Before we move onto Tuscany, I wanted to write one last post to scoop up a medley of things from Paris that I haven’t written about in other posts. If you missed any of them, you can catch up on them here…
- 1820’s Silver Dip Pen
- The Louvre and Museé d’Orsay
- The Paris Apartment
- The Sweeter Side of Paris
- Where Julia Shopped
- I gained 12 lbs in Paris
Wow…that’s a lot of posts for just three days in Paris! There was so much to share, though, and I wouldn’t do it all justice if I squished everything into three posts. And even six posts weren’t enough, so here’s the overflow…
the biggest bang for the tourist’s buck
My mom and I did a ton of walking while in Paris. Even though we hopped on the metro whenever possible, lots of walking was inevitable and, I must say, enjoyable. We were both achy and sticky with sweat at the end of each day, but the exercise felt good and it really is the best way to experience a city.
Because we had our physical limits (my hips and my mom’s heel) and had lots to do in the span of three days, we opted to take a one hour Seine River Tour to take in a lot of a city while sitting down.
Paris Perfect purchased us tickets with Bateaux Parisiens. This was the same tour our travel agent, Vickie White, suggested. And we were able to see for ourselves that they had boats with a great layout – a roof deck on the top with benches.
Everyone told us the dinner/lunch cruises were a waste of money (mediocre food), so we went on the basic 1 hour cruise on the morning of the second day we were there. And the basic 1 hour cruise was perfect.
The morning was cool and breezy and had an overcast sky that was perfect for pictures. And I took lots and lots of pictures.
We saw the Louvre, the Museé d’Orsay…
…the Seine’s numerous and beautiful bridges…
(notice the group taking a selfie on the bridge below…)
…the amazing glass building that was constructed for the Paris World’s Fair in 1900…
…the Île de la Cité (city island), which is the oldest part of Paris, and Notre Dame…
This is just a small sampling of all of the pictures I took! I captured a lot of great architecture along with moments I spotted…a bride and groom posing for pictures by the river, a group of students sitting cross-legged in a cluster, sketching, a garden on a house boat, and a couple walking with arms linked along the water’s edge.
It was delightful in every way.
sing-song speech
Upon entering a shop, one is greeted by a boisterous, “Bonjour!” It’s followed by a sing-song pattern of speech that I’m sure is just daily pleasantries. Sort of like our, “Hi, how are you?” “I’m fine, how are you?”
I didn’t know what they were saying, but I heard the exchange repeated so much that it became familiar. I was too shy to try any other words, but I started throwing out my, “Bonjour!” with more confidence as our trip progressed and I enjoyed listening to these exchanges whenever one was within earshot.
the differences are in the details
One of the beautiful things about Paris is the uniformity in the buildings. At first glance, they look similar. They are roughly the same height, same general style, same soft color palette. It’s one of the most spectacular examples of a “planned neighborhood” that I have seen.
But after walking the streets for a few days and ogling over the buildings, I started to realize how unique each one actually is. The differences are in the details – balcony railings, trim work, shutter colors, window shape, etc..
The balance of individuality and uniformity is breathtaking. The more you observe and appreciate it, the more you realize Paris is beautiful at a distance, but it stands up, and even rises upon closer inspection.
The other thing that’s awesome (in the truest sense of the word) about the gorgeous architecture in Paris is that it is seemingly endless. We have beautiful buildings in cities and towns and neighborhoods and boroughs all around the US, but in Paris, they are packed in tight rows, block after block for miles. Trying to take it all in is overwhelming.
“French people are rude”
It’s a stereotype that’s been hanging out in the world (or at least in the US) for a while now. I have to admit that I even had this idea in the back of my mind as we crossed the Atlantic. I have heard that the French will turn their noses up at Americans who don’t speak French or even to those who try, but do it poorly.
I can’t tell you how wrong this notion was in my experience.
(We stumbled upon the lover’s locks bridge by accident.)
First of all, most people who work in shops, restaurants, tours, etc. speak English well enough to answer questions, take an order, give you directions, and have a simple conversation. When I went into a bakery to order my first croissant, I was nervous I would mess it up and someone would yell at me. I shyly pointed at what I wanted and the woman serving me smiled and spoke to me in English.
There were many times when I would point or ask a one-word question only to receive a detailed response in excellent English. By the third day, I just assumed everyone spoke English and stopped communicating with body language or phrases I would choose if I was conversing with a toddler.
