25 Feb Ask an Au Pair: One of Mackenzie’s favorite spots is the beautiful Renoir garden at the Musée de Montmartre.
What inspires you about Paris?
There is a spontaneity to the city where there is always something new to discover, yet there is still this quaintness and routine that develops over time. It is inspiring to live in a city that puts its history on display; you can find fragments of a past nearly around every corner. It’s this beautiful flux of old and new and you can walk just about anywhere.
How would you suggest meeting Parisians?
As a musician, I’ve met a lot of Parisians by going to open mics. Every Sunday at Le Pop In there are always new people to meet, Parisians included! Otherwise, I would suggest seeking out cultural events or frequenting places in your neighborhood- the pool, the library, or the café.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
Make french friends! Speak as much as you can and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Watch English movies with french subtitles and watch french movies with English subtitles. Listen to the radio every morning when you wake up.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Pigalle.
Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
A tagine dish and mint tea at the Grand Mosque.
A favorite café or bar?
Café Populaire on Rue Saint-Maur in the 11eme.
A favorite shop?
Espace B- Place de Clichy. Very cheap secondhand store.
A favorite museum?
Musée l’orangerie.
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
The garden in the Musée de Montmartre.
Any spots outside of Paris that you would recommend for a weekend or day trip?
Giverny in the springtime.
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
The ever looming rain!
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Practice patience, be confident but humble, be responsible but unafraid to make mistakes, and let yourself fall back into the imagination of a child…
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.