> BTW you know why there's so much red tape with french bank? bankers are legally responsible if you launder money using their services and if they didn't ask you basic questions designed to flag such cases.

To do anything in France requires a lot of red tape. To join a gym or go on a fun run you need a certificate from your doctor, which they charge you 70 euros.

As to your other sentiments, after the last 6 months living in Paris I have never seen anyone beaten up or attacked, even though I often stay out late in Chatelet and other seedy areas.