Wish You Were Here: A free neighborhood tour in Paris, eclairs and all

Our readers have sauntered out on all sorts of adventures in recent months, from a stroll through Old Montreal to a trek through the Amazon and a cinematically-inspired road trip to Los Angeles. Now they’re sharing their discoveries with us and offering travel tips, too, in case you want to venture forth.

Today, we’re headed to the City of Light, where one Novato reader discovered the delights of the 12th arrondissement — for free. Well, for the cost of an eclair, anyway.

Wish You Were Here

FRANCE: Patisseries and boulangeries figured prominently during Novato resident Kate James’ trip to Paris in October — and the delicious sightseeing came courtesy of a free neighborhood tour James took with a local.

TRAVEL TIP: “I had found out about the Paris Greeters, part of the International Greeter Association, a volunteer organization available in many major cities, where a local shows you around their neighborhood … for free!” James says. “The lady who showed me around the 12th arrondissement, where she lives, directed me to her favorite patisserie — see me pictured with a chocolate eclair! She also showed me how many boulangeries have a sign painted on their window boasting they won a ‘best baguette’ distinction in a distinguished competition. I hope to check out the ‘Greeters’ in other cities I travel to!”

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Join the fun! Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures — local, domestic or international — to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two to help fellow readers do that awesome thing, too.