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Earlier this year, I visited Europe for the first time. During that trip, I spent a few days in Paris and I’m excited to share some highlights from the trip.

Paris
Walking through the streets, I was surrounded by bistro tables packed with patrons, both locals and travelers. Ash trays, small bowls of olives, and glasses of wine filled the tables. It felt lively, yet surprisingly homey and quiet. It was so easy to explore, with something new and exciting waiting around every corner. I loved the window shopping, the people watching, and of course, the sightseeing! Paris felt very inspiring. Stay tuned for photos from the trip. I tried to narrow them down for the post, but many were taken.

Because each district is so distinct from the next, I found myself in a constant state of awe. If you go, I highly recommend a boat tour on the Seine River to get a better perspective of the city. It genuinely felt like being in a book. During our evening river cruise, I remember watching a woman sitting on her French window ledge while smoking a cigarette and I thought: How French.

I stayed in a small Airbnb tucked away on a quiet street in Saint-Germain, which was the perfect location. I was only a block away from the Seine and within walking distance of local brasseries, incredible food, and many of the museums on our to-do list.

A Few Trip Highlights:

• The Louvre
• The Seine River
• Free Montmartre Walking Tour (by far my favorite neighborhood– go if you enjoyed Emily in Paris)
• Musée d’Orsay
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Latin Quarter
• The Eiffel Tower
• Jardin du Luxembourg

Tips
If you can, I would highly suggest taking some time to enjoy in the Parisian culture. Slow down and take in your surroundings. During the trip, took a bottle of wine with bread and cheese to the the Eiffel Tower and sat in the grass. I even made a few friends there since I had the bright idea of packing a wine bottle opener. Another tip I can suggest is to look into Rick Steves if you plan to visit sites like The Louvre. I used his app to help guide me through busy museums in less time, focusing on the most iconic pieces of art. Plan ahead of time, prepare to walk, and for weather.

Overall, I loved wandering the streets of Paris, even when the rain came down hard. This trip gave me everything I could’ve hoped for an then some. I already look forward to visiting again in the future!

Photo Highlights

Thanks for reading.