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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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PARIS - The city of light has an unfortunate blight - the locals' reputation for rudeness. That's why a group of friendly Parisians have banded together to show complete strangers around their Paris, the one not found in travel books, for free.

And forget stereotypes of the français-only French. The Paris Greeters are happy to speak English or nine other languages of your choosing.

These local volunteers are not certified tour guides but regular folks, eager to show off delicacies at their favourite boulangerie, or point out a tranquil park perfect for watching autumn shades fill in the famous skyline.

"I've always heard my American friends say things like, 'Paris is wonderful - except for the Parisians,' " says volunteer Christian Ragil. "And I always wanted to do something about it." When he retired, he decided to join the Greeters, which has grown since its inception a year ago into 120 volunteers who have guided 1,100 visitors.

His visit starts out at the Trocadero, where tourists flock to admire an unparalleled view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine River. But, instead of focusing on the monument, he turns his back on it to show a young woman from Seoul the striking 1930s architecture surrounding them.

He then takes his visitor on a leisurely two-hour walk around a residential, tourist-free area, pointing out architectural marvels along the way.

When a visitor asks for culinary guidance, Ragil whips out a secret list of Greeter volunteers' favourite restaurants - ones you won't find in travel guides. The visit ends, as many Paris afternoons do, over a cup of steaming coffee in a sidewalk café.

The visits are as eclectic as Paris' neighbourhoods. Some greeters will ride bicycles around town with you. Others will help you sift through antique shops, let you in to local artists' studios, or have you taste the best pastries in the city.

To request a free tour with a Paris Greeter, fill out a visit request form online ( http://www.parisgreeters.org/visitors/) at least two weeks in advance. Note that Greeters will not accept any tips, but will expect you to pay for their transportation fares.