Accomodation and Food in Paris

Wherever you happen to stay in Paris, the metro is unlikely to be too far away.  The area around Gare du Nord and Gare du East puts you in the hub of the transportation network, but prices here are almost double compared to options two or three metro or RER stops away. Montmartre, and the area around Sacre Coeur has the inexpensive hotels, but the area is also the seediest in Paris. 

I would recommend the hotel I stayed, Ibis Budget Port de Pantin, just two RER stops (6 minutes travel time) away from Gare du Nord, on the opposite direction to Montmartre. A few Bengali groceries, a few Turkish falafel centers, several more authentic French shops, an attractive park, an equally attractive canal, and few buildings that date back to the Third Republic add to the charm of the place. 

"Book early and get attractive deals" is the catchword for affordable accommodation anywhere in Europe, and Paris is no different. Booking.com is reliable, but it is always a good idea to check the hotel's own website for better deals before committing.

For Indian and other third-world tourists, there is a bit of a Catch-22 situation involved. You need to show confirmed accommodations to get the visa, and even then there's no guarantee you get the visa.  The best hotel deals are non-refundable, with upfront payment. If you are confident of getting the visa, go for it, or else simply book a higher priced deal for the same room, with the option to cancel up to one day before arrival.

If your devious mind is already thinking of canceling the booking and making a fresh reservation after getting the visa, be aware you are doing it at your own risk. Technically it counts as violation of the conditions on which the visa was issued, and is a valid reason for the embassy to rescind your visa. Well, I am yet to hear of French embassy agents making midnight knocks to tear up anyone's visa, or the immigration desk at the airport kicking visitors back into the flight they came just because they happened to change  accommodation, but me not hearing it counts for nothing. More so when many tourists have actually been notified that their visas were canceled after they canceled hotel bookings in the Czech Republic. There are similar reports with German visas floating around the internet as well.

After accommodation, the next concern is food.

Paris offers the best South Indian food in continental Europe. Do not look beyond Sarvana Bhawan, just around the corner from the main entrance of Gare du Nord. If for some reason, you pick up a fight with the serveurs there, there are several other options in the same street, including next door Taste of India that serves non-vegetarian dishes as well.

It would however be criminal if you travel all the way to Paris, and do not experience the local food, for which the city is so famous for. The French bread, croissants, and crepes you get at the hotel breakfast are usually a good start, but do not miss out on the cafés at the sidewalks. 

The Hure sandwich shop deserves special mention for its king sized subs, including a few vegetarian options, for as low as 4 euros. Standing in the plaza in front of Notre Dame and facing the doors, go left down the side street (Rue d'Arcole), and Hure is on the right almost to the end.

Also, do not miss L'as du Falafel on Marais shopping area (well, not exactly French food, but sure tasty).  

Berthillion Ice Cream at 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île is supposed to serve the best ice creams on this planet.

The best eateries are near Notre Dame and at the Latin Quarter. If you have the time, energy, and the attire, make a reservation at Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant. We didn’t bother.

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