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I'm a Canadian spending three months in France, nominally working a 9-to-5 job but with some flexibility and with my weekends (and long weekends) entirely free to explore this part of the world that I'm not very familiar with. Where should I go, what should I do, and how do I convince myself to get out there when all I want to do is hang out in my apartment eating cereal? [more inside]
posted by btfreek around France at 6:39 AM - 15 answers

Heading to Paris for a vacation in a week. Would appreciate any tips you have for a pair of Americans in their late 30s (traveling without kids) on proper etiquette in France—the kinds of things that might not be obvious to travelers from the U.S. Regrettably we do not speak French, but any advice is welcome. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell around Paris, France at 10:36 AM - 31 answers

I'll be in Paris for a few weeks this spring, and wonder if there's any must-visit stuff related to historical or current experimental music? A prosaic example would be a vintage synth museum, but really anything even loosely related would be of interest. I know Club d'Essai is long gone, but anything along those lines? The north of France is fair game, pretty much.
posted by sandettie light vessel automatic around Paris, France at 10:22 AM - 2 answers

Paris is, of course, an amazing city, but even such a magnificent destination is home to some overrated attractions. We're already planning to take a pass on the Mona Lisa, but what else do you suggest we skip on our week-long trip in mid-March? Late 30s couple, no kids. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell around Paris, France at 1:18 PM - 37 answers

Heading to Paris in mid-March and super excited! Of course, there's so much information out there, so please tell me: What are your favorite guides to Paris? Websites, articles, lists, books, apps; restaurants, bars, museums, shopping, etiquette—any medium, any topic. [more inside]
posted by DavidNYC around Paris, France at 11:11 AM - 17 answers

I'm spending the week from Christmas Eve to New Years Eve in Paris. I'm curious what to expect as far as things (restaurants, shops, etc.) being closed. Our general plan is to wander around and look at stuff and be in Paris. I don't mind losing a day to formal sightseeing on Christmas Day itself; in fact I'm kind of looking forward to the quiet. I'm a little worried about food, though, especially because we arrive (via train from Munich) at noon on Christmas Eve. [more inside]
posted by something something around Paris, France at 10:57 AM - 6 answers

I am excited to be spending a couple of days sight-seeing in Paris in late October. I've never been before, I may never go again. How can I make the most of my visit - which will be accompanied by a four year old and an infant. I expect the bébé will spend most of her time eating or sleeping, but what memorable, Parisian activities can we take part in? [more inside]
posted by maryr around Paris, France at 3:27 PM - 19 answers

Asking for a friend: My photographer/videographer buddy's going to Paris for a month, and would like to take along his 27" iMac to edit his work while he's there. Being as this whole business is too large for a carry-on, is there a way for him to insure his computer in checked baggage? [more inside]
posted by lauranesson around Paris, France at 11:32 AM - 14 answers

Husby and I are running the Paris-Versailles on September 25. Where should we go after? Constraints inside. [more inside]
posted by Brittanie around France at 4:39 AM - 12 answers

My husband is traveling to Senlis (seems like a small town north of Paris) at the end of August for 2 weeks on business. He does a ton of domestic travel in the US but this is his first international trip. He does not speak any French, and his top preference would probably be to exist in an isolation pod stocked with protein bars and free weights during the time he is not at the client site. Any tips for making this trip as bearable as possible for him? [more inside]
posted by permiechickie around France at 8:11 PM - 29 answers

So I may be offered my dream job in Paris. Yay! Help me figure out some of the details so I can be better prepared while negotiating salary etc and also just moving in general. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Tamanna around Paris, France at 10:08 AM - 2 answers

We're going to Corsica for two weeks at the end of September/beginning of October. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by ltl around France at 8:08 AM - 3 answers

Difficulty: teenager. I'm visiting my family in France for the first time in a while, and we're going to Paris. Does anyone have recommendations for not-terribly-expensive restaurants a 13 year-old girl will be okay with? When I'm in Paris I rarely visit the same places twice other than L'As du Fallafel in le Marais, which obviously I'll recommend to them. We'll be close to Le Centre Pompidou.
posted by toerinishuman around Paris, France at 10:30 AM - 13 answers

Hi everyone. My wife and I are traveling from Paris to Lyon on the TGV Monday. Our train has apparently been cancelled, but I've been told by SNCF that I can board any TGV that's running that day, with the caveat that there's no guaranteed seating. When I board, are the reserved seats clearly marked, so that I'll know where the free seats are? I've only ever taken the TGV during regular conditions, so this is all very new to me. Thanks all.
posted by reformedjerk around Paris, France at 2:04 PM - 6 answers

My wife (C) is going to Paris soon. She'd like to use her current US iPhone there for voice & data, but is a bit technophobic about SIM-buying & -swapping. I'd like to get her a step-by-step how-to. [more inside]
posted by NumberSix around Paris, France at 10:57 PM - 5 answers

Our family will be spending a few days in Paris in June. We're traveling with kids, so our plan is for a mostly low-key trip filled with lazily exploring the city, relaxing in parks, and eating pastries. But we're also looking for other unique or special experiences we could do as a family that would really make our trip special. [more inside]
posted by quantum around Paris, France at 6:42 PM - 11 answers

Every time I'm about to visit a new country I get fairly anxious about being a jerk. Aside from your usual "don't-be-inconsiderate-in-a-large-city" advice (I live in NY and am aware of typical "don't just stand in the middle of a busy sidewalk" rules, etc ), are there certain French-specific customs I should be aware of so I can at least pretend I'm a cool and wordly tourist instead of a bumbling jackass tourist? [more inside]
posted by windbox around Paris, France at 7:51 AM - 40 answers

I will be attending an artist residency in Marnay-sur-Seine, France from late May through the end of June. I'd love any advice on the town, nearby places I should visit, things I should be aware of, etc. Some of my high priority travel interests include botanic gardens, zoos, aquariums, other plant and animal-related destinations, art, thrift shops, and vegetarian restaurants. [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla around Marnay-Sur-Seine, France at 9:28 AM - 2 answers

What is the cycling like inside the town of Bordeaux? I know the region is bike-friendly, but if I rent a flat in town, can I easily cycle around the city and reach the outlying areas? Is there a bike path along the Garonne? Any suggestions on bike rentals or biking destinations would be appreciated as well.
posted by sixpack around Bordeaux, France at 6:57 AM - 1 answer

Our family will be spending a few days in Carcassonne, France in June. We're traveling with kids, so our plan is for a mostly low-key trip filled with lazily exploring the city. But we're also looking for other unique or special experiences we could do as a family that would really make our trip special. [more inside]
posted by quantum around Carcassonne, France at 8:02 AM - 8 answers