You know those people whose idea of a good time is showing up in a foreign city without any plans and just going where the wind takes them? Yeah, I’m not one of those people. My idea of a relaxing, successful trip is one that I’ve meticulously planned. I want to know exactly what tram/bus/taxi to take when I step off that train/plane, where I’m going, and what I’m going to do while I’m there. It’s not that I dislike spontaneity - If something else comes up and I need to switch my plans to enjoy an unexpected surprise, I’m all for it – but I don’t count on it providing me with the best possible experience. So, with my long-anticipated four-day trip to Paris on the horizon (quite possibly my last visit before returning to the U.S.), I’ve already set to work on a schedule that I hope will help me make the most of my last Parisian hurrah.Here are some of the activities I have in mind:
Shopping “Les Soldes.” The big, post-Christmas sale season is in full swing. How could I resist hitting up my favorite stores to see if I can snag a great deal?
Trying a new restaurant, preferably one that’s a bit of a splurge. I sent out a tweet asking for recommendations and got a bunch of really good ones. Wading through them now and will set reservations this weekend.
Tweet-up on Sunday. I was invited to meet with fellow Francophile bloggers. I wonder what we'll talk about...
Drooling my way through the E. Dehillerin cooking supply store, which is heaven for amateur and pro cooks alike. I’m hoping to pick up a set of grapefruit spoons and one of those handy all-in-one French cheese knives.
Not going to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, as shown in this post's picture. It is one of my favorite things to do in Paris, but I just did it twice in three months. Maybe next time.
Visiting friends. My former roommate and a friend I met while studying in Paris are already on the list. Hoping to connect with a few others if time permits.
Lots of pastry eating. Might be awhile before I can get a good croissant aux amandes again.
Lots of pastry eating. Might be awhile before I can get a good croissant aux amandes again.
Wandering a marché aux puces. I could spend hours wading through old junk in search of a treasure, but I’ve actually never done it in Paris. Need to change that.
Blogging, of course! I've arranged accommodations through airbnb.com, so I'll be reporting on the pros and cons (hopefully more pros) of this rental service, among other things.
If you only had four days in Paris, and you didn’t know when you’d be back, what would you do?
8 comments:
Mon Dieu. I explored Paris on foot with a bottle of wine in one hand and a camera in the other. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. You've been there more times than me. I think you know what settings appeal to you the most (the quiet neighborhood cafes, the strolling along the Seine, the secret corners in the Quartier Latin, etc.) Make some more wonderful memories, I say.
BTW, we miss you lots here and I'm glad you'll be back soon -- even if you're reluctant to get on that plane back to the boring old U.S.
Please, have a croissant aux amandes (or even better: a pain au chocolat aux amandes!) for me. I miss them!
Dinner at Au Bon Accueiul and late-afternoon tea and pastries at Deux Abbeilles - if they still exist.
You've already got my suggestion on your list--E. Dehillerin! Also checkout nearby MORA if you can't find what you're looking for. And if a moule cannelé or 5 happen to fall into your bag I could definitely take them off your hands... :)
@Steve, Your exploration of Paris sounds so perfectly, well, Parisian! I love it. And between you and me (and now everyone who reads this blog) I think I'll be ready to come home in some ways. In some ways not, but in some ways most definitely. Would kill for a decent burger right about now, for example.
@Zhu, Aren't they the best? Don't worry, I'll definitely be eating enough for the both of us :-)
@RasoirJ, I looked them up - they still exist! And in one of my favorite neighborhoods, too. Adding them to the list.
@Cancemini4, Excellent tip on MORA. I never heard of them, but just looked at their site and it looks awesome. Will be going for sure.
Hmmm... very good question!
Since I live in Paris, I'm sort of thinking of what places and things I would have to do if I was leaving and never to come back.
They would probably be:
1)Have coffee/tea at the Café de Flore
2)Drinks at the Hemingway Bar in the Ritz
3)Lunch at L'Avenue
4)Dinner at Laperouse or Le Voltaire
5)Walking around the rue du Fbg St Honore to the rue St Honoré
6) Walking around the 7th and 6th in the Faubourg St Germain
7) Macarons from Pierre Hermé
8) Last minute French food buying at La Grand Epicerie
But of course if I was only visiting for 4 days my list would be completely different!
I would want to go to all the newest places! :-)
Btw the way if you're looking for more tips on Paris check out my website, and if you have any questions don't hesitate to email me at paris@chicsetera.com
Have a great trip!
xoxo
www.chicsetera.com
Can't wait to see you!
bisous and thanks for including me in your planning :)
@Chicsetera Paris, I'll definitely be making a run to La Grande Epicerie. That entire store makes the foodie in me simply giddy.
@Melina, Can't wait to catch up over crepes!
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