Paris!

[rachelmanija]

Through a peculiar sequence of events involving my family, it looks like I am going to get to visit Paris in July, first with my mom, and then, after she departs for Argentina (it's a long story) by myself.

Wheeee!

I have never been to Paris. Please tell me your favorite Paris stories, recommend things that might be enjoyable to do with my mom, recommend things that I would enjoy, recommend food and where to get it, etc. Note that:

- I am going on a budget, insofar as this is possible.

- I like oddball, offbeat, little-known, local favorite things. I also like beautiful parks and gardens, and every sort of food. Please, rec me food! I like restaurants, I like buying stuff in markets and eating in parks, and love pastries. (I am not a huge cheese or wine fan.)

- Mom likes historical things, museums, and beautiful parks and gardens.

- We both like thrift shops, especially the sort that sell books or used designer clothing.

By the way, I cannot tell you how thrilled I am about the prospect of traveling with a Kindle instead of 50 pounds of books. (Plus, that means I can buy more books in Paris, since I won't be lugging a bunch from home to read on the plane.) I still need to bring a couple paperbacks to read while the plane is taking off/landing and electronics are turned off, right?

Comments

[movingfinger]

Yes, you will want some disposable paperbacks!

How to find stuff to look at in any of the world's infinite cities:

1. For any city, search "quirky (city name)" as there are SO MANY travel sites now, something will turn up.

2. In your case, have a look at Time Out Paris as a guidebook.

[rachelmanija]

Oh, I know! I'll definitely do that too. I was looking more for personal recommendations.

[movingfinger]

Are you and your mother going to rent an apartment? It really helps to have a kitchen.

[rachelmanija]

No, she's crashing with a friend of hers (who only has one guest bedroom.) It is currently unclear where I'll be. I am desperately seeking crash space, as I can't really afford a hotel, let alone an apartment.

[movingfinger]

Check parisianhome.com and look for a studio. Per week it will likely be equal to or less than a decent hotel.

[movingfinger]

Oh, sorry. Missed that hotel is also an issue. Surely the hive mind knows somebody... somewhere...

[tool_of_satan.livejournal.com]

Are you open to staying in a hostel? There are lots of them, and it's the done thing for people seeing Europe on the cheap. That being said, I have never stayed in one myself.

[enleve]

Airbnb is a website that has listings of people willing to rent out space in their home for travellers.