Oh Paris...

After a few days exploring London , it was off to the English countryside for one night and then I caught a flight to Paris with my friend Antonia (we had not seen each other in 10 years, so we decided Paris was a perfect place to celebrate our reunion).

*Le sigh*

On arrival we were taken by shuttle to the Hotel Elysees Union and were lucky enough to have a absolutely breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from our room's balcony (yes, the above photo is the actual view from our room - i was literally jumping up and down on the balcony with excitement)

Since this was my first time in Paris and we were only staying for 2 nights, we decided we would try and see as much as possible and walk around a lot (which actually turned out to be the best way to see most of the city)

 Ta Da! Me and the Eiffel Tower 

Our first stop was obviously the Eiffel Tower and it was waaay bigger than I thought it would be (We thought about going up to the top, but the lines were insane).

Next up we decided to take a cruise up the river Seine. Since loads of the famous sites (including Notre Dame)  and cool bridges are located along the river, it is definitely a good idea to do it.

Cruising the river

After finding a nice Parisian cafe for lunch, we headed to the Champs Elysees. This road is full of awesome stores and we obviously had to make a stop at Laduree for some macaroons and to look at all the pretty treats


Located on the Champs Elysees is the famous Arc De Triomph monument. It usually has tons of traffic racing around it, but when we were there the police had stopped all traffic as there was a bomb threat. While it wasn't that cool to know there may have been a bomb around, it did give me an opportunity to get a great photo of it (see below).
 
the Arc de Triomph

Most of the rest of our first day was spent walking around central Paris. We went to see the Louvre and walked through a stunning park area that had statues, rows of trees and big pond in it. 

Oh so pretty

We also visited the Pont des Arts bridge, where couples attach locks to the side of bridge walkway (with their names on it) and throw the keys in the water below as a sign of their love.

one day I will put a lock here

Our second day was mainly spent walking around Paris most famous shopping mall the Galeries La Fayette and eating a delicious lunch at a Parisian cafe.

 
Paris street view

All in all I absolutely loved Paris - I loved the old buildings, cheaper wine (its cheaper to drink wine than water at most restaurants), the location of my hotel and the little cafes everywhere. Also, despite hearing how rude Parisians are, all the people I encountered were very friendly. I cannot wait to come back and spend a lot more time getting to know this romantic & beautiful city.

To see more of my photos, you can follow me on Instagram (name: beingbrazen)



16 comments

  1. Your photos are amazing! Looks like you had a great trip.

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  2. Lurve this, Paris is mos def on my to do list, PS. I also wanna put a lock on there.

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  3. "Paris is always a good idea"
    Beautiful! And what a blessing the bomb threat turned out to be!
    Love the view from your hotel room

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  4. Your photos are really beautiful Janine! Your pictures of the Arc de Triomph and the park area have really captured the magical scenery in Paris.

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  5. Oh my word, I LOVED this post! I am in the middle of planning my next trip to Europe and even though I also had a two day trip there (over New years) I am tempted to go back, I mean, Paris is always a good idea, right?
    It's on my bucket list to place a lock on Pont des Arts ... *here's hoping *

    http://coraltintedperceptions.blog.com

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  6. Yup, Paris is lovely. I also enjoy walking the streets of Europe...wish SA was more "walker friendly"...well, JHB anyway! Enjoy your trip!

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  7. Lovely pictures! :)
    www.simplysiyaam.com

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  8. oh WOW! beautiful place & stunning photos!

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  9. Wonderful pics! Hope you enjoyed your trip as well :)

    Love,
    Radka from www.flowerofpassions.blogspot.com

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  11. How absolutely stunning - looks like you had a fab time. Your pics are lovely! You've def got me hankering after a return visit to Paris!

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  12. Such gorgeous pics! Glad you're having an amazing time and seriously green with envy -hehe!
    x

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  13. Jodi Lyn O'Keefe21 June 2013 at 14:11

    I love parissss!!! Eiffel tower lights up every day at sunset which, at that time of the year, is between five and six local time, depending on how clear a day it is. Further, love your travel outfit.

    Jodi
    http://www.apparelnbags.com/gildan/index.htm

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