At this time precisely one year ago, I started thinking about all of the people I’ve met or exchanged words with in Paris since I started this site. While our interests, backgrounds and professions varied drastically, we bonded over a common love for France. A love that wavers at times, resurfaces in full force at others but nevertheless remains an integral part of each of our lives, en France or abroad.
Realizing that the personalities of these individuals – who are friends, writers, bloggers, photographers, mentors, inspirations, and icons – would likely appeal to my readers, I created a series that I never anticipated being able to sustain for more than a month. What began with a brief interview with my Francophile friend Susan turned into Franco File Friday, a weekly feature that celebrates its first birthday today.
Aside from the group of Francophiles you’ve met over the last year, I’ve also introduced you to natives who not only love their country but warmly embrace the expat community in Paris. To mark this occasion, I wanted a visit from someone very special to me. He rarely appears on this site, lacks a regular internet presence and would rather be climbing rocks in Fontainebleau than following what’s hot in the city but I wanted to share his perspective.
Describe what you love about France in three words.
Paris, landscapes and baguettes !
Go-to place in France (outside of Paris)?
One of my passions, in addition to my wife, work and cat, (in this order. No really.) is rock climbing which led me to a wide variety of places with different ambiances – some breathtaking and outstanding, others crowded, isolated, or austere. One of my favorite spots is “Les Calanques” (coves) near Marseille in the south of France. Only 3 hours from Paris by train to a place that immediately makes me feel like I’m on holiday. There is a lot of sun and beautiful white limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean Sea. I’ve been there many times to visit my good friend and fellow rock climber who stays all year round and I just love it. I’ve even be there a few times with a certain someone (*lindsey*) who appreciated it for its peacefulness despite caring little about the amazing climbs!
Must-try eatery in Paris?
I recently had a wonderful experience in a French restaurant with a Japanese twist called Le Sot L’yLaisse located in the 11th arrondissement. The restaurant is very close to the famous “Père Lachaise” cemetery. It is definitely not a traditional french bistro (except for the bare deco) where you would go for any random occasion, it is a place where you will discover an interesting fusion of French tradition and Japanese imagination. I especially recommend the “Risotto brun au foie gras” which was to die for! I really loved it, I think it is one of the best restaurants in the area.
Favorite memory as a Parisian?
A delightful memory that comes to my mind is the day I spent with my wife shortly after we met, walking for hours along the streets of Paris. It was our first date so it had to be special but it is clear now that the fact that it took place in the center of the city, under a perfect blue sky, made it unforgettable. I remember I played tour guide at the time, sharing with her some of my favorite places, but now the situation is reversed as she knows way more than I do about the Parisian way of life !
Most amusing foreign stereotype about the French ?
I find it very interesting how many people think the French are rude, snobby and hate Americans! I will agree on the rudeness…we are not very warm with foreigners. I have spent a couple weeks by myself in the USA on business trips and on holiday and each time I find people so welcoming (maybe too welcoming) to the point that I asked myself at first : why are they so nice to me ? To defend the French though, we do warm up after a little while but it takes some more time than what most of you are used to!
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There’s definitely a chunk of my expat trials and tribulations that touch on his last point – maybe a story for another day. Thanks to all of you who have expressed an attachment to this series, you definitely keep it going!
**I also wrote about what Mr. Cheeseland and I did for Valentine’s Day last month over on Haven in Paris! Read that and my review of Playtime here.
