Luxury Marketing: Paris, France
"Travel broadens our perspectives. Suddenly, the palette with which we paint the story of our lives has more colors."
While studying abroad in Paris, France during spring break 2019, I had the opportunity to continue my food allergy travel blog, A Traveling 'Nut'Mare. I detailed my experiences, my trials and triumphs, and my best memories from the exciting seven days abroad. My biggest hurdle in France was handling my dietary restrictions during all meals. A country that is known for its fresh croissants and bakery items is difficult when you have a nut allergy! I was so grateful for all of the people I met at cafes, street vendors, and restaurants. Each night when I went to dinner, the wait staff was accommodating and friendly to meet my needs. I am forever grateful to good people in this world.
To showcase my experience, I am providing my blog posts below. Enjoy!
(To see more of my blog, click here!)
To showcase my experience, I am providing my blog posts below. Enjoy!
(To see more of my blog, click here!)
Paris Day 1
Bonjour! I’m officially in Paris and having so much fun! I wanted to share just a few pictures of my first day. Bear with me, I’m writing on my phone while at breakfast! 🙂
On my first day, I visited and toured the Louvre before heading to Montmartre to watch the sunset from the Sacre Coeur (the Sacred Heart Basilica). I snagged a quick picture with Mona Lisa and of course the magnificent and famous museum building. We ended at a small restaurant where I ordered French onion soup, pizza and sorbet. Some may say “basic”, I would say safe. The wait staff didn’t speak English, so I was grateful for my professor who is from Paris!
Enjoy!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Bonjour! I’m officially in Paris and having so much fun! I wanted to share just a few pictures of my first day. Bear with me, I’m writing on my phone while at breakfast! 🙂
On my first day, I visited and toured the Louvre before heading to Montmartre to watch the sunset from the Sacre Coeur (the Sacred Heart Basilica). I snagged a quick picture with Mona Lisa and of course the magnificent and famous museum building. We ended at a small restaurant where I ordered French onion soup, pizza and sorbet. Some may say “basic”, I would say safe. The wait staff didn’t speak English, so I was grateful for my professor who is from Paris!
Enjoy!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Paris Day 2
Bonjour! To kick off our day, my group and I grabbed a quick breakfast at our hostel and had a bit of free time before catching the Metro to Versailles. A few of us decided to take a 45 minute walk up the canal right near our hostel to enjoy the Paris morning and stretch our legs! We had a surprise 2 minute hail storm in the middle of our walk! It happened a few times throughout the day and was so different from what we have in Cincinnati.
We headed out to our metro ride to Versailles. I loved getting to see the “suburbs” of France on our way! The Versailles palace was beautiful and majestic. It was similar to what I experienced in Vienna, Austria. I think it’s amazing to see how one country has such rich history and my country is still so young.
In the evening, we hurried to see the Notre Dame before it closed for the night. When we arrived, I realized that a mass held in French was happening and it was so beautiful. I was able to receive communion, too.
We ended the evening at the Eiffel Tower. My goal was to climb the 669 steps to the top, but they had closed at 6 in the evening. I was definitely bummed, but it was very cold so I know it worked out for the best! While the group went to the top, I enjoyed the peace and quiet under the center of the tower. I didn’t expect it to be so massive! FaceTiming with my family and boyfriend made the moment perfect!
For the next few days, I’m head to some classes and company visits!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Bonjour! To kick off our day, my group and I grabbed a quick breakfast at our hostel and had a bit of free time before catching the Metro to Versailles. A few of us decided to take a 45 minute walk up the canal right near our hostel to enjoy the Paris morning and stretch our legs! We had a surprise 2 minute hail storm in the middle of our walk! It happened a few times throughout the day and was so different from what we have in Cincinnati.
We headed out to our metro ride to Versailles. I loved getting to see the “suburbs” of France on our way! The Versailles palace was beautiful and majestic. It was similar to what I experienced in Vienna, Austria. I think it’s amazing to see how one country has such rich history and my country is still so young.
In the evening, we hurried to see the Notre Dame before it closed for the night. When we arrived, I realized that a mass held in French was happening and it was so beautiful. I was able to receive communion, too.
We ended the evening at the Eiffel Tower. My goal was to climb the 669 steps to the top, but they had closed at 6 in the evening. I was definitely bummed, but it was very cold so I know it worked out for the best! While the group went to the top, I enjoyed the peace and quiet under the center of the tower. I didn’t expect it to be so massive! FaceTiming with my family and boyfriend made the moment perfect!
For the next few days, I’m head to some classes and company visits!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Paris Day 3
Thank you to everyone who is continuing to follow along on my journey through Paris! It’s so thoughtful that each of you take a few minutes of your day to keep up with what I’m doing and have an interest in food allergies.
