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Tips&Tricks: How to Ride the Parisian Metro like a Local

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Tips&Tricks: How to Ride the Parisian Metro like a Local

To get the most out of a country when you visit, you should be trying to save on travelling time. One way to beat traffic when you are in Paris would definitely be taking the metropolitan (Metro). With over 301 stations, you could easily get love, but fear not-  Here is our guide to help you blend in with the locals and make your journey a lot easier.
 
1. Buying Metro tickets 

I am assuming that if you found this article, you are not only going to be staying in Paris for one day, so it will definitely make sense to buy your tickets in bulk. Buying a carnet from any Parisian metro station means you will have 10 single-use tickets and will save money in the long run. Another option is to purchase a 1,2,3 or 5 day travel pass for unlimited travel. 

If you plan to use the Metro as your main form of transportation around Paris (do bear in mind that Paris is a very walkable city, despite its windy, narrow streets) you can purchase tickets from the metro assistants, the automatic machines (some only take coins, others accept credit/debit card with a chip- cards may not be the best choice for tourists, depending on exchange rates).

Another tip: make sure you have your ticket or pass in hand so you can easily feed it into the machine and not make the people behind you wait and get frustrated. 

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2. Metro Performers: Dos and Don’ts 

Being a city known for its music, more often than not as you enter the Metro you will hear the melodious notes of the city's buskers playing perfect notes of French Classics such as Edith Piaf through his saxophone. These performers usually have a permit to perform in the stations itself, however it is illegal to perform in the metro cars themselves. But more often than not, you will be able to see a performer come on board, playing your classical favourite, but be sure to save your coins for the law-abiding metro performers in the stations.

3. The Best (and Worst) of the Metro Lines 

Having over 301 stations there are many lines that will take you to your destination. However there seems to be a preference amongst the locals for certain lines. Line 13 and 4, both north-south lines, are some of the most hated lines. Line 11 is coined useless by the locals and Line 1 is scoffed at because they contain the most number of tourists. However Line 14 is well liked because of its speed, and line 8 is preferred over line 9 as it is less crowded, though they go the same way.  

4. Transfer Strategically 

To get from destination A to B will definitely require you to transfer train lines. Always plan before boarding the metro. It would be advised to take the route that requires less transferring, though it might be the longer route. Transferring lines is annoying as it might take you a long walk to reach the next train and you still have to wait a few minutes till the train arrives. The maximum times you should switch trains would be twice. Three times would be an overkill and almost never required. 

5. Keep it down! 

Like all unspoken train rules, keep your volume down when you are in the train. The locals enjoy the chatter-free metro. Read a book or listen to some music, just keep clear of loud discussions to not drawn attention to yourselves. 

6. Parisian Rush Hour 

Next to walking and cycling, the metro is the next most used form of transportation by the Parisians, and hence it is one of the busiest underground systems in Europe. Times to avoid and stay clear of the Parisian subway would be from 0800 to 1000 and 1700 to 2000. By avoiding these timings it will ease your travelling journey and if you are really lucky, even get a seat. 

Additional tip: If you happen to be travelling during the peak hours, there are foldable chairs in the metro cars! The locals will really appreciate it if you do not open it and stand instead to make way for more people to enter the metro. 

7. Be Pushy 

A skill you need to have when boarding the Metro, is to have a little grit and determination to push yourself into the metro. Though daunting to shove yourself into the already packed metro car, you gotta do what you gotta do.  That being said, there are some people who are ignorant, do not be afraid to reposition them if need to. Standard procedure known to all locals. 

8. No Eating

There's not much to say other than just don’t do it as it is inconsiderate. Furthermore, the metros usually have a certain smell that doesn’t make it the most appetising place to snack or eat at.

9.  The Metro Map 

You can get Metro maps in almost any station for free. These Metro maps can help you navigate your way around, or you could also download the free RATP mobile app that is available in English or the Kemtro app whose interface and design is a lot more user-friendly at a price of 2 euros. These resources will also be able to help you gauge when your next bus will arrive. 

