Paris , General info:

Paris is a city located 98 miles (158 km) northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Lamar County, Texas, in the United States. It is situated in East Texas, specifically Northeast Texas, at the western edge of the Piney Woods. Local residents like the humorous slogan "Second Largest Paris in the World."

Paris is served by two U.S. Highways: US 82 and US 271. No airport.

Paris , Cheap stuff:
7/10

On weekends there is always Gene's Flea Market.

Paris , Different stuff:
10/10

This Eiffel Tower, standing 65 feet tall, represents a remarkable community effort. It was "Texanized" with a cowboy hat in 1998. The current tower is at least the second Eiffel tower built in Paris. The first was constructed of wood, but was destroyed by a tornado.

Paris , Don't miss:
9/10

Paris, Texas and the Paris Visitors and Convention Council host one of the six nationally sanctioned McKenzie ASA Pro/Am archery tournaments conducted annually by the Archery Shooters Association.

Paris , Food:
9/10

Regular restaurants just like in every "second city" in America.

Paris , Hotels:
8/10

Best Western, Budget Inn, Days Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn - Paris, no luxury hotels which is expected.

Paris , Safety:
9/10

Paris is located in "Tornado Alley", an area largely centered on the middle of the United States which sees tornadoes frequently.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Cheap stuff:
1/10

The local market survives - just, given the competition it faces (see above). In the markey one may buy artfully camouflaged poor-quality fruit and veg (that's produce), dodgy electrical goods, replacement hoses for old washing machines and, an exciting addition to the local retail experience, Polish foodstuffs.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Different stuff:
5/10

Stafford has in recent years become home to a large number of mostly young people from eastern Europe. They are quiet, polite, hardworking, healthy and attractive, and perform sterling service in local shops and farms. This failure to blend in with the locals has caused some comment. Mostly appreciative.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Don't miss:
6/10

Um. The open-air Shakespeare at the castle at the end of June is fun. Unless it rains. The park alongside the river has been replanted and developed and is rather pretty in the summer. Unless it's flooded.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Food:
2/10

Don't ask. There are no decent restaurants in Stafford. Although the cafe in Marks is OK.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Hotels:
3/10

The Swan, an old coaching inn, on the main street. There are others, but none that I'd consider. There's a more upmarket one in the village of Acton Trussel, a few miles out of town.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Safety:
7/10

If you're in any way vulnerable (ie. aged, young, drunk or drugged, lost), best to avoid walking around the small areas of suburban low-income housing on the outskirts of town. Gangs of amateurishly unpleasant children and youths might well give you a hard time, in between smashing the glass in bus shelters and gobbing on the few remaining public telephones. Also, the town centre after 8pm on a weekend evening is the rightful domain of the drunken British young adult. There are drunken assaults, there is vomit, there are loud and ugly voices. It's not pleasant. Other then that, no probs.