The Paris interview with Shaun Robertson

Shaun Robertson – 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 Shaun, can you tell us more about who you are?

Hi! Je m’appelle Shaun; lover of memorable experiences, great food, and overall awesome times. I am 36 year old and was born in the small northern Canadian city of Yellowknife.

Why did you start writing  thislifeintrips?

I started writing a blog over 10 years ago while on my first trip across Europe. It was an easy way for friends and family to keep tabs on me. I continued documenting my travels after that trip and in 2013 I shifted from a personal diary of sorts to a travel blog for all.

Why did you start traveling?

Before my first backpacking trip my life seemed vanilla and unfulfilled. I had successfully worked my way into a comfortable situation with a cushy well-paid job, yet I felt lost and poor. I knew that there had to be more to life than the car you drive or waiting out your days till you can collect a pension. Unhappy with what my life had become I put my career on hold and traveled for a year. During that time away, I found happiness and my true passion, good times and writing about them.

What’s special about your blog?

This Life in Trips is a collection of my travel experiences as well as a place to inspire and educate others who are looking to find more out of life and more out of travel. From budget backpacking to high end hotels, I cover it.

What Would Be Your Top 3 Things To Do When Travelling In European Cities?

My absolute favourite thing to do in Paris (or Madrid, Prague, or Barcelona) is, simply, to do as the locals do. I have killed many days sitting at street side cafes, drinking coffee or wine and enjoying my surroundings.

Beyond that I am a sucker for great architecture and Paris has this in spades. You can literally take a walk through history by enjoying Paris’s apartment buildings, churches, and museums. From middle age Gothic to Art Deco and Contemporary, you will find it on the streets of Paris.

Lastly, visit The Louvre. I have been there 3 times and have yet to cover it all.

What are your 3 favorite places in Paris?

• Boulevard Haussmann tops my list because of it’s classic Haussmann-style apartment buildings. Again, I love the architecture in Paris and this street has some of my favourite buildings in the city.
• Montmartre is great for its collection of artists, shops, and cafes. The view from the steps of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is not to be missed.
• Place du Trocadéro is a favourite stop of mine for its unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

Oddly, I have a thing for traffic circles and crosswalks. The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is the granddaddy of traffic circles with the most amazing monument in centre. Dedicated to those lost during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, the Arc de Triomphe is a Paris highlight and is the dizzying point where 12 avenues meet.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

I would have to say Montmartre for its high concentration of unique shops, cafes, museums, and galleries. Be sure to stop in at Boulangerie Raphaëlle which constantly ranks as one of the best places to get a baguette in Paris!

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

As mentioned above, do as Parisians do. Eat, drink, and enjoy the company that surrounds you. C’est la vie!

Thank you so much Shaun, keep on enjoying Paris!

Merci beaucoup :-)