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Do you ever visit a European city and glance at the locals with a pang of envy? In Paris, nothing will fade the romanticism you observe as a tourist. Parisians will forever carry freshly made baguettes in their bicycle wicker baskets, read books sat on the embankments of the river Seine and drink red wine into the early hours in petite cafes on street corners. Read on to discover a Parisian’s perspective on living in the City of Light…
A model agent and casting director in the past, Lisa Klein Michel followed her passion for photography ten years ago, becoming a full-time photographer in a bijou corner of Paris. Now, still living in Paris, she is the founder of Lucky Miam, an online space brimming with the most delectable gastronomic destinations in Paris and beyond.
Capturing the atmosphere of Paris’ hidden-gem restaurants, patisseries and cafes, Lucky Miam is a notable digital reference for seeking out the city’s authenticity. If you don’t enjoy being a tourist, Lisa’s recommendations are bound to make you feel like you belong in the French capital, rather than just visiting. Before leaving Paris for business last week, we talked to Lisa about her thoughts on her favourite time of year to walk around Paris, the hidden Eiffel tower apartment and her thoughts on why the city carries a unique charm…
What do you appreciate the most about living in Paris?
Why do I love my city? I have opportunities with my job to leave for others cities, and every time I come back, I fall in love again. Paris is beautiful and has its own light and energy.
It’s a small city where you can walk (most Parisians don’t have a car) from one district to another. The 20 districts that we call “arrondissements” are all so different.
I try, every week, for my website luckymiam.com to find restaurants and places with people who have a story to share all around Paris in connection with gastronomy – restaurants, pastries, shops, producers.
It’s always a pleasure and sometimes a surprise to discover the neighbourhood and to be fused within a city that is always in movement.
What makes Paris unique to other European cities?
Maybe the size, the historical elements – Paris is like a museum! Also, the possibility to have different journeys in the same day.
You can start your day in Montmartre, have a french pastry at Gilles Marchal pâtisserie and loose yourself in a pictorial Paris.
At midday, you can enjoy a lunch in a cosy, bijou place and then if you have the opportunity to have tea in a palace, do it! There is no such thing as a bad Parisian coffee shop either – they all have their certain charms, even if they are rather quirky.
There are so many walks and exhibitions to simply fall upon in Paris, so you will never feel hungry for things to do.
Where would you most like to live in Paris if money was no object?
I really enjoy moving apartments in Paris. Over the years I have lived in the Marais, in the 11th, 17th, 7th and 9th districts. I’m currently living in a sixth floor classic apartment between the 8th and 16th districts, in front of the Palais Galiera and the Palais de Tokyo. It’s a quiet area where nothing really happens except exhibition after exhibition. I feel lucky every day to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling and the beautiful sunsets from my window.
My dreamy place to live is the little secret apartment Gustav Eiffel owned at the fourth level of the Eiffel tower (285 meters high). That’s my idea of an apartment with a real view!
You can’t visit this place but you are able to have a peek through the window.
When is your favourite time of year living in Paris?
Spring, when the light at night is pink and when you can walk without any troubles.
And, of course, at Christmas. Not for the big illuminations but for the beauty and refinement that the hotels and other places display during this period – cosy, warm and classic.
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