10. Last but not least, be wary of pickpockets 

I am sure you have heard the countless stories of friends or relatives who have travelled to Paris (or Europe in general) and got their items stolen. There are plenty of pickpockets around, stand away from the metro doors so that it doesn’t become a case of theft-and-run, or avoid jostling when wanting to board the train for it is a clear sign of thieves very near by.  

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Treat Yourself Right This Summer: All the Must See and Must Do’s

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Treat Yourself Right This Summer: All the Must See and Must Do's

As spring and summer approaches Paris, here are a few things that I would like to do – Engage in some Al Fresco brunches, hang out by the canal, try some of the best ice creams in town, watch some performance art and maybe indulge in some the film festival and concert life.

If you are into any of that, here are some of the places you can go to get a taste of that summer lovin’

La Bellevilloise

Imagine a huge warehouse, air-conditoned, the roof is transparent so the light comes pouring in at any time of the day and huge trees planted around the warehouse that look like young oak trees with its leaves hanging over. The scent of the trees and flowers fill the warehouse. In addition, the sweet savoury smell of food cooking in the kitchen and conversations from tables flying all around you, make this a unique place to hang out at. The la belle villoise, used to be a building the houses the capitals first workers but have now turned into a bar, restaurant, club, exhibition space and a place to host regular film and music festivals at the top level. Food, service, atmosphere and people, La belle villoise gets it right all the time.

Marche des Engants Rouges

Marche des Engants Rouges was built in 1615, named after an orphanage that used to occupy the site. One of Paris oldest covered market hidden away from the public eye behind an inconspicuous green metal gate. A maze of food stalls that is ready to impress you with the wide range of food choices available. From Italian, Lebanese, African, Japanese and other stalls. It is definitely one of Paris more atmospheric food markets that you should definitely visit!

Chez Casimir

I am sure you have at least been to a restaurant that have served you quite a generous serving before but Chez Casimir takes it to the next level. 
Non-stop food being served from 10am to 7pm. Watch as your plate fills up with their exceptional country bread, seafood, boudin, smoked salmon, salads, omelettes, beef bourguignon and so much other hearty foods! You will be spoiled for choice.

Bob’s Bake shop

This is one shop where you will see crowds drawing near from far and why? Made freshly and on the spot NewYork-styled bagels that are available in flavours such as poppyseed, onion and pumpernickel (and who else knows what other funny flavours) that taste absolutely sublime. Eat these Bagels in whatever way you like together with their equally as good coffee too!

Festival Silhouette

A festival organised since 2002, showcasing short films from late august to early september in the outdoors. This festival aims to recreate the feeling of long summer days – showing over 100 films of all different types of generes. Alongside these films, there will also be live music concerts, video installations and exhibitions.

Cinéma en Plein Air à La Villette 2015

Cinema en Plein Air a La Villette is a amazingly popular free open air cinema festival that usually airs in Parc de La villette. This festival showcases classical films to the best releases in recent years. (some of the directors of the films include Kubrick, Hitchcock, Tati, Godard, Cukor, Wilder and Hayao Miyazaki). A perfect festival to relax and sip some wine under the stars as some of the best classics play on.

Paris Plages 

If I could sum up Paris in the summer with one event, it would be the Paris Plages (Paris Beach). Available at the right banks of the seine river where you can sun tan and relax on sun chairs covered in sand, the large square facing Hotel de Ville where beach activities take place and Bassin de la Villette where all the water activities are located.

Some of the activities include art galleries, dance floors for you to dance, tai-chi lessons, beach volley, basketball, rugby, pedal boats, electric boats and so much more that you can explore. This is one of the best ways to discover beautiful summer laid-back Paris.

