Journey with Christina

Seeing I was already in Europe I could not resist an invitation from Marion, the first friend I met on my journey in the Amazon, to visit her in Paris. I had been to Paris before but never with a local. I was beyond thrilled to return to one of my favorite cities but it got me thinking as to what I would do while I was there. The last time I was there I had checked off all of the major sites. Sure, going to the Louvre or one of the other phenomenal museums a second or third time was certainly an option but frankly after almost eleven months of travel I was touristed out.

So, what do you do in a city you have already visited before? Act like a local, visit neighborhoods and, my favorite, enjoy the food. Each day we visited a different neighborhood to soak up the ambiance and sample local fare. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Marais: This district combines boutique shopping and culture all in one. Sunday is the day to leisurely stroll through this gem of a neighborhood drooling over the window displays and if funds allow, purchasing some of those coveted items. No trip to the Marais is complete without queuing up at L’as du Fallafel for one of their famous falafel sandwiches (Falafel and a beer under $10). I have had my share of falafel and this one is still my favorite.

Me enjoying my falafel sandwich and beer.

2. I’lle Saint-Louis: For a romantic night out head to this island after dark. Take a pre-dinner stroll around the island and then head to the dimly lit Rue Saint-Louis-en-I’lle dotted with several restaurants. After dinner grab a Berthillon ice cream and head to the Pont Saint-Louis which connects I’lle St. Louis with I’lle de-France. Stop and watch one of the street performers before focusing your attention on the Notre Dame lit up in all of its splendor. I was hesitant to bring Marion to favorite restaurant, Auberge de Reine Blanche, on this tiny island. After all what did I know about real local food. I breathed a sigh of relief when she gave it a thumbs up from the start of her French onion soup to the delicious homemade desert (she informed me that most French restaurants do not make desserts in house and all order from this one company). The only thing she did not enjoy was the house wine, but hey she is French after all. (Three course meals for under $30)

Typical French dish ravioles du royans, my entrée of Fish with vegetables, and Marion outside the restaurant.

3. Montmarte: This area is home to the infamous red-light district which houses Moulin Rouge. Standing in the main square filled with crowds of people spilling out of the surrounding bars and clubs you begin to wonder if you will make it out while still sober. As you make your way up the hill the crowds thin and you get a feel for its bohemian past. If you are looking for a charcuterie or a painting this is the place to purchase it. The square behind Sacre Coeur is covered with aspiring artists hoping to make it big. Marion hunted down an artistic wine and cheese bar, Dix Heure Vin, where we gorged on my two favorite French staples.

Half eaten cheese and meat plate (I was so excited I forgot to take the picture before I started).

4. Rue Cler: I was not able to make it here this time but I had to add this to the list. If you want to get a feel for how the French shop then this street is a must. Stroll the street picking up picnic items from the boulangerie, charcuterie, and fromagerie and other specialty shops that beckon you with their tempting displays. Once you have assembled your picnic head over to the grassy park in front of the Eiffel Tower spread out a blanket (or scarf) and enjoy your meal with an iconic view.
5. Country: I truly believe if you want to get a feel of a country/area get out of the city and venture into the countryside. Although the city dazzles us with its lights and romance the French country enchants us with its charm. I was invited to brunch at one of Marion’s friends house in the village of Villennes-S-Seine. The brunch was very similar to what we would have in the US except that there was crepes instead of pancakes and there were multiple different types of cheese to choose from. If you are not with a local you can still head out. Try Giverny, home to Monet and a lovely setting or Provins, a medieval walled city (have not been here myself) both can be done in a day trip from Paris.

 

Idyllic country setting (By the way everyone at the table spoke French, I have to learn another language!).

One of the best part of my visit was that I happened to be in the city before May Day (1^st of May) which is symbolized by lilies of the valley. These fragrant little white flowers where everywhere on the streets. Traditionally friends give these to each other symbolizing springtime and good luck. As a parting gift for my next adventure Marion presented me with some of these beautiful little flowers.

My May Day flowers.