1. I never, ever, ever want to drive in Paris. Traffic is crazy - cars, bikes, motorcycles, city buses, tour buses- all traveling quickly and close together. The great news is that you don't need to drive. The buses and metro will take you all over Paris. if you want to go into the Paris suburbs you can take the RER trains, which can be reached by bus or Metro. Also, there are bike stands throughout the city where you can swipe a credit card and unlock a bike to use for half an hour for one Euro (about $1.40). When you are done you just park it at another bike stand! Walking is also very easy here because it is flat for the most part and there is lots to look at as you walk.
2. I have not seen a single wheelchair on a bus, although there is a section for them. In fact I have only seen three or four people in wheel chairs the whole time we have been here... Only some of the buses have the hydraulic system I mentioned. You have to look for a "handicapped" symbol on the front of the bus to know whether or not it can accommodate a wc.
3. Some restaurants will give you free water. You can't just ask for water (l'eau) you have to ask for a "carafe d'eau". Otherwise you get the bottled water which costs about $6 a bottle!
4. Paris is not very accessible. Most of the bathrooms in restaurants are up or down steep steps. I have not seen any elevators in the Metro stations.
5. Dogs are allowed just about anywhere. We have even seen small dogs sitting at the table in restaurants! It seems as if every French dog is very well behaved, though. Guess Tilghman and Rhett will never see Paris.
6. Most Parisians seem to speak at least some English. Even the children. How sad that so few Americans learn other languages.
7. Paris is probably the most beautiful city in the world. Most of the buildings are hundreds of years old and have beautiful stone work and iron railings and balconies.
8. ALL the bus stops have benches and route maps. Most have shelters. Just like the Bay Town Trolley stops - NOT!
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