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The eight places in Paris Donald Trump should really visit

The US president might already have a packed agenda during his trip to Paris but these are eight places we think he shouldn't miss. Starting with a trip to a "no-go zone" to meet his famous look-alike.

Published: 13 July 2017 12:36 CEST
The eight places in Paris Donald Trump should really visit
Photo: AFP/Twitter/Stomregembal
Donald Trump's Paris trip is upon us and if the promised blue lobster dinner in the plush Eiffel Tower restaurant is anything to go by, the red carpet is certainly being rolled out for the US president's visit.
 
But here at The Local, we have our own suggestions of hotspots for the President to visit once he's witnessed the military pomp of the July 14th parade.
 
A Paris 'No-Go Zone' – to visit the POTUS Poubelle
 
 
 
 
But Trump's main reason to visit Belleville would be to check out his now world famous look-alike – the “Trump trash can” or “The Donald bin” or even the “POTUS Poubelle” captured in this photo below.
 
(The Local takes no responsibility if the bin is no longer there.)
 
 
American Dream diner
 
We've heard rumours that Trump likes his steak two ways: well done and with ketchup. But even as the US president, he might find French chefs and purveyors of haute cuisine unwilling to serve up meat US-style. 
 
So we suggest Trump pays a visit to one of the many American diners in Paris where they're likely to be more receptive to his culinary tastes. Perhaps the “American Dream” diner which claims to be the “best American cuisine in Paris” would be a better option for Thursday night's dinner than the Eiffel Tower's Jules Verne. They do have ketchup.
 
 
(Photo: Sylvain LeProvost/Flickr)

 
The Wall of love
 
Trump has made his love of walls clear.
 
And now he's in Paris this passion can flourish at the wall of love (Le Mur des Je T'aime) in Montmartre. The bonus about this one is that it's already built so there's no need for debate about who should pay for it.
 
Located in a picturesque and typically Parisian garden in Abbesses in Paris' 18th arrondissement, the wall of love is covered with 311 written declarations of love in 250 languages, including Spanish and English for that matter.
 
 
Photo: AFP
 
The mini Statue of Liberty
 
If Trump feels passionately about anything, it's the US of A. And what better way to blast away any feelings of homesickness during his 24 hours in Paris than with a quick trip to the (other) statue of liberty. 
 
Situated on the Pont de Grenelle in Paris' upmarket 15th arrondissement, the replica of the larger model in New York was given to Paris by the Parisian community in the US to mark the centenary of the French Revolution. 
 
It might not be the original, but it should keep Trump going before he can get home to see her big sister. 
 
 
The hall of mirrors at Versailles

 
Donald Trump is a fan of the bling, what with his golden hotel in Las Vegas, and the reportedly golden interiors in his Manhattan penthouse and Florida mansion. 
 
And so it makes sense that president with the Midas touch, and a generous amount of self…erm confidence, should visit one of the most beautiful rooms in one of the finest palaces in the world – the hall of mirrors at Versailles.
 
Photo: AFP
 
The Russian Orthodox Cathedral
 
Donald Trump seems to have a lot to thank the Russians for, so a trip to the recently opened Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Paris would be a good chance for the US president to pay his respects.
 
Or he could pop into the confessional box to get something off his chest.
 
Trump would be following in the footsteps of Russian president Vladimir Putin who made a visit to the cathedral during his recent trip to Paris. Although granted it might not be such a good move right now.
 

Photo: AFP
 
The Moulin Rouge 
 
Now that the president is dealing with the more serious matter of running the US, we're sure a part of him must be missing the days when he was co-owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant. 
 
Luckily, the Moulin Rouge in Paris – known for the raucous can-can dance with its famously titillating costumes – should make Trump feel right at home in the French capital. But he should note, grabbing dancers (anywhere) will lead to him being thrown out.
 
Photo: AFP
 
Golf National
 
After so much culture, the US president will probably be in much need of some downtime. 
 
And as the world knows Trump's favourite way to relax is golf. Luckily, there are some great golf courses around Paris like Golf National, and even if he doesn't own this one, perhaps he can take comfort in the fact that it will be soon be hosting some of the best players in the world during the Ryder Cup in 2018. 
 
Photo: AFP
 
 

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TRAVEL

US reclassifies Switzerland: What does it mean for American travellers?

America’s public health agency eased travel alerts for dozens of countries this week, including Switzerland. But does it mean that people from the United States can now travel here?

Published: 11 June 2021 11:37 CEST
US reclassifies Switzerland: What does it mean for American travellers?
Not yet, but hopefully soon. Photo by Jan Rosolino / Unsplash

Switzerland in early June announced vaccinated travellers would be able to come on June 28th. Therefore, this story is now out of date. Please click here for more information. 

Due to massive vaccination efforts around the world, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lowered travel warning levels  for more than 110 countries and destinations, including Switzerland.

From the highest level four previously, which means all travel is discouraged, Switzerland was ‘promoted’ to Level 3, allowing travel for fully vaccinated individuals.

In total, 14 countries, including Switzerland’s neighbours France and Italy, have been reclassified to a lower level.

Does this mean American tourists can now come to Switzerland?

Even though the CDC has cleared travel for vaccinated US residents, it doesn’t mean they are now allowed to enter Switzerland.

For the time being, travel ban is still in place for most third countries, including the United States. The only exceptions are Swiss citizens or permanent residents returning to Switzerland.

READ MORE: When will Americans be allowed to travel to Switzerland again —and vice-versa?

There are some other exemptions as well, including people whose presence in Switzerland is absolutely necessary to maintain the functioning of the healthcare system or public security and order, death of a close family member in Switzerland, and to continue essential medical treatment that began in Switzerland or abroad.

Each of these conditions must be proven with official documentation.

For other ‘special necessity’ rules, see SEM’s page.

Basically, this means that tourists or other random travellers can’t come to Switzerland at the moment.

There are, however, some promising signs that this restriction may be lifted.

Swiss president Guy Parmelin is scheduled to meet with his US counterpart, Joe Biden, on June 15th. Biden will be in Geneva for high-level talks with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin. 

It is not known what Switzerland and the United States will discuss at the meeting, beyond matters of importance to both nations, but there is a possibility that the subject of easing travel restrictions on both sides will be raised.

Also, under France’s new traffic light travel system, fully-vaccinated travellers can now enter France from non-EU countries, including the US.

This does not apply to Switzerland yet, but as the two countries share a border and both are part of the Schengen zone, Swiss entry regulations for US tourists might be relaxed in the near future — though not at this time.

Does this mean US residents can ‘slip’ into Switzerland through France?

Borders between the two countries are pretty porous and checks random at best, but if you attempt to get into Switzerland this way, you’d be breaking the law.

The only US citizens who can come into Switzerland legally right now are those residing in the EU/EFTA states, or one of the third nations deemed safe by public health officials:  Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

In other words, it’s not the nationality of a traveller that counts but their place of residence.

What about Swiss citizens going on vacation to the United States?

The US still has a ban in place for tourists from the EU, including Switzerland. It also has similar exceptions — that is, US citizens and permanent residents returning from abroad.

The US is forming expert groups to decide when to lift global travel restrictions that have been in place since March 2020.

However, this will probably take time and, despite mounting pressure from the travel industry and airlines, US-bound travel may not be on the horizon for this summer.

READ MORE: How to get Switzerland’s Covid-19 health pass

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