| Opening times |
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You feel like having lunch at 3pm, visiting a museum or a monument after 8pm, or buying a CD at 11 on Sunday night…? In Paris everything is possible as long as you have the right information.
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| Social practices |
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How do you define a Parisian? The usual clichés would have us believe that they are always in a hurry, stressed and arrogant, though their image also blends with that of the French lover, romantic and “bon vivant”. However, it’s not such a difficult task to “tame” the Parisien.
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| Communications |
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You can keep in touch with family and friends either by traditional methods or by using the latest technology. Making a phone call is as easy as pie: you’ll find telephone booths in most places. Remember to send postcards, they are always much appreciated by those you’ve left behind… and you can also send a cyber card from our web site! For speed: an e-mail, cyber cafés even offer keyboards compatible with the Japanese system.
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| Newspapers and bookshops |
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All the international newspapers - or very nearly - are available in Paris. You will easily find daily papers or magazines from your country, or at least publications in your language.
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| Markets |
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Paris is a treasure trove of markets many and varied: from fresh produce to clothes, stamps, books, design, flowers, birds and more, as well as the renowned flea markets.
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| Animals |
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There are some places where your pet may not be welcome, or only under certain conditions. In the case of guide dogs for the disabled, however, they are authorized by law in all establishments and modes of transport.
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| Electrical/video norms |
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Do your suitcases contain the latest electronic gadgets or electrical appliances that you just can’t do without? Do you plan to treat yourself to a video souvenir, in the form of a cassette or DVD? Remember that electrical and video standards may well be different from those adopted in your own country. Here are a few tips to help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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| Weights and measures |
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The system of measurement used in France, as in the majority of European countries, is the metric system, and temperatures are expressed in degrees Centigrade. But if you come from the United Kingdom or the United States, some of these units of measurement may be a little less familiar, and if so, you’ll find our conversion tables useful.
It’s worth noting too, that in France decimals are indicated by a comma and not a point, as in English-speaking countries.
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| Clothes and shoes size |
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To make it less confusing and enable you to ask for the correct size, here are the equivalents.
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| Babies |
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Bringing baby to Paris is made easy with the possibility of hiring on the spot all the necessary equipment for the transport and comfort of your child.
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