FRIENDLY TIPS FOR A TRIP TO FRANCE’S CAPITAL

“There’s no need to stay in the Marais or St. Germain des Prés! Choose a less touristy neighborhood where the local restaurants and shops will be more authentic, not just full of tourists. Many of the southern and western suburbs are great.” Lisa Vanden Bos Boulogne Billancourt, France

“If you’re at a restaurant with a group and have not yet learned French, try to order your meal directly after a friend. Say, ‘La même chose, s’il vous plaît.’ (‘The same thing, please.’) Just hope that your friend has not ordered brain or tripe.” Patrick Sweet Madison, Wis. (former Paris resident)

“Daily French life is about food. The best way to get a sense of its scope is to visit La Grande Epicerie de Paris at Bon Marché or walk through a public market in just about any arrondissement.” Joseph Russo Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (former Paris resident)

“Consider a visit to Paris’ Deportation Memorial on Île de la Cité, behind Notre-Dame Cathedral, which honors the memory of the thousands of Jews and others deported from France to Nazi concentration camps between 1940 and 1944. So many people don’t know about this memorial and it is breathtaking.” Rob Bracken Palm Springs (former Paris resident)

“Don’t forget about Paris’ wine bars. Our favorite wine bar/bistro is behind the Pantheon: Café de la Nouvelle Mairie on a little street called Rue des Fossés Saint Jacques. Good food, cheese, more small plates than big meals.” Jill Lillie New York (former Paris resident)

“Be sure to leave plenty of time to do ‘nothing.’ That is, to sit in a café or a park and watch the world go by. To read, write and observe. To enjoy … strolling around the city, just like the Parisians love to do.” Janet Hulstrand Silver Spring, Md., and Paris