PARIS
Je t’aime PARIS! Not going to lie, ever since I was a little girl, I've always wanted to go to Paris because I was obsessed with the Olsen twins and I loved the movie Passport to Paris. And so, my dreams finally came true over this past summer, I got to travel to beautiful Paris and it was absolutely perfect! (yes it did get super hot during the day but I was okay with it). I was so amazed by everything I saw, there is so much this city has to offer! For a short trip during the summer, I'm here to help you decide on what to do, what to see, and of course where to eat!
Eiffel Tower
The one thing that was an absolute must the first day I got there was to see the Eiffel Tower light up at night. Planned a little wine and cheese picnic, right in front of the iconic tower just a few hours before the lighting show started. In the summer, the sun sets around 10pm, which is impressive! I had time to rest up the first day and then head out there a couple of hours before (8 pm or so) to get the perfect spot. Just a heads up, the Eiffel Tower lights up every night from sunset to around 1 am or 2 am in the summer!
Stunning views of the Eiffel Tower at night. You can see the amount of people who show up for this!
Gorgeous street views of the Eiffel Tower
Probably my favorite thing I did in Paris. A picnic with wine, cheese and an amazing view behind me :)
The following day I ventured around Paris visiting the Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe (all top attractions in Paris)! The city is pretty big, so I rode on a bird (scooter) which was so fun! I’d recommend it because the traffic is so bad throughout the city, a Bird scooter will only save time to your destinations!
Notre Dame- There was construction all around since the cathedral caught fire. I was just there two months after the fire broke out!
The Louvre is the worlds largest art museum! They say it would take a week to see everything inside!
Arc De Triomphe-
The arc recognizes and honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. All the names are inscribed on the inner and outer surfaces of the structure.
Fun Fact: There are 12 lanes on this roundabout and you can also get dropped off at the Arc!
Arc de Triomphe is also the craziest roundabout in Europe! Its chaos but its awesome!
Tuileries Garden
This is located right next to the Louvre, and I enjoyed strolling through the beautiful garden! Here are a few things you can do:
Hang out by the beautiful fountain in the middle
Lay on the grass under the sun
Admire the sculptures around
Get your portrait drawn by a local artist
Local artist drawings o the Eiffel Tower. Fun Fact: this was built in 1564 and opened to the public in 1667!
Blue skies, green grass- what a perfect day to walk through the garden!
Shakespeare and Company
People have said this is the most famous independent bookstore in the world! I actually stumbled upon it while exploring the city and I knew right away it was something great. Planted in a prime location, it has an incredible view of the river right in front! You'll be able to explore the 30,000 aspiring writers that have a home in this small crumbling little bookstore.
Opened in 1919 this beautiful place is jam packed, very old, with a bunch of literary goodies that are fun and not to be missed!
Paris is said to have a lot of dirty streets which Ive seen is true, but much of its charm lies in its quintessentially Parisian streets!
Bouillon Racine
This was my favorite dinner spot we went to! First off, the interior of the restaurant is stunning- floral motifs, mirrored walls, ceramic tiling. And the food is incredible and well executed (roasted pig, pork shank, scallops, shrimp and lobster) not to mention the escargot, you have to try it! It was in this buttery pesto sauce that was amazing!
Victorian style old french eatery since 1906!
The duck was a standout! Tender and flavorful with a delicious sauce
After dinner, walking through the city streets. I was amazed how light it was around 10pm (just in time for the sun to set)