Discovering Paris: The Life of a Student in the City of Lights

Cahner Olson is a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an ISA Featured Photo Blogger. Cahner is studying abroad with ISA in Paris, France.

Today marks three weeks that I’ve lived in Paris. It’s been an amazing three weeks full of exploring, sightseeing, orientations, and of course eating croissants! I’m convinced that it’s impossible to not fall in love with this city. Here are some photo highlights of my first week here:

Notre Dame, Paris, France, Olson, 1

Lucky for us, the ISA office in Paris is right by one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world, Notre Dame. Walking by this multiple times during the first week was the perfect reminder of how beautiful this city is.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France, Olson, 2

Are you really in Paris if you don’t take a picture of the Eiffel Tower?

Laduree, Paris, France, Olson, 3

One of my first stops was the famous Laduree macaroon shop. Located on the Champs Élysees, we had a picturesque day of wandering the streets and eating delicious cookies.

Arc de Triomph, Paris, France, Olson, 4

Views from underneath the Arc de Triomphe. Monuments like this make me love living in a city with so much history.

fountainebleau, paris, france, olson, 5

ISA Students wander the halls of Fontainebleau during our first day excursion outside the city. Paris is extraordinary but the surrounding towns make for a lovely get away as well!

centre pompidou, paris, france, olson, 6

One of the many pleasures in Paris is hunting for the best rooftop views. Centre Pompidou is not only a great museum, but gives an excellent view of all the main attractions in the city.

boulangerie, paris, france, olson, 7

I wonder how long I can use the excuse “but I’m in Paris” to constantly eat pastries? People aren’t lying when they say there is a cafe or boulangerie on every corner!

catho, paris, france, olson, 8

My school’s quiet little courtyard in the middle of a bustling city. I am attending the Institut Catholique de Paris, and I couldn’t be happier with my classes!

market, paris, france, olson, 9

Amid the chaos of Gare de Lyon Station neighborhood, a small market can be found selling fruits and vegetables of all kinds. My roommate found this market while just wandering around one day, and now its one of our favorite places.

luxembourg garden, paris, france, olson, 10

Sightseeing after our first day of class! My school is right around the corner from the stunning Luxembourg Gardens. Talk about study break with a view!

Want to see more about the City of Light? Check out “New Friends in My New Life”