Although we are about to embark on our third month-long trip to Paris this fall, Michael and I just can’t get enough of our favorite city. I think we have the whole workcation down to a science now, knowing exactly how much time we have to play each day until the hour strikes 3pm and we have to be back at the flat for our respective workdays to begin, what to pack, and how to prepare. For me, Paris is still magical. Every day, at every hour, on every street, rue and boulevard, I’m just thrilled and elated to be going back. I feel so lucky and I don’t take one minute of our time abroad for granted. So you can only imagine the level of prep and planning that goes into the trip. Especially from someone like moi. (See what I did there?)
The French do so many things with class and style that we in America overlook or don’t find important. I like to pay attention to the differences so that I can appreciate their culture. Here in the States, we line up for a drive-thru to get coffee whereas they sit comfortably in a café and enjoy a leisurely cup. We inhale a 30 minute speed lunch and race back to work while they sit for hours in a brasserie and enjoy a properly coursed meal. We head home after work for obligations and to cook dinner. They… you guessed it… luxuriate at a bistro and enjoy their after hours time. How utterly divine to not be in a rush and enjoy a meal!
And they look so effortlessly chic! Messy up-dos. Gorgeous scarves. Dapper suits. Shiny shoes. Trendy coats. Smudgy makeup. Glossy lips. Modern accessories. Fabulous jewels. And the men have great style as well. I love walking around admiring the fashions and try daily not to look like a sloppy American in athleisure. (Sorry Lulu. I still love your Align joggers.)
As each year passes, my list of how to spend our time gets more robust and my research throughout the year gets more detailed and intense. Naturally it revolves around food, sightseeing, experiences, and shopping. How bad could that be in the capital known the world over for fashion, cuisine, art, and all things fabulous?! I already have a growing list of new restaurants to visit and old faves to revisit, cosmetics I’m dying to try, and packable foods I plan to take home. I have vowed not to shop like a lunatic this year since last year I lost my head a bit amongst the pretty things, chic bags, and sparkly showstoppers. But I’m completely untrustworthy and cannot be managed. And it’s all so exciting to think about!
Just looking at some of the pictures of food I plan to eat has my mouth watering and we are T-minus two months out. Some hot spots I’ll be a first timer at include Le Train Bleu for the ambiance and food, Bistrot Paul Bert for classic French dishes, Chez André for French onion soup, Procope for hot chocolate, Dumbo for smashburgers, and Petitbon for fancy finger sandwiches. I’m hungry already! Our friends at Beli recently posted an insane blog about steak au poivre and this 4 Charles/Au Cheval owned spot has become my top choice to visit if we can score a reservation. Just look at that cross section of perfectly cooked meat! Wow.
And speaking of unattainable, coming home with a bag from Hermès is both a dream and a nightmare. I don’t spend enough money in that store to have my own personal shopper and the chances of getting into the daily lottery for a leather appointment is nil. Plus I refuse to login everyday hoping against hope that I’ll get an appointment for a bag I can’t afford. Boohoo, I know. But it is Paris! And Hermès is like the Mothership that beckons my spirit. I’ll live. So thanks for the tissues to dry my crocodile tears. xoxo
Fooderies I plan to revisit include Boulangerie Utopie for the best baguette in Paris, Mamiche for cream puffs and bread, Blé Sucré for quiche and kougin aman pastries, Foucher for fruit jellies, Carette for a spectacular club sando and fabulously rich hot chocolate, Café Varenne for a life changing salad and award winning fries, Blueberry for amazing sushi, and Clove Bakery for every piece of cake in the shop.
My retail meccas will of course involve a little worship time and they include Merci for housewares and clothes, Galeries Lafayette for everything, Le Bon Marché for scarves, shoes and knives, Monoprix for everyday staples including groceries and inexpensive makeup, Sephora for cosmetics and Citi Pharmacie for beauty products, Headoniste for incredible hats, the outlet stores at La Vallée Village for designer bargains, and the weekend flea market at Clignancourt for yet undiscovered treasures. I’m also planning a little vintage walk through and the shops on my hit list are Nuovo, Thanx God I’m A VIP, The Vintage Society, and The Room. If I get to half of these places I’ll be thrilled.
Sightseeing this year will include reoutfitted La Galerie Dior, another pass at Musée d’Orsay, a visit to the almost open Louis Vuitton Hotel, plenty of time strolling through the Marais, Rue Crémieux for the row of pastel houses, pictures near the Eiffel, browsing at the new Paris Dover Market, and a tour of the YSL Bookstore.
I’m literally giddy writing and editing this post! All my memories of past visits are flooding back with such vivid clarity. I don’t want to rush my time away before we travel though. I have lots of exciting events to attend and work trips on my calendar. I have so many meetings and lunches, networking to do and deals to close. And I plan to enjoy every single moment until we are wheels up for Paris. But late at night… when I have trouble sleeping… mentally I’m already there!
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