tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post4860348102441283271..comments2024-03-14T02:52:30.104-07:00Comments on The Simply Luxurious Life®: The Cure for the Paris SyndromeThe Simply Luxurious Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288681334499771945noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-11831264154005919852013-08-26T11:34:44.595-07:002013-08-26T11:34:44.595-07:00Dear Shannon,
I wanted to reply to this post afte...Dear Shannon,<br /><br />I wanted to reply to this post after an exciting two days in Paris. I planned my trip a few weeks ago, and have been consulting your blog periodically as I've organized. I re-read this post last night as I was unwinding in my hotel room and it really brought a smile to my face, because I could relate to it so well! My first impression of Paris several years ago was a bit deflating; I hadn't made any plans beyond "see as much as you can" and ended up staying in a very poor location. When I returned however (this is now my third trip), I've paid more attention to location and learned some valuable lessons along the way...<br />1. As mentioned, look into location in advance! While the metro is a valuable resource, it is still nice to return at the end of the day to a neighbourhood where you feel safe. Furthermore, if you want to walk and explore, look into the characteristics of the different neighbourhoods to see what suits your interests. Apartments are ideal, but if it's a short trip then sometimes you have to go with a hotel.<br />2. I couldn't agree more about the morning - it is such a wonderful time in Paris. I got up early to get pain chocolat at my favourite place each day and avoided crowds. In addition, I felt like I had the expansive Tuilleries to myself! <br />3. If you're up to it, try to speak french. I am certainly not a polished or seasoned francophone, but I always tried to embrace the language when shopping or in restaurants. <br />4. Pick just a few activities that you want to be sure to do and research those in advance (ie. make sure the destination is open, hours, etc). Then, leave some time to explore and let chance lead you around a bit. I think it is the best of both worlds, and you'll often discover new places you weren't aware of beforehand, which will just make you eager to plan the next Parisian adventure! The Croissantnoisseurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831805534938657910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-16611904715099066722013-07-24T15:05:44.968-07:002013-07-24T15:05:44.968-07:00I just got back from Paris and I completely - comp...I just got back from Paris and I completely - completely - agree with leaving everyone's expectations behind: "You MUST visit this, you MUST do that..."<br /><br />The first time I went, we tried to pack far too much into the trip and really ignored the things that make me happy (re: shopping and girlie stuff). The ONLY girlie experience I had was visiting Laduree - that was very nice.<br /><br />But other than that - it was just NOT fun. We'd rented an apartment and that was really so-so and we did tours... the weather wasn't very nice, so I'm sure that contributed to my malaise. And the people didn't seem as friendly.<br /><br />That was two years ago.<br /><br />I just got back from Paris (literally the day this post was penned) and it was easily one of the best trips I have EVER had. This time, I didn't pressure myself to "do Paris". I simply went with a few "me" goals and I did those. I ate at 58 Tour Eiffel overlooking the city. I shopped and shopped and shopped at Hermes (multiple locations) and LV (actually bought my first LV bag - a signature limited edition clutch). I bought my macarons again at Laduree. I finally got to see Versailles.<br /><br />We weren't there a horribly long time, and so I made sure to get in the stuff that was important to me (shopping - yes, I know that may seem shallow, people-watching at cafes, ONE museum (Versailles), and one really grand touristy thing - 58 Tour Eiffel). And I went with a larger group of people (about 9), and we stayed at a very nice hotel.<br /><br />I think the key to enjoying Paris is doing it YOUR way. Not the way everyone else expects you to. Sure, my way cost more $$ than my first trip, but in the end, it was worth it to me.<br /><br />By doing it my way, the magic of Paris unfolded naturally for me.