| Page Views: 524 Last Visit to Paris: March, 2008 | A Foodie and History Buff's Paris by maestrousmc - last update: Mar 30, 2008 |
Paris was a pleasant surprise (March 08. Just returned from Paris and I'm slowly adding tips)
I spent 3 days in Paris during my first visit in January 2007. This rather short stop was out of necessity as a friend and I were taking a train from Madrid to Koln then Berlin; we needed a short rest from the long haul. No intentions of going to Paris whatsoever. None. Our two-week European excursion was to be devoted to all that was unconventional. No cliches. Just travel. Thus, Paris was more of a check in the box. The proverbial means to an end.
Oh how I was mistaken! Oh how I was wrong! These three short days - with it's original sights, sounds and smells which contradicted all cliches - overshadowed the five days in the Iberean peninsula and six days in Germany. |
|  | 03.25.08 - Paris: Part Deux Four days, multiple baguettes, numerous cafes, bistros - not to mention boucheries, boulangeries, patiseries and frommageries - later, I'm back from an inspiring trip to the French capital. Though Mother Nature sided with every forecaster in the developed world and brought the Parisians daily rain (or more accurately hourly), the visit was nothing short of amazing. (Besides, if rain is the norm in March, why change it?)
No hotel on this trip. Instead, I rented an apartment in the Marais on the corner of Rue des Archives and Rambuteau across the street from the Archives Nationales. (My rooftop balcony overlooked the landmark's lawn). Centrally located in a less commercial area, I felt that bypassing the hotel for the more "life-like" option immersed me in the truly vibrant and exciting Parisian backdrop where I learned how welcoming, inviting and eager the French really are. My French is definitely better. My love for classic French cuisine has been invigorated. But above all, my understanding of how this great city ticks - and tocks - is closer than it ever has been before.
Thanks to all the VT members who provided wonderful tips and forum replies which proved to be invaluable on that memorable trip. |
Walk One often hears the best way to see Paris is to just start walking. Though this could apply to any destination I don't think it could be more true when one applies it to Paris. Maybe that's why I've refrained - and will continue to refrain - from the river boat cruise on the Seine. It could be because I'm not a big fan of organized tours when I'm vacation. It could also be because I enjoy doing my own research. But ultimately: why would I want to remove myself from all this multifaceted city has to offer?
Put on your walking shoes and see these sites up close. Chances are, you were planning to anyway. And if you get tired? Have a seat, grab a cafe creme and watch... | | |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "rich in history, swarming with great places to eat, oozing with culture" |
maestrousmc's Paris Travel Tips
 maestrousmc's Paris Travelogues | | | |
|
 Comments for maestrousmc about Paris | | | | |
ExGuyParis Thu Jun 19, 2008 18:25 UTC
I'm always pleased when I hear that Paris has wooed and won over another! I like your slant on my favorite city. | BeatChick Sun May 18, 2008 16:21 UTC
"Massive, robust, artful" - I like the way you describe the Arc! Berthillon, mon ami, is a *necessary* evil. ;D | mircaskirca Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:24 UTC
I enjoyed your culinary journey! Ahhh, Berillon... My friends brought me there too - but what a pity that was only on my last day :) | Hopkid Tue Apr 29, 2008 13:05 UTC
Thanks for visiting my Granada page. You'll love it! Say, is Chez Denise the place Bourdain went on his show where they specialize in traditional country fare? |
|
|
email me
add as friend
