| You can't afford a luxury trip to Paris. Well think again, | | | | smaller, boutique hotels. Not all travel websites list all |
| here are some ideas about how to get a 5 star | | | | hotels. |
| vacation at a three star price. | | | | Beware that a lot of museums and art galleries are |
| The single most important thing for a cost-effective | | | | shut one day a week: normally Monday or Tuesday. If |
| vacation is pick you time. Times to avoid in Paris: | | | | you are in town for those two days then double check |
| Christmas, September/October when there are large | | | | which days your "must see" sites are open to avoid |
| trade shows. If looking for a luxury hotel: check if rates | | | | disappointment. |
| are cheaper at weekends or in August, when | | | | Don't use taxis to hop around town: use the Metro for |
| traditionally when anyone who is anyone leaves Paris. | | | | longer trips or walk: Paris is one of the most walkable |
| Try to time your departure so that you leave late at | | | | cities in the world and most of the major sights and |
| night having had a full day in Paris: you hotel will hold | | | | shopping areas are within easy walking distance. |
| your luggage even if you have to check out in the | | | | A new development in inner city transport is the |
| morning. A full day in Paris and no hotel room to pay | | | | Vélib program ("vélo Liberté" or |
| for! Sleep on the plane its the best thing to do on them. | | | | Freedom Bikes) by which it is possible to rent a bike |
| Don't go alone: preferably take a couple of friends and | | | | for a very modest price. The first 30 minutes is free |
| share a room: you will normally pay the same for two | | | | (plus a Euro1 daily fee payable by credit card) and |
| adults as one and the third person is much less than | | | | prices rise raipidly for longer rental: designed to |
| half the tarrif for two. | | | | encourage you to drop off the bike and pick up a new |
| Don't hire a car . You do not need a car in Paris; the | | | | one as you require: what a great reason to stop at |
| central city is compact and walkable and the Metro will | | | | cafe or two... |
| get you around faster than a taxi in rush hour. If you | | | | Paris is a wonderful city and who doesn't want to see |
| need a car for the rest of your trip, arrange your car | | | | the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musse d'Orsay, Notre |
| hire to start when you time in Paris finishes. | | | | Dame Church. Make sure you make the effort to |
| Use an on-line travel search site to find the best hotel | | | | make it to top stared restaraunt at least once on your |
| prices. Don't just book with the first site you find | | | | visit. |
| though. Try five or six especially if you are looking for | | | | |