Researching 19th century Paris is my primary purpose for the next three weeks – more specifically, the early 1870s. I’ve prepared myself with a list of museums, monuments, sites, streets and parks to explore in order to engage the senses and imagination. My lovely husband booked us into an AirBNB apartment in the 17th arrondissement and we arrived yesterday, somewhat bleary-eyed from our transatlantic flight.
After settling in, a stroll through the neighbourhood revealed many nearby shops and restaurants – clearly food and wine will not be a problem! Late April is still chilly so warm clothes and coat are required along with the de rigeur scarf – more a fashion statement than an element of warmth, especially for women.
Two more photos from yesterday: massive doors of the apartment building, shrimp with black rice risotto.
9 Responses
How wonderful, a real research trip! Do you need to know French to research? And how are you going to use the research?
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Hi Lynne .. I have some high school French which has already been useful, however, many people in restaurants and museums speak a little English (or at least someone on staff does). Research is for my next novel – about two women in 1870s Paris and how their lives interconnect and their relationship grows. A unique time that included war (with Prussia), a siege (the Prussians surrounded Paris and many Parisians starved) and a mini-revolution called the Paris Commune (a nasty affair with much loss of life). That’s the starting point for the story. Should be an interesting project!
I’m writing a novel with a setting in Southern France and Paris set in 1588-1605, before main character sails to Canada
That will be a very different era, Paul. I’m sure you have lots of research sources!
On-site research is one of the great opportunities for writers. The local sites, the food, the weather. It all comes into play. It occurs to me I need to stop writing about Iowa just to get in more international travel. 😉 Have fun.
I definitely recommend it, Carol. Let me know what destination you choose – perhaps we can visit the same place and meet up!!
I’m looking forward to learning more about how you research on your trip. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ll have to put a post together on that topic. Great suggestion, Gale.
How wonderful to be researching in Paris!