A Weekend in Paris

The city of love, it truly is. The first time I visited I immediately fell in love with the architecture, the beautifully crafted buildings with pot plants on window sills filled with red flowers. Everything I had dreamt of as a child; the french girl in her striped top wearing a straw hat and riding her bicycle with a bread stick poking out from the wicker basket – it was all true!

I’ve always found Paris is best explored on foot, so take some comfortable shoes and set to the streets. If you’re looking to see some of the famous sights I always think Notre Dame and The Louvre are best seen early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and you can also enjoy the beautiful morning light. Visit Arc de Triomphe in the evening as the sun sets for a spectacular view over the city. And of course the Eiffel Tower, which should be seen at night time from Place du Trocadéro – with a glass of champagne…

Find a quiet spot, pop the bubbles and enjoy the light show.

Image credit @angelina_paris

Parisians are all about balance, so after wandering the streets all day it’s time to treat yourself and make your way to Angelina Paris or Carette for an afternoon treat where you can sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds.

It’s no secret that the dining scene in Paris is second to none with Michelin-starred restaurants in excess. One to note is L’Arpège, which has its very own produce garden, so you can be assured the vegetables are the freshest and all natural, picked by the chefs themselves.

For the best coffee go to Coutume Cafe where you’ll be able to get your hands on more than an espresso, made by a fully trained, passionate barista. For a delightfully self-indulgent afternoon tea, one must simply go to Nina’s. Pretty in pink pastels and gold trimmings, you’ll feel just like Marie Antoinette.

For an afternoon of pure decadent indulgence book into the Dior Institut at Plaza Athenee.The ultimate luxury experience for pure beauty is their entire philosophy, so you can expect nothing but the best.

Image Credit | Paris in Four Months | @parisinfourmonths

And yes, believe it or not it is possible to stay healthy while in the city famous for it’s mouth watering desserts. Chambelland is an entirely gluten free bakery, perfect to get your fix for muffins, cookies and bread. La Guinguette d’Anégle Is a hole in the wall take away for all things healthy, gluten free and  vegan… the name translates to All Angel Kitchen – and is as cute as a button. Noglu was the first restaurant in Paris to be completely gluten free with everything from soups and salads to burgers and pasta, they also offer dairy free and vegan options too.

The best thing and the reason I love Paris so much is simply just being there, experiencing the culture, the architecture, the food, and of course a little retail therapy. There’s nothing quite like shopping for perfumes, candles or beautiful lingerie in the city of love.

Feature image credit | Tumblr