Last Updated:

by

Emily Dilling

Contribute stories about living in Paris and photos like this picture of a man cycling through the sunny streets of Paris lined by Haussmann buildings and trees, in summer.Andreas Selter

In my early days of living in Paris fitting in was a struggle. The city and my new French friends seemed like a puzzle to be solved as I stumbled through the steps of navigating Parisian soirées and metro lines. With limited control of the language and no experience living abroad, I depended on my love of all things French to get me through awkward moments and bouts of homesickness.

Tell us your story about what it's like living in Paris, or send us your images, like of this girl studying on the balcony of a Paris apartment (left) or of this cupboard filled with notebooks of Paris stories (right).Kinga Cichewicz/Simson Petrol

I quickly learned that a camera and a notebook were this introverted expat’s best friends. It’s easy to get smiles from even the most blasé Parisians while out and about if you simply point a camera at them, no language necessary (though it is polite to ask before taking photos of people!)- just point and click at a party or café and you’ve made contact.

Send us your stories and photographs about what it's like to live in Paris, like this young man in a white shirt with his camera around his neck.Unsplash

Framing the city through a camera lens also brings it to life in a new way, with a photographer’s eye you see details and discover parts of the city that you may have left unexplored otherwise.

Tell us about living in Paris and your favorite places to go in Paris, like this blonde girl who loves to skateboard along the River Seine at sunset.Mr. Wong/Tell us about your Paris stories and your favorite spots like the Merci café lined with books.Hannah Olinger/Janko Ferlic

A piece of paper and a pen can also open doors. My all time favorite thing about being a writer is that researching an article or exploring a story brings me out of my shell and gives me an excuse to talk with people I would have been to shy to approach. Thanks to writing, I’ve met amazing and inspiring people in the Parisian food and drinks scene- people I wouldn’t have started a conversation with otherwise.

Share your images of living in Paris, like this girl with her camera, taking pictures of her Paris life.Wes Powers

Whenever new arrivals in Paris talk to me about their struggle in adapting to their new home, I suggest they document their experiences as a testament to the life changing experience they have undertaken. Writing and photography are such easy and fun ways to do this, especially since we know all carry a phone that is also a camera and notebook in one!

Write in to tell us about what living in Paris is like for you, like this young man, typing his story on a typewriter while drinking an espresso.Rawpixel

Even if you’re not an introvert, or if you’ve been in Paris for years, you may be looking for a new way to see the city. If you’re interested in rekindling your love of writing or taking your photography hobby to the next level, we want to hear from you!

Tell us what your favorite things to do in Paris are, like this blonde girl who loves to walk along the River Seine and its many bridges.Jay Dantinne

At HiP Paris we love to hear the stories of our adventurous readers and curious expats (as well as natives and experienced world travelers, too). Whether you’ve been in Paris for two weeks or ten years, your point of view is important to us, especially if it takes us off the beaten path and into new territory!

We want to know what your favorite places to explore in Paris are, like this girl, who loves to visit Paris' covered passageways.Etienne Boulanger

Are you an amateur photographer or budding freelance writer? Or an experienced Parisian ambassador looking to reach a new audience? We are currently looking for original contributions and unique pitches from skilled writers and photographers looking for assignments that will whisk them around our beautiful city. If this sounds like you please send us an email info@hipparis.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Send us your Paris stories and photos, like this couple in crowd, taking pictures.Clem Onojeghuo

Related links:

WRITTEN BY

Emily Dilling

Emily Dilling is a France based writer and author of My Paris Market Cookbook: A Culinary Tour of French Flavors and Seasonal Recipes. In 2005 Emily moved to Paris from her native California and began exploring the cities markets, restaurants, and cafés. In 2010 she founded the blog Paris Paysanne, where she writes about her favorite addresses and artisans in the city. Emily currently lives in the Loir-et-Cher region of France, where she writes and works in the grapevines.

RELATED ARTICLES

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *