I have been to Paris a few times, but not nearly enough.
Paris is different every time you visit – even if you go to the same area.
Walking in Paris is more than a means of getting from one place to the next – you simply cannot imagine the sites you will see. And the people you will encounter, and the sounds and smells.
Since the city is so large, every storefront needs to tell you how special it is to make you stop. It’s a visual smorgasboard, and shoppers find boutiques are refined to tell their story very quickly.
As a small business owner I am always looking for inspiration – and there is plenty to be had in the old Paris Flea Markets, or on any little side street in the Marais, or on a Sunday stroll through the artist market in Montmartre. It is inspiring, and overwhelming to see such attention to detail from their window displays to store signage. I could go on forever.
Parisians do not accept less than exceptional effort in their boutiques. It is really hard to explain to people who have never travelled how wonderful it is to shop in a place where they ONLY SELL PENS, or specialize in antique picture frames, or vintage ceramic trinket boxes, or Latin manuscripts. I think in North America businesses are so conditioned to chase every dollar, that they lose the magic of being a specialist.
Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking “maybe I should change watch batteries as a service”, then I remember Paris and Florence and the beautiful feeling of speaking with someone who has a passion for just one area of merchandise or service. I don’t try to be everything to everyone, despite the fact that my skills are broader than your average jeweller in the industry. I also know when it’s best to let people who are better at certain aspects have their input. The best practise I can have is to be able to admit when there is someone I am acquainted with that can do a better job for a client than I can. Humility is a beautiful trait in this industry and I have been so fortunate to meet and work with some of the best setters, casters, goldsmiths and gemologists in Canada.
Paris is truly magical, despite the bustling and noise; if you are quiet, and humble and CURIOUS, you will find treasures in every shop window. If you are adventurous, and kind, and willing, you may just taste the best drinking chocolate, or oysters, or moules et frites you will ever taste in your life. And let me tell you, if you go to a local restaurant and avoid the big chain restaurants, you will find it difficult to have a bad meal ANYWHERE in Paris.
You can always go to the main attractions, and you should, the first time you go to Paris. The Eiffel Tower will take your breath away (as will the long lines to get inside!), and the Louvre is absolutely dizzying – get a map and take a moment to see where everything is. You will be surprised at the expanse of masterpieces all in the same room. If you are a true art lover, it could take you MANY days to go through even one wing of the museum. The smaller Musee d’Orsay is a favourite of mine – beautifully bite sized in comparison and still enchanting from entrance to exit.
Take the chance, book the flight, stroll and explore. I guarantee you’ll come back again.