A Special French Weekend

 
 

My Pied-à-Terre

To those who know me well, my love for France is no secret. It goes back many years ago when I lived there in my early twenties. This past spring, I finally fulfilled my lifelong dream of owning a place in Paris when we signed papers for our pied-à-terre on the Left Bank in the heart of the 6th arrondissement! Since then, we have made countless trips across to finalize the details and start purchasing items to make it a home away from home. Truly a pinch me moment!

 
 

L’Art de Vivre à la Française

What surprises me the most about living there again are the little things I took for granted when I was younger. I love that I get to walk to the local boulangerie for warm croissants in the morning or run to the local outside food markets for fresh produce. As a young woman, I didn’t fully appreciate the nuances of the culture, the art, the food, and everything else that living in another country has to offer. I realized this even more so, during my last visit...

 
 

Tour Guide

When two of our sons joined us on a recent trip this month, so many memories returned, seeing it all over again through their 20-year-old eyes. Most of my trips abroad are usually filled with buying for the store, or hosting floral & antique tours, with little time for any sightseeing. This weekend was different because my family wanted to see Paris with me as their humble tour guide.

 
 
 
 

Because it was their first time in Paris, I brought them to some of the “touristy” sites. We strolled the long boulevards of Saint Germain, walked around the Louvre and crossed through the beautiful Tuileries Garden. We even took a bicycle tour with Fat Tire Bike Tours! On the tour, we visited the Grand Palais and Napoleon’s tomb in the Hôtel National des Invalides. They wanted to see all of Paris, and I was happy to oblige.

 
 

Of course, we made time to dine à la française, enjoying homemade crepes from a little food truck by the Seine, and escargot (snails) at the rooftop restaurant Georges above the modern Pompidou Centre.

See below for links to some of the sites we visited.

 
 

A Different Lens

As we toured the city, their enthusiasm brought back memories of when I was their age, seeing Paris for the first time. I smiled when they said, “mom, is that real gold on top of the bridges and statues?” or “I think I’m going to try and eat snails tonight.” With a warm heart I embraced it all and nodded saying “yes…try it all!” knowing I did the same many years ago. I guess one lesson we can all learn from this is to keep your eyes wide open to opportunities and trying new things. You just never know what you might discover.

 
 

Until Next Time

We ended the weekend on a high note as they asked, “when can we come back?” The weekend turned out even better than I expected and reinforced how much I love and appreciate this gift which I get to share with my children.

I adore Paris and all that it brings to my heart. Seeing it now through the eyes of my children fills my soul deeply. I sense they love it too, and I’m excited for us to make more memories there in the future.

 
 

Merci for following along on my little French journey. I hope you know how much it means to me that you take the time to read my blogs. I’m truly grateful for you all.

À bientôt,
Sandra

 
 
france, travelBetsy Brotherblog, 202210 Comments