Dear readers, today I’d like to inspire you with the wonderful universe that is Paris. After getting you excited with some juicy photography by Leela Cyd yesterday I’d like to introduce you to Anne Ditmeyer, the author of Pret A Voyager, contributing editor for Design*Sponge and the ultimate source for everything you need to know about Paris and France.
Anne loves to travel and is a swiss-army knife of a talent. She writes, blogs, designs, teaches, consults and gives guided tours around Paris. She started her blog on Bastille Day in 2007 as a creative outlet to explore the intersection of travel and design and you can read about her experiences from the mundane to the quirky, sometimes even extravagant.
As an American in Paris she has explored every corner of this city and I love the fact that she gives guided tours with a difference. If you’re a bit of a film buff you’ll be excited to hear that there’s an Amelie tour which explores key sites of the movie with lots of discussion of the film’s stylistic means. If you ask nicely Anne will even bring her gnome along. I’m sure to book a Design Tour with her next time I visit the city of love.
Her site is extensive but with Anne’s help I’ve picked some favourites for you below. Happy exploring and don’t forget to write me a postcard!
From frugal to fancy, a list of favourite places to sleep, all with great personality and a sense of style.
TIP: Anne recommends to rent an apartment to get a real sense of the city and to get to know the neighbourhood as well as how other nationalities live. I’ve done this myself and couldn’t agree more!
This is a budget friendly guide to Anne’s favourite places in Paris, handily divided by arrondissement. From sights, museums and gardens to markets, bakeries, shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.
TIP: Picnic on the Champs de Mars when the Eiffel Tower twinkles every hour at night.
With the help of some friends Anne has compiled a comprehensive guide to having a great time on a budget. Be it for city dwellers or visitors.
TIP: Go to your local outdoor market rather than the grocery store for fresh produce. Not only is it better, but it’s also cheaper.There are tons of markets around the city, so go explore.
Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!
HUGE thanks to Anne for letting me share her fabulous work and I’ll see you in Paris. 😉
More information | Anne Stark Ditmeyer
Anne’s blog | Pret A Voyager
Featured photo | by Cartier Bresson