Tuesday — tomorrow by the time this posts — I’m getting on a plane to spend 10 days in Paris. As of Saturday, I haven’t packed a thing. I’ve dragged a suitcase up from the basement, spritzed the inside with Guerlain Eau Impériale, and left it to air. I’ve bought a few euros to get me into town, and I’ve arranged for a house sitter and a ride to the airport. But I haven’t packed a thing.
Packing a suitcase is like assembling a capsule of “you” — or at least the “you” you want to be on your trip. It’s the chance to distill your style and choose the few pieces of jewelry, the lipstick, the perfume that best telegraph who you are. It’s your armor and its your comfort. That’s a lot of pressure.
Packing for Paris is even more intimidating. There are so many ways to mess it up. As an American, I’m already hampered by obvious enthusiasm, the habit of smiling at strangers, and a pathetic accent and worse vocabulary. Someone generous might call me “charmingly messy,” but never “chic.” Even in head-to-toe Celine I’d look wrong.
I could pack perfume decants of something classically sultry (Guerlain Shalimar, say), something edgy (a Byredo or Nasomatto, maybe), or something unexpected (a good masculine like Lalique Encre Noir) to try to garner some kind of respect, but I won’t. I’m not even going to try to impress.
You see, I haven’t avoided packing because I can’t decide what to wear, I’ve put it off because I’m not worried about it. With an hour and a glass of wine, I should be able to toss together the motley selection of vintage cotton dresses, cardigans and flat shoes that would otherwise see me through a September at home in Portland. All I’m buying for the trip is a travel-sized bottle of contact lens solution. It’s nice to feel I’ve come to a point in my life where I’m not trying to prove anything by the way I dress. I’ll please myself, and if a Pendleton 49ers jacket over a Swirl housedress doesn’t land me in The Sartorialist, so be it.
Besides, I’m on budget lockdown thanks to some unexpected gargantuan vet bills and major appliance failure — R.I.P. dear Tex, hello Frigidaire — so I don’t need to dress for three-star restaurants and high-end boutiques. Also, my perusal of websites of hip Parisian joints shows that Portland style has hit Paris. In the background, I’ve seen several gaunt men with the signature hipster facial hair that blends Dickens with Magnum P.I., and I’m sure at least a few of them play the mandolin or make sauerkraut in their basements. I can out-plaid any of them, hands-down.
So, I’m going to pack my trusty bottle of Parfums DelRae Mythique, because it’s easy and quiet and wears like a second skin. I’ll probably dab a few drops of Guerlain Vol de Nuit extrait behind my ears for the plane, and I’ll tuck a sample tube each of Christian Dior Diorling and Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena in my baggage in case I get the urge to amp up Mythique’s leather or iris.
Anyway, I’ll be in Paris. Who cares what I look like? There’s so much else to look at.
How do you pack for a special trip? Do you assemble a persona in your suitcase, or pack more casually? Also, any recommendations for free or inexpensive things to do in Paris? I’m already planning a trip to smell the new Serge Lutens Vierge de Fer; I love the Musée Gustave Moreau; and I want to walk along the Petite Ceinture. What else should I do?
Note: top image is rainbow bridge [cropped] by greg westfall at flickr; some rights reserved.
I’m sorry to hear about Tex…yes, R.I.P. But I am happy to hear you’re off to Paris, lucky you! You already have more days under your belt there than I’ll ever have so enjoy! Yes, there is something to be said for coming to that point in your life by not having to proof anything with clothing. Enjoy and I look forward to hearing all about your trip!
Thank you!
Strangely, I had trouble sleeping last night and had a wonderfully life-like dream where Tex was young and wild again, and he jumped up on the bed and let me pet him head to tail. It was terrific. I still feel good remembering it.
don’t miss Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature. weird museum set like a hunter’s home, mixing together stuffed animals, tradicional and contemporary art. you can go to Archives de la Presse to browse and look at old perfume ads, if you’re into that. the block around R montorgueil has these gorgeous tiny streets and its beautiful to walk by. oh, I miss Paris.
Wow–that sounds right up my alley! (I’m in my office now, with a tattered old stuffed pheasant staring down at me.) Thanks for the recommendations!
Aaah! Paris in late summer/fall.
These days, I also pack in a more comfy way. Even in the latest fashion, at nearly 5-0 I cannot compete with the young snappy things that look like they’ve never had a full meal in their life.
On my last trip I even wore yoga pants on the plane! Gasp! I would never leave home in yoga pants, but this time I decided to do it. And, with no belt and no pockets to fill, going through security check was so much easier.
My most comfortable shoes always travel with me. I take one “good outfit” with me just in case.
I always like to do a gastro-tour of Paris. Markets, bakeries, pâtisseries, cheese shops… maybe that’s the reason I can’t compete with the “young snappy things that look like they’ve never had a full meal in their life!”
I have a feeling I’ll be doing plenty of “gastro-touring,” as well. A few years ago I spent a few days at a goat farm where they made cheese–I was writing an article about it–and became entranced with the whole idea of aging and caring for cheeses, something you just don’t see at a U.S. cheese shop. I plan on scouting out some “affineur” type cheese shops if I can.
On one of my visits, I visited the food counters at Galleries Lafayette and at Au Bon Marché. I spent a mint on small goat cheeses, little pyramids, tiny ones that looked like wine corks, and on mini salami wrapped like candy.
On the plane back home, as I was filling in my customs card, I suddenly remembered that I could not take that stuff through customs. I gluttonously stuffed myself with every little salami, and piece of cheeses. I must have looked like a mad man. (I did get a bottle of red to wash it all down)
What a great image! And, hey, a gal does what she has to do. I would have been right there next to you.
there’s plenty of cheese shops in Paris but if you want the ultimate nose-numbing-ultra-animalic-affineur-experience you must go to Barthélémy: the quantity is amazing, the smell is outrageous and the ladies know they’r stuff. try everything you can. three cheeses + baguette + wine = amazing money saver dinner.
Oh yes–I’d almost forgotten about that place! I do remember walking past it years ago, though, and smelling it down the block. Delicious! (And not ridiculously far from Frederic Malle, if I’m not mistaken.)
I am so sorry about Tex. I am currently experiencing big vet bills in exchange for a little extra time with my kitty. The whole process is heartbreaking.
I only had a few days in Paris, but I really enjoyed going to see the dome at Galleries Lafayette. I read about it here on NST when Robin announced the Atelier Colognes scent commemorating it last year. Yeah, it was a bit commercial, but it was stunning to look at and surrounded by perfume. The food emporium upstairs was awesome too. Mom and I had so much fun that we scrapped our sightseeing plans and ate all afternoon.
I’ve seen that dome before, and it truly is lovely! And surrounded by perfume, well, that’s the ultimate.
The dome at Le Printemps is also quite spectacular. It’s a great place to have lunch, afternoon tea or cocktail.
I need to go there, anyway, to see a friend’s art installation, so I’ll definitely check out both domes.
I like to travel with Wonderwood and Black Cashmere.
I’m about to move to Hamburg and luckily I don’t have a big collection. So I’ll be bringing Bulgari Black, Ouarzazate, Black Cashmere, and maybe M7. I might give M7 to by dad. However, I need to sort through my samples.
I usually just travel to Germany so I’m generally always overdressed. Once I dressed up because I was going out and then everyone there was dressed more casually than how I dress to go to the grocery store. I’m tiny and I don’t wear jeans so I can fit an insane amount of clothes in a suitcase and it’ll still look like I packed light.
Traveling in warmer weather helps make packing easier, too. I’m not particularly tiny, but it’s nice not to have to pack giant sweaters and boots. (Also, I love the perfumes you listed. They’re nice “anywhere” fragrances.)
I hope your move goes well!
I don’t own boots or sweaters. I have draping cardigans but they aren’t bulky. My snood scarf takes up the most space. I also have a pashmina scarf but I can roll it on and throw it in my carry on. I’m going bring: a knitted motorcycle style jacket, a coat, draped cardigans, a black mini skirt (stretch jersey), a denim mini skirt (it’s a dark denim with lighter pinstripes so it’s nicer than your average denim skirt), a pencil skirt with a diagonal hem, basic black dresses (1 with short sleeves, 1 with long sleeves), a basic olive dress, and a few freakum dresses like my Helmut Lang asymmetric mini dress and a dress that has one strap and the hem is diagonal (the shorter side is mid-thigh and the longer side goes to my ankle), underwear obvs. I’m bringing Adidas (I usually wear Gazelle II but the newer version is ugly so I’m going to replace them with Superstars) and I’ll buy nicer shoes when I’m there.
