Valerie Stimac – 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 Valerie, can you tell us more about who you are?

Bonjour! I am a Seattle-based travel blogger and writer – and I just celebrated my 30th birthday! I’m originally from Maryland, grew up in Alaska, and have lived everywhere from Iowa to London. I started traveling extensively in 2011, and I haven’t stopped since! I spent most of 2016 living ‘on the road’ throughout the US and Europe.

V at Notre Dame

Why did you start writing Valerie & Valise?

I had just moved back from a year living in London, and wanted to start a travel magazine. I originally called it Valise Magazine, hence my domain (valisemag.com) and retaining the “valise” in the name when I switched it to a personal travel blog format.

Why did you start traveling?

I have always been an insatiable seeker of new experiences; I traveled a lot as a kid! In 2011, I took my first international trip to London, a destination I had always wanted to visit. From then, I was hooked on continuing to travel, while mixing in regular trips to London, my favorite city. (I know, it’s blasphemy to say so on a blog about Paris!)

What’s special about your blog?

My blog is – and probably always will be – a passion project. I try to make it appealing to Google and Pinterest followers, but at the end of the day, I am going to share the stories of my travels as I experienced them, and as I want to tell them. It’s a very authentic blog, in my opinion!

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

In Paris, I love to rise early and go for a run up the hill at Sacré-Cœur. In the early light, Paris is quiet and fresh and ready for the new day ahead – and that’s a brilliant view of the city. I love to visit the Paris Catacombs. I’ve been there two of the three times I’ve visited Paris. I also love to walk along the Seine and admire the views and people.

V at Arc de Triomphe

Your Top 3 good addresses in Paris?

  • Église Saint-Sulpice – 2 Rue Palatine – I love to go stand along the Rose Line and consider how central Paris has been to the history of Europe.
  • Paris New York – 50 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis – If you’re looking for a delicious American style burger (which, let’s be honest, you may crave after a few days of Parisian “hospitality”), this is the place.
  • Cimetière de Passy – 2 Rue du Commandant Schloesing – It’s hard to believe there’s a quiet, peaceful spot so close to the Eiffel Tower, but this is it. Also, how wonderful of an eternal resting spot would this be?

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

Do the Paris Catacombs count? They’re underground, but it’s a sight I consider truly unique (and very impressive!) in Paris.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

The 10th Arrondissement. It’s rough and dodgy and not very clean, but it feels like a place where Parisians still live in the heart of Paris. I always try and stay there when I look for accommodation in Paris.

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

Rise early every day! Get to sights and attractions early, to save time waiting in line! Paris is impossible to absorb in a single visit, so don’t trust your first impressions. I hated Paris after my first trip, but have been back twice and enjoy it more each time I go and explore new parts of the city (or visit favorite haunts).

Thank you so much Valerie, keep on enjoying Paris!

Merci beaucoup :-)

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

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Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.