Marième is a friend of mine who lives in Paris and is 22 years old. As the first person to feature in Life stories I hope you will enjoy what she has to say. (All photos are Marième’s).
What region/area of Paris are you from and live in now if different?
I am currently living in the suburbs of Paris, southside. It’s called Essonne’s Department.
How long have you lived in Paris?
I have never lived inside the capital but in the Essonne’s Department, I’ve lived there for 15years
What do you do for work?
I am a hotel receptionist in Paris, near Montparnasse Station.
What is your average day?
Especially during summer holidays, I usually work evenings shift. So, I’ll go to the gym in the morning, have a walk in my city. Then I’ll prepare a lunch box, get ready and go to work! I commute with one of the Parisian train RER B, while reading a book or just listening to music. Most of the times I am just thinking where I will travel next ! I finish quite late (10:30pm) so as soon as I get home, I eat dinner, talk with the family, stretch, and get ready for bed! Routines really.
What is your favorite tourist attraction in Paris?
It has to be the Musée D’Orsay. It’s one of those museums where you feel fulfilled and like you’ve entered another dimension for the time of the visit. You can visit it repeatedly, but you will always discover something new or different. They have done a gorgeous job at making arts and history way more attractive to both children and young adults. It’s truly beautiful.
What is your favorite relatively unknown place in Paris that tourists don’t go to that often?
I would say the neighborhood of Porte d’Italie! That is less of a touristic attraction, but more residential but it’s one of those neighborhoods where you can be at peace while really understanding the locals. They have atypical buildings, with amazing wall arts on them. There is the big shopping mall, called Italie Deux, that is built and not too ‘up in your face’ like the ones from the Grands Boulevards. I mean, if you like buildings, modernity and less touristic, it is a great neighborhood to visit.
Where is the best place to get some good authentic French food?
Bakeries! Bakeries are just the ultimate place to go if you want real tasty French foods. We are very proud of our baguettes and croissants, but for a good reason. They are truly deliciously, delicious. There is no bakery that doesn’t make them, and you can even try some less-known pastries like Raisins Bread, Clafoutis, and the mouth-drooling Croquembouche ! If you like sweet stuff, you will not be disappointed.
What is your favorite thing about Paris? or France?
The fact that such a small city holds so much culture and diversity. There are many neighbourhoods that we have given names too. Like the Latin Neighbourhood, Les Marais (the Lgbtq+ neighbourhood), our small version of the Asian neighbourhood (Paris 13), the African neighbourhood (Château rouge) , the luxe neighbourhood (Les grands boulevards), and many others! There are no finite lines that separates them, but you can cross a street and find yourself in another version of Paris, it’s exciting and keeps you on your toes!
Why should people visit Paris?
Paris has a lot to offer, you can come for any reason and find your joy. It can be for gastronomy, for the culture, for the shopping, for just chilling at one of our many brasseries (where you are seated outside, with a cup of coffee or a drink in the evenings). You can come alone, with your romantic partner, your family, anyone really and still find activities and areas that you can appreciate and discover a new side of you. You might find a french side of you !
What do you do for fun?
I walk! I love gardens and outdoors. I can wander in Paris, without even taking the metro, and walk from a neighbourhood to another. Just sitting at the brasserie is also great, just add in a great cup of tea and a book and I’ll be forever happy !
What makes Paris unique? or the most unique/great thing about Paris?
I might be repeating myself, but the ability that this city has to convey both traditional and modern culture is quite unique I believe. There are few places where you can feel like you went back in time but still be this modern and exciting era! You can just walk through the Latin Neighborhood thinking you are in the era of kingdoms, walk across the Seine River and then find yourself in the most buzzing neighborhood with plenty of shopping malls, bars, atypical cafés and modern buildings!
Where would you most like to travel to?
My future travel Destination is Dubaï! I’ve meant to visit a completely different environment and culture and Dubaï just seemed to be the best place to get out of my comfort zone. It’s ALWAYS summer there, but they have built-in ski sport resort ! How even?! I got to see that with my two eyes !
What is your top tip when travelling?
Honestly, don’t plan EVERYTHING. Nothing is going to happen the way it should (except if you’re excellent at that and you’ve got Luck on your side). It’s difficult to really get lost in Paris because of so many metro stations and buses. So, don’t be afraid to wander around, you’ll find atypical streets, or local restaurants or even find yourself in front of a painted building! Especially when travelling solo, don’t be afraid to relax, but still be aware of some areas that you know you would prefer to avoid.
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