It doesn’t take me long to pack because I just throw clothes in a suitcase.
I love your description of the Helmut Lang minidress. I can easily tell which one of us has the most style (and it isn’t me).
You need a get away! May Paris be a balm to all your senses. I think your attitude is healthy. Pack comfy shoes to carry you all over the city, and experience everything. Actually, simply sitting in a cafe, sipping coffee and watching the world stroll by sounds wonderful as well–whatever strikes your fancy.
As for perfumes to pack, I always throw in some comfort samples, but taking perfume to Paris seems silly. You are headed to perfume heaven. My challenge when I went was to go scentless each morning and pick a Paris exclusive scent during the day along my perfume pilgrimages. I had to really like the scent to give it some skin 😀 Have a ball!
Thank you! The thought of cancelling the trip actually crossed my mind briefly, but lucky for me my ticket is nonrefundable. I’m a huge people watcher, so I love your idea of enjoying a coffee and looking looking looking. I also love your idea of choosing a scent of the day from your wanderings!
Have a wonderful trip Angela!
I’m flying on Thurs myself and, like you, I haven’t even started thinking about packing. As for fragrance, I might just go with the easy option of bringing one of my OJ Tiare travel sprays with me. It’s a scent that always hits the spot and, naturally, that’s what travels sprays are for 😀
It’s funny, but I’ve never even really thought about using a travel spray for travel. I do have Carnal Flower, Angeliques sous la pluie, and Tolu travel sprays, though. Hmm….
I’m quite methodical, I think. I make a list of things to pack, and admit to having a list of essentials that I use for every holiday. My daughter says I’m anal for having such a list. LOL As for things to wear, what I pay the most attention to are shoes. I have to have choices; comfortable shoes for walking, chic ones for dinner or whatever. Scent-wise, I pack an assortment of scents I adore in travel atomisers – about 5 to 10, depending on the length of my travels.
Paris is wonderful in autumn. A visit to Shakespeare & Company is always fun. I went a couple of years ago just after the owner had died, but the place is still running, I think. If you have a craving for something sweet, Aux Merveilleux de Fred is a wonderful little store that specialises in delectable meringue cakes. (http://www.auxmerveilleux.com/) Anyway, have a lovely holiday, Angela!
Yes, comfortable shoes are the one critical component, and you have to have at least two pairs for swapping them out after 5 or 6 miles of wandering around.
There’s something wonderful about making a list for travel. It’s almost of way of “pre-experiencing” the trip. And thanks for the recommendation of the meringue place!
Paris, you lucky one! I live only three hours by train but somehow I too rarely make it. One of my favorite places in my favorite “quartier” is a hidden market called “Le marché des enfants rouges” on Rue de Bretagne. You can eat all kinds of wonderful food there, it’s a great place to explore “real life” in Paris. Also, lots of interesting stores and galleries in the nearby streets.
I try to pack lightly – isn’t it all about getting off your routine for a while? Some tea and a travel bottle of Osmanthe Yunnan are essential though. Enjoy your trip!
Oh, I’m going to look up les enfant rouges for sure!
How I envy your trip to Paris! Love the idea of spritzing the suitcase to freshen. I pack light and buy stuff when I land – even cheap chain store clothes are nicer when they are different to the stuff back home. My tip is wander around the Marais district and window shop quirky little boutiques. There are also very reasonable places to eat there. A Metro pass and Museum pass will save you some money. I hope you have a great time.
Thank you! That’s great advice.
Tourists are generally given the benefit of the doubt on wardrobe because everyone understands about packing. (At least, I hope that bus load of people who showed up at Lincoln Center in baggy khaki cargos were tourists)
But Have you secured a cell phone which will work in europe? How about chargers. Some credit cards give better exchange rates than others. DO you have time to talk to your bank about this. Have you considered changing enough currency to get out of airport and through the first morning? Many local banks have euros (or does France still use Francs?)
Photocopy your passport and credit cards, so if there is a crises someone at home can help you cancel.
Thank you for such practical tips! I’ve touched base with my bank and figured out the fees, etc., and I do have a kick-start of euros to get me into town and maybe even a coffee or two. I’ll be phoneless, but that’s o.k. with me.