On day 3 in Paris, we started our official school program with the INSEEC Business School. We started by listening to a presentation on their incubator program and the start up culture within France. After lunch, we ended our day with a company visit to a bath and body product company, Merci Handy. They are looking to enter into the US market soon!
The part that is the most important to speak about is the lunch. If I only ever share my triumphs on the blog, a portion of my life would be missing. Sometimes we falter, have a bad day, or get caught in a poor moment. I also think that every traveling experience has a breaking point. It varies for everyone, but at some point we must slow down when things become too much.
We had a planned group lunch through the business school set for today. I had come prepared with Easy Mac in case I wouldn’t be able to eat the food being served. I had a discussion prior to leaving the US that the caterer didn’t believe they could manage my food necessities during the lunches they were providing. I talked to the program coordinator this morning in hopes that an in person conversation could help. She asked that I find alternative foods for lunch because they couldn’t serve me and my needs. I realized that the lunch was being catered and it was chicken, wild rice, and caprese salad. These are all items that I believe I could have eaten. Maybe not the apple pie dessert, but yes to the main course. I instead had my Easy Mac.
I did end up going to the grocery store to get some fresh cheese to eat with my wheat thins. It was quiet delicious and all my classmates wondered what it was and how it tasted! It was filling and satisfying and everything truly worked out.
My breaking point came, though, right when I left to get food. I had pent up emotions of confusion, anger, sadness, unhappiness. I didn’t understand why I was immediately shut down and why they couldn’t help to serve me. This case was proven point that food allergies can be a major isolator within society. Socially, there are so many times that I’ve had extra conversations with the wait staff, provided allergen cards to explain my dietary needs, and eaten something else or nothing at all when I cannot be served safely.
We still have such a lack of knowledge On allergies in this world, even with ever-increasing food allergens. And, I do believe we sometimes must break to grow. ❤️ Keep on with your own food journey. Grow at each rejection and find hope in the people that work to help keep you safe.
The night ended nicely – a walk to a discount luxury brand drugstore, Pharmacie Monge! We past briefly over the Seine and I couldn’t resist a photo.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Thank you to everyone who is continuing to follow along on my journey through Paris! It’s so thoughtful that each of you take a few minutes of your day to keep up with what I’m doing and have an interest in food allergies.
On day 3 in Paris, we started our official school program with the INSEEC Business School. We started by listening to a presentation on their incubator program and the start up culture within France. After lunch, we ended our day with a company visit to a bath and body product company, Merci Handy. They are looking to enter into the US market soon!
The part that is the most important to speak about is the lunch. If I only ever share my triumphs on the blog, a portion of my life would be missing. Sometimes we falter, have a bad day, or get caught in a poor moment. I also think that every traveling experience has a breaking point. It varies for everyone, but at some point we must slow down when things become too much.
We had a planned group lunch through the business school set for today. I had come prepared with Easy Mac in case I wouldn’t be able to eat the food being served. I had a discussion prior to leaving the US that the caterer didn’t believe they could manage my food necessities during the lunches they were providing. I talked to the program coordinator this morning in hopes that an in person conversation could help. She asked that I find alternative foods for lunch because they couldn’t serve me and my needs. I realized that the lunch was being catered and it was chicken, wild rice, and caprese salad. These are all items that I believe I could have eaten. Maybe not the apple pie dessert, but yes to the main course. I instead had my Easy Mac.
I did end up going to the grocery store to get some fresh cheese to eat with my wheat thins. It was quiet delicious and all my classmates wondered what it was and how it tasted! It was filling and satisfying and everything truly worked out.
My breaking point came, though, right when I left to get food. I had pent up emotions of confusion, anger, sadness, unhappiness. I didn’t understand why I was immediately shut down and why they couldn’t help to serve me. This case was proven point that food allergies can be a major isolator within society. Socially, there are so many times that I’ve had extra conversations with the wait staff, provided allergen cards to explain my dietary needs, and eaten something else or nothing at all when I cannot be served safely.
We still have such a lack of knowledge On allergies in this world, even with ever-increasing food allergens. And, I do believe we sometimes must break to grow. ❤️ Keep on with your own food journey. Grow at each rejection and find hope in the people that work to help keep you safe.
The night ended nicely – a walk to a discount luxury brand drugstore, Pharmacie Monge! We past briefly over the Seine and I couldn’t resist a photo.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Paris Day 4
My food experiences took a change for the better today! After yesterday, I knew I could only go up from there.
We started off our day with a visit to the retail store of the luxury brand, Hermés. It was a unique experience to see a store that we are not all that familiar with in Cincinnati! While I didn’t make any purchases today, maybe I’ll come back soon.
