Paris

What can one write about Paris that hasn’t been written? Very little, so I’ll keep it brief.

First, since the city is the world’s third most popular tourist destination—9.7 million visitors descended on the City of Light in 2006 alone—countless locals have realized that buying and renting out self-catering apartments is a great way to make a few Euros. As a result, it’s one of the best places in the world to avoid the hotel trap. You can rent everything from a barge on the Seine to a luxurious penthouse near the Louvre.

Second, don’t believe the stereotypes that paint Parisians as haughty snobs who will turn up their noses at your attempts to use your high school French. That just hasn’t been my experience. Sure, there are snobs in Paris—just as there are everywhere. But for the most part, I’ve found Parisians as helpful, friendly and accommodating as people anywhere.

Finally, do see the big sights—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and so on—but leave lots of time to discover the other side of Paris. My fondest memories of the city include a morning spent browsing in the pet shops along the Quai de Mégisserie, an afternoon perusing the displays at the almost deserted Musée des lettres et manuscrits (Museum of Letters and Manuscripts) and a late night grooving to a South American jazz combo at le Baiser salé.

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Fun Facts

People born in Paris include Swedish king Oscar I, director Roman Polanski, actor Hervé Villechaize, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, fashion designer Oleg Cassini, rock star scion Jade Jagger and talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford.

Cheap Cheap

OK, a museum pass that costs €30 and up may not sound “cheap.” But the Paris Museum Pass gets you into 60 museums and famous sites, including the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and Versailles—some of which cost €10 and up on their own. Two-, four- and six-day passes are available.

Jet Lag

Nighthawks should plan their Parisian visit for early October, when the all-night Nuit Blanche festival brings contemporary artists and art lovers into the streets for one memorable evening.

Three Questions to Ask When Renting

1. Is there an elevator? Many older buildings are walk-ups, and elevators that do exist are often small.

2. What is the nearest Métro station, and how far away is it? Don’t even think about driving in Paris unless you’ve recently won an F1 race or have a death wish.

3. Is the apartment air conditioned? Paris can get sultry in the summer, and A/C isn’t as widespread as it is North America—although it has become more common in the wake of a series of bad heat waves.