There are some American banks that have partnerships with European ATMs and do not charge any fees. Bank of America sent me to BNP Paribas (I think? I also went to other countries where I had to look for BNR or BNC Paribas) ATMs and I had no fees nor problems from either institution. No convenience, conversion,…it was just as if I had used a B of A ATM at home. They were relatively easy to find, too. You might want to check with your bank again and directly ask if they have this service. I’ve talked to many travelers whose banks didn’t offer up this information, even though they had it.
That’s a great tip, thanks!
Visiting La Fermette Marbeuf 1900 is the most memorable experience in 5 trips to Paris. Try to get in maybe during lunch (if you don’t want to eat there) and just look at the marvelous art nouveau interior, including the restroom! It was discovered by a workman’s pick-axe while attempting to dismantle the building.
Thank you for the recommendation–I looked at photos online, and they are stupendous! They remind me of the movie, Gigi. Thank goodness they didn’t dismantle the building. What a crime that would have been.
A blend of Dickens with Magnum P.I., ha ha! Love the idea of spritzing your suitcase. Remember earplugs in case of thin walls, and say bonjour to Monsieur Lutens for us. Have a wonderful time!
Earplugs are packed! And thank you for your good wishes.
Have a spectacular trip! You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a good time in Paris, what with all the museums and strolling. If things haven’t changed since I was there on no budget, couscous restaurants are your friends. 😉
Well, I love to stroll, and I do like couscous!
Oooo, I adore Paris! I travel a lot, not just Paris, and tend to pack a small variety of my essentials: black skinny jeans, a dark knit skirt, a few NICE t-shirts, (no graphics, no yellow pits) a mid-weight sweater (long so I can belt for another look) and a tailored blazer. Then add in boots, one pair of flats, a scarf or two (with the idea I’ll find another one were visiting). There you go. As for places to visit: I ALWAYS make a stop at the chocolate shop of Christian Constant at 37 rue d’Assas. Not only are his little chocolates delicious and in unusual flavors but they are amazingly generous with the samples! I actually turned down flavors by the end! I always treat myself to a box.
You have a great system worked out! It sounds like you could pack in a flash.
There’s no way I’m missing that chocolate shop! I’m getting hungry just thinking of it now. It can be my reward for surviving the flight.
Loved this! Especially since I recently began planning my very first trip to Paris at the end of October. I feel completely blissful and overwhelmed all at the same time. I have a feeling I will be referring back to this post as my planning and preparation continues. Thanks for sharing! And have a glorious time!
We do seem to be putting together a nice little guide to the city here! I’ll be posting about my trip, too.
So, so sorry about Tex. I’m going through a lot right now with my sick eldery dog so I can relate. The vet bills are piling up as I type. I find that appliances always need replacing when you are least able to afford replacing them. It’s like a law of nature or something.
I have never been to Paris so I have no suggestions for you other than to have a wonderful time. I don’t get to go away very much so my packing skills are less than stellar. I do usually resort to making out a list of absolute necessities because I hate to forget things. I envy people who can jut throw a few things in a bag and go.
Thank you for your kind comment about Tex. The whole ordeal was awful, but all my good years with him made it worth it. To make things worse, my cat fell into a depression (which surprised me since I thought she loathed him), and had to be nursed out of it. She’s back to normal now, eating, etc., like always.
I hope things go well with your dog. I’ll be thinking of you. Pets are such wonderful things to have in our lives. I only wish they could live as long as I want them to.
I am sorry to hear about poor Tex … I am also going through a lot with my dog, too. They give so much and ask for so little in return, sigh.
Paris is always a good idea, Angela. 🙂 You have gotten some great recommendations from the kind (and savvy) people on here but I am sure you will happen upon some wonderful discoveries on your own! Cannot wait to read about them upon your return. May it be an uneventful flight and a wonderful holiday. 🙂
Thank you so much, and I hope things go better with your dog. I know exactly how it feels.
Ooo Paris in September! Lovely, tho’ chance of rain, of course. I’m a few hours southwest and the weather suddenly changed the other day, from sweltering and tropical to chilly, rainy, and gray. Rain is apparently going to let up, but I’d urge you to bring lots of layering options, easy to peel off if the temp goes up.
