Author Topic: Going to Paris  (Read 8223 times)

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Aatila

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Going to Paris
« on: January 19, 2015, 11:01:48 AM »
Im going to paris around august and was wondering if theres any tips for a american guy traveling there skating, bars, respect, language barriers, what to prepare for, etc.  Thanks Y'all

Aatila

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2015, 03:06:11 PM »
First and foremost, you're in a massive tourist destination.  There are tourists everywhere and they're frustrating as hell even if you're one too.  Once you accept that, you do so much better.  Parisiens are different from the rest of the French it seems like, but I'd say that's because they have to deal with assholes like us.  Their subway system is easy as hell and relatively cheap, all things considered.  Cabs are not cheap at all. 

Nozbone is a skateshop starting to go toward the southeast part of the city.  Pretty easy to find, it's close-ish to the Bastille.  Dudes there were cool and helpful. 

The Louvre is dope and super overwhelming.  I am glad I've gone a few times, but I'll never go again.  It's pretty easy to get lost in there and the map isa bit confusing.  Go early and get a ticket from the FNAC in the little underground kiosk at the Carrousel entrance (google Louvre Carrousel entrance).  There are plenty of other dope museums all over and you're constantly surrounded by art.

No way I could remember any bars or restaurants, but always go off the beaten path.  Cheaper and often better food.  Always try with your French, just trying goes a long way instead of just blurting out some English (true in every country.)  Beer selection was a little rough at places, but the wine is dirt cheap and amazing.  I always stay in Montmartre when I've gone and I find the cheapest way to live is to buy some breakfast stuff (fruit, bread, jams etc) from the grocery store and even pack a lunch and then I can spend a bit more on dinner.

I bet there are some other Pals here who have much better memories than I've got, but I hope that helps.

that helps a lot! thanks! I'm supposed to go with a group of friends but due to my schedule i fly out at a different time and will be by myself for a min so this advice definitely helps

alcol

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2015, 04:06:48 PM »
I lived in Paris for three years and I can tell you that life ain't cheap there...but you can definitely get some bang for your buck. If you wanna hit some bars and get some cheap food go to Belleville (there are some cool spots there as well). Honestly I bought groceries at Carrefour/Casino/E-Leclerc (the cheapest one) and economized a lot by making some sandwiches and stuff.

Try to avoid the Central and chic "arrondissements" (neighborhoods) (the ones with the museums and the fancy stuff) if you want to save some dough.

Try to skate around downtown instead of using the metro, the sight alone is worth the push. Paris is quite small so you can really use your board as transport. There are some skateparks around town but they aren't really exceptional, I liked this one though: http://skatejemmapes.canalblog.com/

Here's a list with some classic spots: http://www.ridethefire.net/spots_result.php?id_spot=4

You should hit Bercy, Palais de Tokyo and Place d'Italie. Those spots are amazing. You should also hit La D�fense, which is where all the big banks and companies have their buildings, you might catch a glimpse of the double set Jerry Hsu switch heels in his Stay Gold part...

As HATE said french people appreciate it when you make an effort to speak in their language, so try to learn some basic stuff. Also, you should drink wine when in Paris, you can get some good stuff for like 4 or 5 euros.        

If you are into culture you should go to Le Louvre at least once or twice. You should also go to the Pompidou Center and the Quai Branly Museum.  

Hope this helps!
I'm a be on here until niggas start posting about my celebrity-skateboarder lifestyle exploits ala Lil Wayne.

Aatila

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2015, 04:42:00 PM »
Do you know where you are staying yet? 

not exactly yet.  My homies have a few friends there that i we are staying with for a few days then from there were going to hit up some other cities stay with some more homies for a few days then so on and so fourth.

Aatila

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2015, 04:43:50 PM »
I lived in Paris for three years and I can tell you that life ain't cheap there...but you can definitely get some bang for your buck. If you wanna hit some bars and get some cheap food go to Belleville (there are some cool spots there as well). Honestly I bought groceries at Carrefour/Casino/E-Leclerc (the cheapest one) and economized a lot by making some sandwiches and stuff.

Try to avoid the Central and chic "arrondissements" (neighborhoods) (the ones with the museums and the fancy stuff) if you want to save some dough.

