to be Notre Dame, which was built in the 12th Century.

By bus

Paris has a good Metro underground rail network with 300 stations. There is also a much smaller tram system, ferries serve the River Seine, and a bus network.

By plane

Paris is served by four airports but the two principal commercial airports are Charles de Gaulle and Orly and it is possible to rent a car at both.

Sights

Paris is full of famous places to visit: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre including the Mona Lisa, Notre Dame de Paris, Opera Garnier, Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries Gardens, Avenue de Champs-Élysées, Galleries Lafayette and etc.

Food

Paris has prided itself on its excellent restaurants and cuisine since the 19th century and there is no doubt that there is a tremendous choice of quality restaurants, some extortionately expensive and others reasonably priced.