France

25. 05. 18-29. 05. 18

In the tenth grade, I sat on a train heading toward Poitiers, France, next to a stranger that would soon become my best friend. That stranger was Sydney. We both signed up for an exchange program and as fate would have it, we ended up in the same town. Our exchange partners were best friends and after that semester of high school so were we.

I was able to visit France two years later to see my friends and new family, but Sydney had never been back- so obviously we had to go back to where it all began.

Our first stop in France was Poitiers, the town that started it all. We walked the cobble stone streets downtown and reminisced about all the afternoons we’d spend shopping and exploring. We went back to the tea salon where we went on our first day in Poitiers; we were so shy then, just trying to adjust and take everything in. Then we visited the high school that we went to- Lycee du Bois D’amour. We made so many memories there and met some crazy and really kind people. I still remember walking in on the first day, and Sydney and I had worn practically the same outfit, everyone must have thought we were so weird.

While we were in Poitiers we stayed with Patricia and Thierry, my French parents (host parents from the exchange), they are practically family to me and they were kind enough to give us a place to stay. It was perfect because we got to have home cooked meals and just feel at home, after being away for so long. Seeing them always makes me so happy and thankful that I have such loving people in my life.

After Poitiers, we took the train into Paris for a few days. We stayed in an Airbnb, which was amazing! Our host made us food and she was the kindest woman. Sydney and I had been to Paris before, so this part of our trip was more laid back, but we still went out and explored the beautiful city of love.

5 MUST DO’s in Paris

i. See the Eiffel Tower – at Night

If you didn’t see the Eiffel Tower, did you even go to Paris? You can’t miss this iconic structure and all its beauty. Sydney and I have been to Paris many times, and the sheer awe of standing next to the Eiffel Tower, never gets old. During the day, we bought food for a picnic- cheese, meat, salad, chocolate, iced tea, and sat on the grass and enjoyed the warm weather.

The Eiffel Tower is always surrounded by tourists and groups of people, but with that hustle and bustle comes amazing street performers, artists and buskers to enjoy! Every evening at exactly sunset, the Eiffel Tower illuminates and puts on a spectacular light show! Every hour on the hour afterwards, the lights dance again. It is an amazing sight to see. I recommend bringing a bottle of wine, while sitting and enjoying the show.

ii. Visit Montematre

In the 18th district there is a hidden gem that stands tall above the city. Montematre is a beautiful church that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of Paris. There is free entrance, and it is worth going in to take a peak. All around this area are charming cafes and local artists. Walk around and admire some of the creative minds as people paint and draw Paris in their own unique ways. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and take in the views.

iii. Peruse down the Champs-Élysées

Starting at the Arch du Triumph, you can walk your way down the famous Champs-Élysées. Many of the stores are very high end, but it is all part of the experience. The architecture of the buildings and the business of this area bring life to Paris 24/7.

iv. Admire the Louvre

Although most people don’t take the full two days it would take to see every part of this enormous museum, even a few hours in this masterpiece is worth seeing. The Louvre is home to some of the most famous pieces of art, artifacts and sculptures in the world. The exterior of the museum is iconic- three glass pyramids, the centre one leading down into the museum. Many people, myself included, are eager to see the Mona Lisa- possibly the most famous painting in the museum. Let me be the first to say it is underwhelming. It is smaller than you would imagine and the crowds around it are continuously large, but then again, you have to see it- you just do.

v. Indulge in French Cuisine

France is world renowned for its delicious and rich food. Paris is home to some of the most indulgent, unbelievable cuisine. The best part, is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to find amazing food. There are boulangeries (bakeries) on every corner with the best bread and baked goods you will ever taste- seriously, going back to Canadian bread will never be the same. Enjoy a crepe and tea, savoury or sweet, on a patio or while walking down the historic streets as or taste the wine, any hour of the day, and watch people pass by while you rest your feet.

My favourite place to have tea in Paris is Angelina’s Tea Salon. It has macarons the size of my hand and a tea menu fit for the Queen. The décor takes you back in time to Paris in the 1500s. It is more expensive than other places, but it is a fun experience. You never need to go far to find something tasty in this beautiful city.

Paris is beautiful and definitely worth the trip! It is filled with history and beauty and love, which is what makes it so popular. Although, it is a city many dream about, smaller cities and towns in France give you a more personal experience and allow you to dive deeper into the French Culture.