02 Feb Ask an Au Pair: For Suzette, “Paris is everything I dreamed of, and more.” See her favorite secret spots near the Canal St Martin
What inspires you about Paris?
Paris is everything I ever dreamed of and more. It is a literal dream come true. It’s an amazing city, full of life. There is a constant stream of new people and things to see and do, and most importantly things to learn.
How would you suggest meeting Parisians?
I have met Parisians by going to local bars and social events. The best way seems to be in social settings such as at bars or through websites like Conversation Exchange. I’ve found it difficult to make Parisian friends, as they already have an established social circle and are not always looking to expand or welcome new members, let alone foreigners.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
The best way to improve your French language skills is to truly submerse yourself in the language. Only speak French with your host family and request that they only speak French with you. Ask that your host family correct you when you make mistakes as well. If you can make French speaking friends that would be an added advantage. If you make friends within your classes, try to speak French with them outside of class for at least half the time. I also recommend giving Conversation Exchange a try. It’s a great way practice your French with a native speaker who is willing to gently correct your errors.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
The Bastille area is great both day and night. Le Marais has plenty of different areas, places to eat and shop, and things to do and see to treat everyones fancy. I prefer the neighborhoods around the Odeon and Saint Germain des-Pres metro stops on line 4. They are also great both day and night. In those neighborhoods you can find little side streets with great bars and restaurants. During the spring/summer, I prefer anywhere along the Seine, especially on the Ile de la Cite or Canal. Take a small picinic and soak up the sun while sitting along the water! A lesser known area (especially to tourists) is along the Canal Saint-Martin!
Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
There is nothing like a great crepe from a crepe stand. In my opinion they are better than the crepes at a restaurant (and cheaper too)! I also enjoy the falafels from the “falafel district” in Le Marais near the St. Paul metro on line 1. I highly recommend giving one a try. The best French meal I’ve had (besides those my host family has cooked) was at Chez Paul on rue de Charonne near Bastille. The best tacos I’ve had were from El Nopal next to the Canal Saint-Martin. They only do take-away food, so be sure to go in the warmer months!
A favorite café or bar?
My favorite bar would be The Highlander Scottish Pub near Pont Neuf. Chez George is also a lovely spot near the Saint Germain des-Pres metro stop on line 4. The WOS bar also holds a special place in my heart!
A favorite shop?
I personally love Parfois. It’s a great accessories shop. If you are interested in second-hand/vintage shops, there are quite a few in Le Marais and many throughout Paris.
A favorite museum?
Musee D’Orsay is an outstanding museum. It’s in a beautiful building (an old train station), has a great variety of art, and isn’t so overwhelming like the Louvre can seem.
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
This would definitely have to be the Canal. There’s a brewery on one end where you can sit over the water, there’s a great take-away mexican food place. You can take your food and sit along the water. There’s even a unique pizza place that will deliver to you along the canal! I also highly recommend Le Baron Rouge! It’s a tiny little wine bar near Gare de Lyon where you can taste test different wines until you find the one you want a glass of! It’s cheap, very French and the staff is always friendly and helpful! Fun fact about this cool place: you can take old empty wine bottles and fill them up from one of their five barrels of wine for something as little as 2€70!!!
Any spots outside of Paris that you would recommend for a weekend or day trip?
Mont-Saint-Michel is gorgeous and definitely worth the trip. You can do guided day/weekend trips with a company, or organize it yourself like I did. I have heard mixed reviews on doing guided trips to Mont-Saint-Michel, but found it rather easy to organize the trip on my own. I highly recommend Strasbourg as a weekend trip, especially around Christmas time for their massive and gorgeous Christmas Market. If you love a good Chateau, you have to visit the Loire Valley. I took a day trip tour with Paris City Vision (I believe) and saw three gorgeous Chateaus! If you have any interest in World War II and/or the D-Day beaches, I recommend taking a guided tour up to Normandy to visit them. I did a day trip (again with Paris City Vision I believe) and it was well worth it. I have also heard from friends that visiting Saint Malo is lovely (especially for any All the Light We Cannot See fans)! Of course, if you are as obsessed with wine as I’ve become, take a weekend trip to Bordeaux!
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
Besides the common dislike of the French bureaucracy being really slow and difficult to navigate, especially as a foreigner, I tend to fill a bit claustrophobic at times in Paris. I come from a place where you can see for miles in any direction, without buildings obstructing the view. When this starts to happen I usually try to go someplace I can get a panoramic view of the city, such as at the top of the Galleries Lafayette (for free!). I also miss being able to really see the stars at night. The winter months are the hardest on me. I do not like the weather and it does tend to dampen my spirits. However, the winter months also make the spring and summer that much more glorious. The spring and summer in Paris make every second of suffering through the winter worth it.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
This is going to be a life changing and challenging experience, but it’ll be worth it. You are going to learn so much about yourself in ways you’ll never expect. Come with an open-mind, eager to learn both the language and the culture.
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.