Author Kristin Harmel, whose latest novel, "The Art of French Kissing," is set in Paris, offers a few travel tips for people visiting the City of Light. (Read about the book and the author here.

WHEN IN PARIS

While men may perplex the author, Paris does not. Harmel knows the lay of land.

• Most Parisians speak English and they're helpful if you say the phrase "Je ne parle pas Français," which means "I don't speak French." (It is pronounced "Zhuh nuh pahrl pah frahn-say" "I usually smile and add a genuine 'sorry' in English, too," Harmel adds.

• Save money and have a picnic. Rue Cler is a pedestrian market street filled with food vendors. Buy fruit, sandwiches and wine, then walk a few blocks to the Champs de Mars park, which has a close-up view of the Eiffel Tower. Also, inexpensive Cafe Le Petit Pont is located across the bridge from the Notre Dame Cathedral.

"You have a lovely view of the [Seine] river and the passers-by. The food is delicious, and the servers speak very good English," Harmel says.

• Visit obscure neighborhoods. The bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre is home to the 19th-century church, Basilique Sacré-Coeur. While there, stop at a tiny fondue restaurant called Le Refuge des Fondues where, Harmel says, wine is served in baby bottles.

• If you're homesick visit the Long Hop at 25, Rue Frédéric Sauton. The bar is a short walk from Notre Dame and Cafe Le Petit Pont and owned by a French-American who lived in Texas, Harmel says. The spot not only caters to its English-speaking patrons, many English-speaking Parisians hang out there.

MORE QUICK TIPS

• Travel to Paris in September or October when there are fewer tourists and plane fares are lower, Harmel says.

• Save money and take the RER commuter rail service from the airport instead of a cab. It stops at major public transportation stations in Paris. Also walk or use the subway system to get around the city.

• Take in late lunches at fancy restaurants when prices are lower, and plan a picnic for supper.

— Adrianne M. Murchison