a Parisian Salon
The Soul of Fashion
July 14-28, 2018 - Paris, France
Practical considerations in preparing for your trip
Items highlighted in red should be taken care of NOW.
Items highlighted in blue should be submitted in June before departure.
> New information may be added as needed.
Housing
When choosing housing, look for accommodations near the Jardin de Luxembourg and the Val De Grace monument. Arrondissements include 75005, 75006, 75013. WIFI services will vary by hotel.
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These are some hotels in the area that you might consider:
Two stars
Hotel Pierre Nicole https://www.hotel-pierre-nicole.com/fr/
Hotel Cujas Pantheon www.cujas-pantheon-paris-hotel.com/
Hotel Sunny http://www.hotel-sunny.com/fr/index.php
Three stars
Jardin de Luxembourg https://www.les-jardins-du-luxembourg.com/fr
Relais Médicis www.relaismedicis.com/fr/
Hotel de Senlis www.paris-hotel-senlis.com/
Les Fontaines du Luxembourg https://fontainesduluxembourg.com/fr/hotel.html
Hôtel Le Sénat https://www.hotelsenat.com/
Hôtel des 3 Collèges www.3colleges.fr/fr/
Hotel Le Clos Medicis http://www.closmedicis.com
Hôtel Elysa-Luxembourg www.elysa-hotel-paris.com
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Airbnb
If you consider an Airbnb, look
for one in the 5th arrondissement
east of the Luxembourg Gardens
between rue Suffout and Blvd de
Port Royale.
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This area is well-served by the
RER-B train, the most commonly
used North-South transit line.
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Passport
Is your passport up-to-date? If it will expire within 3 months of travel, you should apply for a new one right away.
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Update your travel information for each airline you will use on the trip with passport #, contact info, TSA or GOES # if you have one, and other information requested by your airline.
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Mobile Phone / Internet
Overseas service requires some preparation prior to departure to avoid excessive charges.
Set up passwords for your devices, including the "Find My ..." (phone, tablet, laptop) settings.
Mobile phone, texting:
Check with your cell and wifi service provider to determine your options and corresponding costs for services. Which services will you need?
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Input important information, phone numbers and URLs, into your phone contacts (e.g., support contact numbers for your credit cards, airlines, phone and WiFi service provider, ...).
> To simplify calling, place "+" in front of the area/city code for numbers you may call. To call a number in the U.S.: +1 (XXX) xxx-xxxx. To call a number in Paris: +33 (0)1 xx xx xx xx or +33 (0)6 xx xx xx xx. Using the "+" automates the calling format.
WiFi:
WIFI services will vary dependent on your lodgings. There are fewer public wifi services available in Paris than in the U.S. Wifi is available in the garden behind Paris American Academy.
A site to check for info on traveling with technology:
> www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/travel-technology/
Electronics
Bring chargers and storage for all your electronic devices, e.g., smart phones, tablets, laptops.
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Money / Credit Cards
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You will get a better exchange rate in Paris than you will in the US. Thus, we advise bringing only 50-75 Euros, including coins, with you from the USA and then withdrawing additional money from ATMs in Paris. Check your debit and credit cards to determine which has the lowest combined fees.
Some places in Paris, notably kiosks (at metro stations, bike rentals, etc.), take only credit cards with electronic "chips" as opposed to magnetic strips). Bank of America, CITI, and Capital One, among others, offer these cards. Check to see if your credit card providers offer chip technology. French ATMs take either type of card, as do most larger stores.
When withdrawing money, some bank fees are charged per transaction so it is usually best to withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than withdraw small amounts often. Contact your bank to compare the transaction costs of ATM withdrawal using a debit card versus a credit card.
Contact your debit/credit card company(ies) with your travel dates and destinations (Paris, other cities; any personal travel outside Paris or France) before you leave home.
The reason: Banks monitor your purchasing patterns and may freeze your card when you make charges outside your normal routine.
> Some good sites for credit card and money tips are Rick Steves
[www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money] and Nomadic Matt [www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/avoid-paying-bank-fees-traveling].
Electricity
Electric current in Europe uses 220 volts. There are several other differences for which you need to prepare.
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French outlets are round and require round plugs with circular prongs. In order to use American devices with rectangular plugs you will need to plug them into adaptor plugs so they will fit into round French outlets. All American devices will need adaptor plugs.
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Devices with a universal power supply (110~220v) will automatically switch to the appropriate voltage (e.g., usually laptops, iPads, iPhones, battery chargers, …). Check each device and power cable before you leave home.
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Some items may include a switch to change the voltage from 110/115v to 220v.
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In general, blow dryers and curling/flat irons do not produce the same degree of heat as at home—even when switched from 110/115v to 220v.
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For devices that do not switch voltage you will need a transformer. Be sure the transformer has a French adaptor plug, as well.
Photography
Consider if you will bring a digital camera and/or use your phone to take photos. Be sure you know how to use the camera under a variety of lighting conditions before you leave home.
Digital camera: In addition to the camera, consider what you will need to keep it charged. You will need a rechargeable battery, including a spare battery set, for long days away from the hotel.
You will also need a way to store your images (e.g., USB drive, memory card such as an SD card). If you plan to record movies you will need much more storage than if you take only still photos.
Phone camera: Consider how you will store your images once you fill your phone's storage, for example, in the cloud, to a laptop, or?? You may need a portable battery to take with you on long days so you can keep taking pictures. For example, I carry a portable battery with me on day trips to NYC to avoid losing access.
Supplies
Bring items that will help you capture memories and information from a variety of activities, including presentations, group conversational sessions, workshops, walking visits, monuments, etc. Consider what works best for you. Perhaps:
> small notebook to use to jot things down as you are on the go
> small sketchbook and drawing tools
> optional smart phone or tablet for notetaking and sketching and taking photos
> camera (see recommendations above under Photography)
> optional travel book and/or Apps related to Paris
If you prefer a travel book that you can mark up with personal notes, Sandi and Jo like to use Knopf Mapguides - Paris. The 10 maps fold out and the book includes background information about each area (restaurants, monuments, museums, and shopping venues).
Using a laminated map of Paris that features local Metro and bus information, in conjunction with a map app on your smartphone, can provide you with both the big picture and the details.
Dressing in Paris
Clothing
Professional/casual dress is appropriate for most museum and professional visits.
> Layering is important. It may be hot or it may be cool and rainy. Paris is an old city with beautiful old architecture. Thus, many buildings do not have air conditioning.
> Wearing pieces multiple times is the norm. Mixing pieces can lend variety to your looks, as will inexpensive jewelry or a Parisian scarf.
> Be sure to bring a small, lightweight umbrella.
> For the Bastille Day cruise and dinner, wear something casual/dressy.
Footwear
You should have at least 2 pairs of professional/casual shoes that allow you to walk for 3 hours with only small breaks. You may also need to stand for periods of time when visiting museums.
Please break your shoes in before coming to Paris, and practice walking at varied speeds to build your stamina. Stair steps are located at the Metro stops and other locations.
Shoulder Bag
Your primary bag should close with a zipper and feature a shoulder strap so you can keep your possessions secure and close to your body.
Laundry
There are coin operated laundromats in the neighborhood. Expect to pay 6 to 8 euros to wash and dry a load. Bring easy-care clothes because professional cleaning and pressing services are expensive.
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You can convert your hotel bathroom into a temporary laundry with a flat rubber sink stopper, some hangers/clothespins, and travel-size packets of laundry detergent. A laundry bag can be used to separate dirty laundry and to take your clothes to a laundromat. Tuck in fabric-softener dryer sheets to keep items smelling fresh—and for the laundromat.