08 Mar Ask an Au Pair: Brittney enjoys walking along La Coulée Verte in Paris, which inspired the much-admired High Line in New York City
What inspires you about Paris?
It’s such a beautiful city that’s also full of history.
How would you suggest meeting Parisians?
Go for a casual drink in a pub (not a night club!) and get talking to people.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
By reading in French and switching Netflix to French speaking with French subtitles.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
The Marais! There’s so much to do and see.
Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
I finally got to try aligot from a stall at the Christmas markets at La Défense. It was delicious and super instagrammable.
A favorite café or bar?
Kook on rue de Sèvres in the 6th, great affordable food and coffee.
A favorite shop?
Boulinier on Boulevard Saint-Michel, super cheap secondhand books in English and French
A favorite museum?
Musée de l’Orangerie.
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
La Coulée Verte
Any spots outside of Paris that you would recommend for a weekend or day trip?
The christmas markets in Strasbourg are a must!
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
Everything is so expensive.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Make yourself go out and visit at least one thing in Paris every week. There’s nowhere near enough time to see everything, so you have to work hard to fit it all in.
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.