Europe a la Carte

We visited Paris for New Year 2002, the first time that the family had been away from home for New Year. I'd fantasied about Paris, but can only say that unusually, it actually exceeded my expectations. It was really grand, awe inspiring and captivating. Even the Eiffel tower was more spectacular than in the photos. You must be patient if you wish to visit, we must have queued for at least two hours. It was the 1st of January and there was quite a hassle as visitors could only pay the entrance fee in Euros, they wouldn't accept French Francs.

The food was delicious and reasonably priced if you chose from the set menu. However as non smokers it was a bit offputting as there were very few restaurants with non smoking areas and this did rather detract from my enjoyment of the food.

The Metro is regular, reliable and cheap. I'd been warned about pickpockets and I was wearing a shoulder bag across my body with the opening flap facing my body. Despite this my husband observed a guy with his hand in my bag, and he shouted at the would be thief but the thief was so blase, he stood and shouted that my husband was mad. They are real experts, so be very careful.

The French have an undeserved reputation for being rude and unhelpful. I did attempt to speak in French and I think this was appreciated, as I found most of the Parisians to be very friendly and polite.

For those with children, our kids certainly gave EuroDisney full marks.
Again I would recommend some leisurely strolling around in Paris, there are lots of interesting little stalls along the Seine, plenty of museums to wander round.

Monmartre is a bit of tourist trap but nevertheless interesting to watch the various artists at work.

I would definitely add Paris to the must see list of European cities. It is a good choice as a city break from most of the UK as most regional airports have direct flights. There are even flights to Beavais (one hour north of Paris) with Ryan Air. There is the alternative of the Eurostar for those in the south east.

It was lovely to be there for New Year but you would probably be able to see more if you avoided public holidays during your visit.

Overall:

Flights with Ryan Air, Glasgow Prestwick to Paris Beavais, £40 return per person including tax.

Accommodation: There is a great selection in Paris, most very reasonable prices around New Year. Hotelclub has double/twin rooms including tax and breakfast, in the Republic/Gare du Nord area from around 75 euros. You will pay more if you wish to be in central Paris. However with such a cheap efficient Metro it's no need to stay right in the centre if you're looking for value for money,

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