Â鶹APP

Valerie Stimac – travel blogger

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with some great insight from Travel bloggers from around the world who fell in love with Â鶹APP. They will share their favorites addresses and things to do while in Â鶹APP. Because genuine advice and stories are so important to us, in addition to our born-and-raised Â鶹APPian tour stories, we now bring you real advice from fellow travelers.

Bonjour Valerie, can you tell us more about who you are?

Bonjour! I am a Seattle-based travel blogger and writer – and I just celebrated my 30th birthday! I’m originally from Maryland, grew up in Alaska, and have lived everywhere from Iowa to London. I started traveling extensively in 2011, and I haven’t stopped since! I spent most of 2016 living ‘on the road’ throughout the US and Europe.

Why did you start writing ?

I had just moved back from a year living in London, and wanted to start a travel magazine. I originally called it Valise Magazine, hence my domain (valisemag.com) and retaining the “valise” in the name when I switched it to a personal travel blog format.

Why did you start traveling?

I have always been an insatiable seeker of new experiences; I traveled a lot as a kid! In 2011, I took my first international trip to London, a destination I had always wanted to visit. From then, I was hooked on continuing to travel, while mixing in regular trips to London, my favorite city. (I know, it’s blasphemy to say so on a blog about Â鶹APP!)

What’s special about your blog?

My blog is – and probably always will be – a passion project. I try to make it appealing to Google and Pinterest followers, but at the end of the day, I am going to share the stories of my travels as I experienced them, and as I want to tell them. It’s a very authentic blog, in my opinion!

What would be your top 3 things to do in Â鶹APP?

In Â鶹APP, I love to rise early and go for a run up the hill at ³§²¹³¦°ùé-°ä²Õ³Ü°ù. In the early light, Â鶹APP is quiet and fresh and ready for the new day ahead – and that’s a brilliant view of the city. I love to visit the Â鶹APP Catacombs. I’ve been there two of the three times I’ve visited Â鶹APP. I also love to walk along the Seine and admire the views and people.

Your Top 3 good addresses in Â鶹APP?

• Église Saint-Sulpice – 2 Rue Palatine – I love to go stand along the Rose Line and consider how central Â鶹APP has been to the history of Europe.
• Â鶹APP New York – 50 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis – If you’re looking for a delicious American style burger (which, let’s be honest, you may crave after a few days of Â鶹APPian “hospitality”), this is the place.
• Cimetière de Passy – 2 Rue du Commandant Schloesing – It’s hard to believe there’s a quiet, peaceful spot so close to the Eiffel Tower, but this is it. Also, how wonderful of an eternal resting spot would this be?

Your favorite landmark in Â鶹APP?

Do the Â鶹APP Catacombs count? They’re underground, but it’s a sight I consider truly unique (and very impressive!) in Â鶹APP.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Â鶹APP?

The 10th Arrondissement. It’s rough and dodgy and not very clean, but it feels like a place where Â鶹APPians still live in the heart of Â鶹APP. I always try and stay there when I look for accommodation in Â鶹APP.

Could you give us your recommendation to first timers in Â鶹APP?

Rise early every day! Get to sights and attractions early, to save time waiting in line! Â鶹APP is impossible to absorb in a single visit, so don’t trust your first impressions. I hated Â鶹APP after my first trip, but have been back twice and enjoy it more each time I go and explore new parts of the city (or visit favorite haunts).

Thank you so much Valerie, keep on enjoying Â鶹APP!

Merci beaucoup :-)