As promised, I wanted to share some more details from my trip to Paris last week. I had been to France and Paris before, but this time I went with my friend Katie and stayed with her and her family who live in the the 16th. It was so nice to be in Paris and explore the city but to be able to come back to a beautiful home each night. While I love a nice hotel as much as the next girl, staying with Katie and her family made for a wonderful trip. One thing I realized is that I should start to look into more Airbnb apartments next time I travel. Being able to cook meals at home, do laundry, relax etc is such an added luxury. 

Our days were the perfect combinations of relaxing and exploring. We tried to do some sort of ‘cultural activity’ each day, even if it was just walking around the city. Yet, we also didn’t over schedule ourselves so that we could catch up on the sleep we lack when at college. My favorite cultural experience was going to the Muusee de l’Orangerie. I think I could possibly look at Monet’s Water Lilies all day, I had been to the museum before but I always like to go back again.  While we went to some museums, we also made sure to balance that out with a bit of shopping! My favorite areas to shop are in The Marais and St. Germain area. From Zara to Sandro, I felt as though I could have bought it all…eek! Many stores, such as Zara, often have different collections in Europe than they do in the US. Katie got some great pieces from Zara, like this beautiful printed coat,  and I grabbed some pieces from COS. We also went to local stores such as Merci and Jimmy Fairly, a great glasses and sunglasses store that is like the Warby Parker of France. 

One of my favorite days of my past trip to Paris was getting to experienced the infamous Paris flea markets for the first time. Oh my gosh so many hidden treasures. If I had an unlimited budget and was ever decorating my dream home, I would with out a doubt wander between the various venders to find mirrors, lighting, antiques, china and more. But because my dream home and dream budget are not part of my life right now…..Katie and I were drawn most to the vintage fashion. I am talking, rare Hermes scarfs, Birkin Bags, Chanel and Louise Vutton trunks. #closetgoals My big splurge of the trip was a beautiful orange and red silk Hermes scarf. I love that ever time I wear the scarf I will be able to think back to the wonderful trip I had in Paris. 

Oh and then food, well that was of course equally wonderful. By staying at Katie’s house we had a great mix of meals out and home cooked meals; sometimes when you are home from college all you want is a simple home cooked dinner. We had more traditional french meals at Buvette and high tea at Le Meurice. Katie’s mom then suggested we try some more modern restraints; we had dinner at both Hero and Dune and cocktails at Candelaria. 

Next week I am going to share a more detailed travel guide to Paris with all of my favorite places I have tried the last few times I have been to Paris. From places I found as I did hours of research online for the best of the best as well as suggestions from friends. I will share everything from hotels, to restaurants and shopping. 

So now the next question, when can I go back again? I think that Paris might be my favorite city to visit in Europe. So Mom, Dad, anyone? Paris? Next year?!