Sir, - In his recent travel piece focusing on two cities, Conor Pope complains that “at every turn in Paris, someone was standing by to screw me”.
Mr Pope also cheerfully describes having breakfast at La Madeleine and buying shoes in Le Marais – two of the classiest neighbourhoods in the western world – before getting fined for having the wrong Metro tickets.
All visitors to this lovely city, Mr Pope included, would be well advised to take a short hop from those delightful, if decidedly pricey areas, to other neighbourhoods. The alternative areas might be a touch less glamorous, but they are equally delightful. They are also that bit friendlier to your holiday budget.
My own street, a short bus or Metro ride from La Madeleine, is in the 9th arrondissement – one of the many parts of Paris where reasonably-priced breakfasts and friendly waiters are easily found.
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As for Metro tickets, the staff at our local stations are always informative. When they’re on a coffee break, the automatic machines can handle travellers’ enquiries in half-a-dozen languages.
Please come back with your family, Mr Pope. With a bit of effort, the delights of this city can be enjoyed at a reasonable cost. – Yours, etc,
STEPHEN O’SULLIVAN,
75009 Paris,
France.
Even a pro can be caught out
Sir, – I confess to a certain, slightly uncharitable relief in learning that Conor Pope of Pricewatch can be relieved of his euros in Paris as readily as the rest of us . One had assumed such mishaps were the preserve of mere mortals, wandering wide-eyed into tourist traps.
It is oddly comforting to know even the seasoned watchdog can occasionally be caught napping. Perhaps there is hope for the rest of us yet, or at least better company in our misfortune. – Yours, etc,
ENDA CULLEN,
Orchard Gate,
Armagh.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Sir, – I thought Conor Pope was meant to be your guru of consumer affairs. He seems to have set out to write a comic piece on flying visits to London and Paris. Basic preparation seems to have been left undone, menus unconsulted and well-known tourist scams walked into.
Camden Town now lacks the market which gave it fame a half-century ago; Covent Garden has no charm unless you’re a millionaire. Portobello Market is still interesting, if you go early and know which bits to head for. In Paris, the Marais is indeed lovely but needs a little research to uncover its delights. Also, a decent shoe shop, while not common in central Paris, can be found using Google.
A final piece of advice: next time, pay a bit more for the Plus service on the Eurostar (and you’ll get a whole row for the three of you). – Yours, etc,
TERRY WALSH,
Murcia,
Spain.
