Monday 3/9/26

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Monday was our first full day in Paris, France. Despite running on very little sleep after traveling, everyone was excited to begin exploring the city. It ended up being a terrific first day and the perfect introduction to Paris.

We began our morning by taking the metro into the city to meet our wonderful tour guide, Olivia. To welcome us, she greeted us with a classic French pastry: a chouquette. Light, airy, and sprinkled with pearl sugar, it was the perfect little treat to start the day.

Our first stop on the food tour was Maison Le Roux Chocolatier & Caramélier. Inside the shop were rows of beautifully crafted chocolates and caramels. We sampled several delicious treats, including pâtes de fruits, a soft, jelly-like fruit candy, and a variety of flavored caramels. Each one was unique and incredibly flavorful.

Next, we stepped into a local cheese shop filled with countless varieties of cheese. While we didn’t taste any at this stop, it was fascinating to see the wide selection and learn a bit more about French cheese culture.

We then visited a beautiful bread shop that immediately caught everyone’s attention. Fresh loaves lined the walls, and hanging above us was a spectacular chandelier made entirely out of bread. It was both creative and impressive, and it definitely made me excited for the food still to come

Our next stop was the famous Pierre Hermé, known for its incredible macarons. Macarons are delicate almond-based pastries that come in a wide variety of flavors. I chose the Ispahan macaron, which combines rose, lychee, and raspberry. The flavor combination was unique and absolutely delicious. Pierre Hermé also offers seasonal macaron flavors, which makes every visit a little different.

To end our food tour, we sat down together for a full meal where we were able to try a variety of French foods. We began by warming up with fresh bread and duck liver pâté, paired with white wine. For my entrée, I chose cod-stuffed red peppers with a creamy red pepper sauce. I can honestly say it was one of the best things I have ever eaten.
After that, we enjoyed a tasting of different meats, with my personal favorite being the chorizo, which paired perfectly with a glass of red wine. We also sampled several cheeses, and the goat cheese was definitely a standout. Finally, we ended the meal with dessert: a delicious cake from Pierre Hermé, bringing our food tour full circle.

Overall, it was an incredible first full day in Paris. Between the delicious food, the beautiful shops, and exploring the city with our group, it felt like the perfect start to our time here. I had a wonderful first day, and I think all of the students would agree!