Try to skate around downtown instead of using the metro, the sight alone is worth the push. Paris is quite small so you can really use your board as transport. There are some skateparks around town but they aren't really exceptional, I liked this one though: http://skatejemmapes.canalblog.com/

Here's a list with some classic spots: http://www.ridethefire.net/spots_result.php?id_spot=4

You should hit Bercy, Palais de Tokyo and Place d'Italie. Those spots are amazing. You should also hit La D�fense, which is where all the big banks and companies have their buildings, you might catch a glimpse of the double set Jerry Hsu switch heels in his Stay Gold part...

As HATE said french people appreciate it when you make an effort to speak in their language, so try to learn some basic stuff. Also, you should drink wine when in Paris, you can get some good stuff for like 4 or 5 euros.        

If you are into culture you should go to Le Louvre at least once or twice. You should also go to the Pompidou Center and the Quai Branly Museum.  

Hope this helps!
yes it does thanks!

choke mayne

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2015, 05:08:02 PM »
practice saying 'merci'

Turtle Boy

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2015, 01:40:02 AM »
For the moment Bercy is no longer skatable but République is the new go-to spot, gare de lyon has also really good spots.

If you want to see some footy to get motivated check http://liveskateboardmedia.com/fr/parisii and if you see some spot you like don't hesitate to ask to some guys at Nozbone, I'm sure they will help you.

For skateshops you have Nozbone close to Nation (the best all around town), Snowbeach close to Bastille (and close to Charlie Hebdo) and Starcow skate close to Châtelet les Halles.

As for bars there are so much places to go, but the ones on the east side of the city are generally cheaper and more interesting: around Bastille, Le Marais (Gay area but still cool), République, Grand Boulevard have a lot of cool places to go.

If you want to go to concert during august there is generally Rock en Seine, a big festival with big artists from all over the world that can be fun.
http://www.rockenseine.com/

If you are going in august be ready to some suffocating weather and high temperatures. August is one of the worst months to stay in paris because most parisian are out of the town and most of the people are tourists. In another hand you will have fun on the boarder of the Seine where you will find some beaches for the summer (but you can't swim).

While you are here be sure to hit the Louvre, Picasso Museum and Pompidou museum (contemporary art).

As said by HATE, Airbnb is the best option for a short period of time in Paris right now.

practice saying 'merci' and As HATE said french people appreciate it when you make an effort to speak in their language, so try to learn some basic stuff.

Parisian people can be really close-minded people (I lived there for 20 years) so try to be polite and speak a couple of words.

OldieButFrenchie

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2015, 05:45:53 AM »
For the moment Bercy is no longer skatable but République is the new go-to spot, gare de lyon has also really good spots.

If you want to see some footy to get motivated check http://liveskateboardmedia.com/fr/parisii and if you see some spot you like don't hesitate to ask to some guys at Nozbone, I'm sure they will help you.

For skateshops you have Nozbone close to Nation (the best all around town), Snowbeach close to Bastille (and close to Charlie Hebdo) and Starcow skate close to Châtelet les Halles.

As for bars there are so much places to go, but the ones on the east side of the city are generally cheaper and more interesting: around Bastille, Le Marais (Gay area but still cool), République, Grand Boulevard have a lot of cool places to go.

If you want to go to concert during august there is generally Rock en Seine, a big festival with big artists from all over the world that can be fun.
http://www.rockenseine.com/

If you are going in august be ready to some suffocating weather and high temperatures. August is one of the worst months to stay in paris because most parisian are out of the town and most of the people are tourists. In another hand you will have fun on the boarder of the Seine where you will find some beaches for the summer (but you can't swim).

While you are here be sure to hit the Louvre, Picasso Museum and Pompidou museum (contemporary art).

As said by HATE, Airbnb is the best option for a short period of time in Paris right now.

Expand Quote
practice saying 'merci' and As HATE said french people appreciate it when you make an effort to speak in their language, so try to learn some basic stuff.
[close]

Parisian people can be really close-minded people (I lived there for 20 years) so try to be polite and speak a couple of words.

care to elaborate? I lived in Paris/banlieue until I was 30, so I'm curious as to what would make you say that....
(and I disagree of course!)

other than that, here's my 2 cents: yes, by all means, push around! From La Défense to Chatelet or Porte de Lilas to Republique for some downhills are 2 of my favorite routes.

Turtle Boy

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2015, 06:48:03 AM »
It's not all parisian but I think the proportion of close-minded people is WAY higher in Paris than in London, Barcelona or Madrid for example.
Well I shouldn't have say "parisian people", it's more about snobs and the gentrification of paris, specially concerning upper class people. From a demographical point of view Paris population has changed a lot, and while it was still really mixed back in the 70s 80s and even 90s, since 2000s population has slowly transformed with gentrification.

From what I experienced, at least, and a couple of people around me also experienced we are (I was born and raised in Paris) really prone to judge other people habits or beliefs, and we generally think we are right.

It's really difficult to make true friends in Paris when you are from elsewhere, I mean you can develop some superficial friendship easily but I find it more difficult than in other places in France or other countries such as spain or UK.


other than that, here's my 2 cents: yes, by all means, push around! From La Défense to Chatelet or Porte de Lilas to Republique for some downhills are 2 of my favorite routes.

This: parisian ground is one of the smoothest and sidewalks are rather wide in general so you can have a lot of fun.
« Last Edit: January 20, 2015, 06:50:44 AM by Turtle Boy »

OldieButFrenchie

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2015, 08:50:17 AM »
well I disagree even more now...without getting into details, you do know London is even more gentrified than Paris?
Also if you think the "working classes" are more open-minded than rich or semi-rich people, you're in for a big surprise.....
anyways at least we can agree on pushing around!

To get back on topic, Aatila, if you go to Jemmapes, pay a visit to Vega skateshop, it's right next to it. Remi and the other dude running it are pretty cool.

artichoke

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2015, 09:17:58 AM »
I just got back from Paris.

If it doesn't rain and you're used to covering distance when you skate (IE you don't drive from spot to spot) you can likely skate anywhere within city limits.  The trains are great too.  I went to Nozbone and they were great; they spoke english and helped me with some spots.  I only skated twice because I was with the wife, but Republique is perfect flat and good ledges, and if you take the 8 out to Creteil there are those famous red banks and a great plaza close to each other.

Food-wise I noticed it was tough to get out of a cafe without spending close to 30 euros.  Marche d'Aligre is reasonably close to nozbone; go buy fruit / cheese / bread / charcuterie and use that for breakfast and possibly lunch.  I ate at some fantastic kebab shops; kind of a trade of value for aesthetics but the couscous kebab plates were rich and filling.  I didn't have a bad glass of wine the whole time I was there, including the 3 euro bottles we would buy and drink on the street.  Beer is a bit more expensive and the liquor situation was the opposite of the US where great cognac / eau du vie / armagnac was reasonably affordable but shitty american whiskey (Jack) would be expensive.

Being able to say hi, do you speak english, thank you, sorry and 1-10 went a long way for me.  As everybody above said, tourism is the real deal there and people are used to speaking in different languages.  I found making the effort to use french to greet people and ask if they spoke english was enough to not get attitude from most people.

Culturally, I saw the d'orsay museum, which is a great space and a must-see if you're into impressionism, the Picasso museum was pretty good too.  The Rodin is basically closed but they'll still charge you 7 euros to go see a tiny temporary exhibit (which you should skip), and taking the train to versailles is probably only worth it on a day when the weather is cooperating and you can check out the palace grounds in addition to the palace itself.

Have fun!

Aatila

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2015, 10:29:57 AM »
I just got back from Paris.

If it doesn't rain and you're used to covering distance when you skate (IE you don't drive from spot to spot) you can likely skate anywhere within city limits.  The trains are great too.  I went to Nozbone and they were great; they spoke english and helped me with some spots.  I only skated twice because I was with the wife, but Republique is perfect flat and good ledges, and if you take the 8 out to Creteil there are those famous red banks and a great plaza close to each other.

