Reading 4 - Aspects of Paris

Paris stimulates the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelt. From romance along the Seine to landscapes on bus-sized canvases to the pick-an-ism types in cafes monologuing on the use of garlic or the finer points of jerry Lewis, Paris is the essence of all things French.

Gaze rapturously at its breezy boulevards, impressive monuments, great works of art and magic lights. Savour its gourmet selection of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Feel the wind in your face as you rollerblade through Bastille, or a frisson of fear and pleasure atop the Eiffel Tower.

When to go

As the old song says, Paris is at its best in springtime, even if it is sometimes a little wet. In winter Paris has all sorts of cultural events going on, while in summer the weather is warm and lazy – sometimes sizzling. In August, when Parisians flee for the beaches to the west and south, many restaurateurs lock up and leave town too, but this is changing rapidly and you’ll find considerably more places in summer than even a decade ago. Things can be a bit hectic around Bastille Day and towards the end of the year so reservations at this time are a good idea.

Weather overview

The Paris Basin lies midway between Brittany and Alsace, and is affected by the climates of both. The Ile de France region records the nation’s lowest annual precipitation, but rainfall patterns are erratic; you’re just as likely to be caught in a heavy spring shower or an autumn downpour as in a sudden summer cloudburst. Paris’ average yearly temperature is 12ºC (54ºF) (3ºC/37ºF in January, 19ºC/66ºF in July), but the mercury sometimes drops below zero in winter and can climb to the mid-30s (high-80s/low-90s Fahrenheit) or higher in the middle of summer.

Disabled Travellers

Paris is not particularly well equipped for les handicapes (disabled people): kerb ramps are few and far between, older public facilities and bottom-end hotels usually lack lifts, and the metro, most of it built decades ago, is inaccessible for those in a wheelchair (fautevil roulant). But disabled people who would like to visit Paris can overcome those problems. Most hotels with two or more stars are equipped with lifts, and Michelin’s Guide Rouge indicates hotels with lifts and facilities for disabled people. For details of sites that provide facilities for the handicapped, go to www.parisinfo.com

Questions

1. Name any four senses that Paris stimulates?

2. What are the attractions of Paris?

3. What is the specialty of Paris in winter?

4. How is the weather of Paris in summer?

5. When do many restaurateurs lock up their restaurant and leave town?

6. At what time do you think ‘reservation’ a good idea?

7. Where does Paris basin lie?

8. What region records the nation’s lowest annual precipitation?

9. What is the average yearly temperature of Paris in July?

10. What is the maximum temperature in the middle of summer?

11. When does the mercury drop below zero?

12. State one reason why Paris is not suitable for disabled people?

13. From where, can the disabled get the information of their particular hotel  booking?

14. Name the site which provides facilities for the handicapped?