Experiencing Paris as a local in a weekend.

When in Paris, you join the Parisians as they queue at the local boulangerie for a baguette, in a city where baking is serious business and the bakers considered artists; here your opinion on the best croissant might get you in trouble with the very particular locals.

You nibble on the crusty exterior of your baguette as you sip on espresso, appreciating the distinctive juliet balconies, at one of the many terraced cafés with their rattan chairs - an import from the French's Asian colonial past.

Try the pastries at one of the many boutique patisseries across paris.

Pierre Herme are brilliant, definitely upscale, but worth experiencing when in Paris.

Indulge in one of their many outlets around the city -

https://www.google.com/maps?q=pierre+herm%C3%A9+paris&rlz=1C5CHFA_enIE867&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjfrvPekNDlAhVgShUIHbx3AekQ_AUIEygC

You carry the unwieldy bread under your arm, a scene far too common, and characteristically French, as you navigate through one of the many farmers markets, curiously exploring the meats and roti poulet at the charcuterie, the cheeses at the fromagerie, the incredible variety of fruits and vegetables, the poisson on offer, the middle Eastern food, including tagines, falafels and hummus- influences from France's ex African protectorate and empire.

You notice the many dogs, of course, the majority seem of a miniature variety - probably they fit in with Paris' chic style, or because they travel easily, unquestioned, in the Métro.

Don’t miss the Steak and chips at the relatively high end Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, at one of their many outlets around the city - https://www.google.com/maps/search/Le+Relais+de+l’Entrecôte+paris/@48.8553385,2.3002962,14z/data=!3m1!4b1

You may have to stand in a line, but the secret green sauce is well worth it. The choice at the restaurant is Steak or Steak, served by aproned waitresses, so characteristically French.

You reminisce of the weekend that was, at an overcrowded terminal, biding time, for your Ryan Air flight is delayed for more than the total flight time, as the Monday blues slowly settle in. #traveldeeper #keepexploring #weekendgetaways #paris #airports #travelphotography #travelwriting