Paris, France

Paris. Just saying the name makes my heart ache a little. There’s something about this city that leaves a mark on you—a feeling you carry long after you’ve gone. Maybe it’s the cafés, where you can sit for hours without anyone rushing you. Maybe it’s the croissants (out of this world) or the crepes (worth bolting out of a moving car for—don’t ask me how I know). Whatever it is, Paris just is.
The Vibe of Paris
Parisian culture has this effortless attitude—an “I’m not snooty, I’m just really into my conversation while looking amazing and eating outside” kind of vibe. It’s unapologetic and deeply inspiring. I’ll never forget sitting at a café with my mom, watching this chic French woman with her little dog. When I said hello, she barely glanced at me over her cigarette, giving me a look like, Why are you in my space? The dog, though? Totally smiled at me.
Slow Down and Look Up
There’s no better place to slow down than Paris. Sure, you could rush from museum to museum, checking things off a list. Or, you could grab a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of champagne, plop down on the grass at Champ de Mars, and just stare at the Eiffel Tower.
If you’re a park person like us, don’t miss Luxembourg Gardens. It’s not just a park—it’s a tranquil oasis. They even have chairs set out so you can sit, soak in the sun, and read poetry. You just want to stay forever.
Literary Love: Shakespeare and Company
Let us talk about Shakespeare and Company. a tiny English-language bookstore that feels like stepping into another world. It’s a haven for writers, readers, and dreamers, packed with books and dripping with history. Upstairs, there’s a cozy area where you can feel the creative energy of the countless authors who’ve passed through its doors. Fun fact: back in the day, they let aspiring writers sleep in little hidden beds between the stacks in exchange for working in the shop. It’s pure magic, and yes, Ashlee was that person sneakily filming on her phone despite the stern “no photos” rule.
Dinner on the Seine
One of my favorite experiences was the Le Calife Dinner Cruise on the Seine. This isn’t your typical tourist boat. Picture a gorgeous vintage wooden boat with stained glass windows, soft vintage lighting, and bottles of wine flowing. Everyone has a view, and when the Eiffel Tower starts to twinkle, it’s pure magic! One of our most memorable experiences.
Paris Highlights
Paris is a city where every corner holds something special, and it’s impossible to see it all in one trip—but we gave it our best shot. Let’s start with Sacré-Coeur, the stunning basilica perched on the highest point in Montmartre. Walking up through the hilly, artsy neighborhood is an experience in itself, and the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking. Then there are the Catacombs, an unforgettable journey beneath the city where the remains of six million people are arranged in hauntingly beautiful formations. It’s eerie and fascinating all at once, and honestly, it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited.
For art lovers, Paris doesn’t disappoint. My personal favorite is the Musée d’Orsay, a former train station turned art museum that houses some of the most breathtaking French works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Don’t miss the iconic clock that frames a perfect view of the Seine—it’s a photo op you won’t regret. Of course, there’s also the Louvre, which is as massive as everyone says it is. Even if you don’t go inside, the grounds alone are worth a visit, with their beautiful sculptures, green lawns, and jaw-dropping architecture.
And let’s not forget the shopping and food. Paris takes shopping to another level with its galleries, vintage markets, and boutiques that feel more like art exhibits. And then there’s the food—oh, the food! Whether you’re savoring crepes along the Champs-Élysées, indulging in a fresh baguette, or stopping at a patisserie for something sweet, every bite feels like a celebration.