As two women walking through a foreign city on our own, we felt safe and received help from strangers several time. A woman showed us the way to a metro station, a gentleman helped us find the right train in the metro, another woman tried to help us find a alternative, less-crowded metro line during rush hour, and waiters translated dishes listed in French on menus and waited patiently as we fumbled through an order.
The most chivalrous interaction happened when two men were smoking cigars right next to our table. The smoke kept wafting in our faces. They were sitting in the “smoking section”, so they were completely entitled. The gentleman facing me noticed after a few puffs, waved the smoke away and put out the cigar. “Pardon, pardon. Please, excuse me.” For the rest of the meal, he and his friend walked out to the street to smoke their cigars. They didn’t have to do that, but it was a generous gesture.
We even witnessed one waiter using salt and club soda to treat an oil stain on an American woman’s pant leg.
Just like any mix of people anywhere in the world, I’m sure there are some rude Parisians or you will catch an otherwise nice person on a bad day, but we only had lovely interactions.
the real shame about pick pockets
We were warned many, many times about pick pockets in Paris. I tried to draw a cartoon of my mom and I with our purses and bags chained to our bodies to show our precautions. My mom carried an anti-theft bag and I wore my cash and valuables in a neck wallet under my dress. We had all of our credit cards in RFID blocking sleeves and even had our iPhones on “leashes” to prevent someone snatching it out of our hand on the metro or while taking a picture.
We both expected that we would be pawed on the metro and in any touristy area, but that just wasn’t the case. Now, obviously, it does happen and you need to be smart about your valuables and interactions, but you don’t need to go into a trip like this afraid.
I will admit that my fears were fed by all of the pick pocket stories and warnings on travel sites and in forums. I went to Paris in defensive mode and I realized on day two that it made me suspicious of everyone.
One woman approached me at the Louvre, where I was on high alert after stories of groups of girls with petitions and beggars who will harass you. I instinctively backed away as she tried to speak to me. She saw the hesitation in my face and smiled warmly. Then, she slowly held out her phone and took a step towards me. In broken English she asked if I would take a picture of her posing with her husband. I sighed in relief and took her picture.
As I handed the phone back to her, I warned her about handing her phone to strangers who might run off with it. A part of me hated to do that. Was I going to make her afraid of people who are simply asking for help or trying to be nice? Well, the warning was out before I could think that through.
Later that day, we got on the right metro line, but were going in the wrong direction. We hopped off at the next station as soon as we made the discovery, but we were confused as to how to right ourselves. After staring at the metro map and looking at the various options around us, we still apparently looked lost. An older gentleman slowly approached us on the otherwise empty platform and I reacted the same way I did with the woman at the Louvre. I stepped back, narrowed my eyes, and pursed my lips.
He had a soft expression and quietly asked in English, “Do you need help?”
Clearly, I was expecting him to ask for money or to start in on some scam. I wasn’t expecting kindness. Again, I felt ashamed and I sputtered out something like, “Um. Yeah. Um…how do we get going the other way?”
He pointed to a set of stairs. “Come. I will show you.”
My mom and I followed him and, at the top of the steps, he pointed down a hallway to indicate that was the proper way to go to catch our train.
I wish I could’ve explained to him why I was immediately guarded and unfriendly. Instead, I tried to convey it by saying, “Merci” in the sweetest tone I could.
That evening, as I wrote about the events of the day, I thought about those two interactions. Yes, pick pockets can rob you of cash and phones and credit cards and other things that can ruin a vacation and create a headache when you get home. But the most precious thing they have taken from those who visit Paris is the willingness to assume that most people are good. The presence of pick pockets and all of the nightmarish stories circulated online have made it a challenge for the typical tourist to embrace Paris with a carefree innocence. Strangers are viewed with suspicion and kept at a safe distance as you cling tightly to your valuables.
It’s reality, but I found it sad just the same.
French cafe food & fine dining
Oh, the food! In my opinion, the French do bread and butter better than anyone else in the world. My plan going into our trip was to hop from one cafe to another, trying different dishes and pastries and baked goods. It didn’t take us long to learn that stopping at a cafe for a bite is not something done quickly.
While American restaurants usher you along by clearing the plates, bringing you the check, and pointing an AC vent directly at your face until you surrender your table, in Paris, you practically have to beg them to let you pay and leave. We had a lot to fit in, so we mostly grabbed a pastry from a bakery in the morning and ate a late lunch when our feet needed a rest. It wasn’t the constant eating that I anticipated.
