A Long Weekend in Paris

I jumped at the chance to go to Paris for Memorial Day weekend. Mike is in London this week so we went up a little early to spend a few days in Paris. It’s maybe not the most convenient to go over for three days (the return flight is always the worst), but I am not going to say no to Paris 😉

Because I’ve been twice before, we decided we wanted to just wander and eat. Mike made one dinner reservation, but other than that and our Airbnb, we had no plans. It was so lovely. Like, one of my favorite trips ever. I usually am a girl who craves a solid plan so it felt weird going on a trip without an itinerary. I also left behind my laptop (not that big of a deal considering it was a holiday weekend but still!) and my camera (I didn’t want to feel like I had to be “on” the whole time).

While I didn’t bring a camera, I knew I’d have my iPhone should I be inspired to snap a picture. And in Paris, well, there’s inspiration around every corner. This is mostly just going to be a photo diary. If you want more a travel guide, here’s the one I wrote after my first trip!

I’m definitely more of a hotel kind of gal and I’m generally wary of Airbnbs (the horror stories freak me out), but the one we stayed in was amazing right in the Marais. Highly recommend. Pretty sure all of the rooms in the building are Airbnb rentals. The only issue with this one is that there is no shower– just a tub. It grew on me by the end of the trip but washing my hair was more challenging than usual! It had two floors: a kitchenette and living room on the first floor and the bedroom on the second. It was very cozy and romantic.

I was getting major Madeline vibes from this house and courtyard.

Once we landed and got our things to the apartment, we grabbed a little lunch and I met up with Margot to shoot one a campaign. I was excited to shoot again with her and it was nice to check off the one piece of work right away. After that, it was vacation mode. We ended up in The Place des Vosges (above) where we laid out in the grass for a bit. I had to get up because I thought for sure I was going to fall asleep right then and there.

Even with the fire and previously planned construction, Notre Dame is still a gorgeous sight, especially at golden hour.

Mike made a reservation at Baieta for our first night’s dinner. The chef Julia Sedefdjian earned her first Michelin star at 21! We did the seven-course tasting menu and loved it. The one dish that I thought I was going to hate ended up being my favorite– it involved a fried egg yolk! So. Delicious.

Shirt // Jeans // Flats

Mike went for a bike ride first thing Saturday and I went for a stroll in search of croissants. Poilâne– Ina Garten’s favorite bakery– was a short walk away from our apartment and it lived up to the hype. I told M it would be my first choice for a last meal it was that good. Like, so buttery and flaky each bite melted immediately on my tongue. We had some again the next day, too.

I love the way apartments and courtyards are hidden behind giant doors.

We met back up at the Palais-Royal Garden. I sat by the fountain for close to an hour just people watching and enjoying the sun. The forecast called for rain, but it was hard to believe that rain was on the way with the blue skies!!!

About ten minutes after leaving the park things started getting dark, fast. We ducked into the first cafe we saw for lunch. Not a minute after sitting down, they rolled out the awning more and then BAM the rain hit. While rain isn’t ideal on vacation, I actually think Paris is even better in the rain. So romantic!!!

The sun wasn’t setting until 10 pm every night. The golden hour was even more magical.

Sunday, our last day, was spent doing more wandering and walking. We weaved our way through Saint-Germain. My agenda for the day was the three C’s: croissants, cheese, and crepes.

Jardin du Luxembourg wows me every time. Since it was Mother’s Day in France and sunny and warm, the park was extra busy with so many picnickers. I could have spent the entire day there.

Wearing the Celeste dress in cream!

Hello Eiffel Tower!!

M and I both really wanted to revisit the Musée de l’Orangerie. Every time I see Monet’s water lilies, I have a strong emotional response. It’s simply stunning.

While it was only three days, I felt like it was a full week or more! I loved every minute.