A few of my Paris favorites: Musée Carnavalet in the Marais, a beautiful socio-cultural history museum full of charming details about Paris through the ages (the old shop signs are not to be missed!); Patisserie Mulot, near Jardins du Luxembourg, positively glittering with exquisite and toothsome creations; the café at the Mosquée de Paris, mint tea and birds fluttering among the trees, ornate tile floors, Moroccan pastries (baklava, cornes de gazelle, honeysoaked deliciousness); the lively and whimsical Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle fountains in the big square just outside the Centre Pompidou; Buren’s columns in the Palais Royale (not to mention Serge Lutens!). The list goes on and on … Enjoy!!
What wonderful–and wonderfully described–suggestions! I especially adore the idea of tea at the mosque.
I did pack some layers, but now I’m wondering if I should toss in a light jacket, too.
Your post comes at a great time. I go to Amsterdam Dance Event each year and have hit Paris before/after the past two years. This year – my goal for the two week travel is to fit my life in a carry on duffle bag (Tom Bihn Aeronaut) and have a small checked bag specifically to smuggle home any full bottles that I can’t carry on. This is a marked change from the gargantuan Tumi suitcase I would lug around with me.
So, yes – this year, I am simplifying and packing a lot less. And if I am photographed twice wearing the same shirt – well – no one is going to die.
A noble goal! There’s almost a comfort in not having too many choices.
So sorry to hear about Tex, but so glad you are keeping close the memories of him as a crazy young wild thing. It is hard not to get focused on the hard last days, but animals are good at teaching us to enjoy the moment – especially if it involves food! – so you have a fabulous time in Paris. Hope you like the new Serge! I have always enjoyed the JAR experience in Paris, or NY – free, luxurious sniffing with SAs who are knowledgable but not high pressure because they more or less assume you can’t afford the stuff.
I’ve done the JAR thing twice in New York but never dared Paris. Somehow it seems a lot scarier.
Last month visited St Denis and the Pantheon. There’s a symmetry, because the two cathedrals(the Pantheon has been secularized) either contain the remains of, or are memorials to, so many great figures in French history. Unfortunately we went on the wrong day for market at St Denis, but it is described as an eye-popping pan-African experience and we will surely visit the next time we go.
You do not need or want wardrobe advice from me, but I observed to my wife that the streets of Paris are populated by women who give the appearance of effortless chic. Which is undeniably true, but also funny, because after a visit to Portland a few years ago, I made the same observation. In the case of Portland, it often seemed to be thrift/vintage chic, but effortless nevertheless. I’m sure you have both the effortless and the chic totally under control.
Have a wonderful trip.
Oh, I love the sound of the St Denis market. I’ll have to look up the details. And we Portland women thank you for your kindness! I know I won’t be able to resist ducking into a few vintage clothing stores, if I can find them.
Note about the St. Denis. The Abbot Suger of St. Denis was the inventor of gothic architecture. Prior to his building of his chapel, church were these very weighty buildings, with small windows. (This was probably very comforting to people who lived through era of Romanesque architecture, since it made the churches seem like a super fortress, providing physically massive protection for their souls).
The Abbot believed that the Holy Spirit transfused matter and people the way light transfuses through glass, and so he wanted the windows to larger and for people to feel they were in rooms suffused with the glow of air from the color of the glass windows, and thus understand that t he Holy Spirit also surrounded them and suffused them). Hence larger windows, ribbed decorations which made it seem as those massive walls were now lightened (enlightened?).
So this would be number one gothic building to view.
Also, if you’re french is fabulous, you may want to go to a French movie, which seem to reach the states in fewer numbers every year. If your french is iffy, try to see an American movie with french subtitles; reading the subtitle while hearing the dialogue is a good way to improve your french.
I love this sort of history, thank you. I remember a teacher telling me once that St Denis’s head was chopped off and rolled away. His headless body followed the head to where it rested, and that became where the cathedral was built. Maybe this isn’t a true story–or maybe I don’t remember it well–but I like it!
It’s not anything you won’t find in a tourist guide, but don’t miss Pere Lachaise 🙂
It’s been years since I’ve been there, but it would be fabulous this time of year, too! Thanks for the recommendation.
I’m sorry to hear about Tex… it is so hard, I know our pets are part of the family.
I think when I travel I tend to pack decants of very versatile perfumes that I have, often lighter florals such as Infusion d’Iris, Kelly Calèche, Nocturnes, L’Air du Temps…
Oh, Paris, I wish I could go back too… Here are some things that I enjoyed doing during my visits there that were free/inexpensive.
— I will second the suggestion to visit Shakespeare and Co. (near Notre Dame), it’s a fun place packed with books, and with a neat history.
