Things I didn’t know about – and I live in Paris!
People who live in a city are sometimes the last to know what's happening. They're so busy working that getting home is their main occupation.For all they see of Paris, people who come here on business and spend their time closeted in offices might as well have stayed home. It’s such a shame that many of these road warriors don’t have the time and/or the desire to explore what is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
This August, I've made it my mission to see what's hot and new. I've discovered so much that I'm going to dedicate a day each week to explore. Many people go to church on Sundays. Instead, I'm going to open my eyes and take and good look/see and if it isn't freezing cold, walk the city. If the temperature is too cold, I'll invest in a day's metro/bus pass (a Mobilis pass) for 5.80 Euros and shuttle from one end of Paris to the other and really get to know my city.
It’s after mid-August and there are more stores and restaurants open this year than ever before. Guess President Nicolas Sarkozy’s mandate that French workers had better work harder and longer hours
has been taken to heart.
Even though the French government stipulates the twice-a-year sale periods, shoppers can score big discounts if they go into boutiques where the sales people are happy to deep discount the summer stock.
The sale signs may not be posted in the store’s window (and yet they may) but don’t hesitate to ask to see if there’s a cache of goodies in the back, Perhaps it’s not in the best of taste but people have been
known to bargain. Something of something on last year’s dress is better than a lot of nothing.
Places that do tend to be closed are bakeries in residential areas. If you’re in a pinch – and even if you’re not, don’t despair and head to Picard Surgelés. If you need a dessert – it’s hard to beat their
sinfully delicious chocolat cake or lemon tart. This is a not to be missed store when you’re in France. Their frozen foods can make any person a gourmet cook and no one is any the wiser.
If you’re a vegetarian and crave the freshest of the freshest organic meals – or want carry out for a picnic or simply to eat in your room, EXKi is definitely for you. There’s currently only one store in Paris but the group is in the expansion mode. After the rentrée, there will be a second store on the Left Bank’s Blvd. du Montparnasse. Its slogan is “natural, fresh and ready.” If I were a betting person, I’d wage you’ll see many more of their restaurants mushrooming up in the City of Light.
I did rent a tiny Mercedes for two from Mobizen. Not everyone is terrified of driving in Paris (most especially in August or on weekends) and we managed a fast tour and were able to pick up a few necessities.
It’s reputed that there are many fewer Americans in Paris this summer but it’s really hard to tell. English is heard everywhere. Just head to the fountain on the Pace St. Michel (at 11 am, 1 pm, and
4 pm and there’s a free 3.5 hour English language walking tour that covers a whole lot of Paris. Don’t wear anything other than super comfortable shoes or you’ll live to regret having joined the group. There’s no charge but the tour guides work on a tips-only basis.
And if you’re not convinced there are a lot of Americans currently here, for 12 Euros, you can meet up at the fountain and embark on a pub-crawl. The students I’ve met have loved the evening and thank goodness, they’re not driving after their foray of seeing French bars and Expat pubs. But boy are they meeting old friends and new ones and having a great time. To be in my twenties again.
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Karen@BonjourParis.com
