the city of lights

In honor of February I thought it was only fitting that this months city spotlight would be Paris, France. To set the scene I always fantasized about visiting Paris, Mary Kate and Ashley's movie Passport to Paris was hidden from me as I played it so often. There is just something so alluring about Paris and its assumed accordion soundtrack. I first visited Paris almost two years ago and I write this right before I leave at the end of this month. Paris is glamorous yet earthy, there is a mystery to the streets and a beauty in the Parisian people. 

My first glimpse of Paris was actually the metro and the 184 step climb out of the Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro station. We were staying in Montmatre a lovely section of the city that is removed from the touristy hustle and bustle of the main part of the city. We rented an apartment between myself and the three girls I was traveling with and it was wonderful. Our apartment was located next to a wonder boulangerie and within close walking distance of a metro station. Our time in Paris was spent wandering and eating lots and lots of eating.

Our first day in the city was Saturday and it involved a tour of Paris, exploring the Pompidou, Notre Dame, crepes, the Louvre, and taking fun tourist pictures with the Eiffel Tower. We were able to meet up with a girl studying in Paris and she showed us some more local attractions and took us to one of the best crepe stands in Paris. 

Sunday was the most authentic day and probably one of the high points (food-wise) of my life. We started the day with a tour of the Sacre Couer and a leisurely stroll around Montmatre. All the locals were out as it was Sunday and we decided to have a picnic on some stairs. We visited what the French voted the best bakery in France and got a baguette and cheese as well as an eclair. I know I will want that bread for the rest of my life! We then took the lovely metro into the heart of Paris and strolled the Champs Elysees had tea time at Ladurée. We also visited the Arc de Triumph, which was sadly undergoing construction and covered with scaffolding. We then popped back into the metro and took a boat cruise along the Seine as it got dark. I was most excited to see the Eiffel Tour sparkle and the city was incredibly beautiful lit up at night. We finished our perfect day by heading back to Montmatre and wandering around until we found the fondue restaurant "Le Refuges des Fondus". It was a tiny place where we had to climb over the table to sit down and we were served wine in baby bottles. We all agreed it was our favorite place by far. The food and the atmosphere were unbeatable (we ate seven baskets of bread). 

Paris was a beautiful city and I cannot wait to return and experience its magic again. Have any of you been to Paris if so please share some more places I should see in my upcoming trip. 

                             -Kaitlyn