— Also near Notre Dame is the Memorial for Jews deported during WWII… it is sort of behind Notre Dame across the street, and you walk down into it. Entry is free.
— If you haven’t been, entry to Père Lachaise cemetery is free. (Although you might want to buy a map of it outside so you can find your way around in it.) Many famous people have been buried there. It is a quiet, beautiful place, if you like cemeteries. One of my favorite graves in it is Chopin’s, because of the beautiful statue.
— Near the Opéra Garnier is the little Fragonard museum of perfume… perhaps you’ve already been somewhere like this. Tours are free, and when I was there I ended up with my very own tour guide. Of course at the end you end up in the Fragonard boutique, but you don’t have to buy anything.
— You could always spend time wandering around parks… I think they’re mostly all free.
— Entry to churches is usually free too… you could explore lesser-visited cathedrals. I always like visiting cathedrals.
— I also think wandering around the different neighborhoods is fun. For example, the Marais area with the Jewish influences, the Latin Quarter… the Marais area has delicious falafel.
— Not free, but you could also try visiting one of the less crowded museums (e.g. not the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay)… the Rodin museum is one of my favorites, with many of the sculptures on display outside. If you are into history there is the Army Museum in the Hôtel des Invalides, which is very good. There are so many other wonderful little museums…
Have fun!
What wonderful suggestions! I always love visiting churches. Sometimes you get lucky and can listen to someone practice the organ, and churches often have that wonderful cold incense smell.
Hi, Angela,
I suggest going to the Osmotheque on the grounds of ISIPCA at Versailles (which would be lovely to visit anyway). I’m dying to go there myself, so if you do go, let us know what you think. It sounds like perfumista heaven to me! Patricia de Nicolai is the President, and there are some classes and lectures, etc., so check the website beforehand. Amuse-toi bien!
Strange, but it didn’t even cross my mind! I’ll look at their website right away.
The Musee Cluny, for the tapestries and the Roman ruins. St. Julien le Pauvre (http://sjlpmelkites.fr/), built 1165-1250. The Musee d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaisme (http://www.mahj.org/fr/index.php).
Thank you! I can’t wait to dig into the links you provided.
Angela, it has been many years since my trip to Paris and I will relive again with your experiences–it has already begun with interesting posts! Bon voyage!
Thank you! I’m looking forward to it.
Have fun, Angela. You may want to check the news re: transit strikes and be prepared to take alternate means of transportation. L’Artisan Parfumeur just redid the boutique next to the Louvre. My number one Paris Museum is still Musee d’Orsay – if you haven’t been in the past 2-3 years, it is worth a visit.
I’m a champion walker, so if the metro is on strike I’ll be fine with that–as long as I can make it to the airport. Thanks for the warning!
I used to waffle unbearably about my packing choices in my younger, more angst-ridden days, but now I just pick a small scattering of versatile, relatively urban-stylish clothes (lots of button-ups, slip-on loafers, a nice belt), one bottle or decant of something that smells casual yet put-together (Cartier Déclaration and Mugler Cologne get lots of play when I travel), and the least amount of toiletries I can get away with (Dove soap for my hair AND body, rock on!). I might be a little more selective (read: intimidated) if I were traveling to Paris, though.
I don’t know–I think that sounds perfect for Paris, Dove soap and all!
Paris- How wonderful! My sympathies on the loss of Tex , it’s so hard to lose a pet.
I completely second the recommendation of ‘Le marché des enfants rouges’- it is absolutely lovely.
I would also recommend the Marais district and the Latin Quarter. Also, the Fragonard perfume museum (can’t remember where it is though!) And I do love climbing up to the Sacre Couer and looking out over the city and then wandering through the nearby artists market.
Have a fabulous trip!
I just rewatched Amelie in preparation for the trip, so Sacre Coeur is definitely on my mind!
Someone mentioned taxidermy, which reminds me of David Sedaris. His book “Me Talk Pretty One Day” covers his attempts to learn French. He and his boyfriend live part-time in France.
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it, but it’s good to let your credit card company know that you will be traveling and where you are going. Sometimes, when they see charges that you don’t usually make, they will shut your card down thinking that it has been stolen.
I have checklists for different types of travel — camping, work, out-of-the country. Some of the places I have been are really out of the way, so if you forget something, you will NOT be able to run to the store to purchase it. You do NOT want to be without mosquito repellent in a place that has bot flies.