La Petite Ceinture

This summer if you are looking for little adventure and a photo expedition, La petite Ceinture is the place you should go and visit. This place was a former Parisian railway that connected the Paris main railway that has been abandoned since 1934. Bring a torch light to explore its grimy industrial charms.
Once at the Ceinture, the urban bustle fades away replaced by graffiti and dense undergrowth. There are three officially open sections and venturing beyond that is technically illegal but that doesn't stop many from entering the rest. There are several entry points that are not policed and you can google them to find out how to get there.

Note: Known for petty crime, you shouldn't venture out alone or in the night, always bring a torch so that you can venture into the pitch-black tunnels and last but not least, wear shorts or pants as you will be required to climb over fenses and high platforms to explore the place 😉

leave a comment in the section below if you explored the place and share your pictures with us! We would love to see them!

La Fête Foraine des Tuileries

An annual traditional funfair where children and adults can come together to enjoy for a 2 month period. There will be a total of 80 different attractions ranging from bumper cars, trampolines, rock climbing, giant slides, zip wires, ghost rides to Merry-go-rounds dating from 1900 and a modern carousell that will swing you into he air at a speed of 140km/h. If you are hungry you can seek a quick sugar rush at the many stalls there serving crepes, beignets, churros, ice cream and of course a funfair must have, candy floss.

Know of any other cool places and things you could do in the summer? Leave a comment in the section below! We would love to hear from you.

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Travelling in Paris With Kids? Do More – Here’s how

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Travelling in Paris With Kids? Do More - Here's how

Paris is known for being a city of romance, culture, literature, but not always as a child-friendly one. However, after some research, we have found a few places that your kids will love! Have a hassle-free trip and let the attractions be the nanny for the day!

1. Teach your kids important life skills: Cooking!

Take your kids alongs to a french cooking class in Paris. It's an off-the-beath-path experience for all the family where you get to enjoy fresh, local French delicacies made by your own hands! And who knows, perhaps your little ones will open their own michelin star restaurants one day! 

2. Palais de la Decouverte 
Palais de la Decouverte is a science museum that opens daily, except Monday. Established in 1937 during an international exhibition, and since then the French government has expanded it into a 25,000 square metre museum, containing exhibits for mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology, featuring experiments with commentaries by lecturers. There are countless of interactive instalments that will amaze both you and your kids. From colour paint splattering on a spherical wall to neon shadows, it's an opportunity for fun learning that has to be seized! 

2. Disneyland Paris 
Now what would this list be worth if we didn't mention Disneyland? This is a destination that does not require any form of persuasion. A dream wonderland for all children, and even some teenagers…

3. Fat Tire Paris 
This is an activity that I will highly recommend for you and your family.
Started out in 1999, Fat Tire Paris has reinvented ways to tour the city. Fun, easy and stress-free. It allows you to stop worrying about how to get from one attraction to the other. Fat Tire Paris offers fascinating stories, countless photo opportunities and much more. 

4. Paris by mouth food tours 
Paris by mouth is a ‘definitive blog on the city's food and wine scene’ (Huffington post). Tours are lead by English-speaking food & wine professionals who have a strong passion for food in Paris. Paris by mouth focuses on personalization, hence tours are handled in small groups so that it is also easy for you to manage your children and not get easily lost. 

5. Natural History Museum 
The Natural History Museum, one that is similar to the one seen in Night in the museum. With huge exoskeletons of dinosaurs, blue whales and other wonders from noah’s ark, it will be a great day to immerse yourself in history and go crazy with the instalments. 

6. Pompidou centre
The Pompidou centre is a building that was designed with modern architecture, seemingly promoting a very fun environment through the use of rack-like levels and a long travelator connecting one level to another on the outside, shaped like a tube. Housing the Public Information library,  also known as the Bibliotheque publique d’information, the Musée National d’Art Moderne is also the largest museum of modern art in Europe. With the countless amounts of opportunities available for you to experience, you and your family will never be bored! 
 

