In Paris, we stayed in Stephanie’s apartment in La Pigalle, (lovely interior, best location!) we ate and shopped and perfume sniffed for a week! It was SO MUCH FUN! This was my 6th visit, so here’s my Paris tips:

Rest

Research the vibe of where you’ll like stay-we stayed in Pigalle, in the ‘old’ Paris where the streets are a bit more chaotic and hilly and it’s kind of a bit mad. It’s different to the Haussmann designed boulevards in fancier parts of town. You do you.

Taxi

Catch a taxi/uber from airport to accommodation. You’ll be BONE TIRED, and wont want to drag bags across cobblestones and up the Metro…Taxi, shower, then GO OUT. I caught this golden light on the first evening! Just go out and start soaking it up! If it’s night time have a nice drink, then go to bed. The rest of the time walk/metro! My Dandy Deodorant in the bathroom…a travel MUST for topping up magnesium and refreshing tired family members!

Map

Pre-pin your shops/galleries/museums on a map and have a rough plan from the morning coffee, then tackle arrondissements one by one (maybe not ALL but the ones with lots of pins!) Check galleries/museums dont need pre-booked tickets…Pompidou was closed! Visit Grande Epicere to stare at the butter fridge…even the oranges were wrapped sweetly…piles of stacked foods are my kind of FINE ART.

Eat

Grab breakfast + snack supplies at Monoprix and Carrefour supermarkets they’re good. Have lunch at Le Grande Epicere Bon Marche Dept. store. Eat at boulangeries, there’s great coffee and PASTRIES ARE BETTER IN PARIS.

We ate these pastries at these places, PAIN PAIN & MAMICHE

Wear

Wear your nicest walking shoes and take a smart coat, Paris isn’t for slouches! You’re never going to look as good as a Parisian, but wear some lipstick and a rosy cheek, even a scarf, just not sweats and a messy bun. IT’S PARIS.

Dine

Book somewhere nice for dinner, otherwise eat at cafes + boulangerie and HAVE AN APERITIF in an outward-facing cafe/bar. You have to look at the people! We went to Bistrot Paul.