The Paris interview with BJ Lantz

BJ Lantz – travel blogger

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with some great insight from Travel bloggers from around the world who fell in love with Paris. They will share their favorites addresses and things to do while in Paris. Because genuine advice and stories are so important to us, in addition to our born-and-raised Parisian tour stories, we now bring you real advice from fellow travelers.

A view of the Eiffel tower during autumn. Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

Bonjour BJ, can you tell us more about who you are?

My name is BJ Lantz, I’m an artist, I’m north of 50-ish and originally from the Adirondack mountains, however I have lived in Florida since 1973.

Why did you start writing thearmchairparisian?

A handful of my trips to Paris have been with my mother and when she retired and was looking for something to keep her busy, I suggested she start a Paris travel blog since she loved researching the city and was a great itinerary planner. She said, “Nah, that sounds more like your thing.” On a whim, I created a free blog and posted a few of my Paris photos. Soon, I was “meeting” other Paris bloggers, which was great fun.

Why did you start traveling?

I have always been a voracious reader of fiction and I wanted to see some of the places I had read about.

What’s special about your blog?

Although I had suggested a travel blog to my mother, I personally never wanted The Armchair Parisian to be that ~ I wanted it to be more of an inspiration, a place to dream, to reminisce.

What would be your top 3 things to do in Paris?

I have to narrow it down to three? I’ll try :-)

• Attend the 10 am Sunday morning Gregorian chant mass at Notre Dame ~ It’s magical. I wrote about it on my blog.
• Treasure-hunt at Vanves flea market on a Saturday morning. There’s a story of negotiation on my blog.
• Wander aimlessly for hours in Père Lachaise Cemetery taking photographs.

Your Top 3 good addresses in Paris?

• Cafe Laurent in the Hôtel D’Aubusson in St. Germain. It’s a lovely, cozy jazz bar that isn’t in a basement and doesn’t start too late :-). The Christian Brenner Trio is a treat.
• The Musée Carnavalet in the Marais – I tried unsuccessfully to visit this museum a few times. I am so happy I finally made it on my last visit. Their collection of charming Belle Époque era paintings is a must-see.
• Brasserie Printemps located in Printemps department store. Having lunch with a glass of champagne under that massive stained glass dome is a special experience.

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

I would have to say Notre Dame. I always stay nearby so that I can hear the bells.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

I love St. Germain and have always been comfortable there, but you can’t beat Île Saint-Louis for quiet charm.

Could you give us your recommendation to first timers in Paris?

• Do your research ahead of time and make a plan ~ like knowing what is near what else you want to see, noting open days & hours, etc., however, don’t try to see it all! Leave room in your itinerary to get lost, to take your time, to really soak in the city rather than running from sight to sight. After all, you will likely wish to return to Paris ~ part of her charm is missing her.
• Don’t be afraid to rent an apartment. Once you do this, I promise you will never stay at a hotel again.

Thank you so much BJ, keep on enjoying Paris

Merci beaucoup :-)