Away from the Eiffel…

Everyone knows Paris—but who really knows Paris? I've now been living in the city for nearly four whole months, and I continue to make many new discoveries every day, just as I did in my first weeks here. Locals too often say that years in Paris do not give sufficient time to know it all. When it takes nearly a week to peruse the entirety of the Louvre's contents, how could you ever hope to know a city so vast? Paris' vastness is what makes it so special though. For each of us, Paris is something different. Our eyes are drawn to different things, and we all discover our own hidden treasures. These places are mine—and maybe some of them will become yours too.

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Centre Pompidou. Centre Pompidou has it all: a public library, both temporary and permanent art exhibitions, revolutionary architecture, a magnificent view of the city, a grand terrace for sunbathing and picnicking, and some of Pompidou's greatest treasures aren't affiliated with the museum/library itself either! I'd argue that the red tent to the right of the terrace has the best crêpes in all of Paris, and the flowers that proliferate all the neighboring streets throughout the springtime make it even more beautiful. Maybe best of all, Pompidou is only a few blocks away from the CEA Paris Center, which means it's centrally located and incredibly accessible.


Montmartre. Montmartre may be one of Paris' most notable regions, but its peaceful side streets are surprisingly undisturbed by throngs of tourists. Stop at Sacre-Coeur for the view, of course, but take the time to wander away from the basilica, past the artists' stands, and into the winding lanes and endless staircases. You're bound to find something beautiful.



Le Pop-Up du Label. Popup is a delightful restaurant in the 11e that serves as Paris' coziest little venue for the rising names of indie- and alt-pop. I attended two concerts here this winter—neo-rock princesses Pale Waves and heartache experts Aquilo—and have now made my way back for jazz & drinks on multiple subsequent occasions. Jazz is free every Tuesday night, the menu is creative and delicious, the space is beautiful and incredibly intimate, and there's a free photo booth in the back of the concert room to give you a tangible little memento of your visit.

Home. It really is true—there's no place like home. My apartment for the semester is tucked away on a small street at the edge of the 12e arr., and there is no setting in all of Paris that feels more instrumental to my semester abroad than these few neighboring blocks and my couch back home upon which I sit as I write these words.

 

Jared K. is the Spring 2018 CEA MOJO Photographer in Paris, France. He is currently a junior studying Management & Innovation and Global Studies at Champlain College.

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Jared Knepper is the Spring 2018 CEA MOJO Photographer in Paris, France, and is currently studying at Champlain College.