07 Dec Ask an Au Pair: Marina discovers the Art of the Flâneuse
We wanted you to get to know Paris, from an au pair’s perspective. So we’re starting a series of articles called “Ask an Au Pair” in which we pose a dozen questions about the City of Light to those who are seeing it with fresh eyes and learning all of its delicious intricacies.
This week, we asked Marina, an 18-year-old from Calgary, Canada. She is living in the 8th arrondissement, in a studio apartment near her host family.
What inspires you about Paris?
The vast and rich arts scene. You can find EVERYTHING and ANYTHING in Paris. Poetry, theatre, music, visual art galleries galore. It’s magical.
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
It’s easy to feel small. Particularly in my first month, I did everything alone because the whole place felt intimidating.
What is the best way to meet Parisians?
Talk to anyone and everyone! Find a classic Parisian café that’s not packed with people and talk to whoever is behind the bar.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
Speak it often. You might be self conscious at first, but that goes away so quickly.
What is the best meal you’ve had in Paris?
Just heading to my local market and investing in some nice cheese, nice wine, nice bread and some Italian antipastos has been my favourite meal! Great for a picnic when it is nice. And of course Ladurée is the best for afternoon tea and pastries (the Saint-Honoré Rose Framboise is divine).
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Montmartre is wonderful for shopping, eating, reading in cafés. Le Marais is ideal for long walks on sunny days when I’ve got time to get a bit lost.
What is your favorite café?
Grand Cafe de la Poste (8th), Anticafé (1st and 3rd).
What is your favorite shop?
Shakespeare and Co
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
There’s a square near L’Eglise St. Augustin that’s great for sitting, eating, chatting, people-watching. I’m also big on Parc Monceau, because it is so close to where I live.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Your host parents are valuable resources! Ask them things! Also, discover the art of being a flâneur/flâneuse (a wanderer of sorts, who experiences a city by strolling through it). Paris itself is a wonderland, and while the touristy things are great, just experiencing the place from a pedestrian’s perspective is an absolute joy.