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The life of the Parisian homosexuals is rather enviable. One has no problem if one walks by being held lovingly in the streets of Paris (with, obviously, the limits of the simple common sense and decency). Bars are opened on the street and welcome a diversified clientele. This tolerance can be tested in cruising-bars and saunas where the freedom to do what one wants among willing adults is practically never questioned .
These last years saw an impressive number of new and various establishments. A big part of them concentrated around the first four districts, and in particular in the district of the Marais (4-th arr.). It is there that are the majority of bars, restaurants and shops. But if gays are more discreet in the other districts, they are not there less present.
A passport is required for entry to France and Monaco. A visa is not required for tourist/business stays up to 90 days in France and Monaco. For further information concerning entry requirements for France, travelers may contact the Embassy of France at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 944-6000, or the French Consulate General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or San Francisco. For further information on entry requirements to Monaco, travelers may contact the Consulate General of Monaco at 565 5th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017, tel. (212) 759-5227. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
French. Always and only.
There is no time difference between Paris and most western European capitals - with the exception of London and Dublin (one hour behind) and Helsinki/Finland (one hour ahead of). Check the "Time Ticker" for current time in Paris.
France is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) In France time is based on the 24-hr system so that 8am is 8 heures, noon is 12 heures (midi), 8pm is 20 heures and midnight is 0 (zero) heure (minuit) Paris is on Continental time 6 hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of Chicago. In 1996, members of the European Union agreed to observe a "summertime period" from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. The clocks are an hour ahead of solar time (GMT) in winter, and two hours ahead in summer. The clocks change twice during the year.
Paris 4 day forecast (CNN)
The average annual temperature and precipitation for Paris is 11.7 C (53.0 F), and 641.6 mm (25.2 inches) respectively.
Electricity in France runs on 220V.
| January 01 | New Year's Day |
|---|---|
| March 28 | Easter Monday |
| May 01 | Fête du Travail |
| May 5 | Ascension Day |
| May 8 | Fête de la Victoire de 1945 (VE Day) |
| May 16 | Whit Monday |
| July 14 | Fête Nationale - Bastille |
| August 15 | Assumption |
| November 01 | All Saints Day |
| November 11 | Armistice de 1918 (Armistice Day) |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Forget traveler's checks, cash, or personal checks. All you really need is a valid ATM and credit card. Charge as much as you can, thus ensuring the best exchange rate at all times and only take out cash from an ATM machine as needed. Avoid exchanging back to US currency by paying your hotel bill with excess cash and charging the rest. Keep enough cash to get you to the airport. For the experienced traveler, the subway will do, since both major airports are connected via RER and Metro. Otherwise, remember your cab fare on the way down and keep that much for the return.
Since 1 January 2002 the EURO (€) is the official currency of France (together with 10 other European countries. It is divided in 100 cents. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; and 1 and 2 EURO (€). Notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 EURO (€). Most shops, restaurants and hotels accept all major Credit Cards. As of printing, one Euro equals about 1.28 USD
Service is legally included in your bill at all restaurants, cafés and bars. However, it is polite to either round up the final amount for drinks, and to leave a few coins for a meal, depending on the restaurant.
We always stay on the Marais, or 4th arrondissement (right bank), unless they are full and then we'll tray toi stay in the 5th or 6th (left bank) but close to the Seine river. The Marais has most of the gay life and the best restaurants for yor money.
There are two essential things you should do. Upon arriving in Paris get to any Metro station and buy a Paris Visite pass. They come in all shapes and sizes from 1 to 7 days. The Metro is the only way to ride. For the rest you should walk, which will help you digest their rich food. At the same time buy a " carte musees et monuments" or (Intermusees) pass for the same number of days. Not only will it save you money on your stay, but it will also avoid the infamous lines that form around the museums and monuments. You will be able to walk right in.
