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Richard Nahem – travel blogger

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with some great insight from Travel bloggers from around the world who fell in love with Paris. They will share their favorites addresses and things to do while in Paris. Because genuine advice and stories are so important to us, in addition to our born-and-raised Parisian tour stories, we now bring you real advice from fellow travelers.

Photo credit: Hallie Duesenberg

Bonjour Richard, can you tell us more about who you are?

My name is Richard Nahem and I was born and raised in New York City and lived there till I moved to Paris in 2005.

Why did you start writing ?

When I moved here in 2005, all my friends and family bombarded me with questions and suggestions for the newest hotels, restaurants, exhibitions, culture and performances in Paris. I got tired of having to answer each person individually and thought a blog about insider places and things in Paris would be more efficient.

It was also the early days of blogging and I was one of the first U.S. ex-pats to have an English language blog.

Photo credit: www.richardnahemphotography.com

Why did you start traveling?

I’ve always loved to travel, ever since my parents took me on a cruise when I was 10 years old.

I especially enjoy traveling now because I love to share my travel experiences and photos on my blog. The great thing about living in Paris is everything in Europe is so close, not more than 4 or 5 hours anywhere by train or plane.

I’ve been to so many incredible places since I moved here including Israel, Prague, Venice, Corsica, Lisbon, Seville, Marrakech, Bruges, Amsterdam, Sicily and all over France.

What’s special about your blog?

Photo credit: www.richardnahemphotography.com

I think I write about very particular and special things most blogs don’t cover, especially in depth museum exhibits, interviews, and also quirky features such as The Door of the Month, where I feature a beautiful door and the history of the building it’s in.

I also take unusual photos that you don’t see in other places.

Photo credit: www.richardnahemphotography.com

What would be your top 3 things to do in Paris?

Such a difficult question. Place des Vosges, Versailles, and any of the great food markets, such as Marché d’Aligre.

Your Top 3 good addresses in Paris?

For shopping & a great food department, Le Bon Marché, a performance at the Opéra Garnier, and my favorite museum, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the museum of design and decoration.

Photo credit: www.richardnahemphotography.com

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

The Palais Royal and the gardens. It’s one of the places I feel happiest in.

Photo credit: www.richardnahemphotography.com

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

I live in the Marais and it’s still my favorite neighborhood. The Marais has it all- fascinating history, beautiful architecture with 17th century former palaces everywhere, good shopping, great food and food shops and some lovely parks and squares including the Place des Vosges.

Could you give us your recommendation to first timers in Paris?

Give yourself at least 5-7 days if you can. I know so many people who try to do everything in 3 or 4 days and they rush around trying to see everything, and end up worn out and exhausted.

If you are coming in the nice weather months, May to October, I recommend doing as many outdoor activities as possible, such as the Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, gardens at Versailles, walking along the Seine, sitting at outdoor cafés and just walking the streets and admiring the beauty.

If you want to go to museums, go late in the day or in the evenings (most museums open late one night a week). The Rodin Museum is mostly outdoors in a beautiful garden.

As far as tourist attractions vs. non tourist attractions, I recommend a combination of both but don’t make yourself crazy if there’s something you don’t get to- the Louvre will always be here.

Also, don’t cram 10 activities into one day. Remember, it’s a vacation, not a marathon to see every tourist attraction.

Photo credit: www.richardnahemphotography.com

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Thank you so much Richard, keep on enjoying Paris!

Merci beaucoup :-)