7. Shakespeare & Company bookstore
The Shakespeare and Company bookstore is a boutique bookstore where you can bring your family to visit, pick out some books to buy and just bask in the genuinity of the store and how they pay so much attention to the little details. There are storytelling sessions available for your children as well as customization of books where you can add a spray of scent, a poem, a picture and lots more. Spend your time here after your lunch or dinner to slowly sieve through the books and find some hidden gems. 

8. Jardin du Luxembourg 
The Jardin du Luxembourg is known to many as a beautiful park with a great playground for children, a fountain pond for sailing boats, a marionette theater with puppet shows where your children can sit around and have a good laugh and an old fashioned carousel that even you as adults can sit on and enjoy. This is a garden where you can discover what it feels like to be a child growing up in Paris 

9.Parc de la Villette 
Another thing Paris is known for is its large parks, where you will often witness locals with their colourful picnic mats and sun hats. Parc de la Villette is the third-largest park in Paris whose design was picked out of 450 proposals and made in such a way as to to cultivate a wandering heart and sense of adventure to discover all the different sites at the park. Some features include the largest science museum in Europe, IMAX theatre, a concert arena, an outdoor cinema theatre where annual film festivals are held and much more! Go explore for yourself to find out more 😉

10. The Jardin d'Acclimatation
A 20-hectare children’s amusement park with museums for you to explore! An attraction not to miss out on with your family. 

 

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Travelling to Paris: An Essential Guide

Travelling to Paris: An Essential Guide

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When we are planning a trip to any random city across the globe, we often get excited about the pictures or the things we read about that destination. And some cities unfortunately disappoint us once we get there and fail to meet our expectations that we set for ourselves prior to our departure.

Paris is probably one of those cities that never fails to upset, a city that truly lives up to and often exceeds expectations.

Here is an essential guide worth taking a look at when travelling to Paris.

Mingle with the locals

French locals will know all the must-do activities in Paris. “But how do I meet locals in France?” I hear you say.

Well, you could jump into french cooking classes in Paris, or eat with locals in Paris. Food is a great way to bring cultures together, and you will have a wonderful excuse to get a wealth of insider knowledge about the French capital.

Also, contrary to popular belief, most Parisians actually speak English – particularly younger people. But if you do bump into a Parisian that only speaks French, Google translate will always be there for you.

Be the stylish you

Paris, being the fashion capital that it is, the locals there dress very stylishly, hence why it is also important to bring more stylish clothes. Or alternatively, you could just buy all your clothes there.

Slow down and enjoy

When going to the parks to enjoy the Paris sun, bear in mind that they generally do not have any benches, but what they have are chairs which are of course free to use. So go to the nearest pick up point of chairs and get one for yourself, open up your picnic basket, enjoy the afternoon breeze and local chatter in the park.

Music is in the air

Paris is also widely known for its music, from the language, lyrics to the way it is sung, be prepared to join in the throng on the streets of Paris if you happen to visit Paris during one of the major music festivals that take place so often in Paris!

Navigate the maze

There are countless of narrow streets in Paris, it is very easy to get lost, so look out for where you are going at all times! Identify the street you are on by either the name or the corner cafe. If not, Google Maps is another fantastic way to get around.

Shopping heaven

Bring your credit card and make sure you request from your bank that you will be able to purchase items overseas with your card so that you can shop with no worries

Take lots of photos

An art hub and source of inspiration for many artists, there are so many museums which you can visit, so bringing your camera is a must.

Take public transport

Taxis in Paris are infamous. However, to drive a cab in Paris you do not necessarily need to know how to drive properly or know your way around, so I suggest you take the Metro and at the same time experience all the different quirks of taking the metro like a local and the people you will meet there.

Embrace the night

For those of you who have watched Midnight in Paris, you will know that Paris is a city for night owls, so much night life! Be sure not to miss out!

You are now ready to take on Paris! If there are any other tips we have missed out, do let us know in the comments below.

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