I also found my stomach was slow to get on Paris time, so I wasn’t hungry until about 4:00 in the afternoon.
I did manage to get a good sampling of Parisian food, though! The Patisserie Tour was a great way to try a lot of traditional candies and pastries and Paris Perfect referred us to some of their favorite cafes and restaurants.
The first night, we ate at Le Petit Cler on Rue Cler.
I ordered a Croque-Madame, which is one of my favorite French foods. They served it with a large side of lightly-dressed greens and it was perfect in every way.
One of my favorite dinners was when my mom and I collected foods from various markets and took them back to our apartment to eat while we basked in our view of the Eiffel tower. We purchased a fresh baguette, some French butter, a mild, creamy cheese, nectarines, grapes, and fresh-squeezed juice. It was a simple spread, but it was enjoyable and a satisfying way to end a long day in Paris.
On our final night in Paris, we met up with Leah (the social media manager for Paris Perfect), for a traditional French dinner at Fontaine de Mars.
Leah is an American who has been living in Paris for the past 3 1/2 years. She is one of those people who does anything and everything and seems to live a rich, full life. She has several business ventures and is also a wine ambassador for France, so she knows everything about French wine and food. She was the perfect person to guide us through the dinner menu.
If I was going to try authentic French specialties, this was the place to do it, so I stepped out of my comfort zone and let Leah order for us. I told her I wanted to try the things that were “must eats” for anyone visiting Paris.
She ordered foie gras and escargot. Duck liver and snails. Okay, I ate chicken feet and jellyfish while visiting China. I can do this.
They served the foie gras with warm, lightly toasted bread. I spread it on and took a bite. It was rich and creamy, almost like a butter with a meaty flavor or a rich cheese. As someone who is not a big meat eater, I liked it more than I expected. It’s not something I would order on my own or eat regularly, but it was tasty and I’m glad I experienced it.
I was trying to ignore the escargot, but Leah pointed out that I should try one before they get cold. She proceeded to pull her phone out to record the tasting for Instagram. Leah gave me the signal that it was recording. I hesitated for a minute and then popped it in my mouth.
The snail tasted fine, mostly because it was smothered in garlic and butter, but once the the flavor of the seasonings and melted butter were gone, I was left chewing on what felt like a small knee joint. As a “texture person” with a sensitive gag reflex, I couldn’t handle it. I tried not to think about it and just get it down, but I couldn’t control it and I involuntarily gagged. I was mortified and hope it went unnoticed! Here I was at a fine restaurant where presidents and celebrities have been served and I am gagging on a delicacy that was expertly prepared by a French chef.
I tucked it under my tongue and realized my dilemma. We had cloth napkins in our laps and I didn’t see any dogs under a nearby table. With escargot under my tongue, I asked with muddled diction, “Leah, how can I get rid of this?” She looked around, slightly amused, and shrugged.
I spotted the bread basket. “Mom, can you hand me a piece of bread?” I casually leaned down to my plate, deposited the half-chewed escargot as discretely as I could, and quickly covered it in the piece of bread.
Despite the pickle it got me in, I’m glad I tried it. It’s all a part of the experience of traveling and it provided lots of laughs throughout the rest of the trip as one friend sent me pictures of escargot plates spotted at a flea market and others made short videos of me trying other new-to-me foods.
I went all in for dinner and tried duck confit with potatoes. For dessert, Leah ordered a couple of traditional French pastries.
One was a sorbet with an almond brittle and the other had a French name I forget, but it meant “a thousand leaves” for the multiple layers of thin pastry stacked and filled with cream.
What I learned from this meal is that casual cafe food is much more my speed. But, now I know. I don’t believe in making kids eat things they genuinely don’t like, but I do insist that they give foods a good, honest try. And I needed to practice what I preach…snails and liver and all.
One last food note… I ate the most delightful quiche in de Gaulle airport, of all places, right before flying out to Florence.
If you’ve read all of my posts about Paris, I’m sure you’ve gathered that I enjoyed my time there immensely. I have wanted to go to France for years and it seemed like something I would wish for, but might never actually do. Now that I’ve been once, I can’t wait to go back and spend more time in the countryside as well as the city. I’m also looking forward to experiencing it with Jeff and the boys one day. Marshall has already asked me if he can come next time, so he can see the Eiffel tower.
Well now…who can resist that request?
