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take deux: what to do in Paris

Sunday, July 23, 2017

1. Walk, walk, walk...

Walk everywhere. At first I was skeptical considering it was about -12 degrees and numbingly cold while we were in France, but I am so grateful that Meg forced us to walk. Paris in all it's splendor and glory is definitely a city to be appreciated touring by foot. There is something special about exploring and indulging in a city by stopping at shops and cafes spur of the moment.

 

2. Eiffel Tour /

In all honesty, we probably spent the least amount of time at the Tour de Eiffel. It is magnificent in person but also one of the most crowded & touristy parts of the city for obvious reasons. With all that said, GO! Eat a crepe and ride the carousel. We did, like a couple of 6 year olds. 


3. See a cathedral or 10... /

There are so many architectural wonders to see in Paris. My favorites were the cathedrals we visited. Notre Dame was incredibly beautiful. Not only is it a breathtaking structure but walking through the cathedral is pretty magical and relaxing - candlelight and masses of people taking time to pause and stare at the all the stained-glass windows and appreciate the history of the building. 

La Sainte Chapelle was another marvel to see. I don't have pictures to share because we attended a concert on New Years Eve. The cathedral was entirely candlelit given the fact that it was built during the second half of the 13th century by Louis IX. The experience was chilling (in more ways than one) and otherworldly. 


4. What is left of the Love Lock Bridge


5. Palais de Royal

You gotta go if only for the pics.... :)


 


 Au revoir, Paris! We will certainly be back. 


 


Perusing Paris

Friday, July 21, 2017

Paris. Wow. 


Our trip started out the only way we know how: eating ourselves sick. Which is a great idea before an 8 hour flight in case you were wondering. Prime brunch at DryHop followed by an oat-milk mocha at Intelligentsia. ~ I fell in love with Intelligentsia in Los Angeles and was stoked to find one a couple blocks away from my apartment in Chicago ~

Shockingly, jet lag didn't really hit Meg or I and we were up bright and early for Day 1. We spent the morning walking around the Luxembourg Gardens. I was not prepared to see Parisians sitting outside in the 30 below chatting and catching up with one another. There is a certain appreciation for a culture and people that find joy in sitting outside year round no matter what the temperature. Almost every restaurant had outdoor seating, heat lamps and was packed with people sipping on their caffe lattes or indulging in a glass of wine. The French culture is one that understands the importance of time and chooses to slow down and enjoy company & food (gotta love that).

Honestly, Paris was just one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. You can take it from me or check out these pics... 

How stunning? 


something special about morning light... 

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