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He Went to Paris Looking for Jimmy Buffett

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Mark Guinn travels to Paris for the second time to see
Jimmy Buffett in concert.

A year ago I said what the hell, I’m going to Paris to see Jimmy Buffett. It was pretty late to decide but that has never stopped me. So I did what I had to do and I went to Paris in 2014 for 4 nights. I left on a Wednesday and returned on the following Monday. One day in Paris and I knew that short trip was just the beginning.

September 19, 2015, I flew back to Paris. This time for 8 nights. If you have never been to Paris then going to see Jimmy Buffett play at a small theater is perfect. Last year I stayed in a hotel. This year I rented an apartment. Actually renting is the way to go. I had everything a hotel had except a maid. Everything I needed was a 5 minute walk away. If you decide to go, use Home Away to book your apartment. Mine was only 50 Euros a night. TV and internet included.

So I arrived on a Sunday morning. The good thing about Air France is you can drink all the wine you want on the 9 hour flight. You don’t need a car or Taxi in Paris. I took the Air France bus and the Metro to Bir Hakeim station which is 5 minutes from the Eiffel Tower. I met the apartment owner, Samuel, and he checked me in and told me about the neighborhood. Samuel gave me a bottle of French red wine and a bottle of mineral water. I told Samuel I had read his reviews on Home Away and that was a prime reason I rented from him.

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The Eiffel Tower just a few blocks from the rental apartment.

The one thing about me when I travel for fun is I set no agenda. Agendas are for cruise ships. Jet lag is insane. It is a 7 hour time zone change from Texas. This year I decided to stay up until 8PM. Epic fail. I ate a 2PM lunch and grabbed some wine and beer and headed back to the apartment. Anyway I fell asleep around 4 for about 4 hours. So around 9 I walked next door and ordered a pizza. One thing to note is wine is very affordable in France.

The next five days I basically went to bed late woke up for a bit then slept in late. But hey it’s vacation and there are no rules. This year I didn’t do any organized tours or go into any museums with long lines, which is every place. I have learned that to jump lines buy the 6 day Paris Museum Pass. That is what I am doing next year. I know you can buy it at CDG on arrival. Yes I am going back.

I can see why Jimmy loves Paris. It’s an old city with a certain charm. Hard to describe unless you are there. It’s a kind of like a huge New Orleans. I found the people of Paris very nice. I love the food and the ambiance. There are places to eat and drink on every corner.

La Cigale is a small and intimate theater venue accommodating approximately 1,400 fans, making it a perfect venue for a night with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers. Both Paris shows were lively and Jimmy performed a different set list each night. Both featured several of the standard songs one would expect. Mixed in are the rarely played songs with a French or Paris influence.

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Thank you Nicole Hawkins for your front row photos. Front row is really front row. Check out the great balcony seating in La Cigale.

The crowd kept up the pace all night singing along to most songs. The Saturday show featured a guest appearance by Crosby Stills and Nash performing “Southern Cross.” On Sunday, Henry Kapono joined him singing “Margaritaville.”

jimmy-buffett-parisBoth Saturday and Sunday the party revolves around La Marmite (restaurant) across the street from La Cigale. Le Coryllis, another restaurant, is just up the street and also has great food and the Mojitos were made with real Cuban rum. Plus wifi.

I met Roger Guth, Jimmy Buffett’s drummer, in Le Coryllis about 30 minutes before the start of the Saturday show. Down the street I ran into Jimmy’s guitar tuner (who is very nice) and gave me a guitar pick. I met Lucy Buffett and Henry Kapono. Yes, Henry came all the way from Hawaii.

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jimmy-buffett-paris

Another main reason to go to Paris is the Parrot Heads you will meet. They all have a story. There are many Americans who live in Europe and the Parrot Heads flock to Paris in September. There are many who come from the UK. Their group is Parrot Heads of the United Kingdom or PH UK. How about that?! Parrot Heads even came from Australia. You can join the Parrot Heads in Paris Facebook Page to meet others.

From Jimmy’s song “Quietly Making Noise” he captures the likes of Paris:

“Singers and writers and poets
Have flocked here for centuries
The city of light is built upon mountains of memories
Baritone saxophones, monotones
Speak with a voice I’ve heard before
It’s a lasting impression
A gypsy expression you cannot ignore”

jimmy-buffett-paris

Paris has something for everyone and I tell everyone you have to come to Paris.

I live in Port Aransas, Texas and love all things Parrot Head and Trop Rock. I enjoy interviewing Trop Rock artists, attending events and always look forward to seeing Trop Rock friends from around the nation! Author of the Trop Rock lyric infused cozy mystery book "Schooled for Murder." Check out my website at www.CindyMuir.com

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  1. marguerite witiw says:

    Don’t have the extra cash to go to Paris…sigh..or anywhere…but love Buffett

  2. Steve Mitchell says:

    Great story! Mark Guinn is clearly the ‘go to’ guy when it comes to booking a trip to Paris!
    We are hoping that next year we might be able to join him for the Buffett show(s) in Paris!
    Thanks TropRockin magazine for these great articles!!

  3. Ron Piwkowski says:

    I went to Paris to see Buffett the last 2 yrs also…..two of the best trips I’ve taken…I need to talk to you about next yr if Buffett does it again…I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house! One of the best places to see a concert!

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