A Latino-American in Paris Story by El Don • Photography courtesy of Maison de la France

Could there be a more romantic spot than the
City of Light to ring in the New Year?

Could there be a more romantic spot than the City of Light to ring in the New Year? After all, this is the culture that invented champagne! Many people spend a lifetime dreaming of a Paris vacation, but this sojourn would be especially magnifique for raising a very special midnight toast.

Broad boulevards beckon you, monuments awe you, charming cafés tempt you, women in the latest fashion dazzle you, chic shops entice you to spend—this is La Belle Paris. But a visit there, particularly during the off season, is not as exorbitant as you might think.

What about communicating? French is Latin-based, and many Parisians speak English, Spanish or enough Italian to understand your Spanish. The city is divided into areas called arrondissements, one of which is called the Latin Quarter because Latin was spoken there at the Sorbonne during the Middle Ages. Many of the city’s points of interest have signs in English, so the Latino-American should feel at home.

Getting there: If you are taking a long flight overseas during the off season, consider pampering yourself and price the first class seats. The food on Air France was like a four-star restaurant and the seats, with their ample legroom, made the journey a breeze. You can practice your French on the airplane with fun, interactive language games designed by Berlitz.

If you are seeking lots of sun and warm beaches in the winter…then turn around and go to Acapulco—you won’t find it here. I was in France last January, planning this column and kept humming the tune “I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles” as I walked around in non-stop dampness. But I was surrounded by so much French charm, I didn’t mind. Actually the cool mist on my face reminded me of San Francisco in August...

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Check www.francetourism.com and www.paristourism.com, and click on the English flag or Espanol for the language of your choice. Paris Luxe allows you to have a guided tour with a Parisian for several hours a day. Call 1 800-708-7659 for details.