Perfect Little Paris Secrets
Elisa Kitson created The KitSon, a Paris-based forum where leading CEOs, politicians, scientists, and journalists meet to share their views "off the record." Bonjour Paris asked Ms. Kitson to tell us of her perfect little Paris secrets. We weren't let down!Q. What is your favorite tourist secret ?
A. To have lunch at the "Le Marche des Enfants Rouges". With its iron-gate entrance it's easy to miss. The name literally means "Market of the Red Children". It is the oldest food market in Paris, built in 1615 under the rule of King Louis XIII. The market, in the Marais district, sells freshly prepared food that you can eat right there on small tables with plastic tablecloths.
Q. What is your favorite restaurant for a "tête à tête"?
A. Without a doubt, I would say "1728", 6 rue d'Anjou, 75008 Paris. The atmosphere is special from the start in a romantic setting of a great apartment of the late 17th Century. The cuisine is a mixture of traditional French dishes with an Asian influence.
Q. Where do you go to find that unique little Parisien gift?
A. I love to visit The Passage Choiseul in the rue des Petits-Champs in the 2nd area. It is nothing fancy, just a bazaar of shops and gift boutiques that has been unchanged since it was created in 1827.
Q. Describe the Eiffel Tower in one word.
A. For me it's synonymous of "home"!
About Elisa Kitson
Elisa Kitson created The KitSon, the unique "bonding cultures" debate club in Paris where leading CEOs, politicians, scientists, and journalists meet to share their views "off the record." With high-quality guest speakers, the objective of these debates is to create a global network in which journalists, writers, philosophers, business executives, and politicians can debate matters of current concern with their international counterparts, while at the same time creating an opportunity for dialogue on a wide range of topics that will both enrich and inform. For information on upcoming debates go to www.thekitson.com.
As a journalist, Elisa began her career in the international press at The Daily Telegraph in Paris in 1989, followed by stints at The Financial Times, The Independent, and Monitor Radio. She was communications advisor to Dow Jones Newswires and to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and she actively participated in the launch of the Sustainable Development Institute in Paris. For the past eighteen years she has been the communications officer for the Anglo-American Press Association in Paris.
Elisa Kitson is Anglo-Swedish and speaks fluent French, English, and Italian. She has lived in Paris since 1980.