Food-wise I noticed it was tough to get out of a cafe without spending close to 30 euros.  Marche d'Aligre is reasonably close to nozbone; go buy fruit / cheese / bread / charcuterie and use that for breakfast and possibly lunch.  I ate at some fantastic kebab shops; kind of a trade of value for aesthetics but the couscous kebab plates were rich and filling.  I didn't have a bad glass of wine the whole time I was there, including the 3 euro bottles we would buy and drink on the street.  Beer is a bit more expensive and the liquor situation was the opposite of the US where great cognac / eau du vie / armagnac was reasonably affordable but shitty american whiskey (Jack) would be expensive.

Being able to say hi, do you speak english, thank you, sorry and 1-10 went a long way for me.  As everybody above said, tourism is the real deal there and people are used to speaking in different languages.  I found making the effort to use french to greet people and ask if they spoke english was enough to not get attitude from most people.

Culturally, I saw the d'orsay museum, which is a great space and a must-see if you're into impressionism, the Picasso museum was pretty good too.  The Rodin is basically closed but they'll still charge you 7 euros to go see a tiny temporary exhibit (which you should skip), and taking the train to versailles is probably only worth it on a day when the weather is cooperating and you can check out the palace grounds in addition to the palace itself.

Have fun!

Thanks Artichoke, OldieButFrenchie and Turtle Boy.  Im about to be there on some I've already been here shit with all the information given I'm pretty excited

Turtle Boy

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #12 on: January 20, 2015, 11:37:18 AM »
well I disagree even more now...without getting into details, you do know London is even more gentrified than Paris?
Also if you think the "working classes" are more open-minded than rich or semi-rich people, you're in for a big surprise.....
anyways at least we can agree on pushing around!

To get back on topic, Aatila, if you go to Jemmapes, pay a visit to Vega skateshop, it's right next to it. Remi and the other dude running it are pretty cool.

I totally agree with you about the gentrification of London compared to Paris, but I still think that they are more open-minded than the typical guy from Paris. I don't think that Working classes are more open minded than rich people, the idea that I want to traduce is that Paris is no longer what is was during the 80s or 70s (I was born in the 80s so I literally didn't experienced that, but from what I read and heard multiple times at least), and making connexions or friends is not as easy at it was back in the days (I'm sure I'm being romantic about what Paris was, but from what I've lived and other people have lived it's not as easy as in other place to get to know people).
I totally forgot about Vega, really nice shop in Paris, and the area around Canal St Martin is really cool, and not that far from Republique. Speaking about Vega, Oldie, did you try the mexican restaurant in front of them called El Nopal? Best mexican spot in Paris (and cheap). The only bad thing is that they barely have any table inside but you can take some burrito or whatever and go eat it near the canal.

OldieButFrenchie

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #13 on: January 21, 2015, 12:58:59 AM »
well I was born in 74 myself, so I got to experience Paris in the 80's/90's and it's true that it is different.....But it's hard to compare, my life itself is totally different, I got kids, and way less time to make friends !
so like you said, I think people tend to be romantic about it, we always think things were better before, in our youth.
One thing's for sure though, pretty much all the spots we skated in the 90's are gone! (marble ledges at Bastille, the upper part of le Dome, rue des saints peres).

About El Nopal, it's the second time somebody recommends it to me, so I'll definitely try it next time I'm in Paris.
Love me some good mexcan food!     :P


Aatila, just to get you to anticipate even more, here's a little vid I did last year, dedicated to pushing around Paris and enjoying the sights!!

PARIS CRUISING

OldieButFrenchie

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #14 on: January 21, 2015, 11:51:32 PM »
Expand Quote

Could watch this for hours...did you end up moving out France or just moving out of Paris?

thanks man. well I live in Brussels, Belgium, now. It's pretty close to Paris, so I go back quite often and try to skate around if I can....Paris' buttery-smooth sidewalks just might be the one thing I miss most! it's all cobblestone out here so you can't really skate all over the city like that.

360 frip

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #15 on: January 22, 2015, 02:19:16 AM »
Pompidou center is pretty cool. Lockers in the bottom bit were free, so we could dump our bags for the whole day. Don't buy a coffee on the rooftop cafe though!
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shark tits

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #16 on: January 22, 2015, 04:34:58 AM »
why the fuck not, 360 frip? i dig that cruising video, oldie but frenchie! i like that shit more!
you don't look old, actually appear to be hauling balls. i know your style is encumbered by the camera but it gives the impression that you're a bull rider at the rodeo. i'm gonna refer to that wild right as 'sartre arm' from now on. bs powerslide was the dopeshow too.