Before we close the chapter on my Paris trip, here are a few tips I have to share…
- The book A Paris Year was a wonderful read before visiting. The author, Janice MacLeod, shares interesting facts about the city, the culture, and places of interest. It was an easy, entertaining read, and gave me some interesting things to hunt for or take note of while there.
- Connecting with someone right at the beginning of the trip really helped us get off to a good start, so we felt oriented and comfortable navigating the city on our own after that. If you can arrange to meet with a guide right off the plane, I would highly recommend it.
- The Citymapper App was a terrific way to get around the city. For each new destination entered, the app gives you walking routes, metro and bus lines, or the best way to bike or drive there. It even notifies you when to get off a train and lets you know how much of a croissant you’ll burn off walking vs. biking.
- We had lovely weather while we were there – 50’s – 80’s and mostly clear, but even with the nice weather, we were sweating every day. It was mostly because we were walking everywhere, climbing stairs, and almost none of the shops had AC. The Louvre was especially hot, because it was crowded and the AC the building does have is inefficient. All of this to say, I wouldn’t visit in the dead of summer.
- There is an overwhelming amount of stuff to see in Paris and everyone will give you their opinion of what you “must see”. I had enough “must see” suggestions that I could’ve spent a month must-seeing them all. (And don’t get me wrong, it was all of that advice that helped me pick some of the things I did see.) I think you just have to pick what you most want to see and know you’re not going get to see it all. I tried not to angst over everything I couldn’t see and focused on savoring the things I could.
- Even if you’re not someone who journals regularly, bring a notebook and write down your thoughts and observations each day. I am so glad I did, so I was able to share it here on the blog in detail and it also gave me an excuse to stop and notice things I might’ve overlooked otherwise. And it was a great way to wind down each day. I could fall asleep easily knowing I would have a record of all of the amazing things I got to do.
And now, are you ready to head to Tuscany with me…?
Ahh! What a great photo journal!
Thanks so much for sharing Paris. I can hardly wait for Tuscany!
I’m sharing your blog with all my Paris bound travelers! Beautifully written and shared. Welcome home….where to next?
Yes! Tuscany here we come.
Oh my goodness, I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip to Paris! I felt as though I was along for the journey. Thanks so much for sharing!! I so enjoy all of your posts and have been following you for quite some time. You are a true inspiration to us all!
Mille feuille. Yum!!
This takes me back to 1991 and a long trip to Europe. Even back then, the French were delightful. 🙂 Thanks!
Loved all of this post! LOVED IT!!!!!
Your Paris trip blog was such a treat…thanks Marion!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for dispelling some of the gloom and doom stories about traveling. I lived in Germany for five years (Air Force wife), and have gone back to Europe three times. I have NEVER felt uneasy in any situation, even when I was completely on my own. Just use common sense. Don’t allow those negative thoughts to cloud your enjoyment of going someone you’ve dreamed about and have visited only through books. Bon Voyage!
You hit some great places!
I took an all day excursion out in the country vineyard and tour, lunch and then we made our way to a city underground mostly winery.
You are so right…it could take months to touch it all.
I’ve never gone so hard day and night for two weeks.
Glad you had a wonderful visit in Paris!
I can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!
It took me weeks to get my mind focused back on daily life back in the sweet USA!
I agreed with you about the French being very polite to my family and I while we were in Paris. I was truly blessed by my experience in Paris. I was afraid I would get sick or have my purse stolen, but we were vigilant and our experience was fabulous. When I got home I contracted a UTI, my insulated bag was stolen in Walmart and my email was hacked. So no matter where we are in the world it is all about the experience. Traveling to me is a great adventure. Thank you for your beautiful writing and description of Paris. Our hotel was on Rue Cler and it was magical to eat at Le Petit Cler every day for five days.
Joyously,
Betty
I have been to Paris quite a few time and my experiences in France are like yours in respect to strangers helping out. One night my aunt and I were trying to catch the last train and the kiosk didn’t work. The conductor got off and passed his wallet through the fence to us so we could use his pass. Imagine that in NY. Paris is the equivalent of NY City in size but couldn’t be more different. Not to throw shade on NY. How in the world did this silly idea of rude french people get started? Probably by rude Americans who didn’t practice the nicities of exchange before asking how much.
You are so smart to journal during your trip. I always think I’ll remember and I never do.
Still thoroughly enjoying “our trip” … Yes! Let’s go to Tuscany!!
