Christie Semmens’ Three Paris Suggestions

Often I give advice to travelers and ask them to return the favor with their experiences. Responses to that request would cover the rounded top of a straight pin. But one day I received a response from Christie Semmens of Scribbles and Smiles.

Having seen my story and photos about the Paris Photo walk at Pont Alexandre III, Christie wrote: “I’ve been searching for a photo group or photographer who offers a session with helpful instruction; to take photos and help master my Nikon camera a little more.”. She used one of my suggestions and found a perfect match for her photo tour.

Christie sent me her experience with a photo tour, a transportation company and tidbits on a day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise. Other Paris travelers may find her experiences helpful.

Christie wrote: “I just wanted to follow-up and tell you that the photo shoot with Alexander JE Bradley photo tours was perfect. I was assigned to Clara, a young professional photographer; we spent three hours together photographing and perfecting my technique and a lot of good conversation about many topics, as we strolled Paris. This was one of the best instructional sessions I’ve had in learning to better utilize my DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) and Clara was a delight. I highly recommend Clara, for sure.

Secondly, I used Prestige Private Transfer service; the driver met me at the arrival gate with my name blinking on his phone screen. He assisted me in lugging suitcases and delivered me to my pied-a-terre with ease.

He also helped me place a call to my French landlord for some clarification. The transport van was very nice, clean and the driver was very polite.  I would recommend them to anyone traveling in and around Paris.

Thirdly, I caught the train at the Gare du Nord station and went to Auvers-sur-Oise.  Of course, most touristy businesses were closed in November – but the Auvers tourist office had a couple of counters of Van Gogh items for sale and it was staffed with sales associates for the souvenirs…no tourist office assistance. At lunch at a local establishment, the owner offered maps and a schedule of what was open in the month of November.   It was a good day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise, not many tourists, a beautiful Fall day to stroll, take photos and walk to the cemetery.