We had two lectures at the school surrounding French culture and Branding of Luxury Goods. For lunch, I didn’t have the chance to go to the grocery store so I packed food near and dear to my heart: Skyline. I brought a chili and spaghetti packet and I was eating a taste of home. Amazing!
We went on a river boat cruise at sunset up the Seine River as a group. It was gorgeous outside and gave such a new perspective on the city of Paris.
We ended the night in Latin Quarter at a cute and small French restaurant. They used peanut oil, but our waiter was so knowledgeable and had suggest a fish and sauerkraut meal for me instead. I had a brie cheese plate and tried a little bit of French bread. He was very confident that the bread would be safe for me and I knew I needed to try it before I left for back home!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
My food experiences took a change for the better today! After yesterday, I knew I could only go up from there.
We started off our day with a visit to the retail store of the luxury brand, Hermés. It was a unique experience to see a store that we are not all that familiar with in Cincinnati! While I didn’t make any purchases today, maybe I’ll come back soon.
We had two lectures at the school surrounding French culture and Branding of Luxury Goods. For lunch, I didn’t have the chance to go to the grocery store so I packed food near and dear to my heart: Skyline. I brought a chili and spaghetti packet and I was eating a taste of home. Amazing!
We went on a river boat cruise at sunset up the Seine River as a group. It was gorgeous outside and gave such a new perspective on the city of Paris.
We ended the night in Latin Quarter at a cute and small French restaurant. They used peanut oil, but our waiter was so knowledgeable and had suggest a fish and sauerkraut meal for me instead. I had a brie cheese plate and tried a little bit of French bread. He was very confident that the bread would be safe for me and I knew I needed to try it before I left for back home!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Burgundy Day 5
Good morning and welcome to day 5! I had my favorite day of the trip yet! We took a train ride to the Burgundy region, specifically Beaune. Talk about a beautiful city. I learned about wine all day, visited vineyards to see how the start of this year’s vines, and finished with a wine tasting with regional wines. The region produces white Chardonnay and red Pinot noir. We tried six different tastings and they all were amazing. I’m bringing home some to retry with my family! 🙂
Beaune was just as I imagine France to look like. It was such a drastic change from Paris. It was like a city to countryside difference, maybe LA to Napa? Vineyards were as far as you can see and some people are lucky enough to call it their backyard – jealous! I can’t wait to journey back to Beaune or Burgundy someday!
There is also something to be said for the Paris train system. It’s so baffling to be able to get to another part of their country in an hour and a half via train. While we have trains that leave from Cincinnati, it’s so uncommon to hear of people utilizing them. Such a different life and culture that I love!
My trip is getting down to the last few days. After classes on Thursday, I’m going to do some heavy traveling all over the city to catch the last few items before I head home!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Good morning and welcome to day 5! I had my favorite day of the trip yet! We took a train ride to the Burgundy region, specifically Beaune. Talk about a beautiful city. I learned about wine all day, visited vineyards to see how the start of this year’s vines, and finished with a wine tasting with regional wines. The region produces white Chardonnay and red Pinot noir. We tried six different tastings and they all were amazing. I’m bringing home some to retry with my family! 🙂
Beaune was just as I imagine France to look like. It was such a drastic change from Paris. It was like a city to countryside difference, maybe LA to Napa? Vineyards were as far as you can see and some people are lucky enough to call it their backyard – jealous! I can’t wait to journey back to Beaune or Burgundy someday!
There is also something to be said for the Paris train system. It’s so baffling to be able to get to another part of their country in an hour and a half via train. While we have trains that leave from Cincinnati, it’s so uncommon to hear of people utilizing them. Such a different life and culture that I love!
My trip is getting down to the last few days. After classes on Thursday, I’m going to do some heavy traveling all over the city to catch the last few items before I head home!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Paris Day 6
It’s amazing that this trip is so closely coming to and end. I think it’s even more amazing that I’ve been able to share content every day! 🙂
I also feel like almost every day I’m saying that this was “the best” day!! Ha! It truly has been amazing.
We started off the day on the metro and ended up right outside the Opera House heading to our company visit. The architecture has such rich history and life. As we moved on our way, we headed to the Musée du Parfum Fragonard. They make their own perfumes in South of France and sell them in aluminum bottles to protect from heat and light! I’m glad we ended in their company store! 🙂
We stopped for a quick Nespresso and I tried my first Espresso in France. It was quite good but reallllly strong.
I had some cheeses in the afternoon for lunch. It has become a running joke with our group that they just always see me eating cheese and it’s true. It’s every day for lunch! Today was Goat, Camembert, and Boursin. It is so delicious but it has really taken a toll on my body because I’m just not used to so much of it and no mix in my diet. It’s been tough, but sometimes you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do.
