I'm leaving tomorrow for Paris in July.
I'll be gone all month.
I have a big adventure planned.
I shall be traveling primarily via books. As you can see from the stack of Paris books currently on top of my desk, I don't need to look for more books outside of what I have on hand, but, honestly, who can resist requesting a shiny stack of new books for the trip? Some of the books I'm looking forward to reading are Quiet Corners of Paris; The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris (sequel to Chocolat); French Bistro by Bertrand Auboyneau and Francois Simon; Long Ago in France by M.F.K. Fisher; A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens; Paris is Always a Good Idea; and Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop. I also have some browsable books like Paris in Color and Everyone Loves Paris. And I have two children's books in French that I am hoping to read.
I have found a dozen movies I may watch in July. Most are from Roger Ebert's list of 25 Great French Films, including Le Belle Noiseuse; Man on the Train; Blue; Rules of the Game; and Jules and Jim. I'm also planning to view An American in Paris again.
I hope to cook a few French dishes. I've bookmarked Soupe au pistou (a vegetable soup); Madeleines à la crème citron; Rum babas (rum-soaked cake); and Tarte tatin (apple tart). I'm thinking about making Sablés au citron again, by request.
I may also take some (virtual) walking tours and listen to some French music and practice my French.
Are you planning to join in for Paris in July? Any suggestions for me?
I was so excited when I read the first sentence and then I just deflated! Well we will get there someday I am sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm honestly as excited about going as if I were about to board a plane for France.
DeleteI was quite excited for you when I read the first line, but then went ohhhh. But as I read on, I thought this was an awesome idea. one of my favourite books set in Paris is by Nina George, The Little French Bistro, but I'm sure you have a lot to read already. Enjoy your trip, Deb.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about this event. I have two posts in the can and like you, probably do a madeleine post (we can compare recipes!). I've a few more books on my list but I'm not sure I can read fast enough to post them in July!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a Bistro cookbook written by an owner of a classic Paris bistro. Your whole list sounds like a great choice. I really ought to watch some French movies, and I appreciate your pointing out the list.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I am not doing Paris in July, but I love doing it vicariously through your blog!
ReplyDeleteOh my this does sound fun, a virtual/book/movie/food tour of Paris!! I'll defiantly be following along with your posts.
ReplyDeleteI am not joining the fun but I will thoroughly enjoy your posts about it. It sounds delightful!
ReplyDeleteI am glad for you that you travel through books ! Paris is not at all what it used to be the last century, it's dirty and crowded and people are not at all friendly (even the Frenchs don't like people from Paris ! It's the last city I would go now ! But old Paris in books are nice, it's a pity that it is not so anymore.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip, there's lots to see.
ReplyDeleteTraveling to Paris in real life or via books is always a good idea. I hope you have a fabulous month of good books, movies and yummy food. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fun thing to do. I hope the books are good and the food is tasty.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to spend the month in Paris even in only in books and movies. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'll enjoy through reading your posts. This is such a great idea, combining books, movies, food and language. (I don't speak any French, my husband speaks a little). One of my cousins has been to Paris several times. I've never been off the North American continent. I may as well start some virtual traveling.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your virtual trip! I loved The Lollipop Shoes (also known as The Girl With No Shadow) and have a feeling you will, as well.
ReplyDeleteAu revoir! Have a great trip to France in books!
ReplyDeleteHow fun!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your big adventure via books.
Wow! I love how well you have planned for this. Now that's how you should commit to an event/challenge. Love, love it! And I'll be following your updates!
ReplyDeleteMind blowing post
ReplyDeleteII have been looking forward to this! I have something to help you celebrate. I'll bring it to you this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love it
ReplyDeleteParis will be fun this year! I'll be reading and cooking, too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fabulous idea! I hope that you thoroughly enjoy the journey.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great time :)
ReplyDeleteI have a few of those on my reading list as well. We can visit Paris together :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite set in Paris movies are Nonithcka with Greta Garbo and Gigi. I have seen American in Paris twuce and lime it a lot. Looking forward to follow your travels
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting road trip to Paris
ReplyDeleteYou are set for Paris! I can't wait to hear all about your reading/cooking adventures!
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