Advance Planning for Paris Trip

[gary payne]

<p>My wife and I are planning a week in Paris beginning November 10, 2013. Our hotel is in the 1st arrondissement, and we will be walking as our main mode of transportation. We are planning to see and photograph all the usual tourist “must see” sites. But we are also interested in the beauty of Paris that I suspect tourist often miss. I would appreciate any insight from residents of Paris, or those who have been there during mid-November. We know the weather is always unpredictable and perhaps more so in the fall, and we will simply deal with what we find. And, yes, we do plan on spending a lot of time in the cafes enjoying the good food and wine. We will greatly appreciate any advice and ideas.</p>

[allenahale]

<p>I recommend that you use the Paris Metro to supplement your walking - it will save some time and some wear on your bodies. For your walking efforts, I highly recommend the 8 walking tours identified in the guide book "Birnbaums Paris 1992" (there are later revisions of the book but I can not confirm that the walks are identified in them) It does appear that the book may still be available for purchase on the Internet. I have walked 7 of the 8 and found them to be fantastic. Of course you will be seeing the tourist sites on each walk but in addition you will walking along interesting neighborhoods. I especially enjoyed Walk #5 "Haussmann's Master Plan - the shop windows and shops were great photographic opportunities - artistic displays of candy, bread, chocolate, vegetables, fruit, bread, and pastries. The cemeteries are also great places to visit.</p>

[joseph_smith3]

<p>Gary, I have a friend of mine who goes to Paris often. Some of his best photos have been taken at cafes, outside and inside. He sets up his small profile camera on the table and just triggers the shutter every so often without looking into the viewfinder. These candids are so realistic because of the camera angle and the subject matter he captures. His second best category are images taken at night using artificial light as the main light. And I am not talking about flash.--street lamps, window lights, bridge lights, etc. No tripod shots. All taken with his high quality small profile camera. When I go to a city like Paris I make sure my camera and lens fits under my windbreaker so it is hidden, but available for instant use. For inside churches and museums, I have a very fast lens, like a 35mm f 1.8 or a 50mm f2.0. These small lenses can fit into a pocket and no camera bag is needed. Joe Smith </p>

[studio460]

<p>Joseph said:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Some of his best photos have been taken at cafes, outside and inside. He sets up his small profile camera on the table and just triggers the shutter every so often without looking into the viewfinder. These candids are so realistic because of the camera angle and the subject matter he captures . . .</p>

</blockquote>

<p>A great technique for capturing unadulterated candids! I was going to suggest cafes also, but this is a great way to do it. I was in Cannes twice (working), and only saw Paris as I was passing through. But the one thing I did notice was that everyone seemed so well-dressed. The women I happened to see were svelt and gorgeous--excellent cafe subject material!</p>

[jeff_schraeder1]

<p>While riding the Métro a few times is part of the Paris experience the bus is a much better way to see the city. They run frequently, you can get anywhere in the city on them, they are clean and safe, have large windows so you can see where you are going. A trip on one of the tour boats early on in your trip is a good way to orient your self in Paris.</p><div></div>

[gary payne]

<p>Thanks to everyone.</p>

[tpurvis]

<p>Gary, I have many ideas I would like to share. But first a few questions? How long will you be in Paris? What is your interest? does your wife share your love of photography and will she be joining you on your walks? Do you have any day trips planned? How is your health? Are you up to climbing 300+ stairs? What else do you want to see in Paris that does not involve photography? (Night Clubs, etc.)</p>

[golden_trade]

<p>Beautiful Places To Stay,See the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and more!</p>