03 May Ask an Au Pair: Alex is off to Amsterdam for the weekend. Why not, when you’re in Paris!
What inspires you about Paris?
The passion for beautiful architecture, fashion, culture, and history.
How would you suggest meeting Parisians?
Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with people wherever you are. Honestly, Parisians may seem cold sometimes, but it’s once you start a conversation they are extremely kind and friendly. I’ve also had amazing luck meeting people on apps like Bumble and Shapr and made some great French friends.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
Duolingo, a flash card app called Brainscape, and the podcast Coffee Break French is incredible.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Montmartre (where I am so fortunate to live)
Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
The Saturday duck special at Le Petit Cler
A favorite café or bar?
Mauri7 is a great student bar. Le Bouillon in Pigalle is a new, gorgeous, inexpensive restaurant, but be prepared to wait in a long line. Cuillier in Montmartre is a good coffee shop is a neighborhood with a lot of cute little shops.
A favorite museum?
Petit Palais and Musee d’Orsay
Any spots outside of Paris that you would recommend for a weekend or day trip?
Amsterdam!
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
It’s difficult to feel integrated in the culture sometimes.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Put yourself out there. Be friendly and outgoing, really try to make friends, they will enrich your experience so much. Be open minded to wherever this experience takes you and whatever it wants to teach you.
Get to know Paris, from an au pair’s perspective. Our “Ask an Au Pair” series was so popular that we’ve decided to continue it with our next round of au pairs! We pose a dozen questions about the City of Light to those who are seeing it with fresh eyes and learning all of its wonderful intricacies.