Thank you for all the wonderful information you gave about your visit to Paris, i truly enjoyed every day.
I was actually pickpocketed at the Louvre in 2014 while I was distracted while helping my elderly and mobility challenged Mom (our mom-daughter trip to the British Isles and France). I noticed very quickly and lucky they only took the cash and no credit cards so I tried to look on the bright side and consider it an honour to be pickpocketed in one of the most famous places in the world….just like all the literature warns against. It made for a great story when we got home. Lol. Following along was like being on that trip again with my Mom. Thank you for that as my Mom passed away unexpectedly iin late February this year. It felt good to relive the memories!
I am enjoying your views of Paris so much…….on my bucket list one day. Your insights make me feel like I am really there. Thank you for taking us all along.
Well it’s me again the girl from Bordeaux ….why américan people think Paris so much scary with pickpocket in paris !!!! It is Only cliché !!!!! I have been pickpocketed in New York and ils like this in almost of big Towns …..dont worry to Côme in our country most of the Time we live in a very very safe country
What an unforgettable and wonderful memories you will have all of your life of spending time in Europe with your Mom. When I was 17 I went on my first trip to California with my French grandmother and my parents. My “Memere” and I hung out with each other and explored San Francisco together. She she passed away almost 47 years ago and I still miss her and still relish that time we had together.I do have to say though, it was the first time I ate escargot, and I loved it!
I have, all of my life, wanted to see Paris and never could get there, but I still hope! I am now 68 yrs old and disabled from a stroke. So my advice to all of your readers who want something badly is do it while you still can -tomorrow it may be too late! Now, to why I wrote… it was a beautifully written description of the important parts of your visit, it came alive for me. I felt as though I were there with you every step of the way.Thank you so very much!
The energy you bring to a situation is the energy you receive. I am sure you had a lovely experience because you are a lovely person.
Your photography is just amazing!
You’ve made it so real. Now i definitely have to go although it’s been on my bucket list for quite some time. Happy trauls!
I am so happy you got to enjoy the delights of Paris, and find out the stereotypes are not true. Next time try Giverny and even head down to Nice. It’s all magnificent in its own way. The Cotswold’s of England are another area you would love.
I am so glad that you loved Paris. It is truly a magnificent city. I think the stereotype that Parisians are rude is that they do not smile automatically at everyone. They are extremely kind and helpful to others, but the smile and automatic “Hi, can I help you?” is just not the standard there. I found that just by greeting all salespeople and helpers with a “Bonjour” helped immensely. \
You obviously did your homework on Paris and it helped make it a terrific experience. I’m with you on the fine dining experience; I simply gag at liver and escargot would also be beyond me.( I go vegetarian on trips and haven’t had too many issues.)
Please continue traveling and sharing with us all; we learn so much from you!
Thank you for the tour. It looks amazing.
As I read the post, I thought of WWII and all the damage the city suffered yet it’s history and buildings look intact. It’s beautiful.
I am beginning to think you missed your calling as travel blogger! Such a nice written overview of Paris and its nice to know that the old myth that all the French are rude is not true.
Thank you for the marvelous tour of Paris! Your photos are amazing!! Everything you shared was helpful, charming to read about, and just plain delightful. Loved all of your posts!
I can’t tell how glad you made me with the term “oriented.” Most people butcher that into “orientated,” which just makes me wince.
Looks like you made the most of your trip!
I was in Paris at the same time you were. I relived the Wonder of Paris through your words in the blog. Parisans were helpful and kind. I loved our time there. We did the dinner boat trip. Your friends were correct that it was not worth it. Because we were distracted with eating, I think we missed some of the views. Also the boat was enclosed and it was more difficult to see the streets above the boat.
I doubt I’ll ever go to Paris, so I loved reading your trip details, and the photography was icing on the cake, reallly good descriptions and as always the photography captured beautiful French detailing which I loved seeing!!!!
the tiles, the water, the rooftops, would have loved to have seen the bride and groom on the river, or did I miss that, but sure could envision it, sounded so beautiful!
Thank you Marian!
You are so right about the abundance of simple but amazing food in France! My trip to Monte Carlo and Paris was about 20 years ago, back before I would eat butter; I only ate margarine – can’t even imagine why! Well, Paris changed that with their sweet, mild, creamy, delicious butter; not to mention the world’s best bread there! Now I try to buy French butter, Irish butter or European style butter, I’m addicted!
