Submitted by Julia Scott the 2024 Spring program in Paris, France…
If you tell a French person you’re American, they will ask the same question: “Is Paris like New York City?” Lucky for them, I’m only two hours away and have visited many times so I can reply to them, “Yes. And what an oddly specific question!” The comparisons lie in the crowded, cultured, and diverse nature of the cities. Both are concrete jungles, and as someone who is a fan of a little more nature I talked my friends into taking the RER out of the city to a town called Moret-sur-Loing for a taste of the medieval countryside experience. A quieter, slower-paced town on the Seine with well-preserved structures from a time you don’t get to see much as an American. This outing has been one of my favorites and I can’t suggest it enough; I think the highlights for me are the medieval church as well as the walk you can take to get a closer look at the rushing water that once powered a mill. This trip has two parts, though: Moret-sur-Loing, and Fontainebleau. If you are a fan of grandeur, and if you want a less crowded Versailles experience, I think you would find the Fontainebleau estate to scratch that itch. In between Paris and Moret-sur-Loing, it was a simple RER-bus-short walk away and the gardens were the perfect spot for the picnic we packed. Something I appreciate being here is there are trash cans everywhere, and oftentimes cans that separate food/trash waste and recycling – I can vouch for France’s sustainability efforts. Also a fun thing to check out: there is an excellent photo booth in Fontainebleau near the bathrooms, and if you can get over the ten euro price tag I got the best picture of me that has ever been taken. It is a very flattering headshot, and I think it can make anyone look good. (Submitted on February 27, 2024)