Bustinwheels Travels for Adventure

France - Eiffel Tower, The Louve, Versailles and more!

Paris

Top Things To Do and See in Paris
Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Montmartre and the Sacre-Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, Jardin du Luxembourg, Versailles Gardens, Pantheon, Champ de Mars, Sein River Sightseeing Boat Ride, Musée d'Orsay, Tuileries Garden and much more. I've only mentioned a few. So a week in Paris never seems to be enough for me. I'm always discovering new places to eat and visit.

Before you go
You can purchase tickets for almost every museum, monument and place of interest online. If you plan on visiting more than one museum in a day, then I would purchase a museum pass online before you leave. The Paris Pass is good for many museums, and attractions. Lines for most museums are very long in the summer months, so don't say I didn't warn you to purchase in advance!

Wi-fi, Internet and Cell Phones
To be able to use your own phone for calling and wi-fi in Paris, you'll have to check first if it's unlocked and compatible with tri-band/GSM. If this is done, you can buy a sim card in Paris - available at mobile stores such as SFR boutique, Orange and Free. You will also find free wi-fi at cafes, restaurants, Starbucks, McDonalds, and your own hotel. There is more free wi-fi in France than ever before.

Money
Exchange rates fluctuate. You can pre-purchase Euros before you head out to Europe, but I usually exchange when I get there. I use Travelex to check the rates https://www.travelex.com/currency/euros prior to flying to Europe. You can also pre-purchase from Chase and Bank of America for free if you have an account with them.

Food and Water
Tips on breakfast: A traditional French breakfast is Cafe Creme with a croissant, or with a baguette (bread), butter and jam. Cafe Creme is also called a Cafe au Lait - strong coffee with hot milk. Petit djeuner translates to "little lunch" and refers to whatever you are eating for breakfast.

Lunch and dinner can be long meals. You can order from a fixed menu or a la carte, but whatever you do, don't share a meal. It's not proper etiquette. Brian and I always order a cheese plate with wine and French baguette avoiding any fancy restaurants and saved a ton of money. Ironically, our favorite restaurant was Middle Eastern; L'As du Fallafel. It was super inexpensive, but absolutely tasty! They are world famous for their hummus and I highly recommend trying something different.

Water is free, so just ask for a glass of water or a carafe (une carafe d’eau). If your waiter gives you a nudge by asking whether you prefer flat (plat) or sparkling (gazeuse or pétillante), asking for “Château-la-Pompe”–the cheeky nickname for tap water that translates roughly to “Château of the Water Pump”–will demonstrate your command of French wit and the knowledge that there’s no need to pay for something you can get for free.

What to Purchase in Paris
Cheese, chocolate, wine and perfume are everyones favorites! I like to purchase small chocolates from different chocolate makers. You'll find many chocolatiers in Paris. Wine is a must. I always take bubbles and 2 gallon baggies to pack my wine in my suitcase. Cheese is also something I have taken home. As long as it does not require refrigeration such as my favorite Parmigiano-Reggiano. You can also look for Aged Gouda, Montgomery's Cheddar, Fiore Sardo, and Appenzeller.