Have fun!
I’ve been considering putting together a check list for my camping trips, which have become less frequent over the years. It’s getting harder and harder to remember all those camping-specific items! This summer’s trip found me forgetting a towel. . . had to dry off with my little dish towel I’d brought (and I have long hair!)!
It is very important to know where one’s towel is. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_The_Hitchhiker's_Guide_to_the_Galaxy#Knowing_where_one.27s_towel_is
Indeed! Thank goodness I didn’t find myself on an intergalactic adventure!
I don’t know what bot flies are, but I’m still quivering at the thought.
I’m mostly a dress-up-when-I’m-out kinda gal in general these days, although I certainly try to simplify it when I’m traveling. I’m quite good at packing only what I need and not a lot of “what ifs.” So, I’ve got dresses I feel cute in, but nothing that requires an iron or is too binding. And I like things that can be casual or dressier depending on the accessories–then I can just switch out a necklace or upgrade my shoes for the evening.
For perfume, I like to have a few tried-and-true that I know I’ll be comfortable in–suitable to the climate I’m traveling to, of course. This is especially nice if I’m going somewhere warm when I’ve been cold or vice versa!
It’s just plain nice in general to have a handful of dresses that you feel comfortable in and know look good on you. It’s kind of a great goal for an everyday wardrobe–and yet so hard to pull off, at least for me.
Yes, I fear it takes me many hours to find clothes that meet the high standard of both comfortable and cute!
Honestly, I’m torn between acceptance that it just takes time (and sometimes more money than I’d rather) and a bit of embarrassment over what a project it can become. But as I *do* feel so much more comfortable in the right clothes, mostly I just accept that it’s gonna be work to find them.
I imagine you must enjoy the search, though, with your preference for vintage dresses, huh? You can’t even benefit from finding something you like and then checking for it in another size!
It is a lot of work to find a vintage dress that does the job, but it’s fun work. My dream would be to have a seamstress who would disassemble some of my favorite dresses and recreate them with different fabrics. When my ship comes in, that’s what I’ll do!
I went to France when I was 20 — my mom was a teacher and she knew another teacher who was taking her French class to France. I got to tag along. It was a lot of fun, but it would have been better without all the 15-year olds. What I mean is that, I was an adult, but I was on a tour for kids, so there was less freedom to explore.
When I got to my first hotel room, I noticed that a couple of dog hairs — from my boyfriend’s (now husband) black labrador, Kelly — on my suitcase. I plucked it off and dropped it on the floor so that I could say that Kelly had been to France 🙂 Kelly was a saint — a true bodhisattva. I’m really sorry about Tex.
I can’t imagine going to France with a bunch of 15-year olds! That sounds like grounds for a hilarious movie.
A good dog can be better than a good person, I think. I know lots of people would consider that sacrilege, but I believe it.
When in Paris I always try to spend some time at a Marché aux Puces. My favorite is Porte de Vanves. Last time I came home with a silver martini shaker. It gets used every Friday night!
I love that! You can think about Paris every time you have a cocktail. Wonderful.
Have a wonderful time, its been too long since we went to Paris and of course, Paris is always a good idea! And really who cares what you wear? Like my mom says, they arent looking at you as much as you think.
I completely agree with you and your mom. Other people have better things to do than look at me. Heck, I have better things to do than look at me.
10 days is quite a while, so maybe you could go to Chartres for the day by train? The train takes only an hour and there is a frequent service. The cathedral is only a few minutes walk from the train station. Besides all the stained glass, the little medieval town is very sweet too, with lots a little shops and small squares: it made me think of the illustrations in my French schoolbook when I was a kid.
What a good idea! I didn’t even think about day trips.
Lovely! Have a wonderful time, Angela. If I was you, when out on the town during the day-time stay perfume free, so that you can sample without confusion many of the french perfumes that you ordinarily wouldn’t find at home. When I was there, I picked up a small sampler set of about seven french perfumes I had never heard of or seen in my life. Perfume of course is a French trademark!
It would be so strange to pass a morning without my thoughts drifting to the perfume I’d be choosing for the day, but of course you’re completely right!
Lovely! Have a wonderful time, Angela. If I was you, when out on the town during the day-time stay perfume free, so that you can sample without confusion many of the french perfumes that you ordinarily wouldn’t find at home. When I was there, I picked up a small sampler set of about seven french perfumes I had never heard of or seen in my life. Perfume of course is a French trademark!
