I’ll be leaving for my sabbatical soon and as I’m putting the final details together I’ve been dreaming about all the things I’d like to do or see while I’m living in France.
Of course the main reason I want to live in France is to completely connect with my inner-artist and finish writing my novel. But while in this amazing country, I don’t just want to sit in cafés, parks and my apartment to write; I want to live and experience the French culture as much as possible.
Since my book is set in 1889 Paris, I want to visit some of the locations where my story takes place – if they still exist that is. I want to see what my protagonist would see, walk along the paths he would walk, and to dine in the café he and his friends frequent while playing a part in my tale.
Furthermore, as I spend time exploring, I hope what I experience will help solidify some of the scenes I’ve been developing, which need a few final touches to bring them to life. And if I come across a historic location that is new to me, perhaps I’ll be inspired with some additional scenes that will enhance what I’ve already penned.
The first part of my Dream list will be focused on my writing, and as it might seem, eating… the latter portion speaks to some things I’ve just always wanted to do.
1. Have breakfast or lunch at Closerie des Lilas, then spend a morning or afternoon writing and people watching.
2. Dine at Le Procope, the oldest CAFE in Paris — est. 1686.
3. Have drinks at La Petite Chaise, the oldest “restaurant” that is still in the same building, founded in 1680.
4. Lunch at La Tour d’Argent, which is in fact older than La Petite Chaise, as it was founded in 1582, however, it is not in the original building.
5. Have a picnic dinner on the Champs de Mars, under the stars and in the glow of the Eifel Tower.
6. Spend a Sunday writing, dining, drinking and dancing in the open air along the river at La Guinguette de L’Île du Martin-Pêcheur.
7. Purchase some farm fresh delights at an open air market, spread out a blanket and have a picnic in a park. Then spend rest of the afternoon writing outdoors.
8. Visit Moret-sur-Loing then take a 3-hour cruise along the Seine beside the Forest of Fountainebleau.
9. Attend a play, opera or other theatrical production in French.
10. Visit an artist studio on the top floor of an eighteenth or nineteenth century building.
11. Attend a cabaret at Le Lapin Agile.
12. Go horseback riding in Provence.
13. Sketch or paint a picture.
14. Write a short story.
15. Play a game of Petanque with some locals.
16. Sing a French song at a Karaoke Bar in France.
17. Have my hair cut and styled at French/Paris Salon — giving the stylists the choice for me new style!
18. Go sailing at sunset along the French Riviera.
19. Visit Mont Saint Michel in Normandy.
20. Drink Champagne in Champagne and tour a Champagne making Estate and vineyard.
21. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
22. Take a ride in a hot air balloon.
23. Finish my novel.
The France Project 