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Keys to the CityFacts & Fundamentals : Paris
Capital of France, Paris serves as the nation's center of government, business, and culture. Within its boundaries, the city proper hosts more than 2 million residents; when the metropolitan area is included, the population nears 11 million. Encompassing 436 square miles (1129 sq km), Paris is also a relatively small city and – a boon to visitors – pedestrian-friendly. Weather : ParisSeasonally, temperatures are moderate. In the winter, they average in the mid-30s Fahrenheit (2° Celsius), and in the summer, they're typically in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (18° Celsius).
Convert temperatures to Fahrenheit. Holidays & Business Hours : Paris
Business hours vary, depending on the type of establishment. Generally, businesses are open by 9:30am; offices and museums close at 5pm and shops remain open until 7pm or later. However, many places take leisurely lunches, so from noon till 2pm, things may slow considerably. If your time is short, confirm that a business is open before you make a special trip. Coming & Going : ParisAir travel into Paris is coordinated at two airports: Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly. The first, northeast of town, largely handles international flights, while the second (south of and slightly closer to the city) accommodates European flights. Although taxis are ideal for folks with lots of luggage, they can be quite expensive (€25-45). A more affordable alternative is the RER train, whose lines connect the city proper to the suburbs. An RER commute lasts just over a half-hour from Roissy-CDG (25 minutes from Orly) and costs €8.10 (€3.45 from Orly). In the city, the train connects to Metro lines at several stations (with no transfer fee). Plus, the RER runs every 10-15 minutes or so from 5am till 12:30am (6am till 11pm at Orly). Another option for travel into Paris is a shuttle bus, which costs roughly the same as the RER and takes about the same amount of time. It runs regularly from dawn to early evening and offers easy access from either airport. (Roissy bus, from Roissy to Opera, € 8.50; Orly bus, from Denfert-Rochereau to Orly South, € 6.00) Making Your Way : Paris
Thanks to its compact arrangement and relatively small footprint, Paris lends itself easily to pedestrian traffic. This is especially true of major tourist sites, which lie clustered in several central arrondissements and can be navigated without much difficulty. Should you need to shift quickly about the city, the Metro boasts abundant stations and easily understood routes. Nearly 300 stations handle travelers, and typical fares of less than €2 deliver folks to any arrondissement and even into some suburbs. (If you buy a packet of ten tickets for €10.90, prices are even more affordable.) When you're searching for a train, note the final destination of the line that includes your stop; it'll be the name you want to follow. Also, when you insert your ticket in the turnstile, remember to pick it up and carry it with you – commuters are subject to ticket checks at any time. Finally, realize that the Metro runs from 5:30am till 1:15am daily but that not all trains operate till this time. Do some sleuthing beforehand to see if you'll have access to public transportation or be required to get a cab. News & Views : ParisTo keep abreast of local and international goings-on, travelers have quite a few options. Newspapers deliver the most immediate information, but depending on your political slant, one may be more to your liking than another. A few of the most prominent French papers include the left-leaning Libération and the conservative Le Figaro; for more balanced coverage, look to Le Monde. If business is your interest, keep an eye out for La Tribune. If leisure activities and entertainment are more your speed, Paris: l'Officiel des Spectacles is a useful weekly publication, as is Le Pariscope. A popular news read for English-speakers is the International Herald Tribune, whose headquarters is in Paris. Quirks & Curiosities : Paris
France's legal drinking age is 16, although younger folks may imbibe if accompanied by a parent. Alcohol is sold daily, and wine is a usual complement to many meals. Getting Your Bearings : Paris
To make folks feel more comfortable in a foreign city, visitor centers provide plenty of assistance and are happy to share their abundant resources. In Paris (Office du Tourisme de Paris), they'll even book your hotel for a small fee. To help you get your bearings, contact the following: Necessities - Post Offices : ParisWhether you need to send a letter to the office or are just catching up on correspondence, you'll want to know the whereabouts of a post office. Each arrondissement has its own, and Paris's main branch can be found at 52 rue du Louvre in the 1er arrondissement. For basic business, it's open 24 hours daily; for more involved transactions, it's staffed from 8am-7pm Monday through Friday and from 8am-noon on Saturday. Tel: 01 40 28 76 00. Common Courtesies : Paris
Although tipping is generally a personal matter, there are some guidelines that prove helpful to travelers. For the most part, all gratuities are included in bills, so you don't have to worry about computing tips, especially in restaurants. However, it's often acceptable to leave a few coins for servers as an added gesture.
 The anticipation, the planning, the adventure... Travel can be intoxicating. Early on, you're not concerned about contingencies or minutiae – you just want to get there and have an unforgettable time. To help your trip go smoothly, 10Best has all the essential information that makes navigating a city that much easier: local publications, holidays, public transport, and basics on everything from tipping to sightseeing passes. In short, we present you with the keys to the city.
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