20 Mar Ask an Au Pair: Lindsey has discovered hidden spots in Paris, including the Mur des Je t’aime, or Wall of Love (above)
What inspires you about Paris?
The potential to find quaint, whimsical French scenes down any street, juxtaposed with Paris’ bustling city life and the influence of dozens of other cultures!
What is the best way to meet Parisians?
Move slowly, be open, and take time to express yourself! The opportunities will present themselves to you. Find cafés, shops, or classes around the area that appeal to you and you’re likely to find like-minded locals!
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
For anyone like me, you’re stuck thinking all day in whatever language you wake up with. So start your day by reading some French news, ordering your coffee in French, or just talking to yourself.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Montmartre and le Marais
What Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
Falafel in the Jewish quarter and brunch at Paperboy.
A favorite bar or café?
KB Coffeeshop in SoPi and Coquelicot in Montmartre
A favorite shop?
An art store called Couleurs du Quai Voltaire in Magasin Sennelier – a short walk after getting inspired at Musée D’Orsay
A favorite museum?
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme and Musee d’Orsay
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
The rolling Parc de Belleville with artists’ galleries around the neighborhood, and Chinatown nearby. Also try to find Passage de l’Ancre (one of the oldest in Paris), the Mur des je t’aime.
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
I miss being close to mountains and being able escape into nature whenever I want, and especially cleaner air.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Be open to whatever comes, but don’t let a new job or a new city overwrite who you know yourself to be. It’s important to value your roots while also developing new facets to your identity. Engage with places or activities outside of school and work to give yourself a break!
ASK AN AU PAIR SERIES
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.