The Paris interview with Molly Wilkinson

Molly Wilkinson – 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.

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

Hi! My name is Molly Wilkinson, I’m the big-3-0, and I’m originally from Dallas Texas. I moved to Paris in 2013 to pursue a huge passion of mine: baking! I had one of the best years of my life here attending the Cordon Bleu and earning my certification in patisserie. I went home for a bit after my studies but couldn’t stay away. Currently, I’m living in Paris, eating as many pastries as possible, and teaching private cooking classes.

Photo credit: Leah Chernick

Why did you start writing toffeebitsandchocolatechips?

I started my blog years ago! I was just out of college and wanted a way to put down my favorite recipes and memories. Over the past few years it has evolved to be more about living as an expat, travels, and still, of course, includes lots of recipes.

Why did you start traveling?

Traveling is an adventure and a way to discover the world! It opens your eyes to different cultures, which I think is so important.

What’s special about your blog?

I joke that my blog is my ramblings about different happenings in my life. I love taking pictures and then sharing those along with my experiences. It’s a great place to find tips about traveling to Paris or making the move yourself.

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

• You’ll hear this one a lot but get lost! Wandering about is the best way to see Paris.
• Stop for a picnic at the Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel, or along the quai on the Ile de la Cité. There’s a garden at the tip top of the island (Pont Neuf) and it’s a great place to sit along the Seine and take in the sunset.
• Do as the French do and as soon as you buy a baguette (preferably warm from the oven) tear off the end and eat it!

Your Top 3 good addresses in Paris?

• Visit E.Dehillerin an incredible cooking store that’s been around since 1820. Every inch of the store is lined with copper pots, whisks, and anything you could ever want in your kitchen. It’s dangerous.
• Just down the street from E. Dehillerin is Fou de Pâtisserie. This is a new concept in Paris and is neat because it has pastries from lots of different chefs in the city – so you get a selection of dessert to try without trekking to all the different patisseries.
• Go to Le Mini Palais, inside the Grand Palais and have a drink on the terrace. It’s utterly gorgeous, luxurious – and so Parisian.

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

The Jardin Palais Royal. It’s a bit hidden behind the Louvre and is part modern with black and white columns, and part traditional French. Grab a coffee at Kitsune, or a glass of rosé on one of the terraces at one of the gorgeous restaurants in the corners.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

I’ve moved more than 4 times and experienced several different neighborhoods. I love the 6th and 7th for its typical Parisian-ness, the 10th for the fun restaurants and vibe, and I love my neighborhood in the 2nd around Rue Montorgueil.

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

Don’t get too caught up in trying to see everything there is to see. Allow at least 7 days to experience the city. Make a list of the top 5 things you want to visit and then play it by ear around that! Oh, and going to the bakery with the longest line around 5 pm is usually a sure bet.

Thank you so much, Molly, keep on enjoying Paris!

Merci beaucoup :-)