Trip Preparation Resources
Free Day Suggestions and Ideas
— Or these are good possibilities if you are coming a few days early!
(Underlined words are links to the topic.)
— If you’ve not been in Paris before then I suggest that you do a Hop On/Hop Off bus to get and overview of the city
— Walk the Champs Elysees —Eat some macaroons! Listen to the song — (this link includes English subtitles)
— Visit other museums that interest you: The most popular are the following:
— Walk along the Seine (very easy from our hotel)
— Do a Seine Evening Dinner Cruise — (one option— Here)
— Walk about 20 minutes (or taxi) to the Rue de Cler area which is a flower and shopping district (this is a favorite area for Karin and I). Review it Here
— Do a Food Tour
— Travel to a nearby town, castle or place of interest using a tour service (Like Viator or Tours By Locals)
— Visit Claude Monet’s home and garden.
— Loire Valley Castles
— Champagne and Reims Tasting Day
— Burgundy Wine Tasting
— Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau Day Trip
— Full-day e-bike adventure through Burgundy’s fairy tale wine country
— Lyon Day Trip from Paris
(Please note that I am not promoting or recommending any particular tour company with the above links. These are just ideas to consider and you will need to choose with whom to book.)
Trip Preparation through TV and Movies
Below are some suggestions of things to watch or read in preparation for our trip. Please NOTE: some of these may include material that is a bit rough, inappropriate and uncomfortable. Use your own discretion!
Versailles (2015-2018) — A TV mini-series about the Sun King, Louis XIV, as he moved his court from Paris to the now famous chateau outside the city and had it built to honour his reign. The series, which lasts 3 seasons, focuses on the early days of Louis and his golden age as king of France.
All the Light We Cannot See (2023) — Mini-series — The story of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner, a German soldier, whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War
Les Misérables (2019) — This 2019 crime-drama examines the underbelly of a Parisian neighbourhood, where different groups and cultures clash, discovered through the eyes of a cop new to Paris and the Anti-Crime Brigade of Montfermeil. The title of the film references Hugo’s work as the neighbourhood where the plot is centered was home to Hugo at one point in his life.
Moulin Rouge! (2001) — this 2001 classic may use popular songs from the 21st century to help move the story along, but it most definitely can be considered an homage to the Belle Epoque period of Paris, highlighting the majestic grit we’ve come to image. While the story is a complete work of fiction, it features little quips and moments that pay respect to the time, all while unfolding in the heart of Paris’ Pigalle district.
La Vie en Rose (2007) — This film is undoubtedly a must-see when looking for inspiration or history before visiting Paris. (Subtitled)
A Little Chaos (2014) — this romantic historical drama will undoubtedly inspire you and change the way you see the gardens of Versailles. Kate Winslet stars opposite Matthias Schoenaerts, who plays the famous gardener Andre Le Notre - a man who not only designed the gardens of Versailles, but also the gardens for various other royal residences and palaces throughout France.
An American in Paris (1951) — Considered a film classic starring the great Gene Kelly, An American in Paris is a musical comedy telling the story of a young American veteran, named Jerry, as he tries to make his name as an artist in the famed city.
Paris When It Sizzles (1964) — Set in Paris, this romance is a great reference to the city and an even better reference to cinema at the time.
Hugo (2011) — this family-friendly movie set in Paris during the early 1930s is another Scorsese masterpiece. Innocent in content, it is a love letter to Paris and classic cinematic styles born in this city. It's light, heartfelt, and visually stunning - an easy way to be entranced by the city and it's culture.
Midnight in Paris (2011) — Woody Allen pays homage to the city of lights in this love letter to Paris. This story follows Gil (played by Owen Wilson) who is visiting Paris with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) and her parents – small minded people who cannot appreciate the charms of the city, nor understands Gil’s fascination with Paris in the 1920s. However, through some magic, Gil gets transported nightly – at the stroke of midnight to be exact – back into his golden age for Paris, able to meet legendary writers, artists, film makers, and cultural icons, who haunted the streets and clubs of Paris in the 20s.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) — Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose comrades have been killed in action. CAUTION: VIOLENT
Dunkirk (2017) — Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Commonwealth and Empire, and France are surrounded by the German Army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.
In Bruges (2008)— London based hit men Ray and Ken are told by their boss Harry Waters to lie low in Bruges, Belgium for up to two weeks following their latest hit, which resulted in the death of an innocent bystander. Rated R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language and some drug use.
If you have TV shows, movies or books to suggest, please let me know.
Recommended Books
Fiction
A Moveable Feast — Ernest Hemingway — A memoir reflecting on Hemingway's life in Paris during the 1920s.
All the Light We Cannot See — Anthony Doerr — A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in WWII, intertwining stories in Paris.
Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris — Sarah Turnbull — A humorous take on adapting to life in Paris.
The Nightingale — Kristin Hannah — A story of two sisters in France during WWII, highlighting resilience.
Non-Fiction
Paris Dreaming — Katrina Lawrence— Personal anecdotes and insights about Parisian life and culture.
The Sweet Life in Paris David Lebovitz — A chef's guide to Parisian cuisine and culture, filled with recipes.
My Life in France — Julia Child — The famous chef's experiences in Paris, showcasing her culinary journey.
Seven Ages of Paris— Alistair Horne — A historical overview of Paris from the 12th century to post-WWII.
Killing Patton — Bill O'Reilly — I read this book when I was last in Normandy. Very timely with villages and geography. — The Strange Death of World War II's Most Audacious General is a book written by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard about the final year of World War II and the death of General George Patton, specifically whether it was an accident or an assassination.