Belleville Insolite 17, rue Jules Romains 75019 Paris, or local at 1 rue Robert Houdin 75011 Paris. Tel: 01.43.57.49.85. Email If you think you know all about Paris, they will organize 2 to 3 hour walking tours which show you some nooks and crannies few people have seen. The tour encourages you to peek into hidden courtyards and meet the working artists.
Paris is divided into 20 Arrondissement each with its own mayor. They start at the Center and go clockwise in a rotating manner. I suggest you buy "Paris Classique par Arrondissement". It's the only way to find your way around in the older sections like the Marais where most maps will mention every third street only.
The French experience is small tables where you will rub elbows and make friends anytime you dine. Stay away from the tourist traps and venture into the Paris Bistro's and cafés where usually a prix fix menu will enable you to wine and dine for a reasonable price.
While American gays and lesbians have savored political advances achieved in fits and starts and enjoyed increased visibility in the media, some with genuine depth and other barely obtaining dimensions, a funny thing happened in Paris which has made significant, important strides, both politically and socially in the quest for equal rights and recognition. France recently enacted a system of civil unions for gays providing many, but not all, of the rights afforded married heterosexual couples. In March 2001, Parisians elected their first openly gay mayor, a socialist to boot. Paris is the center of gay life in France where gay tourists find many charming gays specific and gay popular lodging options, exceptional gay eateries, robust gay night life and in general a refreshing indifference to your private sex life.
Bars open in a general way at the beginning of the afternoon or at midday and close at two o'clock in the morning (the legal and compulsory hour) with the exception of those that benefit from a special license and that remain opened till morning. Discos open at eleven o'clock or at midnight and close in the morning. Please , remember that the public transports do not work between 1 o'clock and 5. 30 of the morning. In between, you will need to use taxis or night buses.
To start your evening may I suggest you check the latest in the gay scene at: ParisGay.com. Then go accordingly.
While you could literally spend weeks at the Louvre and still not see everything it holds, I would recommend the three most famous treasures it holds: The Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo, and The Winged Victory. As a member of the 10%, I must add the Greco-Roman Rooms. Remember to enter from the Metro so you avoid long lines.
I also hold dearly the smaller museums with smaller collections:
near the Tuileries de Louvre, which holds great works from the impressionists including Monet's Water Lilies. Closed for repairs until December 2004.Most shopping can be done in the famous Rue Rivoli. The department stores are Galeries Lafayette, Samaritaine, BHV, Bon Marche (oldest and best), and Printemps, but for the real bargains you may want to do the lesser-known venues.
Versailles A day is enough time to fully appreciate the wealth of things to see and do at Versailles. The biggest hurdle is avoiding the Japanese tourists. A guided tour is the best way to see the castle and gardens. The fountains are only working on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30pm, and only in the summer. Keep that in mind when making your arrangements.
From Paris - Versailles has at its disposal multiple, rapid forms of transport linking it with Paris, whether by rail network, bus or motorway.
Rail Network
Bus
Motorway
Loire Valley Castles The origins of the Castles of the Loire Valley go back to the era of the first fortified castles. As of the 5th century B.C., some of the villages were fortified, the region already being in the midst of numerous battles. In the 12th century, we see the arrival of stone fortifications. Throughout the years, military architecture becomes more perfected - draw bridges isolating the castle in case of danger, the high towers allowing one to scan the horizon for enemies, the slits (crenels) in the fortified walls protecting the archers while firing their arrows from high in the castle walls.
A wonderful drive from Paris, you may choose to rent a car and drive, or get a day tour of the region. Castles that can be visited are: Serrant, Angers, Montgeoffroy, Saumur, Brissac, Le Lude, Gizeux, Langeais, Ussé, Villandry, Luynes, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Lavardin, Blois, Amboise, Chaumont, Chenonceau, Loches, Montpoupon,Châteaudun, Talcy, Meung-sur-Loire, La Ferté-Saint-Aubin, Chambord, Beauregard, Villesavin, Troussay, Le Gué-Péan, Cheverny , Chamerolles, Sully-sur-Loire, and Gien.
The most famous ones being Amboise, Blois, Chenonceau, and Chambord.
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