After our final classes, I ran all around the city! We stopped at City Pharma to pick up some last minute beauty care products and headed to the Champs Elysées. The street was so much larger than expected! The street was wide and the store fronts were gorgeous. I liked it better than Oxford Street in London and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I’m glad we were able to visit safely before leaving because we weren’t sure if we would be able to!
We ended the evening at dinner at Cafe Procope. They were so kind with my allergies and the hostess even had allergies herself! I was nervous at first because it smelled so much like fish right inside the restaurant, but everything worked out safely.
I ended my night with a chicken casserole and sorbet. Meat was certainly a nice change of pace for my diet!!
Here’s to the last day!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
It’s amazing that this trip is so closely coming to and end. I think it’s even more amazing that I’ve been able to share content every day! 🙂
I also feel like almost every day I’m saying that this was “the best” day!! Ha! It truly has been amazing.
We started off the day on the metro and ended up right outside the Opera House heading to our company visit. The architecture has such rich history and life. As we moved on our way, we headed to the Musée du Parfum Fragonard. They make their own perfumes in South of France and sell them in aluminum bottles to protect from heat and light! I’m glad we ended in their company store! 🙂
We stopped for a quick Nespresso and I tried my first Espresso in France. It was quite good but reallllly strong.
I had some cheeses in the afternoon for lunch. It has become a running joke with our group that they just always see me eating cheese and it’s true. It’s every day for lunch! Today was Goat, Camembert, and Boursin. It is so delicious but it has really taken a toll on my body because I’m just not used to so much of it and no mix in my diet. It’s been tough, but sometimes you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do.
After our final classes, I ran all around the city! We stopped at City Pharma to pick up some last minute beauty care products and headed to the Champs Elysées. The street was so much larger than expected! The street was wide and the store fronts were gorgeous. I liked it better than Oxford Street in London and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I’m glad we were able to visit safely before leaving because we weren’t sure if we would be able to!
We ended the evening at dinner at Cafe Procope. They were so kind with my allergies and the hostess even had allergies herself! I was nervous at first because it smelled so much like fish right inside the restaurant, but everything worked out safely.
I ended my night with a chicken casserole and sorbet. Meat was certainly a nice change of pace for my diet!!
Here’s to the last day!
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
Paris Day 7
And just like that, I’m on my way home.
It always feels like time is moving at double speed! I’m recapping this from the plane and can’t post until I’m back on the ground in the states.
We were all over city through the afternoon – the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and St. Gertrude. We visited the cities boulangerie because everyone was craving some chocolate French sweets.
We had to quickly head over to the Eastern part of the city to the Atletier Lumières. The museum was showing a Van Gogh exhibit – digital screenings of all of his paintings animated on all the walls and floors. So cool!
Right after, my professor and her mom took us on a walking tour of historical Paris because they’ve both lived in Paris. It was impressive to see some of the most expensive real estate in Paris and hidden gems unknown to the tourists!
We ended our dinner at a restaurant called Flouderer. I was initially so nervous because they are very well known for their seafood. Our group ate out together so there was supposed to be a set menu. As I talked to the restaurant manager, he gave me specific dish recommendations that avoid my allergens. Apparently their restaurant got each of their dishes scientifically tested to determine what allergens are present in their foods. Then they have an unannounced inspector every month to ensure that their dishes are prepared to the same standard. I had never heard of that before, but I’m going to look into it a bit more and share.
Adventure awaits,
Kendall
And just like that, I’m on my way home.
It always feels like time is moving at double speed! I’m recapping this from the plane and can’t post until I’m back on the ground in the states.
We were all over city through the afternoon – the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and St. Gertrude. We visited the cities boulangerie because everyone was craving some chocolate French sweets.
We had to quickly head over to the Eastern part of the city to the Atletier Lumières. The museum was showing a Van Gogh exhibit – digital screenings of all of his paintings animated on all the walls and floors. So cool!
Right after, my professor and her mom took us on a walking tour of historical Paris because they’ve both lived in Paris. It was impressive to see some of the most expensive real estate in Paris and hidden gems unknown to the tourists!
We ended our dinner at a restaurant called Flouderer. I was initially so nervous because they are very well known for their seafood. Our group ate out together so there was supposed to be a set menu. As I talked to the restaurant manager, he gave me specific dish recommendations that avoid my allergens. Apparently their restaurant got each of their dishes scientifically tested to determine what allergens are present in their foods. Then they have an unannounced inspector every month to ensure that their dishes are prepared to the same standard. I had never heard of that before, but I’m going to look into it a bit more and share.
Adventure awaits,
Kendall