France in a nutshell: Paris, Brittany, and Normandy
For those of you who aren't aware, I am currently studying abroad in Leuven, Belgium. I got to Europe almost two weeks ago and actually have spent more time in France than I have in Belgium. The study abroad program through my school is amazing and planned a 7 day trip to Paris, Brittany, and Normandy which I just got back from. First impressions, I get why everyone loves Paris. It has the charm, the history, and the big city feel. After being in Leuven, a small Belgian town, and Saint Malo in Brittany, I think I have a thing for small European towns over the big cities...which you can find anywhere.Even though I was ballin' on a budget in France, I ate well. And had an incredible time. I probably ate at least three croissants a day and of course drank a ton of wine. I pushed myself to speak the little French that I know which came in handy in the smaller towns where locals don't really speak English.Being in a place thats first language is not easy. It really has been tough for me to adjust and to be honest, I haven't fully adjusted yet. Being in Belgium but moreso France when the majority of people don't speak English, it sort of felt like a slap in the face. I have gone my whole life just expecting to be understood and understand my surroundings. How selfish is it to walk into a foreign country and get upset or annoyed when they don't speak your language? I want to dig deeper into this topic and just the adjustments to living in a new country but I'll save that for a later post once I get a little more settled in.
Off to France
Because this was a school trip we had quite a few things planned: cathedrals, museums, etc. Which I will say I am thankful for just because I got a lot more out the trip besides just eating and shopping. Here's a rundown of all the sightseeing things we did and of course allll the restaurants I went to :)
Where I stayed
Hotel Home Latin (in the Latin Quarter)*
Things I did
DAY 1: walking tour of Paris–we saw things like Arc De Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, etc.DAY 2: Mass at Notre Dame de Paris, Sainte Chapelle, Sacré Cœur, walked around Montmartre, sunset boat tour on the SieneDAY 3: The Louvre, picnic dinner and hanging out along the SieneDAY 4: Museé d'Orsay, explored Le Marais
Everything I ate
*Pro tip: Stay at a hotel that has complimentary breakfast and load up on croissants for snacks throughout the day :)
LUNCH SPOTS:
- Brioche Doree: quick sandwich shop with delicious and cheap baguette sandwiches
- Soul Kitchen: in the Montemarte district; all vegetarian and so delicious. Not even sure what all I ate but it was amazing
- Lémoni Cafe: local, fresh ingredients. Similar to Dig Inn or the Little Beet in NYC where you pick an entree and sides (all fresh and homemade and amazing! can be pricy though so beware)
- L'As du Fallafel: in Le Marais; one of the most famous falafel spots in Paris...it was delicious I have no complaints.
DINNER SPOTS:
- Le Maíson de Verlaíne: my abroad program treated us to this meal and we got a proper 3 course French meal. Delicious and the decor in the restaurant was so fun. The chocolate mousse was freaking incredible.
- Moaz Vegetarian: this is def a worldwide chain but it was quick, cheap, and a really good falafel pita.
- Picnic on the Siene! Grab a baguette, cheese, some fruit, and wine and you're set for a classic Parisian dinner
- Crepe Stand: these are everywhere and pretty basic. I got a ham & cheese crepe that was a little too heavy on the cheese but it was still decent. For some of the best crepes in Paris, I've heard to check out ALIZÉE CRÊPERIE GOURMET
DESSERT/CAFE SPOTS
- Cafe Lou Lou: reminds me of something you would find in NYC–overpriced and really cute decor. They have matcha and almond milk so I had to include them
- Amorino Gelato: there are a few locations around the city; def check them out. I got honey lavender gelato, raspberry sorbet, and dark chocolate sorbet–SOOO GOOD.
Where I stayed
Things I did
On our way to Saint Malo, we stopped in Chartres, France to see the Chartres Cathedral. Mont Saint-Michel (about an hour drive away but so worth it). On our way back to Belgium, we drove from Brittany to the Normandy coast to see Point du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the Normandy American Cemetery–these beaches are absolutely incredible and the memorials are very moving.
Everything I ate
Chartres, France
- Le Café Serpente: I got a tuna and tomato baguette sandwich which was delicious but they have a whole menu filled with classic French dishes. Fairly good prices and a good view of the cathedral if you sit outside.
Saint Malo
- Le Tourne Pierre: The best mussels and frites I have ever had. Quite possibly one of the best meals I have ever had.
- Sanchez L'Artisan Glacier: I got cheesecake speculos coulis fruits rouge ice cream which was a little too sweet but still delicious. They have at least 40 different flavors of gelato and no added charge for a waffle cone :)
The rest of my meals were more snacking foods and quick things from the grocery store like couscous and tuna baguette sandwiches. Not so glamorous but it was quick and saved quite a few euros by the end of the trip.
My first France experience was everything I could have imagined it to be. Despite feeling overwhelmed from just moving to Belgium, it was a good break and good way to ease into European culture. I am proud of myself for pushing and speaking French even though I know it wasn't good and I couldn't understand anything when people were speaking to me in French. With things like this, and anything unfamiliar in life, there's a learning curve. It's easy to get easily frustrated and discouraged when such a big transition isn't as easy as you'd like but you have to try to remember that it's not meant to be easy. Seeking discomfort is not always glamorous and fun but so far it seems to be paying off. I can't wait to see how much further it'll take me.To see a little more about my trip to France, I vlogged the whole thing! Hope you enjoy :)[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU4zZmXD6Os[/embed]