Beautiful Paris! Glad you and Kim had a wonderful time there.
Thank you for sharing all these wonderful experiences with us. You describe things so well. I love love love all the beautiful pictures. I’m wondering what kind of camer you used. I could not even think about trying to eat a snail, no way. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing Paris!! Visiting Paris is on my bucket list. With your wonderful descriptions of everything,I almost feel like I’m there with you. Looking forward to ‘our’ next destination!
Have to agree with all the comments!!!! Thanks for sharing.
Yes…let’s got to Tuscany!! Loved your thoughtful insight into Parisians…kind, just like most of the world. Amazing isn’t it?? No.
Really have enjoyed hearing of your journey!!
We went different times to Paris and I enjoyed it every time more and more. People were friendly all the time, everything is so beautifull. Can’t wait to go back one day.
It was such a treat to read about your visit, it all came back to me.
Hurry up to Tuscany and tell us all about it, this region is still on my bucket list ?
It sounds like you had a lovely visit. I’ve enjoyed looking at your photos – it’s like a brief vacation for myself.
As someone who travels in France frequently, I wanted to comment on a couple of things. First, I”m glad you picked up on saying Bonjour when you entered a store. It is very important in France to say hello to people before you say anything else. When you enter a shop, say Bonjour, Madam or Monsieur to the shopkeeper. In a restaurant, on a bus, in a bakery, in a Tourist Bureau or asking question on the street – whenever you interact with someone greet them first by saying ‘Bonjour Monsieur/Madame. It’s considered rude not to do this.
The same applies to leaving a shop or restaurant etc. – just nod and say Au Revoir and it’s nice to say thank you, too. ‘ Merci, Au Revoir’ is easy to learn and to say and it’s common politeness to say it.
This is something I really admire about the French. It’s a kind of politeness that acknowledges the other person before anything else. I think the French can sometimes perceive Americans as being rude, when by American standards they are not. Like cats and dogs, communicating on different channels. I usually tell people to be as polite as they were taught to be when they were a child.
About safety. I’ve had two minor (and failed) incidents in all the many times I’ve travelled in Europe. It’s more a question of having ‘street smarts’, than being afraid. When you are in any big city in America or Europe, take sensible precautions like crossbody bags. Keep your eyes opened to what’s happening around you, but then trust that most people are kind and helpful. Because they are.
Je suis française, née à Paris et j’y ai vécue de longues années… puis déçue par la capitale, je suis partie vivre en province, bien décidée à ne pas revenir à Paris…..Mais vos derniers messages (je suis votre blog depuis quelques mois), m’ont donné l’envie de revoir Paris avec des yeux de touriste.
je profite de ce petit mot, pour vous dire que j’aime beaucoup votre maison.
Je vous souhaite une bonne fin de séjour en Europe.
A bientôt, au plaisir de vous lire ( je ne comprends pas toujours tous les textes, mais j’apprécie les photos).
The dessert you tried was a mille-feuille! And it’s surely delicious 😉
I’m Italian and have been vacationing in France the two past summers – first in Normandy, this year in Bretagne.
The difference between a big city like Paris and smaller, countryside towns makes all the difference. If you want to visit without fears, please consider other regions of France. But, you know, I live in Milan so, coming from a big city everywhere is more relaxing…
Waiting for your thoughts on Tuscany, now…
A presto!
I was in Paris and Cannes this summer. I agree with all you say. The French are very kind and helpful. I noticed, when I was looking for the right money (especially coin) to pay for something, I had to look at each piece to make sure I gave them the right amount and I often saw them smile a cute little smile as I was doing it. We didn’t encounter one single rude person. And heck, are they saying we don’t have rudeness here in the States? We were aware of shoplifters, and altho we didn’t encounter any or saw anything untoward, we still were very careful. The food…mon dieu!
I had to chuckle when I read your comment about the quiche in the airport. My hubby and I still talk about the amazing coffee and croissant we got at Charles de Gaulle the last time we had a layover there. Was it really that good, or were we just excited about our upcoming trip? I’m still not sure 😉
Your blog posts are so much fun to read, Marian, and I am enjoying them so much. I am glad you had a safe and wonderful time experiencing the beauty and the culture of Paris. I got the chance to live there for 1.5 years in the early 80s, and it is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It makes me sad, also, that the pickpocketing has gotten so much worse. Thank goodness you didn’t experience any of that. Looking forward to Tuscany, since I’ve never been.
