As you’re reading this, I’m walking the streets of Manhattan. Or eating them. Probably the latter. Either way, I’m there for work. I could think of no one better suited to feature today than writer and friend, Amy Thomas – an eternal New Yorker perpetually wistful for Paris. After a 2 year stint in Paris with an advertising agency and lovingly documenting her edible adventures on her blog God I Love Paris, Amy bregudgingly packed her bags and returned to NY where she has continued to draw inspiration from Paris for her writing.

You might recall a certain ode-to-Paris piece which landed the cover of the New York Time’s Travel section back in March – “Farewell to Paris”, she called it. Yep, that was Amy. She paints Paris with words the way only a true Francophile could – with the perfect blend of whimsy and honesty that keeps her readers charmed. I’m anxiously awaiting the launch of her début book “Paris My Sweet: a Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate)” this Spring and I suspect Amy will continue longing for Paris until she finds a way to make both cities her home.

Describe what you love about France in three words.
Pain au chocolat.

NYC vs Paris, a loaded topic. Why do you think there exists such a love-hate relationship?
For me, it’s not a love-hate relationship; it’s a love-love relationship! Each city is so seductive. New York for its scale, energy, passion, fashion, noise, disruptiveness, opportunity and mythology. For its skyscrapers, tenements, lofts, Central Park, yellow cabs, Grand Central, FDR, Brooklyn Bridge, canyon-like avenues and crowded little streets. For its bakeries, delis, bodegas, corner pizza joints, cocktail bars, mega-restaurants and pretzel carts.

Paris for its grace, beauty, romance, charm, sophistication, history and traditions. For La Tour Eiffel, Luxembourg Gardens, the Seine, the grand plane tree-lined boulevards and hidden courtyards, the Vélibs, hotels particuliers, gardens and courtyards. For its comptoirs, cafés, chocolatiers, patisseries, boulangeries, outdoor markets, specialty shops and incredible restaurants. They are such dramatically different cities, but both appeal to people who appreciate architecture, food, fashion and art. They are both cities that celebrate le joie de vivre.

With only a few hours in Paris, what is your top must-do, must-see, must-eat?
A few hours? Merde! I would just start walking. I would begin back by le Pont Sully-Morland (this is personal as that is where I lived as a college student; it’s how I first came to know Paris) and walk west, starting on the adorable Ile Saint-Louis. Past Notre Dame on Ile de la Cité through le marché aux fleurs. I’d cross to the Left Bank and stroll through Saint Germain a bit before crossing over to the Right Bank by way of le Pont des Arts.

Walk through the Louvre’s carré, past IM Pei’s pyramid, and into the Jardin des Tuileries. Take in the views of the Musée d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, all the chestnut trees and basins. Then onward through Place de la Concorde, toward the Grand and Petit Palais and Pont Alexandre III. Just in a couple hours, you’ve passed through centuries of history and astounding beauty. All this, of course, would have to be fueled by the occasional croissant, macaron and/or Nutella crepe.

Favorite spot in France to relax and recharge?
Biarritz. I went for a long weekend in May, and it was the ideal getaway. Just four hours on the train, it’s a magical little surf town that is both chichi and beatnick-y. There are a handful of beaches with actual waves, a grand central marketplace for beautiful produce and Basque specialties (bonjour, brébis!), great shopping and restaurants and loads of chocolatiers.

Will Paris ever cease to seduce?

Never. With its beauty, charm, grace, and many, many ghosts, it’s just too addictive. Every time I leave, I feel sated. But then, before long, I need another hit. No other city has ever moved me to tears except Paris.

See what I mean? A veritable Paris word-artisan. Follow Amy’s adventures as she reminisces about Paris from New York (and gives us sneak peeks about her book!). I’m sure you’ll see her around these parts again when her book hits shelves but until then, indulge in a little bit of God I Love Paris! Thanks, Amy!

Amy on Twitter: @GodILoveParis
Amy’s Food blog: Sweet Freak

{Photos: Top shot: Lost In Cheeseland. Additional photos courtesy of Amy Thomas}