Although it means leaving friends and school behind, going abroad is known to be one of the most exciting semesters of college. It gives students a chance to explore and become immersed in a new city. Paris, one of the most popular destinations for study abroad students, is a great city to choose as it thrives when it comes to fashion, cuisine and culture.
Need some recommendations of where to start exploring?
FOOD
The emphasis on restaurants and dining in Paris is inevitable, as the food there is so delicious. Nestled into the hip Marais neighborhood is Café Breizh. Known for its crepes, the menu fulfills sweet and savory cravings of this French delicacy.
Macaroons are a must in Paris. La Durée and Pierre Hermé are institutions known for crafting the most tasteful and aesthetic macaroons.
NIGHTLIFE
Parisian nightlife varies depending on what type of scene one seeks out. For bar-goers, Brooke Leff (CAS ’13) recommends heading to Rue Princesse and Rue Mouffetard. “The bars on these two streets are always crowded and the streets are overflowing with a young crowd on weekends,” said Brooke. For a different scene consisting of trendy Parisians and fancy cocktails, Prescription Cocktail Club is worth checking out. Along the same line, Kong is a hip and fun venue if you are looking to dance.
MUSUEMS
Once the Louvre has been visited, a much smaller but equally impressive museum is Musée de l’Orangerie. Monet’s prominent water lily paintings span entire walls of the museum, which is a sight to see. Musée Rodin houses beautiful sculptures in its perfectly maintained gardens, which is a great destination on a sunny day.
SHOPPING
As a world fashion capital, the shopping in Paris is unbeatable. The extravagant and beautiful department stores, Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché and Printemps are worth a peek inside. On Rue Saint-Honoré, walk in and out of the high-end boutiques, and pop into Colette. Brooke added, “Colette is like the Barney’s of Paris. It is an upscale store but they sell trendy things that you might not be able to find elsewhere.” For a more manageable price point, the Marais neighborhood has a bunch of fun and stylish shops. While over there, buy a trendy graphic tee at Paris Eleven (which is not sold in the US!).
This list of recommendations could truly go on forever, so remember to take advantage of all Paris has to offer!
Text Photo: http://www.elevenparis.com/