OldieButFrenchie

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #17 on: January 23, 2015, 12:18:02 AM »
haha Sartre arm, that's pretty good! Glad you liked it man, thanks for the appreciation.

to the OP, I hope I didn't hijack your thread too much....... 

360 frip

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #18 on: January 23, 2015, 04:10:19 AM »
why the fuck not, 360 frip? i dig that cruising video, oldie but frenchie! i like that shit more!
you don't look old, actually appear to be hauling balls. i know your style is encumbered by the camera but it gives the impression that you're a bull rider at the rodeo. i'm gonna refer to that wild right as 'sartre arm' from now on. bs powerslide was the dopeshow too.

I just remember it cost shit loads. I forget the currency exchange but around a tenner (UK). Museum is great though, depending on the visiting exhibition too I suppose. Paris was a bit of a let down to me, but probably OK if you lived there.
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Aatila

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #19 on: January 23, 2015, 04:45:04 PM »
Expand Quote
why the fuck not, 360 frip? i dig that cruising video, oldie but frenchie! i like that shit more!
you don't look old, actually appear to be hauling balls. i know your style is encumbered by the camera but it gives the impression that you're a bull rider at the rodeo. i'm gonna refer to that wild right as 'sartre arm' from now on. bs powerslide was the dopeshow too.
[close]

I just remember it cost shit loads. I forget the currency exchange but around a tenner (UK). Museum is great though, depending on the visiting exhibition too I suppose. Paris was a bit of a let down to me, but probably OK if you lived there.

thanks for mentioning currency exchange should i do this here in the states or wait till i get there?

artichoke

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #20 on: January 26, 2015, 09:14:53 AM »
I regrettably bank with Bank of America; they would have exchanged at my bank for free if I wasn't an idiot and waited until two days before I was leaving to ask.  There is a bank over there that they are partnered with or something so that I could take money out without getting hit with a $5 transaction fee.

That said, we never had trouble with using our cards at restaurants, but some small shops / ATMs / subway ticketing machines would inexplicably be unable to complete transactions.  So yeah, having cash on hand for situations like that is huge.

It's supposed to snow like three feet tonight; words cannot describe how much I wish I was in Paris.  So jealous.

Turtle Boy

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #21 on: January 26, 2015, 10:16:49 AM »
That's true most "small places" do not accept American Express cards

Jake "The Snake" Roberts

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #22 on: January 28, 2015, 05:22:53 AM »
I worked in Paris 2 summers ago and it was fun as shit. The go to place to skate was right outside the Republique metro. It's a big meet up spot with great ground and some good ledges, some stairs and a wooden manny pad. It's a shame to hear Bercy was super fun but apparently isn't skate able anymore from seeing above posts. I always hit up Starcow which i know may not be the best skateshop but was good enough for me considering where I was living and everyone who worked there was super nice. Theres actually a park really close to Starcow which I can't remember the name of but is fucking great. As everyone else said before cruising around that city is super fun and you'll run into spots along your way. The ground is amazing pretty much everywhere.

For food I'd say talk to locals. They always know the cheaper spots to be eating at. You can find them but its easier to have a little heads up. That being said if you can spend the extra money here and there Paris has a lot of great places to eat so don't rob yourself of that.

When going out to drink we always met up at the Canal which is like a 10 min skate(if that) from republique metro station. Basically a bunch of people crowded around a sketchy canal getting fucking wasted. It's easy on the wallet because you're basically just drinking whatever you can afford. Good way to meet people. Although more of a meet up before going out its good because you can meet locals and as with the food situation they will know the good places to hit up.

I know it's been said before but try to speak french when you can. It's well appreciated over there. Don't listen to the stories of the Parisian attitude. I was there for 2 months, went with that mentality and only once did I get any attitude and it was from a waiter on a busy night so I completely dismiss that.

Learn the metro system. It's incredibly easy and will help out a lot.


yapple dapple

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Re: Going to Paris
« Reply #23 on: February 01, 2015, 10:02:42 PM »
If you have a working cassette Player I can shoot you this 4 tape pack and booklet if you want. It helped tons when I went years ago.