ARTICLES
Going Local in the City of Lights
THE RIGHT PARIS ON THE LEFT BANK

I know from experience that Paris has more to offer than its postcard attractions, and that
it takes more than one or two visits to really get to know her. After all the museums have
been visited and the monuments have been captured by a camera lens, it's time to be
seriously acquainted with Parisian life.

After someone has been to Paris a number of times, it is not surprising that they
would want to be better acquainted with the life of the locals. What suggestions can
you give to someone who is interested in "real" Parisian life?

How does a Parisian live in Paris? Taking care of daily business is the best way to
experience Paris as a Parisian. I highly recommend going as local as possible. Rent a
short-term apartment; go to the neighborhood bakeries, markets, bars, and restaurants.
Get into a daily routine-perhaps coffee and newspaper at the corner cafè and an
afternoon glass wine at the bistro two streets away. Within a couple of days, you'll be
saying bon jour and ca va? to familiar faces.

For your next return visit, consider selecting a neighborhood that you like and are
familiar with. If you really are interested in getting away from the areas often overrun by
out of town visitors, consider some of the double-digit arrondissments. The 10th is an
ethnic melting pot with lots of variety, with Paris's Chinatown in Belleville, Indian
restaurants and other interesting venues along the Canal de St. Martin, and lots of
energy and activity around Place de la Republique. Montmartre, in the 18th, is a bit of a
hybrid. There are tourists, yes, but you do not have to go far to find only the French taking
care of daily business.

My team at Paris Luxe is made up of on-the-ground experts who will give you insider
information about everything from which apartment rentals are farthest away from the
tourist crowds, to which caf� serves the best morning brioches. They will point you in
the right direction for the most Parisian of Paris stays. Bon Voyage!

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