Paris
How do you define a Parisian? The usual clichés would have us believe that they are always in a hurry, stressed and arrogant, though their image also blends with that of the French lover, romantic and “bon vivant”. However, it’s not such a difficult task to “tame” the Parisien.Habits and customs of Parisian life
The Parisian may seem rather aloof, as he speeds, deep in thought, from point A to point B, but don’t be deceived by appearances. Just like most French people, he is always ready for a celebration, to have a good time, to lounge on the café terraces, river banks and park lawns in the summer.
All year round, our Parisian likes the good things in life, enjoys meeting friends and colleagues over discussions in cafés, loves to go out in the evening to sample a new restaurant and regularly visits the cinema and the theatre. At the weekend, evenings are reserved for the latest trendy bars and clubs. He can’t do without his small espresso coffee in the mornings before work, standing at the counter of his favourite bar or outside on the terrace, while glancing at the newspaper.
For a successful exchange with the good people of Paris, be it in the shops, restaurants, cafés or simply to ask your way in the street, don’t hesitate to display your most charming smile, while uttering the magic words: “bonjour” (hello), “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you). A few words in French will work wonders, even if you don’t speak the language. The effort will be appreciated and your accent will delight. You’ll see that the people of Paris can be welcoming...
Don’t be surprised if you happen to see men and women all over the place greeting each other with 4 kisses on the cheek, it’s typical of the city and a mark of friendship. When you haven’t yet reached the degree of familiarity kissing requires, a firm handshake is also a good form of greeting or a way to thank a shopkeeper or someone who has been particularly helpful.
Pedestrians, be extremely careful when crossing the road, watch out for cars, motorbikes and scooters and even rollerbladers, as the average Parisian tends to take liberties where road safety is concerned. Look both ways before crossing the road, and make sure you respect, unlike some drivers, the zebra crossings and traffic lights. Parisians of all ages like the thrill of dashing across at the last second. Don’t attempt to do the same!
Paris and its monuments
Paris is famed throughout the world for the beauty and variety of its monuments. Towers, churches, palaces, archways, bridges or fountains… an extraordinary collection of landmarks that transports us back in time. Of course, Paris wouldn’t be Paris without the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame or Sacré Coeur. And each evening a special magic takes over the city when all these splendid constructions are illuminated! A sense of romance along the Pont Neuf, a shiver in the catacombs or an exotic mood at the Mosque: Paris is also a mix of atmospheres and cultures. From the must-see to the more unusual, all these monuments relate two thousand years of the capital’s history. Most of the monuments in Paris stay open at the weekend and close on one weekday, as well as on some public holidays. They are usually open late one evening a week. Guided tours often need to be booked in advance and special reductions are available for children and groups. Check our information pages for details or contact the monuments directly…
Your favourite museum
Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Monet, Rodin, Delacroix or Picasso: all these icons of the art world are represented in the museums of Paris. But art is also prehistory, antiquities from the four corners of the world, collections of miniatures and precious objects, or even the future of space exploration… The majority of Parisian museums are open at the weekend and closed on Monday or Tuesday as well as some public holidays. Most of them stay open late one evening each week. Guided tours often need to be booked in advance. Admission to the permanent collections of museums run by the Paris City Council (Ville de Paris) is free and admission to national museums is free on the first Sunday of each month. Certain museums also offer free admission other days of the week. You can check the details in our information pages or directly with the museums themselves. In all cases, any reductions apply to permanent collections and not to visiting exhibitions. Children, students, job-seekers and seniors can also benefit from special reductions.
This way for sublime shopping
Beneath their fabulous Art Nouveau glass domes, the Parisian department stores have become must-see monuments to rival the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Considered to be the leading shopping centre of Europe with 120 million visitors each year, the boulevard Haussmann is a city within the city. But let’s not forget the stores on the rue de Rivoli, on the Left Bank or at the Madeleine. All together, they are a sparkling reflection of Paris in concentrated form, where all your shopping desires can be granted. Fashion, beauty, decoration, leisure and the art of entertaining are just the tip of the iceberg in the creative sea that awaits you.
Chic Cuisine
Poetry, showmanship and expertise
Some distinguished signatures take the art of gastronomy to new heights. All the big names in French cuisine have a Paris address: reinvention of traditional dishes; fusion of herbs and spices, both savoury and sweet; innovation and a touch of genius are the main ingredients at these celebrated venues.
Ambassadors of French cuisine, the top starred chefs, ranked in the food guides, will receive you in their domains, where the setting is often as spectacular as the bill. If dinner there is beyond you, why not try their lunch menus, somewhat easier on the pocket but usually taken by storm! Advance booking is essential, at least a fortnight before.
Chemists
They are usually open straight through from 8am to 8pm. They take it in turns to close on Sundays and also sometimes on Mondays. When a chemist is closed, the addresses of the nearest duty chemists are displayed on the door. A few chemists remain open late and even all night.
Emergency
Should you be a witness or the victim of an accident, you may require medical treatment that cannot wait until the following day. These are the emergency services to contact:
Police: 17
