Travel Diary: Pretty Little Paris -

When in Paris, nearly everything is considered to be a “must” from the picturesque alleyways to the perfectly crafted pastries peeking out of every window front and don;t even get me started on the shopping… as they say, Paris is always a good idea and here I am sharing with you my “bucket list” to Paris.

W H A T T O D O

Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

Nothing says Paris quite like nibbling on a baguette and sipping wine beneath the Eiffel Tower. Taking an hour or so to kick back, have some lunch, and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower from the greenery was so nice, it felt good to catch my breath after a busy morning running around the city. Forgot the wine? No worries! There are several “vendors” walking around offering bottles of wine… just be sure to talk them down on the price, no one should pay more than 10E in France for a cheap bottle of “vin.”

River Boat Tour

It may not seem like to most exciting idea in the world, but for 16€ it is worth it. The last time I was in Paris I went on a day cruise along the Sienne and while it was nice to view the city in broad daylight this time around I opted for a sunset cruise and found it to be much more enjoyable. And the best part, we were able to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling from the boat! Seeing the towers sparkles is a whole other point on its own… definitely a must.

Photos at Trocadero

Seeking the perfect spot to capture an insta pic with “Le Tour Eiffel?”Well, here you have it. The staircases and slanted railings of Trocadero make for a picture perfect photo spot that both you and your followers are garunateed to be swooning over!

The Sights

Paris has so many monuments and exciting things to see, it’s hard to know what’s worth your time what to skip and where to even begin. From my two visits to Paris I’ve concluded that the biggies such as Notre Dam, Louvre, Sacre Couer, Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomph, Pont Alexander III, Place de la Concord, give or take the Moulin Rouge and Pont des Arts (former lock bridge) and definitely the palace of Versailles. Not only do each of these offer great photos for your feed, the history and architecture is jaw dropping. Little fact about me.. I am a sucker for neat architecture, I used to want to be an architect! And Europe? Some of the best structural designs in the world – I love it!

Parisian Breakfast

Wake up your morning with a freshly buttered croissant and creamy capuchino accompanied by glorious views of the city streets and classic music off in the distance at a local cafe in Paris. I truly cannot argue that there is anything better than a casual morning accompanied by coffee in Paris. On my last morning, I picked up an Americano and set off for a stroll near the Eiffel Tower and it was one of the most fulfilling moments of the trips to just walk around the city like a local and take in every bit, coffee in hand.

Classic Eats at a French Bistrot

France is known to have some of the best bites in the world, so why not try some classic dishes such as a Croque-Monsieur, Bouillabaisse, or my all time fav… Ratatouille (and no, that’s not just the name of a movie .. It’s okay, I though it was too, ha!)

It’s no scavenger hunt whats so ever to find a french bistro as they seem to be tucked away on every street throughout the city. However, for those curious, my friends and I dined at “Café Le Pierrot” and enjoyed wonderful homemade food and excellent service, plus, it is just a short walk away from the Eiffel Tower so be sure to catch it sparkle after dinner!

Carnival

As if Paris isn’t already fab enough, lets toss in a carnival filled with pretty pink rides and tasty fair fare to add to the pizzazz of Paris! Catch a unique view of the city from one of the rides, such as the giant tree swing or ferris wheel and catch a glimpse of the city like never before all while enjoying the thrill!

The View

City skylines are always breathtaking, but as with everything else, Paris takes those views to another level. Whether you plan to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, ride the zippiddy fast elevator up to the 60th floor of the Tour Montparnasse or step your way up to the top of the Arc de Triompth, a heightened view of the city is a must and these 3 spots are the best of the best.

W H A T T O E A T

A better question is what not to eat? In Paris, I’m starting to think just about everything is fabulous. But if you’re seeking some direction, perhaps this will help… Start your day with a creamy cafe au lait and fresh croissant from a local patisserie (I won’t mention names because there are seriously bakeries, restaurants, and cafes around every corner!) mid morning, sweeten up your day with a crêpe, because one must never say no to a French crêpe in Paris. For lunch, this is the prime time to grab a sandwich from a boulangerie and head to the Eiffel Tower for a picnic. Don’t forget to stop by Laduree for the BEST (and prettiest) macaroons in Paris. Later on, when that sweet tooth starts kicking in again, treat yourself to some ice cream at Berthillon (known for their deliciously unique flavors). Last but not least, enjoy the best French fare at a local French Bistrot. We went to a little Bistrot just steps from our hotel and had the best time & wonderful eats.

W H A T I W O R E

Saturday we did so much walking I knew that I needed to wear something that would be versatile and comfortable, especially for the unpredictable weather.

When in Paris, it’s best to opt for a darker color scheme such as blacks, whites, greys, and sometimes even red. For Saturday, I wore my favorite black skinnies from (believe it or not) Forever 21, the comfiest simple black tee from Target, my fav Addidas sneakers, a classic black belt found at Primark, and simple gold accessories to tie it all together. Tucked away in my bag was an off white rain coat I found at H&M for nearly 80% off! You may not believe it, but this entire outfit didn’t cost a penny over $100. Talk about a style steal! Proof that quality trendy fashion does exist. Saturday evening, I pulled out yet another style steal for my evenings attire- this silky pink pleated dress from MANGO, black trench coat, and mini heel strappy sandals.

In order to save room on packing, Saturday I re-wore my fav black jeans with my sneakers and paired with a cute white ruffled + peplum top from ZARA and tossed on my black trench coat to keep warm. Packing coordinately when traveling Europe is a must and after this summer, I feel like a pro!