PARIS

Return to Paris Guide Overview

Sheila Umolu
 Sr. Programming Director
SoulOfAmerica.com

Sheila's interest in Paris has spanned three decades. She is excited to share the beauty and "Soul" of Paris through hundreds of photos and encourages everyone to visit her favorite city.

Eiffel Tower

PARIS FACTS and TRAVEL TIPS

FACTS

Official Language: French
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European Time (6 Hours ahead of EST)
Population: 2 Million

TRAVEL TIPS

Paris is a wonderful city to visit anytime of the year, since there are so many things to do. If cold weather is an issue for you, then visit Paris during the spring and summer. If you want to save money and see fewer tourists, then visit Paris during the winter and fall.

Currency is the Euro with major credit cards accepted by most establishments. Time in Paris is six hours ahead of New York City. French is the official language and some English is spoken by locals. Hotels have the most expensive rates on phone calls, so purchase a phone card for your international calls. The post offices are located throughout the city identifiable by a yellow "La Poste" sign. Post office hours are 8am-7pm (Monday-Friday) and 8am-noon (Saturday).

Banks are open from 9:30am-5pm (Monday-Friday) and some are open on Saturday. ATMs are plentiful and the most convenient way to get Euros. The ATMs only accept PIN numbers with 4 digits. Passports are necessary for U.S. citizens. Most large stores are open 10am-7pm (Monday-Saturday). Small shops usually close for lunch.

Electricity is different than the U.S., so bring an adapter. Bring plenty of film, since film is more expensive in Paris. You may want to purchase a digital camera. It's convenient and you can discard unwanted photos immediately.

The major holidays in Paris are New Year's Day, Easter, Easter Monday, Labor Day, VE Day, Ascension, Bastille Day, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day, Armistice Day, Christmas. For specific dates, go to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Paris is a major metropolitan city, so visitors should use common sense when out and about. For more travel tips, go to Unofficial Advice and Observations from Sisters.