I love your reports – Paris is still on my bucket list.
I’m glad you experienced it the way *you* wanted – I saw that comment about your purchase of the dip pen and thought it was one of the rudest things I’ve ever read on a blog.
Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Wonderful blogs about your trip and all beautifully photographed and written. You are so very talented ! Paris is now much closer to the top of my bucket list. Thank you for sharing.
Such a beautiful trip you got to share with your Mom…memories to last a lifetime! Would definitely be an awesome trip to enjoy with your husband and sons someday. I enjoyed all the pictures and posts so much! It’s on my bucket list for sure!
Thank you so much for writing this super helpful post! I leave for Paris next week. It’s my first trip to Europe and I’m going alone. I’ve read the same things about pick pockets, theft and gypsies that it’s created so much anxiety and fear. Your post helped settle some nerves. Thank you!
It was lovely to revisit Paris through your words. I’ve been to Europe several times, once completely alone in my 20’s, and I agree that our fears of pickpocketing are blown out of proportion. Good old common sense works wonders, but needn’t exclude us from meeting new people, which is usually to best part of travel. Also, I wish I had always kept a journal on my travels. I kept extensive notes when I traveled alone and those stories still give great joy over 20 yrs later. I’m sure I would have forgotten so many little details
My one granddaughter went to London and Paris with a class trip in her Jr year of high school. Then in college she spent her first semester outside Dublin and did a lot of traveling on the continent. Dirt cheap air fares! Now she starts her sophomore year in college after a summer in London as a Nanny with a bit of vacation with the family in Greece. I lived all around the world with my three children (incl her father) so travel is a big chunk of my past but once my god started to travel at 17 she developed so much more maturity and understanding that people are people – everywhere. A mile and trying to say those few words in ‘their’ language is all it takes. Word travel is so important for world understanding. Now for Italia? Andiamo!
You shared such a wonderful experience and your feelings as a traveler are common. It’s always good to have some guard up but you certainly were receptive to seeing your situations through good eyes and not jaded ones,
Thank you Marian, I loved all your pics and comments, you were able to capture so much, love all the details you shared too.!
We leave this Saturday for Paris for a Viking River cruise, now I can hardly wait to see all the beauty of Paris.
You had me giggling on trying foods out of your comfort zone, way to go lady!
Love your blog, I can’t wait now for my trip, just like you there is so much to see and experience on our adventures!
Marian,
Thank you for your photos and memories of your Paris trip. You made the most of your time in experiences you will recall over the years. I love Paris and have blessed to visit there many times… most of the time as a teacher chaperoning high school students from the school where I taught. I never tire of Paris.
One question… what lens did you use for your photos?
Judith
I loved Paris when I went too! I also found the French to be polite and helpful to us. Once we went to a very nice French restaurant and the menu had no English at all. We were a bit perplexed and the host must have recognized this as the next thing we knew, a waiter came over pulled up a chair and went over the entire menu with us in English!! We were blown away by such kindness. The food is amazing. I had the best pizza I have ever had there at lunch one day! I adore foie gras and had it every day along with macaroons hahaha! My husband loves souffle and we had that for dessert every night! The fresh fruit at the market is the best. I bought cherries and ate them as we walked around. I was bothered once by a scammer but my husband quickly let him know to keep moving! We recently went to the South of France which is beautiful but my only complaint is the smoking inside and out. It was bad. I plan to live there for at least 6 months one day when my husband retires.
I have been to Paris many times and always want to come back, so do return!
I too found the people there very helpful and nice.
It was nice reading your honest take on Paris, even your snail story 🙂
The cake you had for dinner is called Napolean, easily found in the US or atleast they are everywhere in NYC where i am.
Can’t wait to read the rest of your trip, especially Tuscany, hope you had a great time there too as we did when visited a few years ago.
Fascinating architecture! And the gag – I would have been doing the same thing 😉
You learned a lot about Paris in a short time. I think the rude Parisian thing comes from people speaking English and expecting to be answered in English. I understand that completely because I had someone come into my shop and start speaking to me in Spanish. When I looked at the woman quizzically, she repeated it louder. Wait a minute, this is my country! The French people only want people to try to speak. To enter a shop and not say Bonjour or Bonsoir is considered rude. I think Americans are getting much better about manners when visiting other countries. I’m so glad that people were so helpful. I found it to be the same way. You nailed it right on the head when you mentioned city planning! They do it well.