<br /><br />And I plan on going back, obviously.Fashion Mavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02200782796692820174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-36006153749778604572013-07-16T10:57:15.268-07:002013-07-16T10:57:15.268-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Parisbreakfastshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03558314043814894010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-13768905315364168512013-07-16T10:45:21.261-07:002013-07-16T10:45:21.261-07:00ParisByMetro is my bible. Ill never carry a Metro ...ParisByMetro is my bible. Ill never carry a Metro map again but then I am deeply attached to my mini iPad, another life saver -it fits perfectly into a little sportsac and my cover is not the obvious Apple cover so peep thinkits a Kindle. I'm crazy for CityGardens - free app for all of Paris 600 gardens. ParisMarche is indispensable. reeParis is food for offline maps and tips. I no longer use my Canon. The iPad camera is terrific!Parisbreakfastshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03558314043814894010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-9817721149837753642013-07-16T01:24:46.416-07:002013-07-16T01:24:46.416-07:00Yesterday - in my bed - I had to grab my new frenc...Yesterday - in my bed - I had to grab my new french book "Cher amour" by Bernard Giraudeau. I ♥ this language and this book is like a long journey with a flair of beautiful french romantic.<br /><br />♥<br /><br /><a href="http://looonalou.blogspot.de/" rel="nofollow">∞Looona Lou</a><br />Looonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16513409914239283120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-43936826562678520982013-07-15T20:28:47.068-07:002013-07-15T20:28:47.068-07:00I definitely agree with the sentiment that the mag...I definitely agree with the sentiment that the magic of Paris is even grander than one can imagine. It's a bit hard to explain how though - for me, none of it is about the conjured up fairytale stuff existing on tv (think Carrie from Sex and the City - the beauty of Paris for me isn't all about the fanciest restaurants and shopping at Louis Vuitton, running into Mr. Big etc). But the reality of it is WAY better than anything found on tv. Personally, I find Paris to be something of a comfort. I feel for whatever reason, kind of "at home" walking about the streets. There isn't the advertising, rushed sense, obvious trends and keeping up with the Jones' attitudes and work stress that there is in North America. You can enjoy a meal surrounded by alot of other people doing the same, in a beautiful setting. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong - it's a challenge. Last summer was my first trip over to Europe and Paris was the first stop on my list. I got totally lost on the metro my first day, at night, and when a nice elderly couple stopped to help me noticing my frustration, I burst into tears. Fortunately, I've learned the ways of the metro since then along with favourite neighbourhood spots. There are endless things to see and do in Paris and it's not all about the touristy stuff (though lots of it is fantastic) - it's just the *feeling*, a je ne sais quois. Like you Shannon, I wasn't nearly prepared for my first trip. I've realized since how much there is to still see in Paris. I was fortunate enough to visit for a short time over New Years, and I will be stopping in Paris for 3 nights and 2 days in a couple weeks at the end of my upcoming vacation. It still is not quite enough, but I learn something new about it every time. I hope to return for a longer stay sometime in the next few years so that I can really relax while I am there! In the meantime, I feel so grateful to return to this most amazing city even just for a few days very soon - it truly is a gift just being able to stop back in at all. The magic is really what you make of your experience, and if you choose to embrace all that is Paris with a combination of excitement, curiosity and a realistic set of eyes, you will experience the true magic:)Stephanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-61379189486091574472013-07-15T19:10:29.174-07:002013-07-15T19:10:29.174-07:00Lovely post. I would add: Google Maps can ease som...Lovely post. I would add: Google Maps can ease some worry. On my second last trip, when we came to Paris from Italy/Provence, I had used Street View to "virtually walk" from the Metro to the Hotel, so when we arrived above ground, I knew exactly where I was going.<br />Also: Make friends with the waiters. I hung out at Cafe de Flore quite a bit on my last trip (took my mom on that trip, and I needed some "me" time, believe me!). I used as much French as I could, and spent an afternoon having my Champagne flute topped up chatting with a hilarious waiter who told me "when the customer is boring, I am boring".<br />Paris is stunning, but like everything else, it's what you make it.Lori https://www.blogger.com/profile/03828498090068189642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-7913937847061321522013-07-15T16:33:39.616-07:002013-07-15T16:33:39.616-07:00The first time I visited Paris (six years ago), I ...The first time I visited Paris (six years ago), I had a touch of the Paris Syndrome, and wasn't as impressed as I had hoped. However, when I returned a year and a half ago, without any pressures or expectations on myself or the city, I fell completely in love with it. <br />These are such great tips, and I think they could be edited to hold true for any foreign city!Oliviahttp://www.livliveslife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-44917989538024203232013-07-15T08:44:54.529-07:002013-07-15T08:44:54.529-07:00Anne,
