The Paris interview with Michelle Chang

Michelle and Jedd – travel bloggers

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with you 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.

Photo credit: IntentionalTravelers.com

Bonjour Michelle and Jedd, can you tell us more about who you are?

We are Michelle and Jedd. Originally from Hawaii and Oregon, respectively, we got married in 2008 and have been adventuring together ever since.

Why did you start writing IntentionalTravelers and why did you start traveling?

In 2011, we left our “real jobs” to take a sabbatical- a time set apart to experience new things, to learn, and to grow. We ended up serving with the Peace Corps in Jamaica from 2012 to 2014, and it was a life changing decision! Our time away made us realize that we don’t have to go back to a typical life, consumed by careers until we save enough to retire in “freedom.” Instead, we started our own freelance web services business and became “digital nomads,” working online as we travel and live abroad.

In 2014, we started IntentionalTravelers.com. Travel has changed our lives, and we want to share what we’ve learned along the way to help others reap the benefits, too.

What’s special about your blog?

We believe that experiencing a world outside of our own bubble has the power to make us better people. Not all travel can do this. Though the typical vacation can be a much-needed source of relaxation, it usually doesn’t change anyone’s life. Cross-cultural exchanges; slower, long-term travel; and opportunities to connect with nature are just a few examples that have the power to fuel our passion for life-long learning and global citizenship.

Meaningful experiences like these often make us more understanding, compassionate, responsible, and generous human beings – effects that ripple out across our communities and help create a better world. IntentionalTravelers.com is specifically about travel for the sake of learning, growing, trying new experiences, and making a positive impact in the world.

Photo credit: IntentionalTravelers.com

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

My favorite things to do in Paris tend to be very budget-friendly (or free) and avoid the tourist traps:

• Have a picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg.
• Take a morning jog or afternoon walk to see the landmarks and beautiful architecture around the city.
• Eat lots of crepes and croissants! (Visit our blog for my full list of recommendations in Paris).

Your top 3 good addresses in Paris?

• Bistrot du Périgord in the Latin Quarter has a great value with their prix-fixe menu. The food was delicious, especially the sauces on our entrées and the desserts! 71 rue Saint-Jacques 75005 Paris
• Carnavalet in the Marais district is both an art gallery and museum, dedicated to the history of Paris. The permanent collections, displayed in two historic town homes, have free admission. 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
• The Galeries Lafayette “Grand Magasin” building has a cool roof-top terrace with great views of the city. Just take the elevator or escalator up to the 5th level and then continue up two flights of stairs to the 7th floor. 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris.

Photo credit: IntentionalTravelers.com

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

My favorite landmark is Montmartre. I always try to visit at least once when I’m in Paris. It reminds me of Amélie – one of my favorite movies – and also one of my closest friends got engaged there!

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

I’m partial to the St. Germain des Prés area, where my Aunt and Uncle live. It’s easy walking distance from the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, and Jardin du Luxembourg. Also within walking distance are all my Aunt’s favorite market vendors and favorite bakery, which she visits on a daily basis.

Photo credit: IntentionalTravelers.com

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

A visit to Paris doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive. You can take in so much without paying any admission fees. Just walk around the different neighborhoods and sights – there really is a lot to see on foot. If your time or budget limits you to one big museum visit, I would actually recommend Musée d’Orsay over the Louvre – for me it’s always been more interesting, easier to relate to, and less overwhelming.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Thank you so much Michelle and Jedd, keep on enjoying Paris!

Merci beaucoup :-)