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The pleasure of Parisiennes

I’m at CDG preparing to leave for Berlin for RS BPV tour. I’ve just spent 2 days in Paris. I was first introduced to Paris on a RS city tour in 2019. It has become my current favourite city.

The restaurants are set up for everyone to watch the people. As I travel solo, I am constantly observing from my tiny table. At dinner last night, I decided to write this review. With 2 full glasses of wine on board, I thought I was very eloquent and funny…and perhaps better looking. The much smaller and sensible side of me decided it would be prudent to wait to write my review.

French women are unquestionably beautiful. They stand tall and graceful. Whatever they wear looks fabulous. Could they all work for Vogue? I saw many Mother daughter combos. Both looked fabulous.

I am not all about outer appearances. My motto when travelling is get lost 15 times a day. You see more interesting things that weren’t on your bucket list and you get an opportunity to meet local people to ask for directions. Everybody I asked helped me out, either by pointing me in the right direction, finding someone that spoke more English, or actually walking me to a spot where I could see where I needed to go. Yesterday afternoon I asked an elderly woman…looked to be in her late 70s or older how to get back to my hotel in the Latin Quarter. She walked me 3 or 4 blocks. I told her it was not necessary, but she insisted. As we were looking at my map on a corner, another woman around the same vintage stopped to see if we needed help. Young women and men were just as helpful.

I know how to greet and thank someone properly in French. They are absolutely lovely. There…done.

Posted by
996 posts

Such a great travel report, focused on all the nice people you met, many of whom I think were helpful because you greeted & thanked them in French and you too were lovely to them.

I am not all about outer appearances. My motto when traveling is get lost 15 times a day. HA, maybe not 15, but at least wander off the beaten path every once in awhile and don't worry about where it might take you.

Posted by
193 posts

Merci Susie. You are a boost to my confidence! I will be in Paris in a couple of weeks for my first time as a solo (female & retired) traveler. Daily I question my decision to go alone. I too will be staying in the Latin Quarter. I am familiar with Paris and manage well on simple, conversational French. I hope to visit sites not included on past tours I’ve taken… Marmottan, Petit Palais, Madeleine, Carnavalet, Bilbiothèque Nationale Richelieu, Centre Pompidou, Rue Mouffetard, Église St. Etienne du Mont, and le Musée de Cluny are on my list, grouped by days open/closed and location.
Your recent experience is encouraging.
Enjoy your RS tour in Germany.

Posted by
596 posts

Also a thank you from a solo traveler who loves Paris. The Paris bistro or restaurant is almost like a theater experience with terrific food for the solo diner. I always love it as well.

Posted by
217 posts

I agree with you Susi! Getting lost while wandering and finding the unexpected is so much fun. With GPX apps like Avenza or Open Street Maps you can always find your way back using digital breadcrumbs.

Posted by
204 posts

Lyndash, that’s a great comparison! Movie with wine instead of popcorn. Count me in!

PJ you got this! You’ll have a great time. Enjoy!

Leslie, I don’t have data on my phone when I’m travelling so that wouldn’t work. Besides, I really enjoy meeting people and asking for directions. I get a make a connection with someone even if it’s brief.

Posted by
2766 posts

I'm studying the map for my upcoming stay in the 3rd and am just now realizing that my memories of getting lost in the Marais in the past are off by ninety degrees -- when in my head I recall having to get back from Bastille to the Hotel de Ville it was actually from Republique back to the Hotel de Ville.

No wonder I haven't been able to find my favorite restaurants :-)

Posted by
7974 posts

Susie, what a lovely trip report! Travel is all about the vibe and Paris has such a wonderful atmosphere (and people)! I will be heading there in the spring after a 25 year absence and can't wait to experience it again.

BTW, I always write best after several glasses of wine! ;-)

Posted by
14974 posts

Hi,

You are entirely correct in your undisguised and blatant passion regarding Paris. I share that view totally. My first time to Paris for 5 nights, I knew I had to return.

While Paris is not France historically (how many times in French history has Paris revealed itself different from France, one only needs review the instances in modern French history), there is nothing comparable to Paris. To be sure, the more you attempt to speak the language, the better it is. I know I make mistakes and that my pronouncement is not always dead accurate, maybe I might even at times "butcher" the language (even though linguistically I reject that concept), then so what? Keep trying, you keep learning.

Bottom line....plan on more visits to Paris.

Posted by
10597 posts

Paris is always a good idea, whether you are traveling with a friend, significant other or solo there is always something to do, even if that is sitting at a cafe or Luxembourg Gardens. I’ll be back late next month for my 8th time and can’t wait!

Posted by
33 posts

Susie,
delighted you saw the best of Parisiennes. All I hear from Americans that go to Paris, is how nasty they are. I don't get this, I've always experienced friendliness and courtesy. I think if you are pleasant, and say please and thank you, you will get the same. You reap what you sow. I went for a run down the Champs Elysees and had to go to the restroom, forgot to bring Euro's....a lady gave me a coin...she grumbled but heck I was thoughtless, so that was very nice. She didn't have to do this at all. I love Paris.

Posted by
66 posts

I've met so few unpleasant French people, I can count them one hand. Most are lovely.

II agree that the best travel experiences are unplanned. Our best friends always say that they book their travel through "Mis-guided Tours."