Friday, January 25, 2013

Valet parking


Even though there are still many cars in Paris, our mayor has declared war against them. Fewer parking spots, speed limitations, extra one way streets and possibly tolls have probably helped reducing traffic within Paris (supposedly 25% less in 10 years, but it's difficult to check the information). To keep customers coming, stores and shopkeepers now hire valets (voituriers) that take care of your car while you're shopping. They cost 8 € on average.

12 comments:

  1. Some might not like it at all but I think it is a terrific idea!

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  2. Reminds me of that fabulous movie The Valet. M. Pignon!

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  3. The advantage with cars (even inside Paris) is the comfort they bring to users : you can stay dry if it rains, cool if it is hot outside, you can listen to radio and you can leave your heavy shopping bags without carrying them! That makes a difference, doesn't it ? But of course, that's a nightmare as soon as you need to find a place to park your car : waste of time, waste of energy ! And time is money. So the valet offer is pretty interesting... even at a minimum 8 euros charge (without any extra you often feel you have to give because of the rain or the packed area or the smile of the valet ;)).
    Reminded me of your previous post about the Valet services in front of Fauchon ! Memories.

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  4. Eric, pleased to see you think about drivers even if you ride a scooter...Do you still ride ?

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  5. Just for information as I know a valet myself. It is very seldom that they have a place to park your car. And sometimes, they have to park it where it is not allowed. Anyway, if you have a penalty, they take it for them. They use to be interested anyway by any request to park the car. Depending on the tip !

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  6. Something I was wondering is who is their employer? There is probably a labor contract between the restaurant and each valet? A part-time contract I guess. The 8 euros for instance go to which pocket ? The restaurant one and tips + the agreed fee between the restaurant and the valet go to the valet one ? Just for my information. In order to know the tip I could give in this case.

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  7. The Mayor has declared war on the car.
    The shops have counter attacked by enlisting an army of voituriers.
    There is certainly a battle going on.
    Perhaps they need a cease fire and some sensible peace talks.

    BTW What's to stop me putting a 'voiturier' sticker on my back and driving off with some wealthy shopper's nice shiny Ferrari?

    Must add it to my 'things to do' list on my next visit.

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  8. LOOOL Drummond your humour is priceless! What about my small not very shiny car ? Would it work too? A question of tip, you may answer... I'd better agree, a wealthy shopper must be able to give a wealthy tip ... with or without a nice shiny Ferrari, when the service is appreciable! And it would! lol
    Must think of it :) Aaah of course you should live in Paris. That would be much easier !

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  9. Sorry, Eric, I even did not say I enjoy your every day posts and rarely comment but for once I made an exception for Drummond always made me laugh. But I know he does not live in Paris (I live in the suburb - south of Paris) and each time I take my car to paris I feel it VERY expensive to park. And risky too if I stay a too long time shopping... which has already happened... Thank you for your great job here.

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  10. @Nadege. "Some might not like it at all but I think it is a terrific idea!" Yes! (Well as long as I can still ride my scooter LOL!)

    @Mrs. Vandertramp "Reminds me of that fabulous movie The Valet. M. Pignon!" Er... I don't know this one.

    @CN "Reminded me of your previous post about the Valet services in front of Fauchon ! Memories." My God, you have such a good memory. This was one of my first photos if I recall!

    @Thierry "Eric, pleased to see you think about drivers even if you ride a scooter...Do you still ride ?" I do. Except when it snows!

    @Anonymous "he 8 euros for instance go to which pocket ?" VERY GOOD question. Maybe @Thierry who seems to know one could tell us.

    @Drummond "BTW What's to stop me putting a 'voiturier' sticker on my back and driving off with some wealthy shopper's nice shiny Ferrari?" LOOOOOOL I'm surpised nobody tried that already to steal cars.

    @Laurence " I'd better agree, a wealthy shopper must be able to give a wealthy tip" Well, to avoid the "how much should I tip him" question, they have this 8 € flat fee. At least everyone knows what to expect and do.

    @Laurence (2) " each time I take my car to paris I feel it VERY expensive to park." I know... That is why 50% of Parisians don't have a car!

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  11. And I'm still glad I don't drive (in NYC or Paris)! Must say, I'm not too clear on how this works with the voiturier, but Drummond may have something there.

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  12. Do they have a congestion charge for vehicles coming into Paris like they do in London?

    Paris has such a great public transport system I am surprised anybody has a problem with the "war" on cars in the city centre.

    Presumably this is for posh shops with wealthy customers. Ordinary people just would not bother.

    My DIL found the parking fees to be very cheap compared to the UK, when she visited Paris. Then this is all subjective. How much do they charge for parking on average?
    Love Denise

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