River Seinne, Paris France
It’s tough being a woman. Aside from the typical annoyances that fill our day, we have fashion to consider. Chloe, Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Louboutin – how can you say no? But being a woman also means knowing when to say ‘no.’ Thankfully, in Paris, I can put all will power aside and cave into my indulgences.
It wasn’t my first trip to the City of Light. Paris stole my heart almost nine years ago when I first stepped under the Eiffel Tower and watched in amazement as the sun set behind the steel structure. I was romanced, swept off my feet and sent spinning along the Sienne and even as I tried to contain my enthusiasm, I knew what was happening: I was falling in love. Nine years later, Paris still holds my heart.
This trip, my hotel was perfectly placed in the 6th arrondissement. The Jardin le bréa was seductively tucked off a side street and but perfectly placed within walking distance from Jardin du Luxembourg and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral. Steps from some of Paris’s tiny cafes, patisseries and plenty of boutique shops, I nourished myself in the morning with a fresh croissant and cup of coffee before I set out to explore all that Paris had to offer.
This trip wasn’t so much about shopping as it was embracing – the life, the leisure and the luxury of Paris are just as intoxicating as the city’s fashion and romance. I took one day to explore my favorite district, Montmartre. This seedy section of Paris is home to the famous Moulin Rouge, and some of the best eclairs in France. A walk through the steep streets of the 18th arrondissement and I feel part of what was a period of glamour, greed and debauchery in Paris, but the aura isn’t lost in the 21st century. If you listen closely, you can still hear the heels of the cancan dancers sway their way through the side streets in search of affection, if only for one night.
My luxurious night came in the form of a luxury hotel: the Plaza Athenee. Most modern-day women will recognize this hotel as the home of Carrie Bradshaw and her Russian in the season finale of “Sex and the City.” While I casually flipped through the digital drink menu carefully choosing my designer drink of the evening, I secretly wondered if my Mr. Big was waiting around the corner to sweep me off my feet.
I have been told that wanting to visit Paris is cliche, especially with so many other, more exotic, places to visit in the world.
I am *very* inspired to read of your love of Paris and (while I don’t need the confirmation…it is nice) will keep it on the top of my “must visit” list!
[...] The City of Light was my first European love, and it still holds my heart. On my second trip to Paris, I rediscovered the tastes of warm baquettes and fresh cheese, the smell of eclairs and the deep [...]