Getting Around Paris

As soon as you get to Paris, stop at a magazine stand and purchase a "Paris Plan" (Plan de Paris). It's usually about 5 X 7", a spiral-bond book and the best map you'll ever use. It's little, and lets you look up the street and find it on a page. Even the Parisians carry one in their bag. You might be able to get one at a bookstore before you go. They're about $5-10 on the street. Every street is referenced with metro stops, taxi stands, and landmarks listed. Most addresses in Paris include the zip code. The last two digits of the zip are the arrondissement of the building. So if it's 75008, it's in the 8th. The arrondissement make a spiral shape around the Seine crossing the right and left banks. The Metro is very safe, easy and convenient. Buy a carnet of tickets or a tourist pass (5 days).

Most flights arrive early or mid morning. Take time to unpack, be sure to eat a little something and be sure to get out and walk the first evening.

 

Your First Evening Meal

One nice restaurant there is L'Ilot Vache. The best soupe de poisson in Paris. It's on the Ille St. Louis and a gorgeous evening walk across the Seine. The address is 35 rue Saint Louis en I'lle in the 4th. Tel: 01.46.33.55.16 The Metro stop "Pont Marie" will put you at the bridge, ready to cross the Seine. This is a great place to go your first night in Paris. The menu is decipherable, the food is very good, and you'll walk across the Seine with Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Paris in its entire splendor. The walk is very safe. I highly recommend that your first evening be spent on the Ille St. Louis. It's so beautiful walking along the Seine. True romance!!!

Cheese Tasting

Hamon Fromagerie
You can perch on a stool here and have a cheese tasting and glass of wine. 81 Rue de Seine.