One of the things I love about travelling is the anticipation leading up to a trip. You spend hours looking up breathtaking pictures of the sites you will see and places you’ll stay. You browse the street-view on googlemaps to give you a preview of what’s to come. You speak to friends and family with excitement about your upcoming plans.

I can see why people go to Paris to be inspired. The streets are captivating. The people are alluring. The food is mouth watering. I was impressed by the way pastry chefs treat their dessert – their craft – with such attention to detail and care. I remember buying a pastry from one shop in particular and feeling as though I was buying Tiffany’s jewellery! I suddenly felt underdressed for the occasion and insecure about my decision to get my pastry ‘to go’.

Paris is similar to Toronto in that it is made up of several unique neighbourhoods. You shouldn’t spend all your time in one or two neighbourhoods (aka arrondissements). Pack comfortable (yet stylish) shoes and take advantage of public transit, or better yet, the rental bike system. Your feet will thank you! Paris is full of hidden gems that may take a bit of digging, but is so worth it in the end. 
 

DESTINATION: Paris, France

EAT: Le Bistrot d’Henri, Le Pas Sage, Josephine Chez-Dumonet;
Odette (choux-pastry), Berthillion (ice cream), Pierre Hermes (rose croissant), La Cafeotheque (hot chocolate).

STAY: 6arr, St.Germaine Pres, we used Airbnb

SEE: Sacre-Couer, Jardin de Luxemberg, Palais Royale

DO: City biking using the Velib system, day trip to Versailles or Giverny, wine on the Seine

HIDDEN GEMS: Le Recyclerie for Saturday brunch; Parc des Buttes Chaumont; the panoramic view of the city from the rooftop terrace at Printemps.