Parisians have a reputation for rudeness that's not entirely deserved, but the idea is pervasive enough that one group of concerned citizens decided to do something about it. The Paris Greeters are a group of volunteer tour guides who conduct special tours designed to show visitors what a friendly, welcoming, and inspiring city Paris can be. As the AP points out, the greeters are happy to speak English (or nine other languages) and specialize in attractions that off the major tourist itineraries. For example, architectural tours generally skip the Eiffel Tower in favor of the 1930s-era buildings of the Trocadéro, while those looking for authentic French cuisine will likely end up in some delightful hole-in-the-wall restaurant that flies well under the Michelin radar. The tours are free and tour guides won't accept tips, though visitors are expected to pay their transit costs. We would reckon that a cup of coffee at a side-street cafe would be appreciated as well.
[Photo: AP]
Related Stories:
· Smiling Parisians Show You Their City for Free [AP via Yahoo! News]
· Paris Greeter [Official Site]
· Tour Guide Coverage [Jaunted]]]>