Promenade - Julia Child

Julia Child’s Perfect Paris


Julia Child is undoubtedly one of the most famous chefs in the world. Her passion and drive to “master the art of French cooking” for herself and then proceed to bring fine French recipes and techniques to us “servant-less Americans” changed how we prepared a meal. In 2006 the book “My Life in France” by Julia Child was published which allowed people a glimpse of Julia Child’s time spent in Paris, France and it served as a accidental tour guide to Julia’s most visited and memorable places in Paris.

While watching the movie, “Julie & Julia” last summer and seeing all the beautiful scenery in Julia’s Paris, something struck me. I had always wanted to go to Paris for as long as I could remember so why hadn’t I gone? Julie had decided to pursue her passion in life as well as Julia, so I decided to follow suit. While still viewing the movie I purchased four Paris tour books, researched the Clemson in Paris program and promptly emailed Susan Clay. Thanks to Julie & Julia, I have finally lived out my dream and found a new movie to love.

Since the movie’s storyline came from the books”Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously” by Julie Powell and “My Life in France” by Julia Child we will be visiting the places depicted in both the movie and Julia Childs book. What is so wonderful about the places on this tour is that many of these places remain unchanged and are still Parisian institutions to this very day.


“Roo de Loo” Julia’s First Apartment in Paris
81 Rue de L’Universite- Start out at metro Solferino on line 12.Upon exiting the metro onto Rue de Solferino, walk towards Rue de L’Universite and take a left and you’ll find number 81 on your left.
We start our tour here in Julia and Paul Child’s first apartment in Paris, where they referred to the address as “roo de loo”. Upon arriving in France, Julia Child did not speak French and she could barely cook. After realizing she needed a hobby to occupy her time while her husband was at work, she enrolled in classes at Le Cordon Bleu

Le Cordon Bleu (the original)

24 Rue du Champs de Mars- from Julias apartment, continue walking straight on R de l”Unisersite and make a left onto Ave. du Mal Gallieni. Turn right onto Pl. des Invalides. Pl. des Invalides becomes Rue Fabert. Turn right onto Rue de Grenelle. Turn left onto Ave. Bosquet Turn right onto Rue du Champs de Mars and number 24 is on the right.

On the way to our next stop, you will catch a glimpse of the Pont Alexandre III and Hotel des Invalides.

Here we will find the original building for Le Cordon Bleu. It was moved to the 15th arr. But it was here where Julia learned to become the French chef that we all know and love. Julia was one of the first women to introduce French culinary techniques that were taught to her at Le Cordon Bleu to the American public. Julie Powell was presented with an honorary Le Cordon Bleu diploma for her dedication and passion in her culinary pursuits.

Brasserie Lipp

151 Blvd St. Germain- From 24 Rue du Champs de Mars, go back to Pl. des Invalides and walk straight through until it becomes Rue de Grenelle and follow that to ue du Bac and make a left. Then turn right onto Blvd St. Germain and continue walking until you see Les Deux Magots on your right.

Brasserie Lipp is where Julia and Paul would often come and get oysters and wine.

Les Deux Magots

6 Place St. Germain des Pres- Continue up Blvd St. Germain and make a left on Place St. Germain des Pres and you will see Les Deux Magots.

This is where Julia and Paul went on their first Saturday in Paris and ordered café complet. They then continued to visit this historic institution and this is often where they would start their day. Ernest Hemingway was also known to frequented Les Deux Magots as well as Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.



E. Dehillerin

18-20 Rue Coquillere- Continue up Place St. Germain des Pres on to Rue Bonaparte. Cross the street, and to your right you’ll see Pont Des Arts. Cross and continue across the street and then go right. Make a left onto Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny which turns into Rue du Louvre. Follow that until you see Rue Coquillere on your right.
On the walk over, you will go on the Pont des Arts which contains locks with hopes for lasting love all over the bridge. You will also catch a glimpse of the Louvre.

This is the legendary shop where Julia stocked up on all of her kitchen tools, like her copper pots. Although the store is featured in the film, it does not even begin to capture the sheer size of this time honored institution. It is mostly for restaurants and hobby chefs like Julia so it is not your typical Williams Sonoma but it is heaven for any kitchen enthusiast