Pain et Chocolat. One of the audience questions that resonated with me most at Ann Mah and Lisa Pasold's talk on travel writing at the American Library of Paris last week was one that I've often asked myself.
As a travel writer, do they struggle with sharing their finds with the world versus keeping some of them secret to retain exclusivity? When I stumble upon a charming restaurant or café that hasn't yet been packaged and sold to eager tourists in major publications or websites, a part of me feels as though I shouldn't tell a soul. That I should keep it to myself and a small group of blog-less friends to prevent the eventuality of it becoming too trendy. Too packed, too been-there-done-that, too predictable. But then the better half of me, the part that enjoys sharing with you and suggesting places that could mean the difference between a mediocre Paris trip and an exceptional one, trumps all selfishness. Adapting to Paris-101. When I first settled in Paris, one of the most stressful aspects to adapting to my new life was the linguistic transition.
Seven years of French language exposure only equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in simulated classroom conversations but the moment I was in a situation where I had to speak unprepared to a real, living, breathing French person I crumbled in panic and self-doubt. It was on my first date with my husband that I realized I wasn't as impressive as I thought. Five years and the ability to fool even the Frenchiest of French people later, I can say with confidence that I'm bilingual. But communicating coherently was only part of my battle. Making French friends was brutal, trying to find where I belonged was stressful and trying to reconcile the separation from family and friends from within a tiny studio apartment was isolating.
Several months ago I offered some suggestions on how to become an expat in France. ** Network freely and without hesitation. How I Fulfilled My Dream of Owning an Apartment in Paris. Five of the Best Sweet Treats to Try in Paris. Sweet Treats in Paris by Canon s3 When strolling along famous Paris streets like the Champs-Elysées and Rue Royale, your nose will be assaulted by delicious odors wafting from some of the greatest bakers, confectioners and chocolatiers in France.
Don’t be tempted by imitators – when in Paris, go for the original and best creators of world-famous sweet treats. See the top five places to satisfy your sweet tooth and your sense of occasion below… 1) for bonbons: l’Etoile d’Or Bernachon chocolates Paris by Ricardo Denise Acabo’s knowledge of chocolate is the stuff of local legend and though the French may passionately debate about which type is their favourite, everyone agrees that the perfect delivery system for her chocolate masterpieces are her heavenly bonbons. Food Lovers' Walk in Paris: Along Rue de Seine and Bonaparte.
Strolling aimlessly through the streets of Paris is one of my "must do" suggestions for every visitor to the city.
An essential part of experiencing the city, I've ranked it at the top of any list I give friends, right there with eating pastries. I know I'm not alone in this way of thinking either, in both the walking and the eating pastries. As I write this, I'm looking at four books on my shelf, each solely dedicated to the subject of walking in Paris. Those books are just four drops in the pool of books you can find on the subject. Not only for tourists, so popular is strolling the streets of Paris, there's a name for it in French, flâner and the stroller is a flâneur.
French. France sans frontières: the best French border towns. Looking for a new angle on the well-trodden paths of France?
Then travel to its borders. These three melting-pot cities showcase the best of France while giving a tantalising glimpse into the rest of Europe - Lille skims the Belgian border in the north; to the east, Strasbourg grazes Germany; and Perpignan lies close to the southern border with Spain. Each city shines a fresh light on Gallic culture with unexpected flavours and simmering nightlife. Lille: a party city with all you can eat 'Lille - Palais des Beaux Arts - 24-07-2008 - 11h47' by Panoramas. The Franco-American WebSite ; intercultural ; tips for americans about France and Paris ; France and the French ; French culture ; understanding France and the French. A guide to the eateries of France - travel tips and articles. There's a vast number of eateries in France.
Most have defined roles, though some definitions are becoming a bit blurred. Here's a quick guide: Auberge 'Auberge' by Ludo29880. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike An auberge (inn), which may also appear as an auberge de campagne or auberge du terroir (country inn), is usually attached to a rural B&B or small hotel and serves traditional country fare. Bar 'la fourmi' by superbez. A bar or bar américain (cocktail bar) is an establishment dedicated to elbow-bending and rarely serves food. Bistro 'P8070034' by philip_sheldrake.
A bistro (also spelled bistrot) is not clearly defined in France nowadays. Brasserie 'brasserie' by zoetnet. Unlike the vast majority of restaurants in France, brasseries – which can look very much like cafés – serve full meals, drinks and coffee from morning till 11pm or even later. Buffet A buffet (or buvette) is a kiosk, usually found at train stations and airports, selling drinks, filled baguettes and snacks.
Café.