Pieces of Paris

Just over a month ago we returned home to NYC from Europe, but I am still dreaming of Paris daily. {Anyone else dreaming of Paris too?} Paris is one of those cities you could meander around aimlessly in for hours and still have the most incredible time. Our first day was spent perusing the Right Bank and all it had to offer. We then spent the next few days exploring the Left Bank. Rather than breaking our trip down by day, I’m just going to give an overview of what our first few days looked like in the city of love and share a few tips for when you start planning a trip- especially if it is around Christmas/New Years!

We started each day at one of our favorite cafés for a fresh croissant and espresso. One of the cafés is located right by the Saint Chapelle and if this cathedral isn’t on your list yet- add it now! I promise you won’t be disappointed! It is stunning! We spent well over an hour trying to match up the Bible stories with the gorgeous stain glass. It is overwhelmingly beautiful and a definite must do!

Looking back, I am SO glad we spent Christmas in Paris. While we did miss our families, the city was empty! Like crazy empty. We spent hours strolling around the different neighborhoods and highly recommend visiting the St Germain area on December 25. Normally, this neighborhood is packed, but on that specific day it was peaceful and quiet. It was obvious most of the people out and about were locals. We watched a few grandfathers walk out of local boulangeries with baguettes tucked safely under one arm and their cane held carefully in the other as they made their way to their Christmas dinner. It was charming. If you can convince your family to spend Christmas in Paris, I highly recommend it- you will thank me later. It really is the best.

If you do make it to Paris during the Christmas season, the little Christmas market by the Notre Dame is a must! It was too cute and the views were unbelievable! We ate more fromage and chocolat chaud than I care to admit- but it was worth it! We also hit the Christmas Market right by the Eiffel Tower and the one lining the Champs Élysées. Honestly, I would skip the one by the Eiffel Tower. It was too crowded and didn’t offer anything the other markets offered. But we did get to buy a bottle of champagne and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle, which was absolutely worth it! Go find a spot by the Seine and make your self comfortable. It is truly romantic and if you are like me, you will find yourself grinning nonstop.

We also spent an afternoon exploring the Jardin du Luxembourg. While I had been to Paris a few times before, I had forgotten just how beautiful this park really is. You really can’t compare it to Central Park or any other park in New York. It is so well manicured and the people watching is incredible. We found a couple chairs by the fountain and soaked in the beauty of the park for a while. It had me dreaming of warmer weather so we could sit and have a picnic. {guess we need to plan another trip between May & October soon- hint, hint, honey ;) }

We broke up our 12 days in Paris by spending a day in Reims {the Champagne region} and I will be sharing a video and photos of our time at Taittinger next week. I fell in love with Taittinger, especially after learning it is still family run! In the meantime, you can see part 1 of our Reims day trip here!

What are some of your favorite things to do in Paris?

Come to Paris with me in this short video of our trip!
This is part 1- be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to see part 2 when it goes live!

^^  could he be any more precious?! ^^

on me:
black & gold coat, similar here :: leggings Loft :: boots Dune London {on sale here & here} :: socks old, similar here :: bag Lo & Sons
black puffy coat Tahari :: black jeans Nordstrom :: beret from Paris, similar here & here {under $10}

on him:
coat Guess :: jeans Banana Republic :: shoes Cole Haan