To celebrate Bastille Day, the French National Day used to signify a turning point in the French Revolution and unification of the people, I threw a small picnic with an abundance of pastries, champagne and other fine delicacies. 

Paris being one of my favorite cities, I always try to celebrate on my own or enjoy the festivities at the NYC Bastille Day celebration. Santé!

Bonjour! In January 2014, I visited my favorite city, the city of lights, the city of love, PARIS!!

Since seeing Anastasia in theaters as a young girl, Paris has always been my favorite. (I even have an eiffel tower wall decal and my vision board is a map of Paris. <3 )

I flew Delta Business Elite from JFK so I had a wonderful flight and was well rested to land fresh on Paris time. I took the Metro from CDG airport to my hotel because it saved money and I love treating cities like the locals so if I can take the train or bus, I will.

I stayed at the Hotel Arly Paris (now Gustave) because it was super close to the Eiffel Tower, so the rooms promised great views and with this being my first time, that was truly all I cared about. I figured I'll have plenty of time for everything else when I live there. ;)

First things first!!

It was even more perfect than I could have imagined. So needless to say, I spent the majority of my first day having an impromptu photo shoot and selfie session with the tower. My companion didn't want to go up so I didn't, but it didn't matter because I'll be back. 

The next day, it was time to explore. I had a set itinerary, but I use those as a guideline while going with the flow. 

 

I stopped at some of the places I looked up that were must-try, including Eric Kayser and Cafe Coutume for a baguette and a cappuccino with adorable art. I also stopped by Laurent Dubois for the best cheese and Bordier butter, which I brought home and wish I had more of daily. 

 

Then, it was sightseeing time so I was off to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre museum and of COURSE Pont des Arts, the locks of love bridge. I used the Metro for this entire trip because it was super convenient. It allowed me to see way more than I originally would have during the short time I was in Paris.

 

 

Missing the exhibit was a dramatic experience for me but the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées made up for it, immediately. 

I wish I would've thought to take a video of the tower at night (it illuminates on the hour after sunset), but I didn't worry too much about it since I'll be living there at a point in my life. 

Paris was a blast and I can't wait to go back (and/or live there, whatever)! I'm still trying to decide if I prefer Pierre Hermé or Ladurée for macarons but maybe I don't have to choose.. 

Til next trip,

xo.