A Piece of Abroad; City Guide Series

By Lynn Huffard

“Everyone… stay home”.

“Shelter in place.”

“Isolate yourself”.

“Maintain social distancing.”

“Everyone, stay home.”

These directions, that now feel like inner mantras have persisted long past their due. Metaphorical roadblocks, they stand in the way of many students who had looked forward to the cherished time of study abroad. When restricted to isolation, it seems the yearning to travel, to explore, only grows.

Maybe now, through social media, through our zoom calls, google hangouts and Facetimes, we feel more connected, technologically speaking, than ever. We are also more connected morally speaking- as tough times have a tendency to unite, however the physical distances between us have never felt more vast. Although opportunities and plans for seeing more of the world, for connecting with a culture potentially far different from you own, have been postponed we can always have them reimagined.

As we look to the future, we should not forgo making plans, however tentative or small, to travel. Manifest the places you would like to visit and experience, jot them down and speak them out, because soon we will find ourselves with the opportunity to connect in person again.

For anyone who had planned to go abroad this semester, or for anyone who’s travels where cut short this spring, first I am so sorry- there is no other way to express it than it totally sucks- but second, I hope this blog post and video bring you inspiration for reimagining your next adventure.

Here is a petite guide to the city I feel so fortunate to have lived & learned in, my guide to Paris:

The reason we all go on vacation- to eat (and drink)!! There are so many fun spots to go, so I’ve chosen a few to highlight here.

• Chez Georges Cave Bar

  This was the coziest coolest spot. I was obsessed with their cheeseboard and hot win (vin chaud). It has that amazing hole in the wall feeling and on weekends the cave bar itself (to put it lightly) really kind of pops off! Highly recommend.

• Chez Janou

  This place has the best provincial french food. They also make an amazing (BIG) chocolate mousse that is beyond delicious.

• Au Rendez-vous des amis

  Great spot for lunch to “rendez-vous” with some friends. The atmosphere is really great and is in such a fabulous location for a day in the Marais and central Paris.

• Lou Lou

  Looking to brunch? Lou Lou is the best and so aesthetically pleasing it hurts! A definite must.

• Prescription

  This bar is so hidden away, you can barely tell it exists from the street. It’s in a cool area though, and there are tons of yummy cafés with a young crowd just down the street!

• Le Perchoir

  Literally one of my favorite spots. It’s up on a rooftop with very nice views and makes you feel fabulous.

Where to Shop… I mean our favorite thing to do!

• Department stores: Au Printemps, Galéries Lafayette, le Bon Marché

  These department stores are just fun to go and see even if you are just a window shopper. Galéries Lafayette has the most spectacular Christmas display.

• Vintage shops: Vintage Bar, Catherine B, Kilo Shop, Kiliwatch, Hippy Market

  You can find the best gems in all of these spots, and find that one of kind item (from Paris!) all while helping out the environment just a little.

• Neighborhoods to shop: Le Marais, St. Germain de Près, Rue du Commerce, 5th & 11th arrondissement, & Montmartre

  I mean Paris has amazing boutique stores allover the place, but Le Marais, and St. Germain de Près, plus Montmartre, all have that very Parisian quality to them. The 5th and 11th arrondissements have more student activity, so they carry some trendier boutiques.

• Markets!

  You can’t go to Paris and not check out the markets. Mostly every Sunday they are just outside and have amazing food and produce, but also some fun little sweaters and scarves- little keepsakes for a lot less than big designer stores.

Museums: For some, you may say… yawn! But the museums in Paris are beyond amazing and there are so many beyond its most famous.

• Musée Rodin

  This is by far my favorite museum in the world. The sculptures are beautiful and the setting is the most wonderful space I have ever been, nestled right in the 7th arrondissement the old hotel turned museum is truly gorgeous. I highly recommend.

• Musée de l’Orangerie

  Dying to see Monet’s water lilies? This museum’s permanent installation of his famous paintings is breathtaking and brings you into a whole new world. Definitely a must to go see.

• Musée des Arts Décoratifs

  I loved my time at this museum. They have really interesting rotating exhibitions that are beautiful curated! The architecture of the interior of the building alone makes it worth a trip.

• Musée Marmottan

  This museum is located in the upscale 16th arrondissement in Paris. A smaller scaled museum it is a great alternative to the sometimes overwhelming Louvre. This special museum holds Monet’s acclaimed 1872 L’impression de soleil and incredible work from his later years as well. This museum is a definite must.

• Le Centre Pompidou or the Paris Museum of Modern Art

  Looking for modern and contemporary art and more views of the city? Then I recommend you check out Le Centre Pompidou, also located in the amazing le Marais district on the right bank. The Paris Museum of Modern Art is so amazing with brilliant Matisse paintings- plus it’s right across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower- so again, gorgeous views!

• Musée Yves St. Laurent

  This museum on the designer’s life houses so many key archival moments from the history of the atelier. They even have his office, set up just how he used to work in it, on display.

• Musée de Montmartre

  This is a personal favorite of mine. It sits way atop the hill by the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, within a charming and romantic building. You truly feel like you are surrounded by these incredible artists, in such a historic place.

(Cheesiness alert!)

Here is a little video snapshot of my time spent in the city that I love so dearly! Taking the time to reminisce as we go through these fairly isolating times is so valuable, and even more so, reminds us all of the joy of being able to travel freely. So here is to the future, and seeing the world with a newfound appreciation.