Q & A

Subject: Maybe a month in Paris.

Question: In two, years I plan to visit Paris, not really for any purpose, only because I’m curious, and seeks the adventure, I plan to stay maybe a month or two, how much will it cost me?? and is it safe to attend alone, or bring a friend? I’m very interested in Paris, that’s where I would like to stay....if you have any information or know where I can get brochures.. please help me, and is Germany a nice place to visit also? those are the only two places I plan to see...Thank you.

Answer: First off I would say that a month in Paris is to long. Think about spending a few weeks in Paris and then visiting the countryside. Paris is a wonderful city and you could spend months there and not see everything, but there is so much more to see in France. Think about visiting any of the following, Alsace, Aquitaine, Brittany, Burgundy, and Pays Basque. At a minimum you should do some day trip outside of Paris in Ile-de-France, for example think about a day or even a few at Versailles.
My suggestion would be to rent a car and drive around the French countryside, for example in Burgundy, only a few hours drive from Paris. For a place to visit have a look at, http://www.guedelon.com, it is a castle that is being built using tools from the middle ages. Or you could take the train someplace and rent a car there. That would give you another way to experience France, as it has a very good train system.
As for price, Paris can be very expensive, I would guess that depending where you stay in Paris you will spend anywhere for $50 to $150 per day. Yes, that’s a big range but I don’t know what your tastes are. In the Reading List section of my web site, www.americansinfrance.net, there are a few books that should help you get the most for your dollars, in particular Hello France! A Hotel Guide to Paris & 25 Other French Cities, by Margo Classé. If you do buy on-line, please use my web site as I will get a small commission.
Also have a look in the Q & A and Attractions sections as they have information about Paris and other locations in France that could help you.
I would suggest that you travel with a friend, not because it would be unsafe, but I personally have found it better to travel with someone than alone. For brochures try, http://www.francetourism.com, it is the official web site of the Masion de la France, they can send you info on just about any part of France. Sorry, but I know very little about Germany.