Paris, France
I feel like I always hear people talking about how much they love Paris, from its cafes and flower shops to its history and architecture. But, to be honest, I was little nervous when we booked our flights. I thought I was going to be disappointed by the hype of it all, but I'm happy to say I was proven wrong. I've fallen in love with Paris and if someone asked me to move there tomorrow, I would. Contrary to popular belief, I found Paris to be clean and Parisians to be so friendly. I'm not to sure why this misconception is still around? Anyways, I put together a travel guide/visual diary of the city of light. Enjoy!
Basilica of the Sacre Coeur on top of Montmarte.
WHERE TO STAY:
We stayed in Hotel Du Ministere. A boutique hotel on a small and quiet street in the 1st arrondissement. The hotel has a retro/modern feel to it which I love and marble tables scattered throughout the lobby, a fashion bloggers dream. The room was a little tight but the bed was beyond comfortable, probably the most comfortable hotel bed I've ever stayed in.
Next time I visit, (hopefully it's soon) I will definitely try to stay in the Le Marais neighboorhood. It reminds me a little of SoHo in New York City, its very trendy and young. It also has some great shopping from high-end designer to cute local brands.
We spent News Year Eve next to the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of champagne. At the top of the hour for 5 minutes, the Eiffel Tower sparkles. It was the most memorable and romantic New Year Eve I've ever had. :)
WHERE TO EAT:
Fragments Cafe - My favorite cafe in the Le Marais neighborhood. Fragments serves some of the best avocado toast and eggs that I have ever tried!
Kitsune Cafe - This cafe has several locations in Paris. We happened to kill two birds with one stone by heading to the Kitsune Cafe right next to the Palais Royal. They sell fox cookies and later found out that kitsune actually means "fox" in Japanese so the cookies are quite appropriate.
La Taverne De Montmarte - We wanted fondue one night so the receptionist recommended this restaurant. It was so good that we went back two nights in a row. It's a rustic and quaint place where you sit on one long tables with other diners. We had cheese fondue, a salad, and a bottle of wine, everything was delicious! The staff is super friendly and helpful. (side note: get there early because there seems to always be a long line and they don't take reservations. Also, you can cook your own meat at the table so the place can get smelly.)
Aux Merveilleux de Fred - We stumbled on this bakery by chance. It had a line out the door so we thought it must be good! We devoured our giant chocolate brioche in seconds.
Cafe Madeline - Before leaving for the airport we wanted to eat something quick and near our hotel so we found Cafe Madeline. I got the Croque Madame which is basically a grilled cheese sandwich with an extra slice of cheese on top thats broiled and topped with a fried egg, simple comfort food and a perfect end to an amazing trip!
Gallerie Layfette - High-end shopping with my favorite view of the Eiffel Tower. See below:
Colonnes de Buren - Located in the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal and near the Louvre, is an art instillation created by the French artist Daniel Buren in 1985. This spot is where your favorite fashion bloggers pose on the candy-striped black-and-white columns.
Museum Centre Pompidou - Another spot to check out is Museum Pompidou. It has a great view of Parisian rooftops and the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur on Montmarte.
xx, CT