It’s such a cliche, but I’m crazy about Paris. I’ve visited the city four times over the years, including time spent studying in Paris while I was at university. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world, and I’m always looking for an excuse to go back.
Sometimes the smallest stars shine the brightest. I visited Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in December 2011 and I’ve never been so in awe of anywhere. It is smaller than Notre Dame, but in my opinion, it is so much more beautiful. There isn’t a square inch of the interior that isn’t painted, coloured, carved or adorned with gold leaf. The lower chapel was beautiful, but I was … Continue reading Sainte-Chapelle: A 13th century treasure
Part reward, part an opportunity to put our French to the test, when I was studying in Paris, my French teacher took our whole class to L’Atelier des Chefs. It is one of my favourite experiences from the trip because it was an unusual experience that I didn’t expect to have, and because I love cooking. The class was conducted in French, but luckily the … Continue reading Paris Cooking Class: L’Atelier des Chefs
If I had a dollar for every time I heard “But the French are so rude!” I would finally be able to fund my dream of living in Paris. Paris is perfect, it’s just the people. Right? I disagree. I’ve met rude French people, but I’ve met rude people from all sorts of cultural backgrounds. People are rude, it’s not a domain the French rule exclusively. In … Continue reading Why the French are rude (to you)
Paris, like many European cities, is bursting at the seams with museums and galleries. Admittedly, I struggle to justify spending time indoors looking at ancient artefacts from Egypt, for example, when I’m in Paris. As fascinating as they are, how can I learn about Paris and experience the culture when I’m looking at mummies? Generally, my museum count is fairly low. There are some that … Continue reading Exploring the Middle Ages at the Musee National du Moyen Age, Paris
My student exchange program in Paris coincided with the Tour de France, and many of my classmates had got up at the crack of dawn to stake out a good spot near the finish line. Me? Not so interested. I My friend Meredith and I were on our way to the Musee de l’Orangerie when we clambered out of the Tuileries metro stop to find … Continue reading Stumbling across the final leg of the Tour de France, Paris
With so many restaurants tucked away in charming but pokey side streets or crammed in bustling boulevards, sometimes in Paris you have to take matters (and food) into your own hands. Don’t miss Paris’ five best places to eat al fresco. On the banks of the Seine Doesn’t matter if you’re left or right, the Seine is beautiful from whichever bank you sit on. Watch … Continue reading Eating in Paris: A Chew with a View
There is more to Europe than meets the eye. There is a tale on every corner because history is embedded just beneath the surface in public art and landmarks. In Paris, it’s hard not to find an old building without its historical significance duly noted in a plaque, often small and fixed on the top floor, only sharing secrets with those who are looking. Some … Continue reading Frozen Stories: Tripping over history in Paris
Travel is about the moments when you have to pinch yourself because you can’t believe you’re wide awake and what you’re seeing is real. Sometimes its a first and other times its something you never expected. Sometimes they are big moments but so often they are the small ones. Here are some of my favourites 1.International Eiffel Tower picnic, Paris At the international summer academy, … Continue reading Top 5 Travel Experiences 2012
The Marche aux Fleurs ( Flower Markets) in Ile de Cite is the oldest and one of the largest flower markets in Paris. Between the Conciergerie and Hotel Dieu (City Hall) you’ll find the markets every day of the week – and on Sundays, they are joined by the Marche aux Oieseaux ( bird market). Visiting markets is something I try to do in every city … Continue reading Postcard from the Parisian Flower Markets
Europeans overdose on the Christmas spirit and I love it. The Christmas Markets in Paris are delightfully festive all over town. My favourite was the the Marche de Noel du Mail Branly, underneath the Eiffel Tower. Such a gorgeous sight! We left Australia on Christmas Day but I didn’t miss out on any festivities because Europe clings on to the Christmas season and carries it all the … Continue reading A Visit to the Paris Christmas Markets