16 May Ask an Au Pair: Although museums dominate the Paris art world, gallery openings are a great spot to strike up conversations in French.
What inspires you about Paris?
The layered history and the fact that everyday I have the sense I am walking on a live movie set. I frequently walk or take the bus to observe my surroundings and take it all in. I always notice something different and enjoy people watching.
How would you suggest meeting Parisians?
Gallery openings are usually small and intimate and it’s easier to strike up a conversation with strangers in settings like this.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
Conversation exchange with a native French speaker, reading in French, listening to podcasts, and brushing up on grammar individually. I really believe finding outlets to speak at a high adult level is the key and it is something I am still working on.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Pigalle because it’s younger and less commercial, but I love all of classic Paris as well, that is, when I can escape the tourists
Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
Brasserie Lipp – My father and I feasted on a traditional French meal of poireaux vinaigrette, escargot, jarret de porc, steak frites, red wine, and millefeuille Boutique Yam’tcha – this was my favorite meal alone, a hybrid of Chinese and French cuisine, and they have a nice selection of Chinese tea, which I am a fan of
A favorite café or bar?
Hotel Particulier in Montmartre, Holiday Cafe, Terre et Sel in Pigalle
A favorite shop?
Retro Chic in Pigalle, Librarie Yvon Lambert, Frankie Shop, Astier de Villatte, Comptoir des Abbayes, Dehillerin
A favorite museum?
Maison La Roche -this really is a hidden gem and I went on a private tour for only 5 EUR, Picasso Museum, Fondation Jean Arp, D’Orsay to see Manet, Jeu de Paume
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
Jardin des plantes + all gardens in general where I can sit and read, Maison La Roche
Any spots outside of Paris that you would recommend for a weekend or day trip?
Fontainebleau, Strasbourg (go on a cycling trip in the Alsace region!), Clamart to visit the Jean Arp Foundation, Reims (champagne caves)
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
The fact that as soon as someone detects I have an accent they will change to speaking in English. I am constantly asking people to speak to me in French. (I know this is a common complaint.)
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Take seriously that you are working with children and what that entails so it doesn’t disrupt your state of mind, and so you can keep checks and balances on your emotions to prioritize your goals outside of your work with the family.
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.