The Paris interview with Julie Small

Julie Small – travel blogger

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with some great insight from Travel bloggers from 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.

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

Bonjour, I’m Julie Small, somewhere in my 40’s, and born and bred in Sydney Australia.

Why did you start writing nomad-nester?

I needed a creative outlet so I chose travel blogging – it allows me to develop my writing and photography skills while sharing all the wonderful places I have visited.

Why did you start traveling?

Traveling is in my blood. My father was a great traveler and i think he passed this love on to me. I started when I was 14 and can’t imagine stopping. Travel opens our eyes to other cultures, ways of life and brings people closer together. It gives you a different perspective on your own life and how you can live better, give back and appreciate all you have.

What’s special about your blog?

Two things I think. I specialize in photography as well as travel – so there are lots of hints on how to make better photos. But primarily I want people to realize you don’t have to give up the life you are living – good job, house, gorgeous pets, friendships and family – to travel the world. You can do it ‘part-time’ and still see a lot and go many places. Take your annual leave in one block and travel somewhere new. Travel locally, explore your own country and neighbourhood. There are 52 weekends in a year. Don’t waste them!

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

• Wine tasting – France make some of the world’s best wines – take a wine tasting class where you will learn about the wine regions and make new friends.
• Visit The Musee Rodin – great collection of Rodin’s work and some beautiful pieces from his muse, Camille Claudel. The beautiful gardens and building are worth the visit alone.
• If you are in Paris in the beautiful month of May be sure to catch the Belleville Artists’ Open Studios. Started in 1990 and run by the Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville, it is now the largest event of its kind in France with more than 250 exhibitors and 120 open artist studios.

Your Top 3 good addresses in Paris?

• Assouline for beautiful books. 35, Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris.
• Les Deux Magots – probably the most well known of Paris’ many literary cafes, Les Deux Magots was once the hangout of artists and left-wing intellectuals. 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006.
• If you love pastry – and who doesn’t – be sure to visit one of Paris’ oldest bakeries open since 1730. – La Maison Stohrer, 51 rue Montorgueil, 75002.

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

The Jardin du Luxembourg – one of the worlds most beautiful parks. Buy some bread, cheese and wine, pull up chair near the central pond and watch the elegant parade go by.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

I love Belleville for its artists and bohemian culture but I also love the area around St Germain-des-Prés – chic, historic and literary – quintessential Paris.

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

Paris is a lot more than the Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge and the Louvre – take a cooking class, visit the many outdoor food markets, take a trip to the Catacombs, visit the world’s largest flea market Marché aux Puces in St Ouen. Walk everywhere – it is the best way to see everything – make sure you take some time out to sit with a chilled rose in a sidewalk cafe and just watch the world go by.

Thank you so much Julie, keep on enjoying Paris

Merci beaucoup :-)