University of Wisconsin–Madison

France: Samantha Engel (Top 10 Things to do in Paris)

There is so many things to do in Paris, France but if you were to visit Paris these ten things are what I recommend you see, try, and experience. The first thing you must do is go see the Eiffel Tower! This iconic monument of Paris not only is lit up at night, but at the beginning of each hour it sparkles for five minutes. Second, you must eat a traditional crepe. My personal favorite is a strawberry and Nutella sucre crepe from this crepe stand right by my classes. Third, you must dress like a Parisian. They are very stylish and won’t be seen in sweatpants out in public. To dress the part, I stick with jeans (with no holes) and a turtleneck. Fourth, you must go inside a boulangerie. They have the most gorgeous and tasty desserts, and you get to practice your French. Everything is also made fresh that day!

A plate with several, small pieces of a baguette next to a block of brie. There is a container of honey next to the plate.
Baguette, Brie, Honey, and Pastry

Fifth, my favorite meal here is a baguette topped with brie and honey. My friends and I have a baguette and brie night every Monday. Sixth, go up the Arc de Triomphe. It has an incredible view of the city, but you must walk up 284 steps to see it. Seventh, try out a cheese tasting. France has many cheeses to choose from and this helps you find your favorite cheese and what to pair it with. Eighth, taking the metro allows you to learn so much about Parisian customs. For example, no one really talks on the metro. Ninth, eat lunch in the Luxembourg gardens. They’re right by my classes and make a great place to soak up the Parisian air. Tenth, you must walk along the Seine River. You will come across many great monuments and restaurants.

 

Samantha stands underneath a yellow-orange tree surrounded by rows of pumpkins.

Samantha Engel

Hometown: West Allis, Wisconsin

Major: Legal Studies

Program: UW in Paris

I chose this program because I have studied the French language and culture for the past eight years. I decided that I wanted to further my knowledge of the language and culture in France while still earning credit for my major. This program allowed me to do that since the classes are in English. Now I get to go off on my own and experience a new culture and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience!