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5 Secret Restaurants in Paris. Promise you won’t tell anyone…! 1. L’Etage de Pastavino – Saint Germain’s best-kept secret It just looks like an ordinary Italian deli (épicerie in French) on a bustling market street in Saint Germain … but it’s hiding a secret in a dark corner at the back. Indicated only by two blackboards nearly tucked out of sight, something well-worth discovering is at the top of this winding staircase … Disappear past the shelves of Italian produce and find yourself in a charming, chic and cosy dining room upstairs… Jazz music plays softly in the background.

We didn’t order this little plate, but it came anyway. We tried the four house cheeses of the day. Look at that creamy heart of burrata… The menu is varied and written entirely in Italian (which the rather handsome waiters kindly translate and explain to you item by item). So next time you pass a deli-cum-sandwich shop, take a second look, it might not be all that it seems! La Bottega Pastavino//L’Etage de Pastavino, 18 Rue de Buci, 6eme. 2. 3. 4. 5. Four Myths about Paris and Parisians. The founder of Lonely Planet guidebooks espouses a philosophy that through travel, the world can become a more peaceful place. It's true. I can no longer count the times stereotypes have been completely shattered when I go to a new country. The Polish, for example, don't need ten people and a ladder to screw in a light bulb. Likewise, the Mexicans aren't shiftless, sombrero-wearers who use donkeys to get from one bar to the next.

Other times, however, a stereotype can confirm a preconceived image we had before going to a country: many Italians really do speak with their hands. And it's a fact that Germans drink a lot of beer. Similarly, the first time I was in Paris, in the early-'90s, I remember seeing designer-clad women walking down the Champs Elysees holding perfectly groomed toy poodles on a leash. Ten years later, I moved to Paris. Myth #1: Parisians are rude. If you come to France and don't make an attempt to speak the language, you're going to get treated poorly. Me: Yes! Budget France.

The euro seems to just keep getting stronger and stronger, especially against weakening currencies like the dollar. If you are planning a trip and don't want to take too big a hit, use these budget France tips to save a euro here and there. Yes, it's true, you can afford a trip to France. The budget tips are categorized according to the major expenses incurred during a typical trip to France, to Paris and the rest of Europe. Still, remember this is a vacation, so don't make any cuts that will ruin the trip or just make it hard to enjoy your time in France. You only live once, and you may only visit Europe once, too!

Lodging Consider staying in a smaller town, where lodging is sure to be cheaper. Rail This one is a no-brainer. Getting Cash Only get a handful of bills in your home country. Dining Instead of wasting excessive euros getting your hotel breakfast, which is probably way overpriced and consists of just a couple pastries and coffee, start your dining day like the French. Top Free Things to Do in Paris - Free Things to Do in Paris France. As a capital of luxury, designer fashion and champagne-drenched soirées, Paris may seem inaccessible for travelers on a tight budget. But behind the opulent veneer lies a city that offers scores of free attractions and activities, no matter the season. It's true that you can easily spend a fortune in Paris-- but it's also true that you can get away with spending very little and still head home having seen a lot. Without further ado, here are the top free things to do in Paris. 2.

Free Paris Museums ©2006 Claude CF. In French, the word "culture" has a broader sense that refers to the universal right for all to be exposed to the arts, sciences, and humanities, and to that end, the government funnels lots of funds into making "la culture" accessible to all. 3. . ©2007 Courtney Traub. Paris hosts scores of fun, inspirational and entirely free annual events, from arty affairs like all-night public art installations to artificial beaches implanted on the Seine River each summer. 4. 5. 6.

France Rail Pass and Europe Rail Pass - Choosing the Right Rail Pass for Train Travel in France. Selecting the perfect Europe or France rail pass or train fare for your trip can save you hundreds. There are many questions to ask yourself. Are you traveling alone? Just visiting France or venturing into bordering countries? Going to one city, and then taking day-trips to nearby towns? There are many subtle nuances that go into the decision about which rail pass to buy (or even whether you want a rail pass at all). Look below for the situation that best suits your travel plans to find the right pass. Rail Pass to travel alone and visit a variety of locations in France The France Single-Country Rail Pass provides for a certain number of days of unlimited rail travel within a one-month period. Rail Pass to travel with someone and visit a variety of locations in France The France Saver Pass can save you money by offering a group discount.

Rail Pass to fly into a big city, then take short trips to nearby towns Point-to-point tickets could be the best deal. Rail Pass for those age 60 and over. Tips for Walking Around Paris Comfortably Video. Follow these tips for walking around Paris comfortably so that you can tour the City of Light properly on your next trip to France.See Transcript Hi, I'm Gina Miller and today for About.com we are going to go over tips for comfortably walking around Paris, France. Paris is one of the world's most romantic and beautiful cities. With its historic buildings, gardens, and cobblestone streets, you'll want to take your time walking around and enjoy everything the City of Light has to offer.

Items to Bring When Walking Around Paris Comfortably But before you venture out you'll need a few items such as a comfortable pair of shoes. There are so many sights to see you'll want to spend a whole day just walking around the city, so make sure you stay as comfortable as possible, especially on these cobblestone streets.Next, you'll want to check the weather and wear the appropriate outer garments and of course bring an umbrella. Begin Your Walk Around Paris at the Notre Dame. French expressions you wont learn at school -- Expressions fran軋ises en Anglais - StumbleUpon. Top 20 free attractions in Paris.

City of love, fashion capital, literary paradise…Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a very cheap date. Whether you go weak at the knees for soaring church spires or want to rub elbows at an authentic French market, let yourself be seduced by our top 20 must-sees. They are all are completely gratuit, letting you save the euros for the really important stuff: wine, cheese and a flashing Eiffel Tower keyring you’ll regret the minute you return home. 1. Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris Festooned with gargoyles and gothic touches, this imposing Parisian icon is essential for every visitor. 2. Window-shopping (or lécher les vitrines to the locals) is a great way to take an indulgent peek at objets d’art and wild curiosities you’d never actually buy. 3. A lift to the peak of the Eiffel Tower can squeeze the budget at €13.40 per ticket, but luckily the views below are just as stunning. 4. 5. 6.

Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower Video. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must-do when traveling in France. Here are some tips on how to beat the crowds and avoid lines when visiting the Eiffel Tower.See Transcript Hi, I'm Gina Miller and today for About.com we are going to go over tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is probably the most impressive and well-known structure in Paris and it's currently the most visited paid monument in the world with nearly 7 million visitors each year.

History of the Eiffel Tower The tower was built by Gustav Eiffel as the entryway to the Universal Exposition of 1889. It rises 1062 feet above Paris and it's approximately the same height as an 89-story building. Order Tickets for the Eiffel Tower Now, like most tourist attractions there is a cost to enter. Tips for Visiting the First Level of the Eiffel Tower On the ground level you'll find an ATM, ticket booths, souvenirs even a post office so you can send home postcards right from the tower.