Happy Bastille Day!

For the past couple of years, I've been celebrating Bastille Day on the blog because I pretty much love all things French and Parisian. Which is why I'm a bit embarrassed to say I've never actually shared anything about my first and only trip to Paris on here! (Funnily enough, I started the blog the same month I got back.) And since I've already shared places in NYC that remind me of Paris and favorite French books, movies and food, this seemed like the perfect time to tell you about it.

There are two things I remember most about my trip: (1) that I fell in love with Paris immediately and wished I could see the Eiffel Tower every day and (2) I had to give myself a crash course in French because approaching people in English was not the way to go. Luckily I got my 4 necessary phrases down pat – bon jour (good day), merci (please),  s'il vous plaît (thank you) and parlez-vous anglais (do you speak English). It didn't get me far but it did help!

Paris is so rich in culture and history. You can see it walking down the streets, in the architecture and through their many, many historic sites. And the people are so relaxed! Everywhere I went, I saw people strolling with a baguette in hand or leisurely eating al fresco. No one is in a rush to get anywhere and I remember thinking how refreshing that was to see in comparison to a New Yorker's every day life. Even though it's been five years since that trip, the fact that I remember it so clearly says a lot about the experience and I honestly can't wait for the day when I go back (it will happen!).

Here are my six favorite photos that I took plus one extra (because I figured I should be in at least one of the photos I shared!):

This was my first view of the Eiffel Tower and it was spectacular!

From the top of Arc de Triomphe. I'm afraid of heights and that trek up the stairs was a feat!

Notre Dame de Paris

Shakespeare and Company! Clearly a must-see for a reader but I had different reasons for wanting to go. My favorite movie ever, Before Sunset, begins with the two main characters reuniting in this store. Jesse and Celine always <3

The background, this woman in red tights singing "La Vie En Rose" with an actual rose in hand. It seemed like a quintessential Parisian moment I had to capture.

Sainte-Chapelle | A famous chapel known for it's beautiful stained glass windows

Loren and I outside Saint-Chapelle (we went on a Contiki tour together for Paris & London)

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Do you have any memories of Paris that you'd like to share?

Happy Bastille Day!