Paris is my favorite city on the planet!!! You’ve probably heard that one before, and it’s for a reason. I once spent an entire day searching for the best croissant in town (I got down 8, don’t worry I walked many miles that day!) and the best is… La Pâtisserie des Martyrs. Corbier (region) has the best wine in my opinion (but don’t take my word for it- try them all!) … In fact pack a few bottles and a few random/bizarre cheeses (I refer to this as cheese roulette) + un baguette & picnic in the park next to the Louvre, with a riverside Eiffel Tower view. 1664 blonde beer & la cheuf is good. Evening picnics along the canals are fantastic as well, I like one near the laumière metro station down by the canal. My favorite restaurant is across the canal from there, on the corner with red awnings, and I can’t remember the name to save my life! Do Drink rosé at a street-facing cafe table in the afternoon & people watch (they’ll supply chips or popcorn or some snack with it). I highly recommend the Louvre as well as the Musée d’Orsay.

I don’t especially recommend going up the Eiffel Tower (is ok but takes a while & your skyline is missing, well, the famous building you’re standing on).

Instead, get to the top of the Arc de Triumph for dusk. Start up the stairs mid-sunset, wait up top until the Eiffel Tower lights come on- it’s magical!! The food is to die for in Paris, I loved duck in plum sauce, omelettes at dinner time and salad with warm goat cheese. My favorite macaroons are from La Petite Marquise. Street crepes with Nutella, can’t forget those. Oh gosh, it’s just the best place in the world!!! Enjoy!

Where we stayed: Le Montclair Montmartre Hostel & Budget Hotel, Paris, France

Paris is, I believe, the most visited city in the world.. And for good reason! If you have not been, I urge you to make the trip! Initially, some may see Parisians as rude; after some observation, I consider them simply (admirably) reserved. Imagine your city was swarming with visitors from around the world 24/7- Parisian culture is fascinating in that it is prevailing & self-protecting despite the odds. To spend time in this city is liberating, for everyone is unforgivingly individual & ready or not, YOU are too. No hiding here (or there, or wherever you are)— let it all out & enjoy!

Recommendations from a local Parisian: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Rue de Rivoli, Montmartre, Bibliotheque francois mitteran (BNF), http://59rivoli-eng.org/main.html, Parc Floral de Paris, and Café Pigalle 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75009 Paris, France

Feel like shopping? I LOVE to go to a store called Merci – 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais ❤