15 Feb Ask an Au Pair: Kendall has discovered a café where you pay by the hour… go hungry !
What inspires you about Paris?
Paris is drastically diverse. Each arrondissement offers a new and exciting outlook on the Parisian lifestyle. The is so much culture and history to learn about everywhere you go, its almost impossible to not discover something new every time you leave your neighborhood.
How would you suggest meeting Parisians?
Workout classes or even English-speaking event nights.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
Language exchanges
What is your favorite neighborhood?
My favorite area is Montmartre. I find myself spending a lot of time during the days there since I have moved here. The cobblestone streets and rustic shops are very idyllic and cozy. Also, you can’t beat the view of Sacre Coeur
Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
The best meal I’ve had thus far has to be aligot. Besides the amazing taste, aligot is one of the coolest foods I’ve ever seen made. A lot of restaurants in Paris are famous for making this cheesy potato plate right in front of you, which is amazing to watch.
A favorite café or bar?
There is a lot of cool concept cafes in Paris. The coolest one I have been, you pay by the hour. Which means you can eat all you want just for 5 euro.
A favorite shop?
Oddly enough, the coolest shop I have been into thus far was the Maille Shop. I was there buying gifts for my family back home who raves about this shop. Although it is a mustard shop. There are hundreds of different types of this famous brand to pick from. The concept of the store is very cool.
A favorite museum?
The louvre has so much to offer. I feel like this makes it one of my favourites because i have been there 3 times and feel like I have not even grasped part of what it has to offer.
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
The art scene of rue de Rivoli. I stumbled upon this cool display of street art on one of my first days in Paris because I was extremely lost. Now I find myself heading back to find it from time to time to see if it has changed.
Any spots outside of Paris that you would recommend for a weekend or day trip?
I would highly recommend trying to go places like Colmar, Lille and Strasbourg for Christmas markets.
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
The language barrier has to be the most difficult sometimes. Especially when you first arrive and you are trying to set up bank accounts and transit passes etc. Don’t be afraid to take your time while speaking and don’t be afraid to say something incorrectly. These situations will only make you more confident.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Paris is one of the most welcoming cities that I have ever visited. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to take the chance, learn a new language and try something drastically different then what you are use to everyday. I feel like I have learned so much about myself already and I am having so much fun exploring!
Get to know Paris, from an au pair’s perspective. Our “Ask an Au Pair” series was so popular that we’ve decided to continue it with our next round of au pairs! We pose a dozen questions about the City of Light to those who are seeing it with fresh eyes and learning all of its wonderful intricacies.