Dear Angela, have a wonderful time.
I’m travelling a lot, and I’m quite used to live off my suitcase for months (well, now it makes years…). I’m very methodical when it comes to packing, and my travel scents are either Eau d’Orange Verte 50ml sizes or Acqua di Parma Colonia in 30ml size. And they are both perfect for Paris, light and elegant but with some presence. As a matter of fact, EDOV is probably closer to my signature scent than any other fragrance!
Anyway – if you like gypsy jazz and swing, you should give a try to Clarion de Chausseurs up in Place du Tertre, just behind Sacre Couer, or to L’Atelier Charonne, close to Bastille. Those and EDOV are my favourite Paris experience!
I do like gypsy jazz and swing! There’s a local musician, Pete Krebs, who leads a few different gypsy combos, and I adore them. Thanks for the recommendations, and I hope you get a good stretch of time at home soon.
I’m so sorry to hear about Tex. I can offer no travel advice about Paris, but I do consider it to be a civic duty to be pleasantly scented for plane travel!
Thank you about Tex. I sure loved the guy.
For perfume, I figure Vol de Nuit extrait is a good choice, because it’s soft and unobtrusive when gently dabbed, and I’ll be on an actual vol de nuit (even if it’s crammed at the back of a Delta flight picking over mystery meat on a plastic tray while I try to be zen about the fact that the seat in front of me has driven my kneecaps into my thigh bone.)
How wonderful that you’re in Paris! I’m so sorry to hear about Tex. I’ve just had enormous vet bills with my oldest cat who had to have all his remaining teeth save two removed! I agree with you about a good dog often being better than a good person!
It’s been a great many many years since I was in Paris, so although my recommendations hold, some of the addresses have probably changed, so you can best refer to a telephone or guide book or the Internet (my French is too bad).
The most beautiful leather work and bags you will ever encounter — Serge Amoruso. A true artisan (and unaffordable for most mortals, but not to be missed).
On Avenue Daumesmil, you’ll find the “Viaduc des Artes” — many antique restoration, craft and artist galleries located under an old train viaduct. On top of the viaduct is a long, narrow roof garden.
Pylones, for weird and wacky and colorful gifts. Maybe they have spread to the US. I know I sometimes now encounter some of their stuff in Holland, but any of their shops is worth a fun visit.
As a designer, my favorite stop was La Droguerie at 9 Rue du Jour.
It has every kind of trim you can imagine and lots of beads, feathers, etc. If you plan to go there, check their opening times. I always showed up five minutes before closing!
The best cheese shop (a chain) Boutiques Androuet. Sheer heaven!
I could go on and on, but you’ve already had so many great tips from others.
Have a wonderful time and please report back to us all.
These are some terrific recommendations, and off the beaten path. I’m especially intrigued by the Viaduc des Arts. Thank you!
Fromagerie: Marie-Anne Cantin
http://www.cantin.fr/
Fripes: BDA
http://bastiendealmeida.com/
I’m so sorry about Tex — he was a nice dog (got his name right).
Thanks for the links! I’m sitting at the airport, so it’s the perfect time to look at cheese online.
I had my first trip to Paris at exactly this time last year! As far as perfume, I packed little decants/ samples of my favorites. The Serge Lutens boutique is so exciting! I bought a bell jar of El Attarine while I was there and it came with a set of those lovely wax sample cards. I can’t wait to read your review of the newest release!
My favorite part of selecting my “Paris wardrobe” was a chance to wear my silk shift dress. Simple, comfortable, yet fancy enough that it’s hard to work into the rotation here (and probably too short for church). It just feels wonderful to wear silk!
If you have a chance to do a day trip a little distance away from Paris, I recommend going to see Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny. You have to take a train and a bus, but that way you get to see a bit of the countryside and once you get there the gardens are spectacular! The village itself is very old and picturesque. At Monet’s house, you see not only his famous gardens and water lily pond, but also the interior of the house, which is filled with his collection of Japanese prints. Anyhow, if you enjoy art, gardens or flowers at all, you will find it delightful!
Best wishes for a wonderful trip!
Great suggestions! I love house museums. It’s so fun to wander through a house and imagine how people lived by looking at the books on their shelves and the rooms where they sat and talked and ate.