13.44 - Dreaming: If I only had one day in Paris - #2
No matter how many times I've been to Paris I'm always dreaming of the next visit But what if for some reason this was going to be YOUR last visit to Paris & you could only be there for one day...#2/2
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If I only had one day in Paris - the remaining 10 francophile responses
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Bonjour
It’s Judy here, the Fondatrice of MyFrenchlife.org. I hope that you enjoy today’s le Bulletin, which is all about Paris, Paris, Paris, decisions, and dreams.
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Judy MacMahon
PS: If you’re enjoying this ‘le Bulletin’ please consider upgrading your subscription to gain full access. Merci. Judy - 4.11 23
1. Dreaming: If I only had one day in Paris - #2
I suggest that you read #1/2 first, and a warning, you may get lost in memories.
No matter how many times you have been to France, or in this case, Paris, it's always good to dream of the next visit. But what if for some reason this was going to be your last visit to Paris and you could only be there for ONE day... I recently posed this question to members of the MyFrenchLife private Facebook group and I'm sharing 18 of their answers. Why? Well, I found it interesting and I expect that you might too! This is PART #2/2 - you’ll find Part #1 here.
These unedited [ except for removing some names] dream responses came from a private group, where some members live in Paris and others travel there frequently. In other words, Paris is well known to them all. So, this is not meant to be a list of places for first-time visitors to Paris to add to their itinerary, necessarily. This is a list of how those who know Paris well would choose to spend their last day in the City of Light.
Even though this was not the intention. This list has ended up being a perfect list of recommendations for someone who's never visited Paris before!
If you're not in Paris at the moment, are you ready for a little whimsy, a little head in the clouds, a little dreaming? Yes? In that case, close your eyes - In that case, let's go to Paris... come with me.
oh no! don’t do that…oops…
Suzanne - Tough one, but I think I’d start my day enjoying coffee and pain au chocolat somewhere in Le Marais. After, I’d go for a long walk along the Seine admiring the many monuments along the way. I’d probably sit for a while and watch the boats go by. I’d make my way to the Tuileries where I’d wander through taking in the different scenes (playground, students hanging out by the pond on the famous green metal chairs).
I’d contemplate running into L’Orangerie but would most likely end up finding a seat somewhere to watch the world go by. Possibly grab a jambon beurre and stay for a while.
After? If I had a lot of time I’d go up to Montmartre. I love the neighborhood behind the basilica where the vineyards are so I’d walk through there and stop and soak it in. I’d then go into Sacre Coeur and admire the beauty and enjoy the peace. I have many memories here. Then, I’d sit on the steps with the rest of the world and look down on Paris. To end the day, I’d go to the Lido because I’ve never done that. Voilà
Cynthia - Top of mind. Perfume shops; Pierre Hermès; hot choc and tarte tartine at Deux Magots; walk along the Seine; vanilla milkshake and another cake at Laduree; stock up on some food items at Bon Marche; see the Monets at L’Orangerie and/or Picasso gallery in the Marais.
And wander through Place Des Vosges and/or Jardin du Luxembourg; jazz in the evening. Of course would have to plan the day for optimum efficiency!
Jeanne - Musée d'Orsay
Philip - Luxembourg Gardens, Cafe de Flore, lunch at Bar du Marche, exhibition, possibly at Orsay, ballet at Garnier, drink at Cafe de la Paix, back to Flore for a nightcap. Grab some street food, probably Chinese to take back to a nearby hotel.
Tracey - I’d walk along the quay and wander around the Eiffel Tower before crossing the bridge to Trocadero Gardens. Then I’d walk through the 16th to the Arc de Triomphe and finish my day visiting the various artists in Montmartre.
Beverly - That’s a tough one given the endless possibilities, but I would first check out how the restoration of the Notre Dame is coming along. I would also enjoy a Seine River cruise as I’ve never done that before. There would have to be a stop somewhere for a pain au chocolat, while having a stroll in Saint Germain. My love of Macarons would entice me back to a place near the Louvre to indulge in one of these delicious treats or maybe two!
Again my tastebuds would take me to a bistro near Gare du Nord where a few years ago I discovered the best-ever French Onion soup! As night would descend, I would once again ascend the 275 steps (yes, I’ve counted them) of the Arc de Triomphe to enjoy the dazzling view of the beautiful Eiffel Tower!
I would then make my way to the Champs-Élysées and join others to wander this famous avenue and peek in and out of shops that are still open and eventually my feet would ask for a rest and it would be time to find a place to dine! It shouldn’t be too difficult to find a wonderful restaurant to end my gastronomical journey through Paris! …
Debbie - For only 24 hours, first of all, I wouldn't sleep a wink. I would still book a night at Esprit Saint Germain to visit with their wonderful staff, freshen up, and store my purchases.
I would have breakfast and Cedric Grolet pastries at Le Meurice with my friend and her wonderful daughters.
Then we would be shopping for things I can't easily get at home for my US family & friends, and myself. A few outfits for my friend’s girls. I would have a list of stores from high-end to Monoprix. We would stop somewhere fun for lunch, then continue on. I would take an hour break to see the grand foyer of the Palais Garnier, as I seem to have missed it on my last 2 visits.
Then, if weather permits and it's not Friday, walk around the Grand Mosque in the Latin Quarter. More shopping until the stores close or I'm spent. Dinner - hopefully still with my friend and her daughters in tow. An end-of-the-night cruise on the Seine. Then walking along the Seine and bridges until I'm ready to crash!
Anne - I’d spend the whole day just hanging out in Montmartre - my special place.
Sandra - Montmartre, Musee d'Orsay, Seine river cruise, Eiffel Tower
And that's a wrap! What would your dream day be in Paris? Please share in the comments.
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3. Merci mille fois + travel
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Judy x
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PPS: I’m taking a break until late in November to visit my family in the UK. It’s been too many years! The girls are growing up far too fast and I need to spend some real (not facetime) time with them. I’ve worked to prepare and schedule quite a number of newsletters for you to enjoy whilst I’m travelling. I hope there are no technical glitches ;) Cross fingers - thanks Judy.
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