Thank you very much for sharing your tips a...Anne,<br /><br />Thank you very much for sharing your tips and experience. I couldn't agree more about choosing to rent an apartment.The Simply Luxurious Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06288681334499771945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-800285837044692512013-07-15T08:03:43.628-07:002013-07-15T08:03:43.628-07:00I have just returned from Paris , my 6th trip from...I have just returned from Paris , my 6th trip from the UK ,, My piece of advice would be ,, stay away from the tourist areas when eating out ,, (one treat is ok) , stay in an apartment , shop like the locals ,, and as I just read, use the bus too .. I used the bus from Porte de Clichy to Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar home ,, what a joy ,, not more steps ..:-) Anne in Oxfordshirehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14479380647784781207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-42789484311498095472013-07-15T07:10:35.596-07:002013-07-15T07:10:35.596-07:00B - Thank you for the heads up on the link. All sh...B - Thank you for the heads up on the link. All should be fixed. I have been very happy with these two items and couldn't recommend more highly. <br />Sounds like you have figured how to thoroughly enjoy the city. Thank you for sharing your tips!The Simply Luxurious Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06288681334499771945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-53282449648308288322013-07-15T06:50:56.528-07:002013-07-15T06:50:56.528-07:00Great tips! We scheduled our "must see and d...Great tips! We scheduled our "must see and do list" in the morning and left plenty of time for exploring; we did the same for restaurants - reserved some but wanted to find new places. We rent apartments in the 7th and love living like locals. <br />I also used Rosetta Stone before our trip and found it to be quite helpful. The links you provided to your adapter and converter link to Rosetta Stone. I am in the market for new ones. Last trip, I brought a GHD flat iron which is dual voltage but my curling iron was not and melted. I thought I used the right converter. Oops.<br />xoxo, B Champagne Macaronshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371915176345459072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-35676044293030542552013-07-15T06:47:36.723-07:002013-07-15T06:47:36.723-07:00Denise, Thank you so much for sharing your experie...Denise, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I think you offer great advice. Flexibility is key to allowing yourself to be open and able to see all that Paris has to offer - none of it something you can plan. The Simply Luxurious Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06288681334499771945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-19917091463223666372013-07-15T04:38:23.698-07:002013-07-15T04:38:23.698-07:00The key to our trip to Paris last fall, was to lim...The key to our trip to Paris last fall, was to limit the amount of sites we wanted to see daily. We had only two or three things daily on our list and it gave us time to experience each place without being rushed. It also gave us the flexibility to see other things we may have stumbled upon. True, we didn't see everything there is to see, but now we have reason to go back. And who doesn't want to go back!Denisehttp://www.activelivingzoomers.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-13699341033712203012013-07-15T04:04:46.281-07:002013-07-15T04:04:46.281-07:00So glad you're having a wonderful time! I love...So glad you're having a wonderful time! I love the concept of Paris Syndrome. My first visit there was part of a larger European trip and I was not at all impressed. (I was also exhausted with jet lag and traveling without a plan). My second trip was when I really began to understand Paris' allure. I stayed with a friend so I had much more of the "real life" experience you described. So - here's my bit of unsolicited advice: the bus is as easy to use as the metro and it allows you to see more as you go. You'll discover tons of little parks and restaurants and neighborhoods to visit. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310399481533841878.post-72873585526568629842013-07-15T01:13:00.964-07:002013-07-15T01:13:00.964-07:00Beautiful post! Looks like you had a really great ...Beautiful post! Looks like you had a really great time! Loving the quotes.<br /><br />La Kat<br />www.lakatwalk.comTheMumPreneurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06301880713628709632noreply@blogger.com