07 Feb Ask an Au Pair: Lindsay gives fabulous, detailed advice and tips for those new to Paris
This week, we asked the questions to Lindsay, a 26-year old from Missouri. She lives with her host family in the 12th arrondissement. Here are excerpts from her responses.
What inspires you about Paris?
Paris has served as a communal meeting place for artists and musicians for decades upon decades. Before coming to Paris, I recognized that nearly all of my favorite artists, at sometime in their early adulthood, came to Paris from all over the world. It was here that they formed relationships, perspectives, and visions that greatly influenced the course of their life and their work. After spending merely six months in Paris, I can see why. The cafés and boulangeries. The Haussmann-style buildings that line the boulevards. Walks along the Seine, past gorgeous museums. Gare Saint Lazarre. Montparnasse. Montmartre. The underground jazz clubs. The open mic poetry readings. And that oh so and ever-present Tour Eiffel. It’s all here in Paris, and it’s all so alive…even after all of these years. The snail-shaped city captured the heart of the world and hasn’t let it go.
What tools, information or tactics did you find helpful in supporting yourself and the children after the terrorist attacks in Paris?
My greatest immediate resource was my host family. They exhibited their strength and resilience and motivated me to continue living my every day life, while remaining aware of my surroundings.
The friends who I have met through Au Pair Paris were probably the most important and helpful resource here in Paris. From talks over coffee to jogging together, I was able to move forward after the attacks. Our Facebook group served itself particularly important during this time.
Another vital resource for me was The American Church in Paris, the church that I attend and teach Sunday School at to pre-schoolers.
Lastly, my school, France Langue, was extremely supportive. The administration, teachers, and my classmates supported each other.
What is the best way to meet Parisians?
School/classes, church (Hillsong United Paris is an AMAZING, energetic service — the whole service is in both English and French and really helps with French comprehension), Open mic Jazz night at Café Universal on Wednesday nights or Open mic Poetry night at Les Bistrot des Artistes on Wednesday nights. Affordable Yoga Fitness classes are also another way to meet others. Although the classes are taught in English, many international people attend them. There are also Facebook groups, such as French/English Language Exchange in Paris that serve as great opportunities to connect. Your host family may also know how to connect you within the Paris community.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
I have been impressed and satisfied with my experience at France Langue. The teachers are all very supportive and encouraging, pushing you to want to learn and grow in the French language. I recommend signing up and paying for all three trimesters at the beginning, so you are not tempted to only go for a few months. I am really happy that I did this, as it motivates me to continue learning.
Your host family is also an invaluable resource. Talk in French with them when you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, they will appreciate your efforts.
There are French/English language exchanges events all of the time, as well as individuals who are willing to meet to share their skills.
Lastly, try reading a book in French. Start with the famous Le Petit Prince (short and sweet, but filled with words that will improve your French immensely!). Also, Netflix has many movies and shows that you can watch in French that will help you practice comprehension. If you’re feeling ambitious, go see some movies at the cinema in Montparnasse! Make sure to save time to get Crêpes and Cider before or after!
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Saint Germain des-Pres, Le Marais/Place des vosges. Anywhere in the 5th or 6th!
What is your favorite café and/or the best meal you’ve had in Paris so far?
My favorite café is Eggs & Co in Saint-Germain-des-Pres. It’s cozy and wonderful. I also enjoy Loustic near Rue Beaubourg. There is an amazing little spot in Parc Butte-Chaumont called Puebla Pavilion. Go there on a nice night, walk around the park (my favorite in Paris), then sit and take a coffee on their outdoor terrace (equipped with string lights and sometimes live music!). The best meals that I have had in Paris have been with my host family, cooked at home! My favorite is probably duck confit. And of course, the cheese plate after the meal, before dessert is ALWAYS something I look forward to. When in doubt, try the cheese. And the wine! Bordeaux rouge!
What is your favorite shop?
I absolutely adore the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, a flea/antique market in northern Paris. Beware, you have to walk INSIDE the alleys before you reach the good shops. Avoid the knock-off tents on the main street selling fake Nike gear. And hold on tight to your phone while walking through the areas. That said, it’s completely worth it once you make it inside the true antique market!
What is your favorite museum?
As an admirer of all things Impressionist, Musée D’Orsay is among the top of the list. Go there WHENEVER possible. Its collection is outrageous. My favorite museum, however, is near the Bois du Boulogne in western Paris called Musée Marmatton-Monet. It houses Monet’s Impression Sunrise, the painting attributed to coining the term Impressionism. It is truly breathtaking.
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
The basement of Le Bistrot des Artistes on Wednesday night, where open mic poetry is held. It’s everything an American living in Paris dreams of; tiny, underground, packed with creative beings, devoid of judgment, and serving cheap beer (if you arrive before 10pm!–Happy hours in Paris are generally from 6-9 or 10pm)!
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
It was very hard to be in Paris during Thanksgiving, surprisingly. It was challenging to watch family and friends posting pictures of spending time together. I was blessed to have a friend host a Thanksgiving dinner at her family’s house in Paris with another friend and we were able to spend the holiday together.
Also, being from the Midwest, it is a big adjustment to move to a big city where people can come off rude. You get used to it after a while and learn to not take it personally.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
First of all, CONGRATS. You have such an adventure ahead of you. Things to bring from home: deodorant, toothpaste, tampons, chapstick, dry shampoo, and peanut butter! Also, it is a really nice gesture to bring something for your host family special to or from your hometown.
Be prepared to feel a roller coaster of emotions! One day your life will feel like a fairy tale or a movie, and the next you will feel discouraged, scared, and so alone. Keep moving forward. I would say it takes at least 4 months to feel settled, so give yourself time. Explore, explore, explore. Have open communication with your Host Family. Be real. Try to speak French. Travel whenever you can, even it it means 14 hours on an overnight bus to Barcelona. Nurture your passions and soak in a year in a completely unique and beautiful situation. Connect with the children you look after in any way you can (the 8-year-old boy that I look after and I first connected by watching Back to the Future together!). Try escargot. Try foie gras. Crème. Brûlée. Pat yourself on the back for making a super brave decision to try something new. And reach out to any former or current Au Pairs if you have any questions!
ASK AN AU PAIR SERIES
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. And, we decided to expand this series by adding a question about adapting to life in Paris after the 2015 terrorist attacks.