Ok – I know I have been missing in action for a couple for a couple of weeks but it’s with EXCELLENT reason. I got an opportunity to dash off to Paris and guess what? I DASHED!  Because why not?  A girl has to do what a girl has to freaking do. Yes – I went to France in November and I had the most amazing time in Nice (and all of the fabulous surrounding areas on the coast). My itinerary called for me to spend most of my time in Nice and then I was to fly to Paris for a day and then head home BUT, there was a massive delay because of the weather and I really only got to dip my toe into Paris. 

But the Universe had a gift and blessing waiting for me in February so that I would be able to return to France and spend time in Paris doing all of the things I didn’t get to do the first time around.  I was able to join my friend (who was on a business trip) and really dive into all things Paris.  To say that the city is breathtakingly beautiful is such an understatement it is a crime. We stayed in the city center on the Rue de Castiglione right down from the famous Place Vendôme. I literally walked from the hotel to the Lourve Museum to see the Mona Lisa. The museum is of course stunningly beautiful.  I could spend a week taking it all in. I spent time in all of the gorgeous shops and cafes (Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Gucci, YSL, Cartier… all of the most high end shops were on the same block as the hotel). The cute bookshops and leather goods shops, the delicious macaroons … I could go on. 

I walked along the Champs-Élysées ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue’ all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. Everything was incredible. I also spent some time in Paris’ Central Park called Le Bois de Boulogne. I was able to sit in the park and people watch. So many people in Paris are in love.  I saw lots of affection, hand holding and kissing. And I must give it to the Parisians, they BRING IT with their fashions. I didn’t see any sweatpants or baseball hats.  These men, dress like men. Their clothes are beautifully tailored, theirs shoes are fashionable leather boots or a quality, stylish loafer. Their overcoats were fitted and every man wore some sort of scarf tied at the neck and some also included a hat (fedora, newsboy, etc.).  I fell in love with the way those men dress themselves. It’s sexy to see men so put together … and then of course those French accents.  I highly recommend that combination ladies.  

We took a trip out to the countryside via train to a town called Rennes. It gave me medieval vibe. It was so cute and there were still high end shops and beautiful restaurants. It is known to be a college town so there were lots of students walking through the cobblestone streets. It was so incredibly peaceful – I can understand why people would want to live there (it’s about an hour and a half from Paris). I also had to make my way to the Eiffel Tower. On the way. we went through the Pont de l’ Alma tunnel where Princess Diana died – admittedly, it was eerie.  And later, I walked over the Seine River on the bridge known as the most beautiful bridge in Paris – the Pont Alexandre III (I definitely felt like I was in a movie).  I have to say that all of these moments were incredible and life changing.  

There were times that I had to pinch myself and remind myself to take it all in and to enjoy every, single moment. I definitely sat in cafe windows, wearing a beret, sipping a proper coffee while eating a delicious croque monsieur.  I couldn’t believe it. Maybe because these are things I never considered doing. I don’t know why, but sometimes I can’t believe my life. Do you ever feel that way? When you are experiencing a beautiful moment, I hope you take it all in and embrace it, appreciate it and know that you deserve every bit of it. This was one of the best times of my life … and it’s true what they say – I’ll always, always, always have Paris. Merci Beacoup.

Lastly, I only regret that I didn’t make it to the famed Hôtel Plaza Athénée.  Next time.  Oh and after seeing all of the beauty and stunning architecture, when my plane touched down in the States, I realized that we live in a garbage can in comparison.  It is what it is.