The vacation of a lifetime awaits you in Paris—City of Light—with fun-filled days and romantic nights. Now, in this informative guide, Caroline O’Connell reveals the intimate secrets and pleasures of one of the world's most exciting and beautiful cities. Caroline tells you where to look, what to do, and how to do it. She gives you an insider's view of the romantic side of Paris--the Paris that dreamers dream about, writers write about, and French lovers know. Most important, she guides you in sharing the city with that special someone.
First, Caroline helps you plan your romantic venture, from booking a flight to packing your suitcase. She then fills you in on hotels and hideaways; restaurants and bistros; antique stores and flea markets; museums, historic sites, bookstores, and concerts; street markets and gourmet stores; hot jazz clubs; and so much more. From intimate cafés to romantic country chateaus, this guide steers you to the very best that Paris and its environs have to offer, including Caroline’s “A” list of romantic spots. She even offers French phrases that you can use when conversing with your chéri. Unique "Save Some Money" boxes help you experience Paris to the max without maxing out your credit cards, and specially designed metro (subway) charts not only assist you in reaching places of interest, but also allow you to fully enjoy those Paris neighborhoods that offer the greatest wealth of cultural sights, exceptional shops, and wonderful restaurants and cafes.
If you’re looking for an experience to cherish, welcome to Every Woman’s Guide to Romance in Paris.
Caroline O’Connell heads a successful public relations firm in Los Angeles, California. Before starting her company, Caroline lived and worked in Paris, developing fluency in the French language and a love of the people and their culture. She is also the coauthor of The Best Places to Kiss in Southern California: A Romantic Travel Guide.
Contents
Acknowledgments
About This Book
1. Les Preparatifs
Maximize Your Trip By Planning Ahead
Making Travel Reservations Understanding Arrondissements Applying for Your Passport Travel Insurance Exchanging Money and Using Credit Cards Studying the Language and Culture The Importance of Referrals Packing Phones Electronics and Appliances Your Pre-Trip Checklist
2. C’est La Belle VieYou Arrive! How to Adapt
The Flight Finding Transportation to Your Hotel Arriving at Your Hotel Understanding Euros and Using ATMs Getting to Know Your Neighborhood Using Transportation in Paris Using the Telephone in Paris Understanding French Customs
3. Les Fantaisies
Spoil Yourself and Discover the Secrets of French Femininity
Hair Salons Beauty Salons Spas and Hammams Lingerie Stores Perfume Shops Tea Salons
4. La CultureLearn About History and Art Firsthand Historic Sights Museums Bookstores and Libraries Opera Ballet and Concert Halls
5. La CuisineDelight in French Taste Treats
Cafés Restaurants Wine Bars Gourmet and Specialty Food Stores Cooking Classes
6. Les BoutiquesSplurge in the Most Fashionable Shops in the World
Top Fashion Houses Designer Outlets and Vintage Stores Department Stores 122 Discount Stores Accessories Tax Refund and Customs Information
7. Pour la MaisonDevelop Your Decorating Style
Museums for Home Furnishings Antique Stores Specialty Boutiques for Household Items Auction Houses Flea Markets
8. Les Sports et Les Excursions
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Gardens Parks Attending a Sporting Event Engaging in Your Favorite Sport
9. La NuitRomantic Paris by Night
Intimate Bars Jazz Clubs Movie Theaters Paris Tours at Night Nightclubs Cabarets
10. Les PromenadesJourney Into the Countryside
Champagne Country Giverny Honfleur Versailles
11. Les SouvenirsPreserve and Share Your Memories
Taking Photographs Creating a Journal or Scrapbook Reaching Out Through Facebook Twitter and YouTube Sending Postcards Collecting Memorabilia Buying Souvenirs for Family and Friends
Glossary
Suggested Readings
Index
Maps