Posted: 05/20/19 | May 20th, 2019
It feels like only days ago I came to Paris — and now it’s the middle of May.
And, with more time behind me than ahead of me (I leave June 19), as I look back on my time here, I can’t say I’ve seen as much of Paris as I intended.
I haven’t visited one new attraction. Or taken one day trip out of the city. Or gone to another region of the country. Or even the outlying neighborhoods of the city, really. Nothing.
I have taken five walking tours (so I did something).
But that’s it.
That’s the extent of my explorations of Paris.
But, as I mull that over, I realize I don’t really care about that stat.
Because I’ve done what I came to Paris to do: create a quiet life.
My time here so far has been characterized more by writing, sleeping, and, overall, just generally “chilling.”
I’ve made a few friends — and, thanks to said new friends, exponentially increased the number of favorite restaurants and bars on my Google map. (So, I guess, if I have done a lot of anything, it’s eating and drinking.)
Every place, every moment has a lesson in it. Every place is perfect for certain times in your life. Thailand was the place I need to explore my independent self. New York City was what I needed when I transitioned from nomad to non-nomad. They were the perfect bridges to a new phase of life.
Paris is my bridge to a quieter life.
But, more than that, Paris has taught me something about myself I didn’t fully realize until now:
I’m the most motivated when I feel I have limited time.
I came to Paris guns blazing, with a grand vision that I’d have all this time to explore. I was going to do so much.
But three-hour lunches take up a lot of your day. So does work. So does dinner with friends. So do a plethora of visits from other friends.
When you live somewhere (instead of just visiting), there’s always tomorrow. When I feel like there’s a tomorrow, I’m less inclined to leave my comfort zone. I work, read, sleep, and eat.
So I always put everything off. I wanted to work anyways. I was in no rush.
But eventually, you run out of tomorrows.
Suddenly, you wake up and months have passed and you marvel at how quickly time went by.
Now, the clock is ticking down rapidly and I’m ready to kick things into high gear.
With only about six weeks in Europe left (and only half of them in Paris), I’ve begun to book more walking tours, museum visits, and cooking classes, plus trips to Bordeaux and Normandy. (Booking all this in advance ensures I won’t find a work reason to skip it!)
Looking back, I don’t think I’d change a thing, though. I needed some R&R. Not only from travel but from life. I needed time to get my head right again. To wind down projects, relax, and get some motivation back. I needed to take a step back and hit the reset button.
I’m heading to Normandy next week. After that, I’m off to Italy. Then it’s my birthday.
Then it’s home.
For now, at least.
After that, who knows?
If Paris reminded me of anything, it’s that I need to stop planning and accept that when I do make plans, I’m likely to just do the opposite.
I just need to see where the day takes me.
Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!
For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!
Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here for my favorite hostels in Paris. And if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
If you want a bike tour, use Fat Tire Tours. They have the best and most affordable bike tours in the city.
Want More Information on Paris?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Paris for even more planning tips!
Samantha
My (non-spice and non-sauce eating ?) French husband makes crepes every Sunday morning, so feel free to send me an email if you want to join us one weekend before you leave Paris. Also, as a side note, your Jordan trip is exactly one year to the date from my own, so it’s giving me serious travel nostalgia!
Dan
So true, thats why I like it when friends visit me in Austin, it forces me to plan fun things to do. I also like the idea of creating “bucket lists” of things you want to do in a short period of time, like an Austin Summer 2019 bucket list.
Sandra
I’m happy you are listening to what your mind, body and spirit are telling you! So many times we just push through with dull senses.
Be sure to see Mont Saint Michael while up in Normandy! It’s simply breathtaking. Stay the night inside the walls as it’s a different place after the tour busses leave!
Happy Travels Matt!
Sandi
Candice Walsh
I felt completely the same way when I moved to Berlin. SUCH a different experience than just visiting. The last few weeks of living there were jam-packed with doing all the things I didn’t get around to doing, though. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happens to you.
Carolyn
Paris is such a great city to work and do not much in. The French know how to do things for joy or pleasure, and not out of obligation and that’s something from the city I definitely take elsewhere with me!
Enjoy the last few weeks. Also PLEASE got to Holybelly for a 3 hour lunch. Get the pancakes with eggs and bourbon butter. Thank me later.
Caleb
Hi Matt, I’m sure you’re busy as ever, but I’m Caleb, an aspiring travel writer who’s been following your page for quite a long time now. You’re one of the primary reasons I had the courage to start my new travel page on Instagram. I’ll be in Paris from Friday-Tuesday with my family, and I would love to connect with you and buy you a coffee (or something) to chat about travel blogging for half an hour. I figure it’s a long shot, but I’m becoming very passionate about travel blogging and thought it was worth taking the chance and asking! Feel free to email me at the address listed below if you’re interested.
NomadicMatt
I’m not in Paris at the moment! Sorry! 🙁
John Smith
Really Paris is a great city to work and live. Last year i also travelled to Paris with my family. It was really a great experience. Your blog made me remind that time.
Zhanna
It’s a great summary of your time in Paris, Matt. I like that you don’t regret any day of your quieter life here. However, you made a good point that you always think that you have tomorrow. And tomorrow you think about another tomorrow. It’s interesting how you loose this concept as soon as the time becomes an issue.
NomadicMatt
Thanks!
Rafael
Hey Matt,
Thank you for sharing your experience of Paris with us.
Regarding what you commented in the post, I believe that we are all moved by the “despair of the end”. We begin to value things when we are losing.
I do this a lot in my life, in basically all areas.
Enjoy a lot.
Aaron Salyer
Ha, nothing like running out time to give you a little push.
Think people are always underestimating the importance of time running out.
We’ve changed our travel style over the last few years to stay longer at places.
We constantly want more time! Now we aim to stay at a place for about 3 months at a time to really get the feel for it. While we’ve been focusing on tropical islands, Paris is one place we’d love to post up for a few months too.
Thanks for sharing!
Safe travels
Mol
Hey Matt!
Love your honest take on things and of course the broke way of travelling 🙂
very curious – why haven’t you been to India though you been full time Nomad since 10+ years!!
Per Christiansen
Hi, Matt
Don’t miss the The Bayeux Tapestry when in Normandy.
I am of Viking ancestry and the Tapestry is a beautiful history of the Vikings in Normandy.
Have Fun
susan henrys
Hi Matt
We are heading over in 4 weeks (with 11 year old son) what are the two best things to do and the two best restaurants to eat at as we only have 3 days and are staying 10 minutes walk to Notre Dame (I have bought your guide to Paris but just wanted a quick update in case it is different!)
Thanks
Susan (Tasmania)
Pauline
Hahaha, love the “3-hour lunch take up a lot of my time”. Yeah, we love our meals! There is nothing more important than food in France.
Glad you enjoyed Paris and it helped you to step back a bit and relax. We all need this at some point