Paris A to Z: The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. I just wrapped up a series called Paris A to Z, where each day I shared my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris.

Want some tips on what to see in Paris? Stroll down memory lane if you've been here before? Listen to me ramble about my favorite things to do in Paris? Check out The Sassy Guide to the City of Light:

A is for Pont Alexandre III	B is for Boulangeries	C is for Chateau de Vincennes	D is for Drinks
E is for Eiffel Tower	F is for Fondue	G is for La Grande Epicerie	H is for Haussmann Architecture
I is for Ile St. Louis	J is for Jim Morrison's Grave	K is for Kir Royale	L is for The Long Hop
M is for Métro	N is for Notre Dame	O is for Musée d'Orsay	P is for Promenade Plantée
Q is for Quaint Shops	R is for Romance	S is for Sacre Coeur	T is for Trousseau
U is for Un Rêve	V is for Vin	W is for Walking	X is for Expats
Y is for Court Yards	Z is for Zen in the City

What are your favorite activities in Paris? What would you add to the guide?

Paris A-Z: Z is for Zen in the City

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris.

Paris is a bustling metropolis with people everywhere - walking, driving, pushing, smoking, shopping, eating, falling in love. It's mostly wonderful.

But sometimes you need a break. And you can't always afford to (either because of time or money) leave the city. Thankfully, Paris has some amazing parks that provide a little tranquility.

My favorite is Buttes de Chaumont, a former rock quarry converted into a city park. There's a lake, rolling hills, and even a cave with a waterfall. All with beautiful Parisian buildings overlooking it. Picnic anyone?

Well, sniff, it's the last day of the Paris A to Z series. Hope you enjoyed it!

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City

Paris A-Z: Y is for Court Yards

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, Y, is for Court Yards.

Like "X", this is a bit of a stretch but there aren't many Y-words plus I just love a good Parisian courtyard. Many addresses are actually comprised of two buildings - one that faces the street and one that sits behind it, through a small courtyard. Often, these cobbled squares are some of the prettiest places in Paris.

Adorned with flowers and trees, these beautiful spaces often include a bench or rusty bike leaned up against the wall for extra charm. The courtyard in my current apartment building is practically a park. If you bring me wine and promise you're not a serial killer, I'll show it to you.

Otherwise, I suggest peeking in to any open door you pass - you never know what you'll see! Don't be a creep about it, but a quick glance inside might reveal a lovely garden, a running fountain, or even a statue. Happy hunting!

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City

Paris A-Z: X is for Expats

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, X, is for Expats.

This is a bit of a stretch but c'mon, it's X. Plus, an important part of my life in Paris has been the expat life. While I ultimately married a Frenchman and had two half-French, half-American, all-awesome kids with him, I still spend much of my time with native English-speakers.

Some expats prefer to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, shunning any fellow compatriots they meet. Some expats ONLY hang out with people from their home country. I found the balance that worked for me - about half of my closest friends are Anglophone (though, not only from the US) and the other half are French, who I've met through work or family.

It's nice to have French friends who can explain their country's quirks, but it's also nice to be able to commiserate with fellow English-speakers about said quirks. The best of both worlds.

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City

Paris A-Z: W is for Walking

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, W, is for Walking.

Paris is a walking city. While the Métro has its merits, nothing beats a stroll down la rue to pick up a baguette. Or a day-long sightseeing trip around the city, getting lost on winding side streets. Wear comfortable shoes (but try to avoid the bright white sneakers that scream "America!!") and get moving! You'll be amazed at how much ground you can cover with your own two feet. You'll be tired at the end of the day, but it's a good kind of tired. Just remember to stop off for drinks and you'll be fine!

And while we're on the topic of walking, have you checked out my recaps of The Walking Dead?

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City

Paris A-Z: V is for Vin

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, V, is for Vin.

I've already mentioned how much I like drinking. Hello, I wrote a book about it. But French wine, specifically, holds a special place in my heart. It never ceases to amaze me how inexpensive a really good bottle can be here. And then if you spend just a few euros more, your mind will be blown.

The only downside to wine in France is that French wine is affordable while imported wines tend to be just expensive enough that you wouldn't buy them. That's different from the US where you can find many imports (Australian and Chilean, especially) that are quite affordable. However, it's not really a valid concern here because there are so many wonderful French wines you don't need a foreign wine. It would take a long time to get sick of all the Bordeaux and Burgundies at your disposal.

Speaking of, time for me to pour a glass!

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City

Paris A-Z: U is for Un Reve

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, U, is for Un Rêve.

This is a total cheat because you can put "un" or "une" in front of any French noun. But look over there! Something shiny!

Now, where were we? Oh yes, "un rêve". A dream. Have you ever dreamed of going to Paris? Have you been to Paris and dream of going back? Do you want to meet a Frenchie and fall in love and make kissy faces? Then what are you waiting for? Book your flight and come on over! And when you do, send me an email and let's meet up for wine.

But before you go (shameless plug) you might want to read my book, Confessions of a Paris Party Girl, where I tell it how it is. At least half of life here is good, otherwise I would leave. But man, bureaucracy and douchebags and so many other things can really bring you down. So before you set off to the City of Light with a gleam in your eye and "un rêve" in your heart, prepare yourself for a little reality check.

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City

Paris A-Z: T is for Trousseau

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light

As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, T, is for Trousseau.

I hope you don't have a need to visit a hospital on your visit to Paris, especially not a maternity/children's hospital, but I can't talk about Paris without talking about this hospital. It's where my son, Leonardo, and daughter, Stella, were born. Leo was a preemie and received excellent care during his 11 day stay in the NICU. And with the exception of one horrible doctor's appointment, I received excellent care throughout both pregnancies as well. The French healthcare system is amazing and I just had to give it a little shout-out.

While I'm shouting, have you checked out my new book, Confessions of a Paris Potty Trainer? My sequel picks up where Confessions of a Paris Party Girl left off, giving an inside look on raising kids in Paris, particularly being a croissant-eating, pregnant whale among a sea of skinny French ladies.

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City