I recently sat down with my friend Heather Stimmler, of Secrets of Paris, to talk about tourism in Paris for my podcast. Often called “the most visited city in the world,” Paris has an admirable reputation, but the word “tourist” comes with negative connotations. Personally, I love to “play tourist” and spend a day hitting museums, sightseeing, or getting to know a new neighborhood.
Thank you so much for doing this podcast. I really enjoyed it. I have been to France many times and lived in Paris for about a year in 1999-2000. I had to laugh when you said to not move out of the way if you don’t want to appear like a tourist. So true! You can get run over on sidewalks or in the metro if you don’t watch out. I miss Paris so much and love hearing about your life in Paris! Merci!
Thank you for this podcast. I am going to Paris with my daughter in April and although I have been many times, I found your advice so helpful. Just like if I go to a dr , I hang on every word you say both say !
I have followed both of your blogs since the very early days. Because I have always gotten so much excellent content from you both, when the subscription process began I was all in. I’ve been lucky enough to meet each of you in Paris and I’m looking forward to continuing connecting to Paris through your blogs between trips. It was fun listening to your podcast together! Merci!!
Feb 14, 2023·edited Feb 14, 2023Liked by David Lebovitz
Your conversation with Heather made my day, David! I discovered both your blogs at about the same time in 2009, while doing online research for a trip to Paris with a dear friend who'd never been to the city. I'd been there a couple times before, but not for several years, and, speaking some limited french, meant I was going to be the guide. Of all the 'outsiders'-insider' blogs I discovered during my search, yours and Heather's are the only ones I still follow (with great pleasure). For some reason, finding out that the two of you are not only acquainted but actual friends is just delightful! I always hoped I might take a tour with Heather at some point, and you both write so intelligently and insightfully about that very special city. All the best to you both.
Heathers article on tipping is very interesting. Was there for October and went to a cafe near the Eiffel Tower and after being crammed, and I mean crammed, into a small table and frankly getting the worst service I have ever received (been going to Paris for almost 30 years) the server had the audacity to ask me, when I paid the bill, “nothing for me?” I looked at her and said nope, the service was not good and you paid zero attention to us. She hung around for a minute or so and asked again. I looked her right in the eye and said Non, rien. Au revoir.
I just got back from my annual Paris trip and I was so proud of myself for figuring out the bus this time! I was surprised at how many people were there for the 'gram - posing conspicuously in very Emily in Paris outfits 😄 always a wondering time though!
Thank you so much for doing this podcast. I really enjoyed it. I have been to France many times and lived in Paris for about a year in 1999-2000. I had to laugh when you said to not move out of the way if you don’t want to appear like a tourist. So true! You can get run over on sidewalks or in the metro if you don’t watch out. I miss Paris so much and love hearing about your life in Paris! Merci!
Thank you for this podcast. I am going to Paris with my daughter in April and although I have been many times, I found your advice so helpful. Just like if I go to a dr , I hang on every word you say both say !
It is delightful to hear you and Heather together on a podcast, and the information you provided just in that short time is invaluable.
I have followed both of your blogs since the very early days. Because I have always gotten so much excellent content from you both, when the subscription process began I was all in. I’ve been lucky enough to meet each of you in Paris and I’m looking forward to continuing connecting to Paris through your blogs between trips. It was fun listening to your podcast together! Merci!!
Your conversation with Heather made my day, David! I discovered both your blogs at about the same time in 2009, while doing online research for a trip to Paris with a dear friend who'd never been to the city. I'd been there a couple times before, but not for several years, and, speaking some limited french, meant I was going to be the guide. Of all the 'outsiders'-insider' blogs I discovered during my search, yours and Heather's are the only ones I still follow (with great pleasure). For some reason, finding out that the two of you are not only acquainted but actual friends is just delightful! I always hoped I might take a tour with Heather at some point, and you both write so intelligently and insightfully about that very special city. All the best to you both.
Heathers article on tipping is very interesting. Was there for October and went to a cafe near the Eiffel Tower and after being crammed, and I mean crammed, into a small table and frankly getting the worst service I have ever received (been going to Paris for almost 30 years) the server had the audacity to ask me, when I paid the bill, “nothing for me?” I looked at her and said nope, the service was not good and you paid zero attention to us. She hung around for a minute or so and asked again. I looked her right in the eye and said Non, rien. Au revoir.
I just got back from my annual Paris trip and I was so proud of myself for figuring out the bus this time! I was surprised at how many people were there for the 'gram - posing conspicuously in very Emily in Paris outfits 😄 always a wondering time though!